By Josh RosenbergFor those who wonder, the Audi TT gets its name from the "Tourist Trophy", a motorsports event held on the Ilse of Man. That being said, this dynamic and elegant vehicle isn't truly a sports car. It's too luxurious for that. It's really a luxury sport coupe, but it's still a whole lot of fun to drive.
In today's extremely high-priced used car market, many shoppers are looking for "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars.
And for those considering an older car, this makes the reliability and durability of a particular model crucially important. So, how has the Audi TT fared longer-term?
Well, first of all, by older, I'm referring to TTs that are generally 10+ years old, which would mean those from its second generation, produced for the 2006 - 2014 model years.
And while far from perfect, the second generation TT was an improvement in terms of reliability over the first. In addition, there have been many owners who have been satisfied with their maintenance and repair experiences. These tend to be those who have kept their mileage on the low side while also keeping their TTs very well-maintained.
But there have also been owners who have run into problems. It also needs to be noted that a luxury, higher-performance vehicle like the TT costs more to maintain, both in terms of parts and labor.
A lot of it will come down to the care provided by the previous owner(s). The Audi TT most definitely needs to be regularly and well-maintained. And these are the ones you need to identify before buying today.
So here, ...
- We'll list possible mechanical issues for this production run that owners have reported so they can be checked pre-purchase.
- We'll then do a general overview of the second generation TT, those roughly 10+ years old, which were produced from 2006 - 2014.
- And then we'll wrap things up by summarizing the overall pros and cons of an older TT worth consideration for potential buyers.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Audi TT
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2006 - 2014 Audi TT Possible Mechanical Problems
The second generation TT, like any car model, had mechanical issues reported by owners and observed by automotive experts, which should therefore be included in an inspection before buying:
DSG Transmission Issues: The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) used in some TT models has sometimes experienced problems such as premature wear of clutch packs, mechatronic unit failures, and transmission control module issues. These can lead to rough shifting, hesitation, or complete transmission failure.
Timing Chain Tensioner: Some TT models equipped with the 2.0-liter TFSI engine have experienced issues with the timing chain tensioner. Failure of the timing chain tensioner can lead to timing chain slack, which in turn can cause engine damage.
Water Pump Failure: Water pump failures have been reported in some second-gen TT models. A malfunctioning water pump can lead to overheating of the engine, potentially causing serious damage if not addressed promptly.
Carbon Buildup: Direct-injected engines, such as those found in the TT, are prone to carbon buildup on intake valves over time. This can result in rough idling, misfires, and decreased engine performance if not addressed through periodic cleaning or maintenance.
Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported electrical problems such as malfunctioning sensors, issues with the electronic stability control system, and problems with the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) infotainment system.
Suspension Component Wear: Wear and tear on suspension components, such as control arms, bushings, and dampers, can lead to handling issues, uneven tire wear, and noise from the suspension system.
It's important to note that not all second-gen Audi TTs experienced these issues, and the severity can vary depending on factors such as maintenance history, driving habits, and environmental conditions.
Second Generation Audi TT Overview (2006 - 2014)
The second generation Audi TT received a considerable facelift with a more aggressive appearance, as well as becoming longer and broader than their predecessors. In addition, the high-performance 386-horsepower TT RS was launched in late 2011.
This TT was offered as an athletic 1.8-liter 180 horsepower turbocharged incline 4-cylinder front-wheel drive version, or as a roadster 225 horsepower Quattro (all-wheel-drive) version. There's also a highly praised 3.2-liter V6 with 250 horsepower and a 2.0 liter that replaced the 1.8 in 2008.
Along with its low-cut, sleek, head-turning design and athletic abilities, the TT's interior and feature quality is top notch and what we would expect from an Audi.
While it's slightly longer (5 inches) than its predecessor, actual curb weight was decreased. And it sports one of the most original looks of its time, while the interior maintains its often copied metallic highlights.
Available in a either hatchback coupe or roadster body styles, both the 2.0T and 3.2 Quattro models can be found with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch sequential transmission (formerly called the Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG).
Typical features include full power accessories, 17-inch wheels, run-flat tires, leather upholstery, a CD player, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Some can also be found with the Premium Package that added power and heated front seats, a multifunction steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 6-disc CD changer, and a power-operated top for the roadster. The 3.2 model basically comes with the Premium Package as standard.
Stand-alone options can also be found in some of these models and include xenon headlights, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, upgraded leather, rear park assist, 18-inch wheels, a dedicated iPod interface, satellite radio, and adjustable suspension dampers.
There's also an S-line package that includes 19-inch wheels, some styling enhancements, and a short-throw shifter on the manual 3.2.
Overall Pros And Cons Of An Older Audi TT
Older Audi TT Pros
Lower Purchase Price: Of course, older TTs are generally available at a lower purchase price compared to newer models, offering opportunities for less money upfront.
Classic Design: The TT maintains a timeless design that still looks modern and attractive today.
Performance: Despite being older, this version still offers good performance, especially in higher-trim models like the TTS and TT RS.
Quattro AWD: Many come equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
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Potential for Modification: There's a strong enthusiast community, and there are many aftermarket parts and accessories available for customization and performance upgrades.
High-Quality Interior: Audi is known for its well-crafted interiors, and the second-gen TT is no exception. It featured high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Technological Features: Even though older, this TT offered a range of modern technology features, including advanced infotainment systems, navigation, and driver assistance features such as parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Older Audi TT Cons
Higher Maintenance Costs: Older cars generally require more maintenance and may be more prone to mechanical issues, potentially offsetting some or all of the initial upfront savings.
Expensive Maintenance: As with many premium vehicles, maintenance and repair costs for the Audi TT can be relatively high, particularly for parts and services specific to Audi.
Reliability Concerns: While Audi generally produces reliable vehicles, some owners have reported issues with certain components, such as the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission and electronic systems. However, this can vary depending on individual experiences and maintenance history.
Outdated Technology: The second-gen TT may lack some of the modern technology features found in newer cars, such as advanced driver assistance systems, updated infotainment systems, and connectivity options.
Safety Features: While the second-gen TT likely has standard safety features for its time, it may not offer the same level of advanced safety technology found in newer cars, such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warning, or adaptive cruise control.
Limited Practicality: The TT's coupe design limits rear-seat space and cargo capacity, making it less practical compared to some other vehicles in its class.
Firm Ride: Some drivers might find the TT's sporty suspension setup to be too firm for everyday driving, leading to a less comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.