crazy idea #213: used audi TT

[nostatic]

crazy idea #213: CPO Audi TT coupe

Chalk it up to bad female influence. "why do you need a wagon?"

Upside: it's a hatchback, I can carry stuff in it and in a pinch, carry kids in the back seat. CPO has 2 year warranty. Already mostly depreciated. Can get a 225hp quattro coupe for around/under $20K. Dealer repair facility is literally 1 block away from my apt.

Downside: can't carry adults in the back (maybe that is an upside). Small. Might be unreliable.

Comments from TT owners?

[kaisen]

Not a TT owner, but I've owned several Audis

Buy the best warranty you can afford.

[nostatic]

well, that's the whole idea of CPO...it is a factory warranty for the next 2 years. Got that with my ex's A8 and it worked out well.

[Scott R]

CPO warranty is almost better than the factory now. On my wifes 07' they had us buy a "maintenance plan" this was news to me, it now covers the items like oil changes and brakes that used to be covered standard. interesting enough the CPO warranty includes that an no extra cost.

I don't know your personal experience with audi, however I came from Nissan to Audi several years ago and the experience has been great. My S4 was more reliable than the Nissan Maxima I traded in on it, same can be said for my now gone A6 and our new A4.

[kaisen]

If two years is enough. You might consider augmenting/extending the CPO as well.

I love the TT interior details and seats.

[kaisen]

What are the details of the one you're considering? What year?

[nostatic]

'03, 48K miles. I doubt I would keep it longer than 2 years anyway, and the mileage is up to 100K, which I wouldn't hit in the 2 years. It's been a while since I've been in one, but I seem to recall that if you fold down the rear seats there actually is a decent amount of space to carry stuff.

The ex's A8 has been pretty reliable (she's had it for 6 years now). They replaced the tranny right before the CPO warranty expired ($15K), but I suspect that the dealer made a tidy sum off that repair.

[kaisen]

As long as the dealer is just around the corner, bring it home and see if your bass rig fits. Lotsa length and okay width, but not sure about height.

By '03 I'm pretty sure the gremlins of the early cars were exorcised. Should be a fun ride.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Crazy?! That's a damn good idea. What do you need a wagon for, mr eligible bachelor? You only have one child, right? I assume you need the space in back for a guitar, amp, etc? I recall the TT being pretty spacious in back, hatchbacks normally are. Plus, it's one of the most attractive and visually interesting cars ever made. Not bad to drive either.

[Scott R]

I drove one last year, they are kick in the pants to drive, they have a vague 911 feeling to them in fact.

[gassy]

I've always loved the TT. I'm sure my vote of confidence is the tip in for you.

[nostatic]

interesting. The one I'm going to look at tonight is CPO but carfax reports an accident back in '06. Surprised Audi would certify one that showed an accident on carfax (have no doubt they'd do it to one that was clean even if it had been hit).

[JavaBrewer]

Well...the rear seats fold down and there is room but you're really limited on height. Zack is now 10 and it's a struggle to get him in the back seat. Looking back I wish I got a 3 series 4 dr...

I bought my 2001 225 coupe ~ 1 year ago with 30K miles for $17K. PO was a gal who bought it certified used from Audi 2 years prior. Under my care it's gotten new tires and a GIAC chip. Not a single problem or hiccup. Still drives very tight and does not squeak or rattle. PM me for more details if you wish Todd.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Looked at one at Circle Imports before deciding to go to CarMax and get a Boxster instead (and driving out with the SLK since someone had bought the Boxster S I wanted earlier that day). Nice car, good power, loads of fun. I found a pretty wild price range for those (particularly the Quattros) - Circle was DEFINITELY on the high side, hence why I ended up saying "thanks but no thanks". I'd consider CarMax - they offer warranty protection plans up to I think 4 years/48,000 additional miles (on top of whatever the selling mileage is). That ain't bad. Their prices are very good/competitive also.

[Tobra]

I know it keeps them from flying, but I hate the ducktail on them. My buddy had an early one and refused to put it on, just keeps it under 130, or whatever it is.

Kinda heavy, feel solid as a brick driving it, planted. Easy to catch if you get a little exhuberant with the loud pedal. Don't know how they respond to being chipped, but in a VW turbo you can get a lot more out of the motor with just that.

[nostatic]

drove the CPO one with 48K miles. Clutch was stiff (probably about gone) and I was underwhelmed with the power. might be 225hp, but the 2.0T engine is just a better lump I think. Rear seat is barely usable for the boy. Might be just a tad too small. Have to drive another one. Maybe back to the used Mini idea as well...

[Don Plumley]

Sister in law has one with the Rawlings interior. So cool.

But yes, underpowered. I have an 05 CooperS and am still quite happy with it. You might not like the interior materials compared with a contemporary German sedan, but it suits my needs just fine.

[speeder]

I've actually toyed with the idea of one of those as well, usually right after I see a black one go by. They are just cool. Beautiful and weird, just the way I like things.

I figured that there are some steals on used ones, but they look seriously *not roomy*.

[Nader]

Looks like a woman's car. A stylish woman, for sure. I'm just sayin.

[javadog]

Sure wish I could talk you into test driving an R32. It's quick, hauls adults in the back seat, hauls lots of crap if you fold the rear seat down...

I note that there are at least 4 for sale today, in your neck of the woods...

JR