Used Audi TT review

Exterior:

One prominent issue involves water leakage in the spoiler area, where water infiltrates the tailgate through blocked drainage holes or degraded seals around mounting bolts. This can adversely affect electronic components like number plate lights and the boot release. It is essential to exercise caution when attempting a DIY fix, especially around the reversing camera, as improper handling may necessitate recalibration.

Numerous complaints exist regarding water seepage, prompting recommendations to join owner groups for valuable insights. In colder climates, a peculiar challenge arises, where the window mechanism may freeze as the glass drops to open or close the door, resulting in difficulties in proper door closure. Using lukewarm water along the window seal is advised for resolution.

Convertible owners have reported water ingress into the cabin due to blocked drain holes, leading to potential electrical issues affecting the sound system and electric seats. Regular maintenance to clear drainage holes is crucial to prevent such problems. While sporadic electronic gremlins have been mentioned, they are not widely reported.

Interior:

Some owners have experienced issues with rear seats not folding, where the cable remains attached at the top of the pulley but fails to unlock the seats. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the durability of side trim on seats, particularly in pre-update models where plastic trim can break easily.

Pre-update speakers may not withstand high volumes of loud music and are prone to blowing. Complaints about the HVAC system include instances where all three vents cease working, often attributed to servo issues. Occasionally, buttons on the system may become brittle and break, though these issues are generally not complex to fix but can be annoying.

A few owners have noted a slow startup of the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit screen, but it eventually functions. Sporadic reports of electronic issues exist, emphasising the importance of thoroughly testing all features before purchase.

Mechanically:

The most common and somewhat expensive fault involves the water pump and thermostat module, known to fail early and frequently. Non-genuine pumps are reported to outlast genuine parts.

Engine breather (PCV) complications are prevalent, leading to coked-up inlet valves, requiring cleaning processes like chemical and walnut blast.

PCV issues may worsen, oil leaks, particularly in valve cover, timing cover seals, or the rear main oil seal can occur. The rear main oil seal leak also requires the transmission to be removed to fix it, at a substantial cost.

Poorly serviced units may experience timing chain complications. Age-related problems associated with engine bay plastics, like the water pump, are common and will continue to get worse.

The DSG transmission has faced criticism for potential frequent failures, but proper and timely servicing tends to mitigate issues. DSG position sensor and mechatronics problems are less common than perceived. AWD versions with Haldex systems perform well with regular servicing.

Oil consumption is a known issue in this engine family, emphasising the importance of a thorough and documented service history. 

Despite being a high-performance luxury car, the service schedule is comparable to an ordinary Audi. Similar underpinnings as the Golf, Golf R, and S3 result in comparable servicing costs, with a water pump replacement every few years.

The major mechanical issues often arise from terrible modifications, poor tuning and driving with minimal mechanical sympathy.

We would strongly avoid modified examples as no matter what anyone tells you, extracting copious amounts of extra horsepower will impact reliability.

If the modified TT has received only a light tune, features the highest quality accessories and you can categorically prove the car has been fastidiously maintained, we’d still be very cautious.