Considering An Audi TT? Read This Before You Buy
86Considering An Audi TT Coupe?
Are you considering an Audit TT coupe as the choice for your next car? I recently purchased a brand new, 2008, Audi TT, 3.2, V6, Quattro, S Tronic, hard top coupe. This replaced my 2004, Infiniti G35, Coupe.
Overall, I am happy with my TT purchase. I love the stylish exterior and it is incredibly fast and fun to drive. It is so compact, the car fits in any size parking space. I also love the incredible amount of storage it has in the trunk- more than you would imagine.
But, there are a few things I am not crazy about and would like to share with others who are considering buying an Audit TT. This way, you’ll have no post purchase surprises.
My Car
Why I Bought My Audi TT
For as long as I can remember, Audi TTs have been one of my favorite cars from a “style” perspective. Small, sporty, modern, sleek and fun.. ahead of their time. Before I purchased my 2004 Infiniti, I test drove the 2004 Audi TT. Although I loved how it looked, I was very disappointed in the lack of power it had. The Infiniti was like a rabbit compared to the TT, which was more like a turtle.
I enjoyed my Infiniti, but after four years of operating a rear wheel drive car in snowy New England, I decided that my next car had to be either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. So, I was very excited to learn that Audi now had a super powerful, 3.2 liter, all wheel drive version of the TT.
I test drove an Audi TT model that was identical to the one I eventually purchased, but in a different color. Like most test drives, this one took about 20 minutes and we drove around the streets closest to the car dealership. I remember thinking about how fun it was and didn’t notice any possible short comings in the car. I had also completed extensive internet research and the consensus of TT owners was “I love my car!”.
I placed an order for a TT that met my exact specs and picked it up about a week later. After driving the car for six months, here are three important FYIs:
- The TT Has Limited Leg Support
- The TT Has Almost No Interior Storage
- The TTs Have "Brake Noise", Audi's branding for "the brakes squeak"
Test Drive a 2008 TT
Not Enough Driver Leg Support
Minimal Cockpit Storage
Most cars, no matter how small, have some type of covered storage between the passenger and driver seat. Many sports cars also have a flip open, sunglasses compartment above the rear view mirror.
With the exception of two small, cup holders, the Audi TT has no convenient storage. The only covered storage in the car’s interior is the glove compartment, but even that is very small and can’t be reached while driving.
As a result, I have “stuff” stashed in the open top door compartments. And, have to leave stuff in my handbag instead. That may work for women, but most men don’t carry pocketbooks!
There is also this weird, unattractive cell phone mounting station in the center, which I’ve never used. Since the car has Bluetooth, there is no need to mount the phone.
Squeaky Brakes
I learned after I had the car for six months, that squeaky brakes are considered normal for the TT. I had brought the car in for some normal maintenance and asked them to check my brakes. I noticed that almost every time I braked, especially in colder weather, I heard a loud squeak.
I was informed by the dealer, that due to some changes Audi made in the brake materials, squeaking was normal. It was such a common complaint, I was even given a pre-printed pamphlet all about “brake noise”. I was relieved that nothing was wrong with my brakes, but the squeaking can be very annoying.
The branding Audi uses with "brake noise" reminds me of the branding of used cars as "pre-owned". It makes them sound better.
Should You Buy a TT?
If you are looking for a fun, powerful, stylish sports coupe that is also good in the snow, the all wheel drive TT is your best bet in this price range. Its sister cars- the Infiniti G35 or the Nissan Z, both have rear wheel drive.
But, before you buy I wanted to make sure you were aware of a few of the car’s shortcomings, which are not readily available anywhere on the internet.
Here are some other relevant articles about Audi TTs: Edmonds.com TT Review, US News and World Report Audi Ranking, and The Car Connection Audi TT Review.
Happy buying and driving!!
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Not that I will be int he market for a TT anytime soon. I currently have a mini-van that is much needed for spending time with my kids and their friends going to their sporting events (I love watching the kids grow and enjoy the sports that they love and would drive them to the ends of the earth if it meant making them happy!) bUT (AND IT'S A BIG BUT) if I ever get the chance to treat myself to my own little sports car, I thank you for your candid feedback. I hope your purchase works out for you in the long run :)
Patty.. Thanks for your comments. Hopefully when your kids graduate you can buy yourself a fun little sports car!
Hi Reynolds_Writing, as you probably know, all cars have design faults, some more annoying than others. I have driven the earliest model, and the lack of power was annoying.
It is hard to believe that Audi still have squeeky brakes. The high iron content of the discs makes them better in some ways, but condensation leaves a rust deposit on the brake discs, which causes the squeak. The lack of seat thigh support is a bummer for anyone over about the low 5ft mark.
Non standard high quality disc pads will fix the squeak by the way, and by now your Audi outlet should know which ones to fit, and I would demand that they do it for free.
A friend who has a new Audi, loves the seat, but he is 5"5. He used to turns the radio up high when he left for work to hide the cold brake noise. I suggested a change of brake pad. He made Audi pay to change the pads over. His brakes are quiet now and he does not have to put up with the noise or the looks he got when he stopped at the traffic lights in his lovely new Audi emitting a noise expected from an old heap. Apart from the interior storage you mentioned he now loves it.
A servicing tip: If your serviceman does not know which brake pads will suit your car and driving habits, find a better place to get your service done!
Hmmm..I've had my '03 TT about 2 years and have absolutely no brake noise. It's a turbo and has lag in 1st gear, but NO WAY would I say it lacks power w a 225HP engine.
the good thing about vehicles with turbos is that a simple software upgrade will give you all the power that you need and decrease turbo lag at the same time. which will probably need high performace brake pads that take care of the annoying brake squeel as well. driven the original TT for 9 years with no complaints....now with passenger seat removed and a child seat in back.
I agree with the lack of room issue but it is supposed to be a sporty car maybe an audi a4 would be better suited to the lady a bit boring agreed but sound quality car well built and loads or compartment space! Hand bag or not theres room for man bag !lol
I have an '01 TT Roadster. I am 5'-8" and have no problems what so ever with leg support. My brakes have never squealed. I have the front wheel drive and there is plenty of trunk room. I guess it is the luck of the draw. Other than tires, brakes,timing belt and cooling fan, I have not made any major repairs to my TT. I have heard just the opposite on some though. Will probably order a new one in a year or so. Love the car!!!!
My dad owns a '03 TT I've always enjoyed riding his car it's so sleek and powerful. I hope I can buy one for myself in the future.
i own a 3.2tt dsg sline coupe... it awesome and i dont have any of the above problem storage huh that what the trunk is for and the rears seats. as they are useless for any thing else.
I keep noted on this. Thanks.
Yes, I got a good details about the Audi TT from your interesting post. I'm sure this type of fruitful information is definitely helpful for upcoming Audi buyers.
I know what you mean about the older TT not having enough power. I bought one and at first I felt the same way, but then I realized something. All you have to do is rev it all the way up before you let out the clutch, and when you do let the clutch out, do it very fast. That's it!
Sometimes when you do this the police pull you over, but usually if you don't stop they will get tired of following you with their lights on.
As far as the break squeak, or "break noise" goes, I also found a solution for this. It's so simple it will knock your socks off. All you have to do is quickly, and firmly slam your foot on the brakes whenever you want to slow down or stop. That's it! This method actually makes the brakes work better and you'll find that you can stop a lot faster than all the other cars around you.
Just be careful when you use this amazing trick because all the people who don't have Audi's driving behind you will usually hit you. I overcame this by having a rear brush guard welded to the back of my car. Now when they hit me it usually smashes them up pretty good. It gives me a pretty intense chuckle each time.
Good luck!
I have to agree with the owners of the older TT's. I'm 5'10 and own a 2002 TT with no leg room problem and no squeeky breaks. This is after all a true sports car. The Infinity G35 is NOT a sports car. You can't compare it with the TT. It's not all about speed. The 2002 has a great 5 speed shifter with a nice easy clutch. The only issue I have is with the electrics (radio, inner and outer lights, windows, locks.)Voted up, made me think about my great little TT again.
this is the most helpful review I've ever read so far, and one that fits my exact description, I'm getting an 08 3,2 TT soon. Do you think i should get one with magnetic ride? also I'm 5' 10'' am i gonna have a huge problem with the seats ?
The TT is the most amazing car on the road today,oh and one other thing yhe magnetic ride is a nice extra but not good for comfort on poor road surfaces.
How has it been reliability wise? Looking for leave the warm hug of Honda and considering the Audi TT or maybe the more practical A3 but want a car that will be there for me for at least 10 years.
Buying a small car comes with short comings and storage, head and leg space are going to be naturally compromised. The TTRS is one of the most exciting cars manufactured today. The European model with a launch, and do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and this is with a 2.5 liter, forced, induction, engine.
why dont people read things properly? he is talking about issues relating to the new shape AudiTT not the original TT! so stop mentioning 2002 models Etc
can you let me know does the auditt 2007 model have electric door mirrows
hi can you get a 1 litre
Hi you havn't searched properly, you do get a 1 litre.
Is a TT Roadster considered a girls car?
I have the 2008 tt awd, Quattro, stronic trans. It came equipped w run flats and in the 5 years that I've owned it, it's looking like I will spend another thousand on getting tires. That would be twice since 2007. I can't replace just one--the one wthe nail in it; I can't replace just two-- to keep things balanced.. I actually have to replace all four because the imbalance might set off electrical problems! I loved my car.. Now--NOT so much. An expensive car just keeps costing me!
I have the 2008 3.2 s line version. I am 6 ft 2 and find it comfortable with no problems. Squeaking is not a problem except at about -15 degrees centigrade (I live in Canada) - it is a great car in the winter! I have no problems with the space issue, I guess it is a lifestyle thing. After 4 years no problems in a very tough environment. I would buy another one.
I have the 2008 version, an Audi TT and I find it confortable. I had some problems with oil but nothing else .... But, I though that I would be more confortable as a car ...
Tattoo man 3 years ago
Great article and true about the leg support but fun car.....