gowyn

Stopped by my mechanic the other day and saw a TT sitting there.

My wife loves these things so I asked him about it.

Turns out he repo'd it. Said I could have it for $4000 and figures should be on the road for less than $6000.

A little rough, scratches, stutters (coil pack), weird knock in front end (could be wheel bearing.)

Been driven on country roads and not the cleanest car I've seen but the price...

Interior isn't too bad. A good cleaning, AC needs recharge, broken handle on passenger recline seat. Pax window needs to be operated from pass side, button doesn't work on drivers side for pass window.Cluster was replaced. After market 18 Enkei rims I think.

Anyway, should I run or jump on this? Tempting.

crazybohunk

Hi there,

Well since I have one I would always encourage someone to buy one

However, having said that there are a number of pitfalls you could encounter.

Is your mechanic familiar with Audi/VAG products?

If so I would be more inclined, if not I would be much more leery about it.

They have certain things that can fail if not maintained properly.

They can be quite expensive things.

e.g timing belt. this is an interference engine & the belt is prone to premature failure. If this happens it will cost 3-4k to fix.

So no records I would change it to be safe. Should be 500-800 bucks

Does it have a dual exhaust?

If is does its the more desirable version as it has 225hp instead of 180hp

Just keep this in mind before you buy & good luck.

You can always message me & I can try to answer your questions.

Randy.

cheeba

I would pass on any car in rough shape with unknown issues; and, given their propensity to have many nagging issues, especially a MKI TT. Projects like this usually turn out to need more money/time/work than they initially appear to require. If you do go ahead, be prepared to spend a lot more money that you think it will cost - at least to fix it 'right'.

gowyn

So turns out he has lots of records and history

Latest being brakes all around, timing belt, water pump and wheel bearings

Only concern I have now is the 139k miles on the clock

crazybohunk

Hi there,

Well that's better news.

Kilometers or miles is a little high.

Mine has 189,000 kilometers.

The one you are looking at has 223,000

Offer him a low ball offer and negotiate up from there.

I would consider it a project car & be prepared to throw a bit of money at it to get back up to snuff.

Cheeba is right about the money part.

If you go in with that attitude and your mechanic is prepared to help you out then I would give it a try.


Randy.

gowyn

So turns out the following has been done:

Instrument panel overhaul with lifetime warranty
Rear coil springs
Timing belt
Water pump
Valve cover gasket
Rear brakes
Lf wheel bearing
Lf ball joint
Plugs
Semi synthetic oil
Window switches

Gonna fix Monday:

Two new tire
Licence plate lights
Seals on transfer and rear diff
Two ABS sensors
Air con controller module
Some leaky vacuum lines replaced
New synthetic oil in rear diff and transfer case (I guess that's the weird named awd unit)

I think we might do it, only $4000 so we'll get it as a toy and see how it goes.

cheeba

You can only use the genuine Haldex fluid in the rear Haldex unit - no substitutes! The Haldex unit is finicky on these cars, and requires regular maintenance (fluid/filter every 30,000KM, IIRC). They are prone to failure; although, I think it's likely due to irregular maintenance.

crazybohunk

Hi there,

The weird named AWD unit aka the Haldex unit can be a problem child.

I have had issues with them.

The differential itself hardly ever fails.

However there are two parts that do fail.

1. The haldex pre charge pump also called the cargo pump(Audi named it this ) when it fails due to the electric motor filling with Haldex oil you will lose all wheel drive. Symptoms are a lot of wheel spin in 1st or 2nd gear.

2. The Haldex controller itself which can cause wheel hop/ lock up when turning as it does not disengage properly.

The 1st problem is a $500.00 part. The 2nd is $800 TO $1000 depending if you buy a performance replacement controller or the OEM version.


You will know which one it is based on the symptoms if these problems manifest.

Mine had the pump problem at 185,000 kilometers.

Knock on wood you won't have any issues with it.

Randy.

gowyn

Thanks for the info

Spoke to the mechanic and he's aware of the Haldex and it's fluid

Looks like we're good so far

gowyn

So an update.

Ended up buying it and am very pleased.

Had to change the Cat and crank speed sensor but runs like a top now.

Took it to a detailed and what a difference!

Really fun to drive, zippy.

I introduced myself in the new members area, now I'm starting to look for an Audi replacement for my wife's Volvo S60....