Hello Everybody,
As you can see I'm a newbie and checked most threads but didn't get the answer I'm looking for the specific questions I have:
These specific questions and your comments will be greatly appreciated:
I have shortlisted the following cars:

Usage:
daily work commute mostly and driving for fun mostly but all year round. It would be my only car. I want a roadster but considering coupes as well.

Models I'm considering:
2001, Roadster Quattro AWD 225 hp - 41K miles - on road for about $14000 - two owner basic model car - obviously no warranty
2004, Roadster Quattro AWD 225 hp - 41K miles - on road for about $20000 - basic model - has 6 months original new vehicle warranty (could be void if there are any mods).

1. Which one should I consider buying - 2001 or 2004? Lastly the price difference of $6000 - is it worth to buy a 3 yr newer model - although both have same miles?
2. Any specifc problems woth either year?
3. I'm yet to test drive either and plan to take it to the mechanic. Anything specific I should look for?
4. The 2004 model has an entry in carfax where the glove box and right airbag assembly has been replaced. Could this possibly indicate that the car has been in an accidfent. Will it be easily detectable by the mechanic. Carfax doesn't have any accident indicator though - I'm just concerned.
5. How do u find out if the car has been raced and if it has any modifications etc which would void the warranty on 2004?
6. Is it worth to buy the extended warranty for either of these models (2001 & 2004)?

I have been researching used TTs for almost a month, and will get back as soon as I get more info.
Please let me know if you have any tips - because some of the recent or old linkns given in other threads don't work and I'm not sure what should I be looking when I go see these cars.

Thanks for all your help and hope to be a proud owner soon.
Anurag

 

Which ever you do buy make sure you purchase the extended warrenty. - Do a pumper to pumper. - I've paid out THOUSANDS in repair bills when it would have all been covered by a warrenty. - Just my two cents.

 

People have mixed feelings about extended warranties.

If you get one be prepared to argue with them to be covered when something goes wrong, and be prepared to argue new oem, not used or reman parts.

They make their money by refusing, or shortchanging claims, just remember that.

I have one, and I'm glad I have it.

I say your prices are decent. I'd go for the one you feel better about after the test drive.

I'd say cheaper TT = more mod $

 

I agree completely. I have an bumper to bumperaftermarket warranty (got for free from previous owner) and while useful, it's a hassle too. It saved me money, but not if I had to pay $2000 for the extended warranty.

I would go with the 01 if it checks out ok, its a good price and almost exactly the same caras the newer one. It's worth spending $150 to have the car checked out by a mechanic.

 

Both other posts are correct.


The car is basically the same 00 - 07 - With the exception of a few things. - Which are minior enough that I dont even knowk what they are. - I know for sure a CD player in dash is a newer feather as well as possible GPS in the cluster. - But I heard that is horrible.


I would go with the older model and mod the crap out of it! - Have yourself a fast little toy there either way!

 

Even if a vehicle is little changed over years, it is always better to buy a later year one. The first year of any model, and 2001 was the first roadster year, will always have more bugs in the manufacturing process than later years.

When many things are coming back for repair on warranty due to manufacturing flaws - like instrument clusters and broken glove boxes... and more serious problems - that cuts into the makers profits and they will tweak the assembly line processes like with better welds or fasteners.. and especially with better quality control spot checks so they reduce on warranty losses.

If you read this forum's archives you will see a lot of problems with 2001s that just don't get mentioned by those with later models.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been told that the 2000's have the least amount of problems.


Is that correct or incorrect?

 

I've yet to see a 2000 roadster...
I think he's talking about 2001 being the first production year for the roadster.

 

nobody ever said there was. All the mentions of a roadster was for a 01 and newer. [>:]

And yes, from what i have seen, ironically, the 00's seem to be the least problematic.

 

My 2000 is great. I think it was actually made by germans