I am looking to purchase a used TT. I have been looking around and I saw some really nice rides on car domain.

From what I get, there are two generations of the TT, the 99's to 06 and 06 to present. Is that right?

Personally the 04Q's seem to be in my ideal price range. I've seen people do some nice work with 02's and 00's.

I read some lawsuit info on wikipedia about the 00's to 04's and I am wondering if I would be better off just spending a little more for an 06

I don't plan on modding the car too much right away. Maybe intake, turbo back exhaust, some body kit parts, rear swaybar, wheels n tires. However, I would like as fast a car as I can get.

Which year/models should I be looking at?

Thx and sorry to sound so noob, but Audis are new to me.

 

Yes, referred to as 8N and 8J respectively.

They're the same for the most part regardless of model year...the lawsuits you speak of affect components found on all models regardless of year (except the 3.2L VR6 S-Line offered in 2004 since it's a different motor).

The lawsuits are over the instrument cluster, which tends to fail and is expensive to replace, and the timing belt, which tends to fail prematurely on the 1.8T motor and cause major engine damage.

 

Thanks. So from what your saying and from what I've been reading in places like the FAQ, they seem to be running the same motor except different boost levels for the 180ho and the 225hp vehicles. At least roughly the same motor up until 2006.

But wasnt the 3.2L introduced in 03?

So are there any major differences with the trim levels between all those years? I mean is there some kind of electronic upgrade or feature an 04 has that an 00 doesn't?

Thanks

Also, nice blog.

 

There's slight differences...listed in the FAQ at the top. Some have slightly stronger internals or stock wideband O2s and stuff like that, but probably nothing you'd notice unless you're really tweaking your car.

The 3.2 was introduced in 2004, I said 2006 by mistake.

Again, not really...all I can think of is 2001+ models have a more complicated immobilizer which is primarily just a pain. I think they started using a CAN bus to control some functions in the car in 2002 as well, never found any concrete info on that.

Some early cars don't have ESP. I know mine doesn't...it just has ASR which is basic traction control.

But basically, nothing you'd notice.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll keep searching and post my findings for feedback. I appreciate the help.

 

See my Vortex FAQ as well...the 180 was either FWD or AWD, had a 5spd and K03/K03s, the 225 was only quattro and had a 6spd and K04-022, and the 3.2 was only available with the DSG and AWD. 2000 was the first model year, 2001 for the 225, 2004 for the 3.2 (the 180 was only FWD/auto from 2004 on). These specs apply to both coupes and roadsters. I'd vote 225 if you want a lot of easier mods (b/c of the 6spd), but the 3.2 has more ultimate motor potential. The DSG should definatly be driven before you decide, its a great gearbox

 

Hey L88m, aren't the 3.2's automatic with triptronic only? Seems like I will be looking for the 225 since I like the quattro. Also, because I would not push the limits of the 3.2 motor. I'm looking for like 300-350 maybe 400 max, but that would be in like 2-3 years.

Not sure about the dsg, but that is only because I don't know much about them and, like you said, would have to drive one.

In terms of physical appearance, is there any major difference between the 04's to 06's?

What should I look out for when testing them? I am talking about symptoms for something catastrophic or expensive to repair. I read that there are issues with the timing belt and that it stems from the tensioner. Should I look for that and if so, what do I look for to see if it's been addressed?

The FAQ is sick, thanks!

 

Automatic DSG only...quite a difference between DSG and tip

Just different wheels...that's about it. The 3.2 TTs have a different front bumper, spoiler and silver painted headlights though.

There's an post in my blog called "what to look for/expect on a test drive" which is worth reading. Timing belt failure typically can not be predicted. It's wise to just do it and have your peace of mind.

 

Thanks murder, I printed out that blog post of yours. Those lights you made a nice as well. Did you make a kit for them yet?

I'll probably look for the 04-06 225. Maybe I will delve into the 03's. I would consider something older depending on the mileage.

And you're right about the belt. but you know, just seeing if I could save some money by having had it done for me. Lol

Thanks for the info.

 

Kit is being delayed slightly as I have some issues to work out with my car.

As for TB you could work it into negotiation like "do the timing belt and I'll buy the car"

That said these cars can be had for very good prices these days.