Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

Hi everyone. First post on the forum. I don't own a TT yet, but thinking about it. I'm tempted by a 2005 S-line with a bit over 80000 km. I took it for a test drive and really enjoyed it. My main misgiving is with Audi's reliability ratings, and this car's in particular. Would any owners care to comment?

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

I think that the TT is the most unreliable of all 2000+ Audi vehicles. There are not many serious reliability issues, but there are many small issues. I think that the only major issue is the rear differential/AWD unit failing; but, this is likely due to not maintaining it. It requires a fluid/filter change every 32,000KM, but most owners do not follow it. The electronic control units for the Haldex also commonly fail.

Minor issues: clusters, coil-packs, coil-pack wiring harness, sway-bar bushings, control arm bushings, PCV system, Secondary-Air Injection system (SAI), MAF, N75, DV valve, window regulators, door sensors, and various vacuum leaks from the crappy, yet very expensive, plastic/rubber fittings. Some of these issues are common on all Audis, some are exclusive to the TT. Several of the above problems don't apply to the 3.2 that you're looking at.

Here is the TT maintenance schedule so that you can cross-reference with the maintenance history of the vehicle in question: https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...le+-+2005+-+TT


3.2 pros:

- Do the flapper mod to the exhaust and the 3.2 is one of the most amazing sounding engines!
- Decent performance stock
- DSG (if you want an auto)
- Opinion, but most people think the 3.2 looks a little better stock
- More reliable engine (only because the addition of a turbo system on the 1.8T makes it an inherently weaker system)

3.2 cons:

- Lower fuel economy
- Power mod's require a lot more $$$
- DSG (if you dislike auto)
- Even more nose-heavy than the 1.8T!

I think the TT is a love/hate thing. It has many foibles, but a cleanly mod'ed one will turn heads more than anything but the exotics. It's a truly beautiful car that does not seem to age, as with all classic designs. It's a wonderful touring car, and can also be turned into a very capable sports car with some mod'ing. By the end of the Summer, my car will be capable of putting a whipping on a V10 R8 :D Best of all, it can do that in the Summer then, with proper tires, whiz by guys in 4x4 trucks stuck in a snow storm in Winter.

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

Of the first generation TT's, the 225 is the top, but can be a temperamental machine. Minor things flair up then disappear.... It is an extremely small run of engine with goodies that bumps up the hp to very respectful sports car levels. The 180 TTs are clearly more reliable because they have the same engine that is shared with millions of A4's Passats, GTI's.

But the TT is one of the truly iconic cars of our time. It's nothing short of Gorgeous, has a real exclusivity, because there are fewer TT's on the road then 911's, Boxters ......

They are all a blast to drive, especially the 3.2 and the 225, but here are the trade-off's: the 180 is the least thrilling (but still good) the most thrifty and most reliable; the 225 is quirky, quick, fun to drive, and has a good balance of fuel economy: the 3.2 has great performance but is nose heavy and thirsty.

I drive my 225 on early winter mornings to Whistler when there is fresh snow and it always gets me to the lift on time. I have never had an issue that affects drive-ability. So, my recommendation is to stay with a 1.8T, and any temperamental-ness associated with the 225 is well worth it.

As far as DSG goes, I'll blip my own throttle.

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

The blocks/heads in the 180 and 225 are nearly identical, with the only difference being the compression ratio and some extra ribbing on the block. The 225 engines are essentially no more different from the millions of other 1.8T VAG vehicles than the 180 engine is. As an example of well VAG utilizes their parts bin, the block I have in my car now is from a 2002 Golf/Jetta, and the head is from a 1997 Passat.

The power increase that the 225 has over the 180 is due to the slightly larger turbo/exhaust/intake manifold/throttle body, and the injectors and ECU map.

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

My 2003 is used year round and I've owned it 2 years now. These cars do have a few quirks but I wouldn't call it and unreliable car. In the 2 years I've had the blinker relay die, and needed a new coolant sensor. The dealer replaced my coil packs for free last time I had it in, but they were not giving me a problem at the time. I had roughly the same amount of minor issues with my previous Jetta I owned. I've made sure I did the timing belt on the 1.8T like anyone who is familiar with the 1.8 knows you need to be on top of this.
I would recommend the TT at this point, it a fun car and the talk of reliability issues should not deter you.

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

agreed.....i have put some dollars into my tt this year but its not too bad...i have had it since 2002 and drive it everyday(157k)

Re: Used TT S-line: to buy or not to buy
 

I know it is an old thread since we are in Aug 2012...just came across this thread after seeing this great TT being listed so i will pass :)
2005 Audi TT 3.2 QUATTRO S-LINE - Grand Montréal autos à vendre - Kijiji Grand Montréal