Hello everybody
I am in the process of buying a 2000 Audi TT 1.8T Quat (180hp) and figured I would ask you all if there is anything major I should check into on the car. The carfax shows it as a lease (The maitnence record is Immaculate) has 96K and is a Florida car. I'm headed down to PA this sunday to scope it out and make sure everything is in working order/drives nice so on and so forth.
Reading through some of the previous posts on here, i've noticed TT's have Faulty water pumps/50% Chance of my cluster being a p.o.s. and Timing chain errors? I asked him to take it to the Audi dealership to have the car scoped out to find any problems, but im taking it None of the problems I just listed are "recalled" issues?
Lemme know what I should check into while im there =)

Thanks Guys/Gals

~Brandon

 

You said the maintenace record was perfect, just make sure the timing belt was done.

 

Timing belt, make sure that it shifts nice and drives smooth, if all that seems good then I would say that you are ok.

 

I agree with 225tt.
After you make sure it drives nicely check for the little things to possible lower the price of the car.
Things like rash on the rims, any scratches in the paint, tools in the trunk, first aid kit behind the passenger's seat, bring a cd and make sure that works, headlights.
The cluster and timing belt are not recalled items, should be but they're not. Turn the radio on and see if any lines are missing through the LCD screen, mostly it starts to fade in the radio section first.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

 

I'd add:
- Make sure all the electronics work, including windows, cruise control, wipers, computer functions at the end of the right stalk, heated seats, etc.
- Check the tire tread depth; they're supposed to be within 1/8" or so of each other or the AWD system is stressed and ill fail early.
- Look underneatht the car for damage; these things sit low and are vulnerable to damage.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir (it's kind of hard to get to); the fluid should be relatively clear, at least not dark (it's supposed to be flushed every 2 years).
- Check the coolant level, color, & smell in the overflow reservoir.

 

Thank you all for the responses =).
I wrote all this down and definitley will check into this. Especially since it's my first turbo/AWD vehicle (Not counting my Yota 4x4) and figured id get a good in depth analysis of what should be checked into. The dealer told me he's been driving the car around and claims everything seems to be in working order. But, I shall be the true judge of this hehe.
His asking price was $13,000 and I was able to talk him down to a flat $10K said done deal. I'm hoping the car is in sound shape, i've wanted a TT for a long while now. My friends and I are headed down there this sunday to scope it out/test drive it/check every bell and whistle. Fingers crossed lol

Also, what is the Cluster malfunction? I think I read the gas gauge just doesnt read properly? Or is there more to it then just that. I figure if their are Aftermarket Timing chains/gears/waterpump w/ steel propeller Would it be worth my while just to pick those items up and get them installed in my down time?

 

Its where the pixels in the cluster dont work anymore, things that include gas gauge bouncing, lights comming on when they shouldnt, lights not comming on when they should just a whole bunch of crap, also and this may be hard to do but getUNDER the car, it one thing that drives dealerships crazy when you go poking around "under" a car becasue they usually dont take alot of time cleaning down there, if it has any leaks you will find out. Good luck.


PS: you can ask them if they can put it on a lift for you to check out under it, if they are nice they will, if they have something to hide they wont.

 

Yea i'll have to hope he has a lift there to get it up for me. From what I understand he's just a little dealer with maybe 50 cars on the lot or so. Now do All of the TT's have this cluster malfunction or is it ~50% +/- some? Does the $1000 for the new cluster/wire harness fix the problem (dear god I hope so especially for that amount of money...)
I truely hope everythings in sound condition for me. He practically has all the paper work filled out and I will be going up with check in hand, but, if I don't feel comfortable I definitley will walk away.
The carfax however Does give me high hopes since the leased part practically Demanded yearly maitnence. Even if everything was in 100% Working order. Soo, who knows...
I will attempt to slide under the car and scout out any leaks/damage to the undercarriage.

 

Cool, I'm heading down to PA on Monday hopefully, to buy a 2001 225hp. Hopefully pay about $10,500 if its in good shape. I've been working on this deal for weeks. Its a private party sale, and we're up around 45 emails back and forth.

I'll be taking my laptop with me, and the vag-com cable, and run all my own diagnostics.

 

smart man.