Hi I'm looking to buy an Audi TT and I want some advice before I purchase one.

I'm looking at a 2002 Audi TT ALMS Commemorative Edition ($13,000):
-76,000 Miles
-6 Speed Manual
-AWD
-1.8L l-4 Cyl
-A ton of features (not sure if they're standard Audi ones but there's a lot...)

My questions are:
1. Do you think this is a good deal (in terms mileage and features), if not what price would seem more fair?
2. I hear Audi's reqiure Premium Octane gas (91), would it be ok to use regular?
3. Anything else that would be helpful is very much appreciated.

If there's any other information that's needed I'll be happy to provide it...

 

1. it a fair deal, not good, not bad
2. it'll run on regular, but not very well. plus, could lead to other problems as the ECU is programmed for premium. if you can't afford the xtra .20 per gallon, don't buy it. there will not be gas mileage savings with regular, perhaps even worse gas mileage.
3. lots of info on the TT at link.
Fourtitude.com - Audi TT FAQ

Pay close attention to the "buying a used mk1 TT" section. these cars are for the most part very reliable, but they need maintenance and it is not cheap. since that one is nearly 10 yrs old now, it will need at least $2-5K in upkeep if it hasn't already had it (timing belt, water pump, suspension, brakes, haldex oil service, plus more (all used cars have issues, so expect the unexpected.) If you can do your own, you can save at least half. A good indy shop might save you 25-30% over dealer charges. Dealer is expensive.

good luck.

 

That FAQ has given me a lot to think about...

The CarFax report shows that the car seems to have had regular maintenance so it seems the car is in top shape. However according to the FAQ it seems the 2000-2002 model years aren't THAT reliable (maybe I'm understanding it wrong) compared to other model years.

Also, generally how long can a car be used before major repairs arise(years/miles)? Sorry if the wording is wierd, not sure how to word it better...

 

2000-2002 really aren't any more of an issue than 2003-2006. all the expensive maintenance items are common to all years, like:
5/60 for the tb
50-80K miles for most suspension parts (but this is no different from any other car or truck on the road. they wear out.)
instrument cluster also (all TTs) have issues. 300 for rebuild, 1000 at dealer.

reality is, you don't own a TT, you support it. just like any of the german cars. they are not cheap to own like japanese cars.

FWIW, I'm on my 3d TT. I love it and will never sell. I paid $9K for it 2 years ago (2001 w/67k miles) and have invested about half that much into it in the past 2 years for maintenance. 90% of that was in the first year because it need it and I wanted a reliable car. so, i spent the money on the maintenance. this past year I think I've only spent about $300 on maintenance.

Like I said, for the most part the TT is a very reliable car, but it does have its issues and they must be taken care of or else you'll have a money pit.

Regarding the carfax maintenance report, they are never fully accurate...if the seller cannot show you receipts for work done, then you must assume the work was NOT done and you will have to pay for it....$2-5K.

Timing belt is most critical. It's required every 5/60. Probably about $600 at an indy or $12-1500 at the dealer. If you don't do it, and the belt fails, the pistons will slam into the valves in approximately the blink of an eye and you be looking at $4000-6000 in repairs.

There is no warning...it just fails.

cheers

 

I'm not exactly a "car mechanical" type of person so sorry if I'm asking something dumb, if I do get this car, what kind of regular maintenance can I expect to do on a TT? (I usually just bring my cars to the mechanic when something seems wrong but I want to keep this car in top condition since it IS an Audi)

Btw I really appreciate your help, I wouldn't have known 95% of the info without you.

 

No problem with the questions. That's what forums are for.

Routine maintenance is pretty basic:

timing belt every 5/60
brake fluid flush every 2 years
oil/filter depends on usage/mileage, but with light use, at least once a year. best if you use synthetic and 5-40 is recommended.
haldex fluid/filter (quattro only) every 20K miles
coolant is purple in color, audi G-12, and cannot be mixed with the green stuff most cars use. it is supposed to last a life time, but obviously over time, due to leaks or other maintenance, it will need replacing. just don't top it off with green stuff or let an independent shop use green coolant.

every thing else is just fix as it breaks or wears out, just like any other car.

drop by your local audi dealer and ask if they have maintenance schedule handouts. Or, when you get ready to buy, make sure the previous owner has the original owners manual in the glovebox. it will have a maintenance schedule. They can be purchased thur audi but they are expensive. the only thing that is different is the TB at 5/60. Original audi maintenance schedule for the TB was up to 105K miles, but as they began to fail, and audi was sued over it, they changed it. conventional wisdom is now 5/60.

cheers.

edit:
you can also find more information about the joys and pains of owning a TT at the following forums. I bounce between them as i find that all contribute to my knowledge base. register, find your way to the mk1 tt section.

Audizine.com
audiworld.com
fourtitude.com
quattroworld.com
tt-forum.com (this one is in the UK, but is probably the largest forum. their cars are slightly different than ours but they have many of the same issues as we do.)

some have links for local forums too. depending on where you are, you may have an active group of TT owners near by. most are more than happy to help a new owner.

 

I guess that sold me on the Audi, I just have to go to the dealership and take a good look and make sure everything's good on it.

Thanks for all the help