The Audi TT was initially released in 1998 and is continuing in production today. The TT, which is currently in its third generation, features a 2+2 seating arrangement, impressive athleticism, and a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 228 hp and has the ability to accelerate the vehicle to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, in part because of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. But how trustworthy is the TT really?
America claims. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 Audi TT gets a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. There are currently zero reported complaints on Car Complaints for the current generation of the TT, which is from the 2016 model year and on. That’s pretty good, considering you may have once thought that an Audi would probably spend more time in the shop than it does on the road. Power, which is considered “above average in their terms.
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Which Audi TT year is the most dependable?
Although we adore the appearance of the first-generation TTs, none of them qualify as a “The truth is that 2000-2006 TTs were troublesome and expensive to fix, so unless you can find one that’s been well maintained with documented maintenance, steer clear.
Regardless, if you’re stuck with this generation, private party prices range from roughly $1,100 to $7,200 depending on the year, mileage, and condition.
The best TT years are in the second generation (2007-2015), which features contemporary style, fresh powertrain options including the tried-and-true 2.0-liter turbo, and lots of luxury, all with a lot fewer recalls than the first generation.
In actuality, there were only three recalls in total for the generation, the most significant of which involved a defective gearbox and only impacted 16,000 units.
We advise the 2014 and 2015 models, whose base models, according to KBB, are selling in “between $18,000 and $23,400 in very good condition. You’ll be able to concentrate entirely on appreciating your new purchase rather than waiting in a service center because these two years also had a combined zero recalls.
The third generation (from 2016 to the present) is unquestionably the most opulent and powerful, but it also comes with the highest price tag.
For instance, the remarkable Virtual Cockpit from Audi came standard on the 2016 TT, although it cost an additional $2,600 on other vehicles in the automaker’s portfolio. The 2016 Audi TT costs considerably more than the 2015 model, at $25,600 to $28,500 in “excellent condition (plus, as described in our “Worst Year section, the 2016 Audi TT faced a few serious recalls). However, since Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, we advise any TT from 2018 to 2020 as the best years in the third generation.
The Audi TT: an excellent car?
The Audi TT is known for its sturdy engineering and construction, and many of the parts used in the TT are also found in other vehicles, so the majority of the kinks should have long since been worked out. With a sturdy build and the majority of the safety features you’d anticipate in a larger car, it also has a solid safety record.
Audi TT reliability
The TT’s interior is superbly constructed with several high-quality materials. This car shares the underpinnings of the practical hatchback Volkswagen Golf even if it doesn’t look like one, so many of its components have previously been tried and proven in one of the UK’s best-selling vehicles. Since none of the engines are brand-new, reliability should be good.
In the manufacturer rankings for the 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, Audi came in at number 23 (out of 29 automakers), trailing only BMW in position 21 and Jaguar at number 7. About 16 percent of Audi owners reported to us that they had at least one problem within the first year of ownership.
Safety
When the new TT was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, some eyes may have been raised when it only received four stars. However, it’s important to note that the TT was the first vehicle to be tested under the new, more stringent standards for 2015, and that it is now a model nearing the end of its lifecycle.
The absence of the fifth star was attributed by Euro NCAP to a lack of the most recent cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, among other things.
All TTs have ISOFIX child-seat mounts, electronic stability control, and a full complement of airbags. A lane-departure warning system is standard equipment on TTS models. From the extensive and pricey options list, you may choose from features like blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a system that helps you park in confined areas.
Are Audi TT repairs expensive?
During the first ten years of use, an Audi TT will require roughly $9,644 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $2,677 cheaper than the luxury convertible model industry average. Additionally, there is a 27.72 percent probability that a TT will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to comparable automobiles in its sector, this is 11.84 percent better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
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Why is the Audi TT flawed?
Some claim that the renowned Audi TT borrows more than just a little bit of design cues from the VW Beetle. Audi is being very quiet about the car’s history, but we are certain that it was inspired by the illustrious Isle of Man TT event.
This vehicle, which was first produced as a two-door coupe, is now a quick roadster with engines ranging from a snappy 1.8L to a top-of-the-line 3.2L that will tear up the freeways. Of course, the TT is a great second-hand investment because Audi has a name you can trust. Are you considering buying one? To ensure that you avoid some of the most typical issues that are known to affect this kind of car, read this article.
The instrument cluster and information readouts are one of the most frequently mentioned issues with the Audi TT. This includes problems with the lights and dials, which are prone to bouncing about and acting as a late warning system for component failure. This component, which is sometimes referred to as a dash-pod, may be very costly to replace, so make sure that all the lights and temperature gauges are operational.
Not so much a problem with the car as it is with the servicing suggestions made by the manufacturer. Owners of the TT were advised by Audi to change the cam belt every 80K miles. In fact, the component must be replaced every 60K miles, otherwise, the engine may experience significant issues. If you’re considering buying a used Audi TT, find out when the part was last replaced.
The water pump on the Audi TT has a 60K lifespan, just like the cam belt. It is advised by several online owner’s manuals to change both pieces at once. Therefore, it is definitely worthwhile to check the service history to see when the part was last replaced.
Check the movement of the DSG gearbox as you test-drive your used Audi TT. The mechatronic unit is probably on its way out if the drive feels a bit reluctant and you cannot feel the characteristically silky smooth motion that this component is meant to offer the drive. A reconditioned item will cost you at least four figures; an expensive fix.
When you drive any used Audi TT on the road, pay close attention for a knocking sound. Any form of bumping noise coming from the front of the automobile is probably the result of malfunctioning bushes. To improve the ride quality of an Audi TT, you’ll typically need to replace the roll bar bushes as well as the front wishbones and anti-roll bars.
Do you experience misfires and a difficult ride when you leave your possible Audi TT idling? If this is the case, a malfunctioning coil pack in the engine may be to blame. It is necessary to identify the defective coil before replacing it because this is a common problem with several models in the Audi lineup.
The Audi TT has a problem with its electric windows; the switches are frequently broken and known to be unreliable, necessitating replacement. When the automobile is stopped, take some time to inspect each window individually to make sure it can be opened and closed.
A malfunctioning air mass meter or sensor is one of the potential culprits if it seems like your car is lacking power or the ride is bumpy. Because it would be costly to replace, pay attention to how your possible Audi TT buyer responds when you depress the accelerator.
The Audi TT is a fantastic used automobile with a nice traveling compartment and a good outside appearance. It is a car with the ability to draw attention, even though its use as anything other than a couple’s or single person’s automobile is perhaps a little stretched given the lack of substantial space in the back. Convertible variants are simple to convert, offer good fuel efficiency due to the vehicle’s lightweight design, and there are still many used cars on the road today, making it easy to get used Audi TT parts.
Which Audi TT is the best to buy?
As the least expensive option that still comes with a ton of equipment, the Audi TT 40 TFSI Sport is our pick as the greatest value option because it combines the entry-level trim with the ’40’ engine, a 2.0-liter petrol with over 200hp, making it powerful enough for almost everyone.
If you drive a lot of miles on the highway, opt for a 2.0 TDI Ultra diesel vehicle because it can get more than 60 mpg in fuel efficiency and is even rather quick (0-62mph takes just over seven seconds). Although it doesn’t have the smoothest engine, it’s still worth considering for drivers who desire a stylish, elegant vehicle with extremely low gasoline expenditures.
The sporty TT 45 TFSI S line isn’t as quick or potent as the high-performance TTS, but it’s not as far off and is still enjoyable to drive. This variant is a decent value performance-oriented option because there are no TT models marketed toward sports car enthusiasts.
Which Audi is the most dependable?
Audi also has the most models in the top 15, with the A1 making its debut in position 10 and the A3 ranking in position 11, in addition to the A4 being voted the most dependable car of 2019.
What kind of individual operates an Audi TT?
They frequently claim that particular drivers will purchase particular automobile models or manufacturers. Whether you like a 4X4 or a convertible, it’s sometimes claimed that your vehicle represents your personality.
Let’s examine a few of the more well-known brands to find out what they might reveal about the owners and drivers of those brands:
Audi
Audi, formerly thought to be only for the middle class, is now the go-to vehicle for young adults seeking gorgeous interiors, snappy engines, and stellar reputations.
Undoubtedly one of the most well-liked vehicles on the road, the Audi TT is frequently ridden by managers and office workers with a passion for sports.
BMW
BMW is currently seen as a car for people in their thirties who are from middle-class backgrounds and used to be a car for people in their twenties.
This may be especially true if you drive a BMW Z4, according to Admiral research, which revealed that owners of the model are more likely to enjoy DIY projects, cycling, and have a 17% chance of speeding.
Mercedes
A brand that may have slipped from favor over the previous several years, the Mercedes X-latest Class’s introduction has helped it re-enter the chic crowd just a little bit.
The wealthy and powerful have historically preferred Mercedes vehicles, so having one parked in your driveway will undoubtedly boost your reputation in the community.
The A-Class, in example, is “driven by middle-aged housewives who ‘pop’ to get groceries, so there’s also that to consider about,” according to etiquette expert William Hanson.
Range Rover
Range Rovers are the preferred vehicles of Premiership footballers, as was covered in our previous column, and are essential for young people trying to impress.
Range Rovers are favored by persons in middle management roles because they provide luxury and power at an affordable price and feature interiors created by Victoria Beckham.
Despite the nation’s love for the brand, they are frequently perceived by some as enormous kid delivery units (perhaps unfairly).
Volvo
Volvos, allegedly the manufacturer of the safest vehicles on the road, are frequently observed being purchased by educators and people who enjoy reading The Guardian.
The latter assertion may include some reality, given the manufacturer recently declared that it would only make electric or hybrid vehicles by 2019.
But for those who are concerned about coming out as snobby, it’s important to keep in mind that the Volvo is a family brand that still has enough of punch at launch.
Is the Audi TT useful?
The Audi TT creates a surprisingly roomy two-seater even though the back seats aren’t particularly useful. Audi’s fast coupe focuses on appearance but sacrifices practicality due to its sloping roofline. The TT is a 2+2, but if you use it as a two-seater alone, it’s quite practical.
Is the Audi TT an ideal first vehicle?
One of the most attractive vehicles of its day, the first-generation Mk1 Audi TT is unquestionably fashionable enough for a teenager. Although it wasn’t the most dynamic vehicle of its era, it is nonetheless enjoyable to drive, adequate in speed, and quite cool. Its interior has a really unique atmosphere and is quite athletic.