Want a cool used car? With the second-generation Audi TT now on sale, first-generation machines are rapidly finding their way onto dealer lots as trade-ins. Audi put attention to radical styling on the map with the first-generation TT- which competed with the likes of the Nissan 350Z, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Honda S2000, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxter. None of these managed look quite as unique as the Audi. It tends to be considered gorgeous- though some say it's akin to an overturned bathtub. It all depends on who you ask.
TT came with a slew of engine, transmission and drivetrain configurations to match a variety of needs. Four cylinder turbo engines were available in 1.8 litres displacement producing 180 or 225 horsepower. A step up to six-cylinder territory got owners into the 250 horsepower range from a 3.2 litre powerplant. Five-speed or six-speed manuals were fitted, and an automatic could be had in newer models as well. If you aren't a die-hard horsepower enthusiast, either four-cylinder engine should do you well. Quattro all wheel drive was optional on the 180 horsepower engine and standard on the larger ones.
This machine earned a loyal following of fans and owners- but also a list of well documented problems and issues. Not to frighten anybody - because the TT provides more in terms of motoring enjoyment than it does in headaches. In fact, as far as a used sports car goes, investigation reveals this one to be one of the better choices. It always pays to be informed.
The most famous issue you'll come across is a handling-related recall, as the TT was prone to something called lift-off-oversteer. If cornering too quickly, the car could easily lose control if the driver jumped off the accelerator. The TT's handling was called into question, and a recall was issued in order to make several corrective modifications. These included a rear spoiler to add downforce, as well as upgraded stabilizer bars.
Another common issue is timing belt maintenance. A timing belt is changed periodically to ensure that it never actually breaks. If it does, catastrophic engine damage is likely. TT owners report repairs in the range of $4,000 to $6,000 if this occurs. This is well known, as a higher-than-comfortable number of owners reported premature failure of timing belts well before the 170,000 kilometer recommended service interval.
Read this twice: it's imperative if buying a used TT that you know the mileage on the engine's timing belt and have it changed religiously. Many owners suggest changing the belt every 100,000 km to be safe.
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| 2002 Audi TT Coupé |
TT came with a slew of engine, transmission and drivetrain configurations to match a variety of needs. Four cylinder turbo engines were available in 1.8 litres displacement producing 180 or 225 horsepower. A step up to six-cylinder territory got owners into the 250 horsepower range from a 3.2 litre powerplant. Five-speed or six-speed manuals were fitted, and an automatic could be had in newer models as well. If you aren't a die-hard horsepower enthusiast, either four-cylinder engine should do you well. Quattro all wheel drive was optional on the 180 horsepower engine and standard on the larger ones.
This machine earned a loyal following of fans and owners- but also a list of well documented problems and issues. Not to frighten anybody - because the TT provides more in terms of motoring enjoyment than it does in headaches. In fact, as far as a used sports car goes, investigation reveals this one to be one of the better choices. It always pays to be informed.
The most famous issue you'll come across is a handling-related recall, as the TT was prone to something called lift-off-oversteer. If cornering too quickly, the car could easily lose control if the driver jumped off the accelerator. The TT's handling was called into question, and a recall was issued in order to make several corrective modifications. These included a rear spoiler to add downforce, as well as upgraded stabilizer bars.
Another common issue is timing belt maintenance. A timing belt is changed periodically to ensure that it never actually breaks. If it does, catastrophic engine damage is likely. TT owners report repairs in the range of $4,000 to $6,000 if this occurs. This is well known, as a higher-than-comfortable number of owners reported premature failure of timing belts well before the 170,000 kilometer recommended service interval.
Read this twice: it's imperative if buying a used TT that you know the mileage on the engine's timing belt and have it changed religiously. Many owners suggest changing the belt every 100,000 km to be safe.
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| 2002 Audi TT Coupé |