Over 200,000 kilometers are covered by well-kept vehicles. The V6 is sturdy but has a cam-chain strain problem that requires plugging in to diagnose and costs $1,000 to replace.
Again, watch out for poorly tuned vehicles using cheap coil-overs, as these will wreak havoc on the ride and handling of a vehicle that is otherwise extremely good.
Although reducing the suspension too low may screw with the geometry and cause the tyres to wear unevenly, decent aftermarket suspension, such Spax adjustable dampers, improves the ride and handling.
There are front and rear bushings on the front wishbones. Replace the ones in the back; just be sure to grease the polybushes beforehand to prevent squeaking. You may also replace the front bushes while you’re at it. These are the large rubber bushes that were inserted as part of the early safety recall; they may be sleeved down to their original size, which improves turn-in and steering feel significantly.
Drop links and anti-roll bar bushes are known to break, but there is a cheap and simple remedy. A common modification is to install thicker anti-roll bars from an R32 Golf of a comparable vintage.
180s and 225s before the facelift had 16- or 17-inch wheels, whereas 3.2s after the facelift got 18-inch wheels. 16-inch wheels were standard on front-wheel drive 150 models.
They are still very simple to pick up, but as they age, alloy corrosion is more likely to be the source of progressively deflating tires than a puncture. There are plenty available; set aside $50 per item for a decent refurbishment, ideally in the original silver.
Electrical problems are frequent, and a dashpod’s initial faults are frequently still present.
For a few hundred pounds, you can correct issues like missing pixels in the center display, misreading fuel and temperature gauges, and complete failure for a fair price and lifetime warranty.
Alarm sirens are typically located by the back wheel and many of them are dead, so if your TT is parked and has its indicators flashing, the alarm siren should also be blaring.
A microswitch included into the door lock mechanism forces the glass to move up and down a few millimeters to produce a weathertight seal when the door is opened and closed, respectively. When the microswitches malfunction, the automobile also loses the ability to detect when the door has been opened and locks itself. If the keys are inside, that’s not good. The switches, while fussy, can be purchased on eBay for around ten dollars and are relatively easy to repair.
Roadsters with leaks let water to enter the Body Control Module, which operates the windows, fuel cap release, and central locking.
If none of these are effective, perhaps it just needs to dry out.
The diagnostic module that is part of the climatronic system may access a multitude of data.
In addition to being a useful diagnostic tool, the readings you may find when you Google it are fascinating.
Audi TT clutches can last up to 100,000 kilometers. Due to the restricted space and the requirement to remove the 4×4 equipment, the task is complicated.
Except for the entry-level 150bhp models, heated leather seats were a standard feature on the vast majority of Audi TTs.
It is not worth fooling with with seats that have worn bolsters or faulty heating elements because there are many, affordable replacements available. The colored ones, particularly red leather, however, seem to be getting harder to find.
Make that the hood works properly and that there are no leaks. Inside, the automobile should be completely dry.
A plastic conduit between the hood and the rear body collects water and directs it to the drains behind the B-pillars because the rear of the hood isn’t intended to be entirely impermeable.
Internet lore will have you believe that leaks are caused by clogged drain tubes, but as these automobiles get older, it’s more and more likely that the drip channel has separated from the back of the body. Repairing it is a fussy but simple task. Do not insert cables into the drain tubes since they are delicate, thin, and made of plastic.
With time, some automobiles’ bonding in the corner of the roadster rear glass “screens” is beginning to disintegrate.
The factory spacers (or appropriately cut washers!) can be used to pack out leaks that frequently occur in the upper corner of the window or A-Pillar of Roadsters as a result of the seal’s aging.
Factory roadster hardtops are uncommon; if you do manage to find one, be careful to get the required fitting kit.
If the hood only moves up or down partially, the fluid level is probably the cause.
Bewarethe hydraulic pump is difficult to access and hidden below the seats, where it has been known to leak or even seize while not in use.
Although they function passably well, the standard brakes on an Audi TT don’t have the nicest feel. They gain from improved pads designed for usage on fast roads or tracks.
The braking system is intricate, too, and you require VAGCOM or a comparable program to cycle the ABS pump if it becomes dry during bleeding. If the handbrake is applied for extended periods of storage, the rear calipers may seize.
Contrary to what bar gurus may tell you, a TT does not have four-wheel drive constantly. The Haldex unit, which is electronically controlled and primarily front-wheel drive, sends power to the rear wheels when slip is detected.
The four-wheel drive kicking in and out can be extremely unsettling if you want to use your TT on a racetrack, especially on narrow, winding courses. Either an electronic Haldex controller or an inexpensive one-way valve that locks the 4WD in the “on” position once it engages serves as the solution.
None of this is required for typical daily use, but despite internet doomsayers, both seem to be reliable, long-term solutions. Every 20,000 miles, the filter should be replaced, and every 40,000 miles, the Haldex oil.
Verify the washer jets, which TT enthusiasts call to as “aliens” and are a MoT failure if not on all vehicles equipped with xenons (all 225s). Additionally, confirm that the engine undertray is installed and securely fastened.
The front lights start to fog up and fade rapidly. When properly done, they can be restored using a variety of specialized solutions and significantly improve lighting while also giving the car a boost.
In This Article...
Which TT model should I purchase?
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 TT year is the most dependable?
Although we adore the style of the first-generation TTs, none of them qualify as a “just because they look beautiful, greatest year. The truth is that TTs from 2000 to 2006 were difficult and expensive to fix, so unless you can find one that has been rigorously maintained with records of service, pass.
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.
Some of the best TT years can be found in the second generation (20072015). With far fewer recalls than the prior-generation TT, the new 2.0-liter turbo engine is one of several new powertrain options, and there is also plenty of luxury.
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 TT costs much more than the 2015 model due to this and other changes, ranging from $25,600 to $28,500 in total “great condition. (Plus, in line with our “The 2016 Audi TT was the subject of a several significant recalls (see Worst Year section.) Audi offers a bumper-to-bumper guarantee that lasts for four years and 50,000 miles, therefore we recommend any TT from 2018 to 2020 as the best years of the third generation.
Are Audi TT vehicles dependable?
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?
The 2021 Audi TT has a “above average” (according to J.D. Power) reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 according to U.S. News. Additionally, the current generation of the TT, which includes models from the 2016 model year and on, has no registered complaints on Car Complaints as of yet. Given that you would have originally believed that an Audi would likely spend more time in the shop than it would on the road, that is actually rather impressive.
Is it wise to purchase a used Audi TT?
Even while the Audi TT’s rear seats may be too small for everyday usage and it isn’t the best driver’s car, it is still one of the best all-arounders if you want a vehicle that is fashionable, largely practical, and entertaining to drive.
It has some great engines, provides adequate cargo capacity (at least in coup form), and is constructed just as well as any model from Audi should be.
Due to Audi’s intention to concentrate more on SUVs in the future, the current TT is probably the final model of this iconic vehicle. This third version of the formula is therefore certain to stay in high demand, so perhaps this is the perfect time to get the best copy you can find.
What is the issue with the Audi TT?
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.
On the Audi TT, there is a problem with the electronic windows. The switches need to be replaced because they are frequently faulty and have a history of breaking. 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.