Audi TT Forum banner

V6 Checklist for Purchasing, Specification and Performance

1 reading
34K views 109 replies 60 participants last post by  torqueit  
#1 ·
There seem to be quite a few peeps looking for info regarding what to look for and what should have been done service wise prior to purchasing the V6 and additional information, ie specification and performance..

The 3.2 V6 comes in Coupe and a Roadster version.
Both models come with either a 6 speed manual or a DSG [ direct shift gearbox ] gearbox.
The MK1 TT V6 is available from 03 to 06 and is only offered in a 4 wheel drive version. (QuaTTro)
The MK2 TT V6 is available from late 06 to 10 and is only offered in a 4 wheel drive version. (QuaTTro)
The V6 is a normally aspirated engine [ no turbo or supercharger ] and power delivery is smooth and consistent from 1000 to 6400rpm.
Over other models in the range the V6 has the most power, larger brakes, bespoke front bumper, bespoke rear valance and larger rear spoiler.

Parkers car guide with all the facts and figures..
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/a ... -1999.aspx?

In conjunction the AA have issued a list of checks
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/ca ... ction.html
and the list below is more TT Coupe specific.

1. Where to buy from..
Audi Dealer [ UK wide ]
Established Independant Trader [ UK wide ] and the Forum has Norfolk Performance Car Sales as a site sponsor and always has some nice TT examples available for sale..
viewforum.php?f=66
Forum Member [ UK wide ]
Pistonheads [ UK wide ]
Autotrader [ UK wide ]
Private Seller [ UK wide ]
Never, the pub or on the street.

2. Question to ask prior to visit..
Is the car advertised still for sale?
Why are you selling the car? [ are you convinced by the respose ]
Are there any issues not mentioned in the advert, has the car been in any accidents? [ deal breaker ]
Are there any lights on the dash when the engine is running? see symbol guide..
Image


Is the service history Audi, independant or a mix, do you have service book stamped and receipts? [ deal breaker ]
Is there a receipt history for the car?
Has a HPI check been carried out? [ if your happy with the car, do this last if the seller hasn't ]
Is there any outstanding finance to pay? [ HPI should show this up ]
How long have you had the car and is your name on the V5 [ could be a dodgy trader ]
How many previous owners have there been? [ V6s can be 11 years old, if its a good one, no more than 2 owners ]
Has the car been modified ie engine, wheels and bodywork? [ could be a bonus or a chav ]
How many miles to the next service as seen on the DIS as negotiate price down if service time is close
Does the car have an MOT? [ insist on seller getting it done prior to sale ]
Do you have 2 keys and an emergency key for the car?
Do you have the radio code? it should be on the inside page of the radio owners manual.
If the owner will give you the MOT number or the V5 number you can check out the last MOTs record and if it has any advisories.. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring

3. Questions to ask at first visit..
Can i see the V5 and MOT (check for amount of owners and advisories and mileage consistency)
Can i see service history/receipts to check ownership pride and whats been changed over the years, if possible.

4. What to look for around the car..
Road Tax and Current MOT is a must.
Condition of the paintwork [ respray at ÂŁ200 per panel, negotiate down if panels require rework ] incl stonchips.
Audi TT roof rails are prone to the paint bubbling, these are classed as trim and not subject to Audi paint warranty.
Fitment of panels should be flush, esp rear bumper to arch fitment.
Check for dings and dents along the bodies length, especially door sills.
Tyre wear should be even and tyres of the same make.
Brake pad wear as new will cost ÂŁ60 to ÂŁ100 for the fronts
Disc wear, more than 1mm could be a sign they are on the way out.
Quality of rims as a rim refurb can be ÂŁ40 to ÂŁ80 per wheel.
Use a torch to check under the car for oil leaks.
A proud owner will poilsh the exhaust tips.
Headlight/Brake lenses in good condition.

Does the car remote open both doors, check door shuts for paint wear due to rubbing, do doors close properly.
Are the TT logos on the door sills in good condition.
Does the car remote open the boot, are the boot shocks working, does it close flush with the bodywork
Boot should contain a warning triangle at the front of the boot liner
Under boot liner there should be a firmly secured battery with green LED luminated, batteries are prone to loosing their performance on cars of this age and replacements can be ÂŁ60 to ÂŁ120.
Boot well should contain a styrene container holding jack and tools incl compressor and tyre foam [ in date ]
Does car remote lock both doors and indicators flash when locked.
Are the seats in good condition and do they match each other, check drivers chair for bolster wear.
Check action of both seats forward, back, up/down and tilt.
Are floor mats origonal and in good condition.

Open bonnet from drivers side footwell and open,close bonnet, is operation ok and alignment ok to headlights and bumper.
Open bonnet and check for cleanliness of engine and 3 trim covers installed around silver plastic engine air intake cover.
Check oil cap for emulsification and coolant expansion reservoir water is clear, blue or orange. All are good.
Check oil dipstick for colour quality and level, orange dipstick at the front of the engine.
Check brake fluid level, left side of the bulkhead.
Close bonnet.

5. Common tests across both models..
Ignition on, check lighting and interior lights and indicators ok
Ask owner to run through all function checks incl lights, indicators, radio and 6 x cd changer, heated seats, windows, wipers and wash incl headlight wash with headlights turned on.
Ask owner how to best start the car from his experience, partial accel or no accel or foot to floor, clutch in or not.
Car in P or Neutral if its a manual, start the car via owner info
The car should start within 3-4 revolutions of the engine, all dash lights should go out, except handbrake.
Let the car tick over until the temp reads 90C for 3-5 mins, once at 90C if it drops to 70 then goes back up the thermostat is sticking and needs replacing at ÂŁ200.
RPM should be 860 rpm and fuel gauge should be a representation of the digital fuel gauge, accessed by the wiper end button selector and mileage information displayed in the digital display of the instrument cluster. Full tank is approx 400 miles, 200 is approx half way on the gauge, discrepancy could mean dash pod failure [ ÂŁ800 ] repair.

Rev engine and check exhaust for blue smoke from N/S exhaust exit as the O/S exhaust has a performance flap that is closed during tickover, but opens once on the move.
The V6 has a chain fitted for the timing, which over time may wear but should be good for at least 100k miles dependant on servicing and driving style. There are VAGCOM checks that can be done to determine the wear level of the chains, which can only be done with a computer type device and specialist software. Symptoms of stretched chains can be ticking noise which changes in frequency when the car is revved. The replacement cost of the chains is in excess of ÂŁ1k so be sure to listen out for ticking. VAGCOM blocks 208 & 209 measure chain condition with minus 8 being bad and 0 being good for either block.
Once moving does the suspension absorb bumps on the road and do the brakes stop the car..
Run the air conditioning for a few minutes whilst the engine is running and check its cooler than outside.

6. What to test out on a DSG V6 with engine running..
Gear selection can only be made whilst the brake pedal is pressed
From Park go to Drive and release handbrake, release foot brake slowly and the car should edge forward. Drive the car normally and the gearbox should change up at about 1500 rpm all the way to 6th. Slow to a stop and the gearbox should change down without you even noticing. Repeat to 40ish mph to ensure 6th is reached and slow to a stop again.
Now move the gearstick to the right into Tiptronic mode, this now allows the driver to control the gear change via the gearstick or paddles on the steering wheel, either forward push up or pull back to travel through the gears using the gearstick or right paddle click to go up to 6th and left paddle click to go down to first. Gear position in M mode is displayed on the dashboard and shows gears from 1 to 6. Forward pushing the gearstick engages 1st through to 6th and pulling back shifts from 6th down to 1st. The gearbox wont allow you to shift if you are going to exceed the max rpm. In Tiptronic mode the gearbox will auto shift down to first if rqd but you will have to shift up manually unless the max revs are exceeded and the gearbox will auto shift up a gear and so on.
I wouldnt bother testing Sport mode as if the other modes are ok im sure Sport will be fine and im sure if you get the car you must read the manual to understand the specific modes of the gearbox.
Once at a stop, foot on the brake, select Reverse, ease off the brake and you should start to roll back. Try reverse in a clear carpark doing full circles both ways. This should be a smooth, non noisy operation apart from the exhaust note..
At any time you should not be able to hear any mechanics in the gearbox but you may feel the power transfer between gears.

Note. Over the last years it has been reported that the mechatronic units within the DSG have been failing which Audi UK will NOT recognise as a common fault and will set you back ÂŁ2000+ to replace. Bear this in mind whilst testing and through ownership of your TT. Regular servicing and oil changes should help, but as this model can be over 10 years old now.... buyer beware.

7. What to test out on a manual V6 with engine running..
Does clutch pedal have a positve feel
Can all gears be engaged easily without clunking or knocking
Is the biting point of the clutch in the right place
Try forward/reverse in a quiet carpark doing full circles both ways. This should be a smooth, non noisy operation.
On the test drive everything should be silent and smooth apart from the exhaust note.

8. How to handle issues..
Try to resolve defects before the deal is done and clarify who is paying for the work and are parts VAG approved.

9. Is there a warranty..
Established trading companies will sell with 3 months plus, try and understand what is covered.

10. Where to get an aftermarket warranty..
Warranty Direct
AA Gold Cover

There may be restrictions on cover ie 10 years old and or 100,000 miles exceeded.

11. How to pay..
Bankers Draft
Cheque
Bank Transfer
Never Cash [ only deposit ] as there is no paperwork trail if you need some sort of recourse.

12. Whats on the receipt..
Your details, His/Her details [ check a valid id, passport, photocard driving license ].
Use his residence or place of work.
Don't exchange details in a parking lot.
The amount paid. Two copies. Both signatures confirming transaction.
Seller must post, ownership documents.

13. Recommended V6 indies..
Awesome
4 Rings
TT Shop
Vagcheck
Autograph Cars
WAK

14. Optional extras that may be fitted..
Rear parking sensors
Sat Nav
Add On Interior Lux Pack

15. Servicing should be as per service schedule for the car and intermediate services are 20.60.100k miles whilst major are 40.80.120k miles which include gearbox oil change. Cost is approx ÂŁ250 to ÂŁ300 for an intermediate service and ÂŁ400 to ÂŁ700 for major one.
Using a recommended indie may save you some money but it wont give you Audi service history.
I believe the 1.8 TT requires a yearly service or 10k, the V6 doesnt, its 20k, however some V6 owners change oil on a yearly basis and let the garage do the next change.

16. At present the road tax costs for the V6 are the same as for the 225 and 240 1.8 models.

These checks and tests are a guide and may be tweaked or have additional information added on an ongoing basis

If you have just purchased your TT it is a good idea to change the plugs, coilpacks and MAF for peace of mind and is a good starting point in understanding how your car is performing.

Steve
 
#2 ·
Gotta say Steve that this is really good advice which could apply mostly to buying any car and indeed any model of TT - I've had a read through it and even though we bought ours (not a V6) a couple of weeks ago I'm still happy enough - it certainly makes good reading if you're about to part with the cash - could be a bit worrying if you already have parted with money and now see something that looks a bit suspect.

I did have a read through the forum prior to buying and went back to the dealer with a few issues that I had read about - big one being the timing belt - he agreed to change it at 39k miles (car just turning 5 years old and I probably would'nt have thought about it if I hadn't read on the forum).

All makes good sense and definately makes good reading :D
 
#3 ·
I have done my best with what to look for and specifically tailored it to the V6.
Im sure there are some things ive missed, so roll up and if valid i will amend the front post.
I have not had a 1.8TT and am mostly unaware of the things to look for, so if someone wants to modify this Thread to suit the 1.8 market you are more than welcome to use it.
Steve
 
#4 ·
Good advice Steve. I didn't go with that advice as mine had had 5 owners.. imbetween sales the sodding traders had registered it for about 2-3 months ownership, that last one I bought from. He couldn't shift it as 3.2s and high tax were not for many people. Adu had it for a while but it's had 3 year ownership and 2.5 years prior to mine.

TTs can have quite a few owners as some just fancy one for a bit and others find they are too costly, particularly during the financial climate the last few years. If owners were every 12 months or less I'd be concerned.
 
#11 ·
Seems like the opportune place to ask this but just how rare are the manual V6 coupes.

I'm currently scouring the market looking for a TT, in truth I wont be buying one to early next year BUT I'd like to do my homework first etc. I was sold on the idea of a V6 manual as the DSG to me just seems to me at least, another expensive failure, whilst it may not go wrong I think I like the idea of swapping the gears myself.

Also what dictates the wheels on the car, were the TTRS wheels optional extras? as I've seen a few V6s with the chunky seven spokes (which I'm not keen on) and the BBS style wheels.

BTW hi to V6 RUL, I've been following your thread on Pistonheads for a while. Epic car is epic :D
 
#12 ·
Hi, thanks for the kind words.

I would say that 10:1 is probably the ratio of DSG to manual cars, however the States only got DSG so we are lucky to have the option.
You will have a better chance of the car you are looking for once the summer has gone.
DSG or manual..it doesn't matter..its what floats your boat that matters and hanging out for the motta your after.
The 7 spokes were standard and option of BBs in Europe for the 3.2 but the States had another 9 spoke option available.

Welcome aboard and don't be a stranger.
Check out the community page too.
Steve
 
#13 ·
Marco34 said:
TTs can have quite a few owners as some just fancy one for a bit and others find they are too costly, particularly during the financial climate the last few years. If owners were every 12 months or less I'd be concerned.
I think the bit about number of owners needs to be changed as it's not particularly accurate. Having a new owner every year doesn't really tell you anything about the condition of the car, particularly with less practical cars like the TT (even more so with the 3.2l engine as the slightly higher running costs will almost certainly result in some owners with eyes bigger than their wallets offloading it earlier than planned).

It's just as likely that a box full of receipts indicates the car's a lemon as a large number of previous owners on the V5. :wink:
 
#14 ·
Great write up for someone looking to buy the best TT in the range... :)
 
#15 ·
hi all - just joined the site as keen on buying a tt - i like the 3.2 and should get my pension next year so will be genning up on the spec before i take the plunge - do all 3.2,s come with cruise control and is it a camchain engine (any issues)- silly question but are they easy to drive (auto) as wife will be using it - cheers, dave [smiley=book2.gif]
 
#18 ·
DUNMINING said:
hi all - just joined the site as keen on buying a tt - i like the 3.2 and should get my pension next year so will be genning up on the spec before i take the plunge - do all 3.2,s come with cruise control and is it a camchain engine (any issues)- silly question but are they easy to drive (auto) as wife will be using it - cheers, dave [smiley=book2.gif]
Hi Dave & welcome to the forum. A wise decision going straight in for the V6 cos all the 1.8 boys get one in the end, when they realise the mistake they've made. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Do plenty of research on here using the search facility, sounds like you've got plenty of time to find yourself a good one. Steve Collier (V6RUL), who's thread here you've no doubt digested, also has a V6 Community page which also contains lots of info and links to threads which you'll find very useful. I'm not sure about the cruise control as standard, mine came with it, maybe someone else in the know can answer that one? Camchain .... Yes, but there have been a few on here who have had problems with chain stretch and have had them replaced, they are few and far between though.
Now, the DSG box ........ not really an auto as such, it's much better than that with seamless, smooth changes and very easy to drive, once you get used to it's foibles and it has a few. Firstly, it's a little clunky when moving off from first to second and the same again when coming to a halt and changing down into first. Not clunky jerky but clunky noisy, perfectly normal though as they all seem to do it but takes a bit of getting used to at first. Secondly, the hesitation issue. Scared me s***less the first time it happened as I wasn't aware of the issue and didn't know what was going on! Approaching an island, the box is changing down through the gears and you're almost at a stop, the box is about to change into first and you notice a gap in the traffic and decide to hit the gas and go for it and you get nothing for what seems like an eternity (probably a second in reality) and gives you a heart attack as the gap in the traffic diminishes. Basically the box thinks you are coming to a halt and isn't expecting you to call to stay in that gear at the precise moment it's about to change down. Scary at first but I have learnt to live with it now and can anticipate the hesitation and react appropriately. A few people here have had thier DSG boxes remapped with different software which has improved the operation and helped resolve the issue. Lastly, the mechatronic issue, where the gearbox fails and put's itself into limp mode. Costs the earth to repair if you take it to Audi but a company called ECU Repairs can usually resolve the issue and restore back to normal for a fraction of the dealer price at just under ÂŁ1000 or thereabouts, which most on here reckon is comparable to a clutch and master cylinder change on a manual. Most love the DSG but those that don't and those that are concerned about a box failure plump for the much rarer manual version. Personally, I love it, it's like 3 cars in one. Slip it into D for lazy driving round town, knock it over into manual and change gear with either the stick or the paddles behind the wheel and if you're feeling really brave pop it into sport for a hair raising ride. :twisted:
Had mine very nearly 2 years now, I don't do masses of miles, covered around 7000 in that period and it's just clicked over the 50K mark. No issues whatsoever and still love getting in it as much as I did the first day I took delivery.
I'll stop waffling now :lol:
 
#19 ·
Welcome, the point you have asked about seem to have been covered.
I can only add that when coming to a roundabout I change down manually whether in drive or manual selection, to first, so I'm in the gear I want and ready for that gap..
Steve
 
#20 ·
V6RUL said:
Welcome, the point you have asked about seem to have been covered.
I can only add that when coming to a roundabout I change down manually whether in drive or manual selection, to first, so I'm in the gear I want and ready for that gap..
Steve
The box can't know what you expect to do next and you are right with your points @ Pete. As steve has said, I do the same if I need to be sure and quick. Once you master the box it's fine. I feel or listen for when the gears are engage; if you are in tune with the car you can sense quite easily. I find it a little slower to get first when at a junction. I always delay until I feel 1st engaged then off the peddle for some creep then away.

Took mine out yesterday and it was great. Just a little off topic but I find that if I want to give it the gun it seems to be a tempter for other Audi drivers to start 'racing'. It's amazing how driving the TT in certain ways can bring out the idiot in other drivers.... usually the 2.0T or 3.0 TDI boys. Never driven in a country as bad as this for other cars wanting to get ahead or race. I don't have the same problem in the A4. The TT must be a red TT to a bull :p I don't bother rising to the bait these days, well not often.
 
#21 ·
many thanks for the info chaps - i,ll keep drooling over the various cars i,m seeing out there - saw a nice vibrant green one for sale down by gatwick (1.8) - looks superb and i didnt know tt,s came in that colour - is the dsg gearbox available on the 1.8 or is it just on the 3.2 engine and does bose stereo come as standard and how many speakers - cheers, dave [smiley=book2.gif]
 
#24 ·
prop135 said:
Steve

Can I add my thanks for this page too. I am actively looking to buy a Mk 1 V6 and have found this page really really useful, along with so many of the other pages out there.

Cheers

Howie
Cheers Howie..appreciated
Steve
 
#25 ·
PeTTe-N said:
DUNMINING said:
hi all - just joined the site as keen on buying a tt - i like the 3.2 and should get my pension next year so will be genning up on the spec before i take the plunge - do all 3.2,s come with cruise control and is it a camchain engine (any issues)- silly question but are they easy to drive (auto) as wife will be using it - cheers, dave [smiley=book2.gif]
Hi Dave & welcome to the forum. A wise decision going straight in for the V6 cos all the 1.8 boys get one in the end, when they realise the mistake they've made. :wink: :lol: :lol:
Do plenty of research on here using the search facility, sounds like you've got plenty of time to find yourself a good one. Steve Collier (V6RUL), who's thread here you've no doubt digested, also has a V6 Community page which also contains lots of info and links to threads which you'll find very useful. I'm not sure about the cruise control as standard, mine came with it, maybe someone else in the know can answer that one? Camchain .... Yes, but there have been a few on here who have had problems with chain stretch and have had them replaced, they are few and far between though.
Now, the DSG box ........ not really an auto as such, it's much better than that with seamless, smooth changes and very easy to drive, once you get used to it's foibles and it has a few. Firstly, it's a little clunky when moving off from first to second and the same again when coming to a halt and changing down into first. Not clunky jerky but clunky noisy, perfectly normal though as they all seem to do it but takes a bit of getting used to at first. Secondly, the hesitation issue. Scared me s***less the first time it happened as I wasn't aware of the issue and didn't know what was going on! Approaching an island, the box is changing down through the gears and you're almost at a stop, the box is about to change into first and you notice a gap in the traffic and decide to hit the gas and go for it and you get nothing for what seems like an eternity (probably a second in reality) and gives you a heart attack as the gap in the traffic diminishes. Basically the box thinks you are coming to a halt and isn't expecting you to call to stay in that gear at the precise moment it's about to change down. Scary at first but I have learnt to live with it now and can anticipate the hesitation and react appropriately. A few people here have had thier DSG boxes remapped with different software which has improved the operation and helped resolve the issue. Lastly, the mechatronic issue, where the gearbox fails and put's itself into limp mode. Costs the earth to repair if you take it to Audi but a company called ECU Repairs can usually resolve the issue and restore back to normal for a fraction of the dealer price at just under ÂŁ1000 or thereabouts, which most on here reckon is comparable to a clutch and master cylinder change on a manual. Most love the DSG but those that don't and those that are concerned about a box failure plump for the much rarer manual version. Personally, I love it, it's like 3 cars in one. Slip it into D for lazy driving round town, knock it over into manual and change gear with either the stick or the paddles behind the wheel and if you're feeling really brave pop it into sport for a hair raising ride. :twisted:
Had mine very nearly 2 years now, I don't do masses of miles, covered around 7000 in that period and it's just clicked over the 50K mark. No issues whatsoever and still love getting in it as much as I did the first day I took delivery.
I'll stop waffling now :lol:
Agree with every word!