Hi folks-

I'm going to buy a TT soon. I have a 20K limit. Which year, engine, and transmission would be the best bet? Also, would it be good to buy one that's already had some of the common problems (glove box, instrument cluster) repaired, or would it be smarter to find one that hasn't had any of those problems yet? Thanks!

Don

I would avoid 2000 and 2001 since they had the most "new start" problems although I had few issues with my 2001.  I've had even fewer issues with my 2004.  The most important question to ask is when was the timing belt and water pump replaced?  It needs to be done every 5 years or 60K miles irrespective of what the owners manual says.  Replacement ranges from about $700 to $1200 depending on whether you use an independent mechanic or the dealer.

Previously Don Hendricks wrote:

Hi folks-

I'm going to buy a TT soon. I have a 20K limit. Which year, engine, and transmission would be the best bet? Also, would it be good to buy one that's already had some of the common problems (glove box, instrument cluster) repaired, or would it be smarter to find one that hasn't had any of those problems yet? Thanks!

Don

Don,   I purchased a 2005 Audi TT for my daughter with 52000 miles on it for $17,500.  It is also certified for two years. 

I previously had called the Audi dealership to inquire about a used one and they called when they located exactly what I wanted. 

We have had it for a year this month and haven't had a bit of trouble.  She loves it.  I hope this helps.  The 2005 model had the best reviews last year.

Good questions, good responses. I found my 01 last month for 14K On AutoTrader. Had 30K miles. I did the timing belt after getting wise advice to do it now cheaper rather than lose an engine. Also spent $400 on electronic issues and ended up velcroing (honest) the glove box. Audi should be ashamed of that glove box. $40K car, $4 glove box. However, my TT runs and looks like a dream. If you are patient, you can usually find some really good deals on AT if you are willing to have it shipped. I do a nationwide search. It's pretty cheap to ship the little TT.

Here's a link for 16 TT's under $20K and less than 45K miles. Several seem like really good deals. Also, beware of salvage titles. It's usually in very fine print in the last sentence.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=0&address=85715&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=AUDI&model=TT&make2=&start_year=2005&end_year=2005&min_price=&max_price=20000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1264894570243

I am with Lesli..


My research pointed rather specifically to the 2005 year as being the most reliable.
And I would tend to go for the 3.2 simply for the timing chain over the snap-prone belt.

THo- yo might have trouble finding a 3.2 DSG belwo 20K...