First off, I really don't know anything about AUDI TT's but I have recently become a big fan. It actualy seems to be a resonable AWD that I can drive year round here in the Kansas City area.

Question 1, how do i know what engine a car has by looking at it (180 tp 250 hp)? Do I have to look at the VIN to figure it out? I have looked at the below link: https://www.audiforums.com/forum/aud...A%2A%2A-93953/

I'm looking at the below cars as options:
Cars for Sale: 2001 Audi TT 1.8T Coupe quattro AWD in Minnetonka, MN 55391: Coupe Details - 307793690 - AutoTrader.com
Cars for Sale: 2000 Audi TT 1.8T Coupe quattro AWD in Grand Rapids, MI 49548: Coupe Details - 306429804 - AutoTrader.com
Cars for Sale: 2001 Audi TT 1.8T Coupe quattro AWD in McKinney, TX 75070: Coupe Details - 306620608 - AutoTrader.com
Cars for Sale: 2000 Audi TT 1.8T Coupe quattro AWD in Saint Louis, MO 63143: Coupe Details - 295088235 - AutoTrader.com
Cars for Sale: 2001 Audi TT 1.8T Coupe quattro AWD in Springdale, AR 72762: Coupe Details - 301324950 - AutoTrader.com

 

Question #2, does the 5 speed or the 6 speed man. hold up better? (does the 5 vs. 6 speed help identify what motor it has?)

 

5 spd man = 180 hp
6 spd man = 225hp

neither are know for going bad.

cheers.

 

Single exhust is 180hp. Dual exhust is 225hp. All of the 225hp models are quattro (AWD).

You can tell by the engine bay too, but that's too hard to say with words. Sellers have been known to tell customers cars were 225hp models when they were really 180hp, so beware.

Neither model is more reliable or has more "issues".

When buying a car of this type: Remember it may only cost $10k now, but it was an expensive car new and repair and maintance costs are still going to reflect this.

 

theres a lot to learn, i had an 01 turbo jetta since new, powertrain like the 180hp TT, i bought a 01 TT roadster quattro off auto trader, got a car fax said timing belt recently done, $1000 job, most displays do not work, $350 you remove it, anyone with a vag-com can uncover hidden issues since a battery disconnect will temporarily turn off check light. spend some time reading forums and learn, redline MT-90 will shift BETTER, car could be expensive if you don't do any work on it, a quality independent will be a better choice for work, i paid 16,888 for my beautiful 01 roadster 225 hp quattro 6 spd, cal prolly lister about $40,000 new in 01 from my research, i LOVE IT!!!