Audi TT

Abyss

Abyss

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Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
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Nottingham
Have had a change of heart slightly and (after an amazing test drive) am now considering the Mk1 Audi TT over the Mazda Mx-5 for my partners daily driver and my weekend toy.

I wonder if anyone can help with the following questions please?

Should I go for the Roadster or Coupe?

The 1.8T or the 3.2 V6?

Are there any issues with the DSG gearbox in the 3.2? I have found a really nice 04 example for £11k but I am concerned it may cost me in the long run. Would something like the Tesco warranty help?

What is servicing / maintenance like on the Audi? I realise it will be a huge step up from the 04 Punto but a rough idea would be useful. I am going to go to my local garage tomorrow to get a feel for it.
 
As for the roadster or coupe, not really sure anyone can answer that one for you! You either want a soft top or not. Personally I wouldn't bother, the TT was designed as a coupe so probably has better dynamics in coupe form as a result. Don't quote me on that though...

On the engine front, it depends on what you want to achieve with the car. There are two versions of the 1.8T so you want to ensure you get the 225 rather than the 180. The easiest way to distinguish these is the number of tailpipes, a 225 has 2, where a 180 only has 1. The V6 is reportedly the better engine in standard trim, but the 1.8T offers better tuning prospects if that's your thing.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about the DSG so can't comment. I will say 11k seems a but much to be forking out for a car like that but I can't really talk. Granted it's an 04 but don't forget it is a car designed in 98/99!

Audi servicing at main dealers is like any main dealer. Expensive. Find a decent local specialist and you can save £££. However, Audi are still offering free MOTs for all Audi owners so take advantage of that! A TT is a sports car, so expect sports car prices for parts etc. It shares a lot of mechanicals with other Audis and VWs etc, however some bits are a bit more specialist. Rear suspension is only found on the S3/TT for example. The reliability of mine has been good, but I did get done for ARBs and suspension bushes this year and it's not cheap getting those done. (I upgraded instead of sticking with stock parts in the end).

Hope this helps! Probably doesn't but meh!
 
I didn't know you were a female? (Or a hairdresser at the least).

Sorry, that's probably a standard response to any threads about TT's isn't it?
 
The 180bhp can have two tailpapes too. Best way to tell a 225bhp is to check for ventalated rear brake disks. I'd go for the 1.8T rather than the V6. It's faster 'day to day', a lot more economical and lighter over the front wheels.

TT mk1 handling isn't the best, but it's a very comfortable, stylish and well put together car. Go for it!
 
to be frank i loath the Titty. My girlfs mum had one and yes the inside was nice but it was like listening to a hair dryer when she put her foot down. Top Gear didnt slate this car becasue they felt like it, its a car for girls, that isnt that quick and has abosloutely no personality at all.

Granted it looks ok, and the 3.2 V6 is a completely different matter all together - hence more expensive too.

The MX5 is cheaper, as reliable, looks great (the new version) handles better and has a great deal more personality. However it remains a car for girls.

My main advice would be to look at a Honda S2000 - wicked car.
 
Thanks for the advice everyone.

I had somewhat discounted the S2000 as the girlfriend will be driving it on a daily basis in all weather conditions, rear wheel drive, no traction control and ice would not be a good combo for her! On the other hand the TT has 4WD and ESP. Is this a fair assessment?

We both test drove the new 2.0L MX-5, and although it handled extremely well, it just isn't the car for us, it doesn't have the straight-line power I crave and the girlfriend felt insecure driving it compared to the TT.
 
[TW]Fox;14488756 said:
Get the V6 cos 6 > 4
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I am swaying towards the V6 for 2 reasons:

o I love the sound of a big V6 engine

o There's no turbo to kick in mid-corner resulting in the girlfriend ending up in a ditch
 
arcamalpha said:
The 180bhp can have two tailpapes too. Best way to tell a 225bhp is to check for ventalated rear brake disks. I'd go for the 1.8T rather than the V6. It's faster 'day to day', a lot more economical and lighter over the front wheels.

TT mk1 handling isn't the best, but it's a very comfortable, stylish and well put together car. Go for it!
Click to expand...

Thanks, how much more economical are we talking when driven lightly day-to-day? Parkers only seems to show a few mpg difference. I think the next plan is to test drive the 1.8T to compare.
 
arcamalpha said:
The 180bhp can have two tailpapes too. Best way to tell a 225bhp is to check for ventalated rear brake disks. I'd go for the 1.8T rather than the V6. It's faster 'day to day', a lot more economical and lighter over the front wheels.

TT mk1 handling isn't the best, but it's a very comfortable, stylish and well put together car. Go for it!
Click to expand...

Can you please explain what you mean by the 1.8T will be faster day to day than the V6? It doesn't make sense unless you mean faster point to point?
 
The DSG box is amazing to use, can be hesitant at junctions and if out of warranty expensive to repair (according to our local audi dealer up to around 5K fitted). Other than that they are great cars for what they are and you get audi's build quality as well.:)
 
TT's are lovely to drive, very planted, althoughthe driving position is a bit crap if you ask me. The DSG box in Audi's is bullet proof BUT if it does go wrong, it's expensive. V6 over the 1.8T any day, will hold it's residuals much better and the DSG box.
 
jamief said:
You've never driven a turbocharged car then?
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You've never seen my girlfriend drive then?

Rhyzz said:
TT's are lovely to drive, very planted, althoughthe driving position is a bit crap if you ask me. The DSG box in Audi's is bullet proof BUT if it does go wrong, it's expensive. V6 over the 1.8T any day, will hold it's residuals much better and the DSG box.
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I am very tempted by the 3.2 V6, I can get a 3 year warranty that includes the DSG for £600 by the looks of it. I just need to fully work out a cost comparison tonight as the 3.2 is looking to be a lot more costly (insurance, economy, purchase price etc). I think insurance alone is close to £2k.
 
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Abyss said:
Thanks, how much more economical are we talking when driven lightly day-to-day? Parkers only seems to show a few mpg difference. I think the next plan is to test drive the 1.8T to compare.
Click to expand...

Well if I was careful, I'd get just over 40mpg from the 1.8T in a Golf (so admittedly a different map). I hear the 3.2 gets more like low 30s.

I think the point for me is that the 1.8 has such a flat torque curve (which some love and some hate) so it often feel quicker than the V6 without having to stir the gears so much. Yes, when it comes down to it, the V6 is the faster car, but in the 'real world' I would suggest the 1.8 is better. horse for course though!!
 
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