Audi TT 8N tips for buying & points of attention

The day has dawned and you have decided to go in search of the TT of your dreams. Now is the time to switch off your emotions, even though that is difficult with the TT 8N, and to view and assess potential TTs rationally. The points to consider for a TT 8N can be divided into generic points, which apply to every car, and specific points to assess. The downloadable PDF on the right lists them all, fairly comprehensively but possibly not exhaustively.

Disclaimer
This checklist is intended solely as a general guide for purchasing. Despite careful compilation, the information may be incomplete or out of date. The user remains responsible for carrying out checks and making decisions. Use of this checklist is entirely at your own risk.

But below is also a list of the specific features of the Audi TT 8N Coupé and Roadster.

Specific Audi TT 8N points of attenttion

▒ Display fully working, no streaks in it
▒ Windows work properly and automatically lower/raise when you open/close the door
▒ Does the tailgate work on the remote control
▒ Oil pick-up pipe (1.8T). Contamination of sieve causes low oil pressure
▒ No rust with:
- Front wings inside underside
- Wheel arch edges front and rear
- Around the rear spoiler and specific bottom connection trunk lid

▒ Does the seat heating work
▒ Auto dry on the inside and footwell.
Check the floor covering on both sides to see if it is damp. Heater unit may leak
▒ Trunk and lid dry. Possible leakage at spoiler
▒ Gear lever cuff still intact
▒ Rear shock absorbers often the sheath rots.
▒ Is the alarm still working. If not, usually battery is broken and circuit board (due to battery leaks)
▒ Are all the engine compartment covers still present?

Specific Coupé points of attention

▒ Roof rail still rust-free. Rusting / corrosion quite often ailment of Audi TT Coupé

Specific Roadster points of attention

▒ Trunk dry (leakage via the spoiler sometimes occurs)
▒ Storage compartment of convertible roof still intact
▒ Condition of the convertible roof
▒ With hydraulic roof ... close it relatively silently or you can hear the pump working hard
▒ Convertible roof may be leaking (for example around sealings), and water will get into the collector in the back
▒ Convertible roof window fixed all around. Inside & outside. Window can sometimes come loose. Result of leakage

Maintenance
Check the maintenance history, everything is done by the book. For the TT 8N the diagram below applies, but also for many other cars from that period:
▒ Oil and oil filter according to regulations
- Long Life 30,000 km or up to 2 years
- Normally 15,000 km or maximum annual (advice)
▒ Haldex oil and filter (30,000 km) (at quattro)
▒ Timing belt (180,000 km or up to 5 years)
▒ Brake fluid (2 years)
▒ Gearbox oil
- DSG in Tiptronic (60,000 km)
- Manual gearbox (no formal declaration)
▒ Air filter (recommended 30,000 km or maximum 2 years)
▒ Fuel filter (recommended 60,000 km)
▒ Spark plugs (60,000 or up to 6 years)
▒ …

Finally

View and drive several cars of the same type for comparison
Take notes and photos to look back on
Check if mileage in registration and maintenance history make sense
Validity of MOT. Preferably fresh when purchased, even if this is not a replacement for warranty. Also look at the MOT history. What has been observed in the past
Reading by a specialist / dealer for error codes
Have it inspected before purchasing. If they don't want to, then drive away (cycle or walk 🙂)

And I would roughly divide the candidates into 3 categories

Bargains
Used a lot and the clock has already gone around several times. Regularly new owners and went up and down between traders. A lot of attention is desired. NAP and maintenance booklet give food for thought. Nice and beautiful for those who can do a lot themselves and see it as a hobby. Probably the previous owner was already getting bored with this hobby or already made a big hole in his (non-existent) budget.
The daily car
Simplu used it and made the annual km's. Neatly had its service according to the regulations that are also in the booklet. Even just before the sale. Number of owners is manageable and have enjoyed it for several years. NAP is just in order and in line with the maintenance booklet. So, history is ok. Consider maintenance of the normal wear and tear parts. And with a bit of luck, it really belonged to an old lady. The price of this beauty will be a bit firmer.
Pampered garage queens
They are and span. Few km's that do match the maintenance and the NAP. Owner is very caring and has had regular extra maintenance done. Unfortunately, the price is already high, especially in the more powerful versions (225 and 3.2). Because sought after and wanted. But here too, you can expect regular maintenance after at least 20 years.

Remarks

This is a checklist to help you identify and recognise the points that need attention. Depending on the severity and the resources available (money, tools and knowledge), this does not necessarily have to be a barrier to purchase. However, it does make it a more conscious purchase, with an understanding of the 1st points that need to be done. Or perhaps it is rational to give the car a wide berth.
A 2nd hand car remains and is always a certain risk. Everything is older and subject to maintenance. So, take maintenance costs into account. So don't spend the last pennies on the purchase but keep a reserve for unexpected costs.