Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum. I am in the process of selling my existing vehicle and have been planning to buy a TT. If I do get one it will be a Quattro 225. Probably between the years 2000-2004. I have a few questions though first.

Since it is a European car, how much more are the tune ups, replacement parts, labor, accessories ect. compared to other makers? Also what are the insurance rates like? I know there are a lot of variables, but on average are they high since its a 2 door turbo charged coupe? I am 22 and have had a few tickets before... Also this will be my daily driver. The reason I was going with the Audi is because it is All wheel drive and I will be having to drive it during the winter months. The other car I was looking at was the Subaru WRX STi, but would rather have the TT simply because of class. One last thing, how dependable are these cars, and whats considerd "high mileage"?

Right now im driving a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 so it will be quite the change...

Thanks,
Chris

 

It would be a good idea if you spend a few minutes reading through the FAQ in the sticky at the top of the forum. Also, it wouldn't hurt to read through at least the last two pages or so of the threads. If you notice there is one on the page that discusses the insurance issue.Most of your questions will be answered. Then if you have more questions, that is the time to post.

 

Yeah I saw that insurance post, and I have searched through the forum a bit already. I will continue searching though.

Thanks,
Chris

 

The WRX STI is a totally different animal; superfast, harsh, boy racer flashy, and expensive. You'll be able to pickup a very nice TT a lot cheaper but plan to spend more on maintenance. The TT is a glorified AWD GTI or Jetta; same platform, same 1.8T engine (but the 225 has quite a bit more power, bigger turbo, different exhaust, 6-speed). The TT will make a far better daily driver than the STI (more refined and comfortable) but will require more maintenance; if you don't want to do the work yourself, find a good independent mechanic who is more than just a wrench monkey / parts replacer, or buy a certified used car with a good warranty. Be prepared for more niggling problems (electrical, windows, gauge cluster) than any Japanese car. However, really nice TT's can be had all day long for $20K; not so for an STI. I drove this the other day, it is GORGEOUS, virtually as-new,and it could be had for $20 including a certified used car warranty: http://audi.niello.com/details.php?id=3492

 

Check out all the options available and decide what you want before hand. I ended up with a navigation systerm that wasn't that hot and missed heated seats which I really wish I had.

You should ask your insurance company about what it costs. That would make sense right? Its what I did, though I realize everyone is not like me.

Check carfax reports.

 

first off Dana please sell your car and buy anything japenese. I have read two threads you posted in and if you love them so much and hate your car please sell it asap.

Now to the real topic. The tt will not require any more real maintance than any other car depending on how you/ the person before you takes/took car of it. Yes the tt can have some little issues now and again but then what car doesnt? But you need to decide on which car is a better suit for you since both have there pros and cons.

The tt is a great plateform and the power like any turbo car can easily be increased. The style also stands out and is really comfortable to drive daily. The bose sound and leather is a nice touch compared to the blue recaros in the sti.

On the other hand the sti has a real awd system unlike the tt. The power is distributed evenly in the sti at all times and can be change to either 40/60 or 30/70. F/R.While the tt is a fwd car that when needed sends only 20% power to the rears (but can be upped with a hpa controller). Also if you even on planning to take more than one other person with you, you will need the real back seat. Both have nice size trunk and can carry alot.

So once again you should buy what suits you and your needs instead of what we tell you. g/l with your decision.

 

I seem to have missed the part where I say I hate my car and love Jap cars. I really hope you would not seriously claim that, generally speaking, German cars are as reliable and trouble-free as Jap cars. However, in the real world there are a lot more factors involved in pleasure of ownership than pure reliability; if that's all there was I'd be driving grandma's Toyota Camry 4-cylinder automatic. The TT is great but not for everybody; you have to be prepared for a, shall we say, more "involved" ownership experience, and I think it's correct to point that out to someone who's asking about it.

 

all you have done is complain about problems with your car and talk about how nice japanese cars are. So pleese tell me youll sell your car or quite complaining about every little f'en thing.

 

How much more is the general upkeep with this car compared... to say a Japanese car since its already been brought up. I would like to think they dont have that many problems...?

 

the only real big complaint is the timing belt and factory water pump. VW/Audi claims that it should last much longer than what it really does. Plus the waterpump is plastic and brreaks but all this is taken car of with a metal pump and a belt change at 60-65k miles. Other than that you should be fine.