This car is a serious joy.
More than that a money pit.


I'm going to fix these few things...if it doesn't stop breaking im going to sell it.


When driving my car in 1st and 2nd gear im fine. Branching into 3rd and 4th and 5th im fine if i drive like a normal driver...however when i put the peddel down ...my rpm's spike..and my car slowly accels.... so I'm lead to believe its my clutch.

I have a few questions.

How hard is to to replace the clutch on this car?
While im in there I'm going to replace the starter as well. (I believe that the starter spins the flywheel...and that would hence be connected down around the transmission somewhere) (Mine makes a horrible sound when I start it)

Also the second gear sincornizor is going out...im wondering how hard that is to replace as well.

I need to find a new proformance clutch. However I do not want to take out a mortage for it. I noticed on ebay OEM clutchs are selling for around $230 - I would like to find a proformance clutch within a few hundred dollars of that.


This is a list of things that I know of that need to be replaced.

Starter
Timing belt water pump
clutch
Rear axel (FWD car)
and my glove box is busted.

If you guys find these parts anywhere cheap please let me know.

I'm really REALLY stressing out right now...I want to kill the previous owner...God this car is a serious nightmare.

With all these problems, If I opt to..what can I sell this car for?

82,000 miles
APR racing chip
Exhaust
Leather seats are decent...re-dy'd they'll be perfect
Exterior is mint other than a few small blemish's ...nothing that cant be fixed with a little bit of elbow greese.
Cluster is having some pixel issues.

 

if you do it yourself it will take you awhile esp if youve never done a clutch before like myself search the forums for my writeup on the spec stage 2+ and billet steel FW

 

Where would I look for this write up?

 

Go with a SPEC clutch I cant recomend anyone else. They are great clutches and hold Torque very well. I had the same problem after modding my TT. What happens is the dual mass flywheel has springs in it that allow it to slip before the clutch actually slips. This is great and gives you a little more time than a regular clutch but you still have to change it out and get a new one soon.

 

Is there any way I can buy a warrenty? Alot of these problems are not noticable unless your a daily driver.....

 

Other then the rear axle and arguably the cluster(although its a common TT issue), you're looking at pretty standard wear and tear parts.

Since you seem to be into upgrading and hard driving anyways do the logical thing; When something wears out, upgrade it.

I might be able to help you out with the cluster. When the cars come in for warranty repair on the cluster I can lay claim to the replaced parts. So for example if a car comes in with only one line of missing pixels, I can swap it into my car at no cost instead of the $900+ it would cost to go brand new. If its non-warranty I can pay the core cost for the cluster and still take it. I almost bought one for $50 this week, but it had a bad tach and I dont think I can frankenstien a working cluster out of two partially working parts. The other thing is if you swap for a used cluster the mileage wont be right, only the new ones can be programmed.

If you would like, after I find one for my car(I'm having pixeland fuel/temp accuracy issues), I can look for one for you and get it shipped out at minimal cost. You might be hard pressed to find a shop that will modify the mileage of your car though. Even though you might be able to get the cluster in yourself, you will need VAG-COM access/skills to make it work with the car.

Dont give up, if anything is a worthwhile project, its the TT. After you get it up to par, I doubt you will have lingering regrets.

 

Yes you can take your car to an Audi dealership and get a CPO (certified pre-owned) inspection and certification. This will include a limited warranty after existing issues are repaired.

 

Here is also another question.

I first bought the car and brought it to the audi dealer, I had them check out the car...inside and out..and correct my check engine light...etc... they reviewed the car to find nothing wrong with it...

are they somewhat responsible for not finding the starter/sincronizor atleast?

As for the clutch...im looking back...this car has always had a little bit of lag on the rpms... I always thought it was the turbo...now im finding it was a slipping clutch...... are they also responsible for that as well?


if anything what are some things i can say or do to help the dealership out on myside?

Thanks!

also ...I would be really like it if you could help me out with the cluster!

 

If i pay to have the clutch and starter fixed... would the dealers warrenty cover the timing belt and water pump?

 

Basically for most of the list theres no way to prove youre not responsible for the wear/failures, and thats exactly what they are going to go by. Your best bet to not get run over by the stealership is to be knowledgable about your car, common problems, and thier procedures.

What you can do to get them working for you is put the fear of God into them. Service writers live and die by whats called a CSI(customer service index) score. Thier job security pretty much depends on happy customers. While one irate customer wont cost them much, it can cost them thier bonus and cause headaches and alot of stress. If you've been into the dealership service department youve undoubtedly heard something along the lines of "extremely satisfied is my only passing grade" in regards to the phone survey that AoA conducts for each RO written. If you keep them thinking you are just completely horrified with thier level of service they will keep jumping through hoops to keep you happy. You can get alot of discounts, free service using this method.

Request to meet the tech(s) that will be working on your car. They are more likely to put more care into working on a car they can associate a face, presonality and positive relationship with. Remember these guys are used to working on high priced vehicles with owners that generally will not talk to them unless its to complain about thier work.

You want to come accross as a picky, knowledgable customer to the techs, and a borderline douchebag to the Service Writer. Let them know youre aware of the game they are playing to make thier money and they are going to have to work for yours.

Also, if you PM me your general location I can help guide you to one of the top rated Audi service departments in your area based on customer satisfaction.