Audi TT Mk2 Used Car Checklist
To help prevent your dream of Mk2 ownership turning into a nightmare, here's a list of items to look for when looking over a used Mk2 TT. While many of these points are generic for inspecting any used car, those items which are specific to a Mk2 TT Coupe and Roadster have been
underlined so you don't over look them.
Feel free to copy-paste this list into your favorite document program; (e.g. MS Word), edit it as you wish, then print it out and take it with you.
Keep in mind even the newest Mk2 will be over 10 years old and have signs of its age. In other words don’t expect to view a brand new car and adjust your expectations accordingly. Any used car, regardless of visual condition, will still require some additional repairs or part replacements simply due to the age of the vehicle. A low priced, high mileage car may seem like a good deal, but there could be expensive repairs in the near future especially if it's been neglected or not serviced properly.
If purchasing from a dealer do not add on any additional services (i.e. protection plans, corrosion treatments, glass treatments, lost key insurance, etc.) Most are not necessary and the one's that are can be done much cheaper. Dealers make more money selling “upgrades” than they do selling cars. Find out how many previous owners the car had and ask for all the service and maintenance records, owners manuals, service guide and all original factory documents that came with the car.
Before you hop in and go for a test ride, start with a careful visual walk around. Take your time and look for any defects or imperfections in the paint or body work paying careful attention to any obvious signs of paint mismatch or over-spray, panel gaps or misalignment of the doors, trunk, hood and lights.
Don't be afraid to pull on the wheels to see if the suspension has any obvious signs of being loose or results in odd clunking sounds, and be sure to poke around the interior and under the hood and trunk areas, under the floor mats for anything that might not be okay with the vehicle.
If the car is advertised as an S-line, TTS or TTRS, make sure the paperwork matches and that the correct badges are present and in the correct locations. Double check for model logos embossed into the seat fabric, door sills, instruments and calipers.
Audi does not give anything away for free, so optional features may be very different between years and models. Do your homework ahead of time and take a look at the
factory brochures to see what options and features were available for the car you're going to look at. To help familiarize yourself with the interior features of the Mk2, you can download these
Quick Reference Guides for the
Coupe and
Roadster.
A third-party mechanical inspection (at your cost) is highly recommended to make sure the car is solid and there's no hidden issues. This should include an OBDII diagnostic scan with a printed report of any stored trouble codes. Any decent shop should allow you to witness the inspection so the mechanic can point out any issues you should be aware of or answer questions you might have. If a seller refuses to allow you do have the vehicle inspected as part of the pre-sale agreement, walk away immediately.
Any vehicle that has been involved in a crash, no matter how minor, should be suspect. The seller may state that it only needed a bumper respray. In which case any records of the repair should be available. Be sure when you have the mechanical inspection done, the inspector pays special attention to the underside and chassis for any signs of poor repairs or existing damage that may have been overlooked or intentionally covered up. For more specific information on panel gaps, badge & sticker locations and chassis dimensions you can refer to the Workshop Manuals located
here in the
Knowledge Base.
And lastly, corrosion. While most of TT body panels are aluminum, the rear end and all the structural and suspension items are steel. More information here on how the Mk2 body is built can be found
here. Any vehicle that has lived in a coastal or winter environment should be carefully inspected for excessive rust and/or corrosion during the mechanical inspection. Pay special attention to the rear suspension and the structures under the trunk and rear fenders on both the Coupe and Roadster. On Roadsters, carefully inspect the edge of the metalwork around the convertible top. This is a known area for rust to start on the edges of the aluminum body panels. This
link has some good pictures of subframe corrosion. This
link has some good pictures of the areas where Roadsters tend to see aluminum corrosion.
As always, if you have any specific questions or concerns about a possible purchase, feel free to post about it in the Forum.
1. Exterior Walkaround -
• Windshield is free of cracks or serious stone chips.
• Body panel colors match, panels line up.
• No "waves" in the metal or paintwork indicating possible damage and repair.
• Fresh paint job may conceal rust or recent crash damage.
• Trunk, hood and door seams are even and correctly aligned.
• Headlights and tail lights align properly with body panels.
• Driver and Passenger wing mirrors are not damaged.
• Front grill is properly aligned with the front bumper and hood lines.
• Headlights, fog lights, tail lights have no cracks, chips or severe stone damage and free from signs of water ingress.
• Fuel filler surround and fuel door are not scratched or damaged. Fuel cap is present and secure.
• Door, trunk or hatch seals are all present and undamaged (e.g. no rips, tears, etc.)
• Hood, hatch and trunk (Roadster) are gas-strut assisted and should keep the hood, hatch or trunk open.
• Hood release is located on drivers side knee kick panel. It should open hood easily and without hesitation.
- Note: Use a gentle rotation of the handle when opening the hood. Don't yank on it.
• Check wheel arches for signs of rubbing indicating the vehicle may have been lowered or had wider wheels at some point.
• If present, front spoiler and rear diffuser is mounted correctly.
• If installed, all parking sensors are present and paint color matches.
•
TT model variants: S-line, Black Edition, TTS, TTRS. For specific information on these models, check the factory brochures for that model year.
- Verify the listed trim features are present; badges on the exterior, embossed logo in the seats, steering wheel, tachometer, door sills and brake calipers.
•
Quattro vehicles should have a badge in the front grill and on the trunk.
2. Wheels -
• Wheels are not deformed, cracked or badly scratched.
• Wheels match.
• Verify if wheels are OEM Audi (this can be done when the wheels are off during the mechanical inspection of the brakes and rotors)
• All lug nuts are present.
• All lug nut caps are present.
• Center wheel logo caps are present.
• If installed, the locking lug nut has matching lug nut key.
- The lug nut key should be in the trunk with the lug wrench and other tools. Be sure it fits all four locking lugs!
• Check for an excessive number of balancing weights on the wheels.
3. Tires -
• Tires are a reputable brand name; (e.g. Pirelli, Bridgestone, Michelin, etc.)
• Check the date on the tires. (How to determine age link
here )
- If 5yrs or older inspect carefully and use age as a bargaining tool.
- If 10yrs or older consider tires worthless (regardless of remaining tread). Insist tires be replaced or car price reduced to cover replacement costs.
• All tires are the same make, model and size.
• Tires are free of cuts, blisters, splits, cracks or severe abrasion.
• Tire wear is generally even on all four tires.
• Tires are mounted correctly in the direction of rotation.
• Air pressure is correct.
• Tire tools are present in the trunk. Note - The Audi Mk2 TT does not have an OEM spare tire or space saver wheel however it may have a jack and should include a bottle of tire goo (probably expired) and an air pump.
4. Brakes -
• While difficult to see with the wheels on, look for anything unusual, scratches, fluid leaks, etc.
• Vehicle steers straight and does not pull one way or the other when brakes are applied.
• Parking brake engages and disengages freely.
• No grinding noise when applying brakes.
• No vibration or pulsation from the brake pedal when brakes are applied.
• Wheels to not lock when applying brakes (ABS).
• Rotors and calipers are not rusty.
- Some surface rust on the rotors is acceptable if the car has been sitting for an extended period of time especially in damp or wet environment. During the initial test drive, there may be some "grinding" sounds when the brakes area applied, but it should go away after the first few kilometers as surface rust is worn off.
5. Engine Bay -
• Gently pull the interior release handle. The secondary hood release catch is located under the center of the hood. Press it up to open the hood.
• There are two gas struts to assist with lifting the hood and they should keep the hood open.
5.1 Engine off and cold:
• Engine should be free of fluid or oil leaks.
• Oil filler cap and neck should be clean.
• Remove oil cap and inspect for "mayonnaise".
• No odors of fuel, oil, transmission fluid, or coolant.
• Underside of hood is relatively clean and not sprayed with oil.
• Pull the dip stick and verify the oil level is correct and there are no signs of coolant "mayonnaise" in the oil.
• Hoses and wiring harnesses are in generally good shape, free of cracks or deformation.
• Factory air box and air filter are present.
- If a Ram-Air style intake system has been installed, question the seller about any additional tuning.
• Be a suspicious of a freshly cleaned engine bay as the seller may have cleaned it just to remove any signs of oil leaks.
• A mechanical inspection should reveal any leaks when the belly pan is removed and the engine/transmission are inspected from below.
•
On TDI and TFSI engines you should remove the plastic engine cover to see what's going on underneath.
•
On the 3.2 VR6 engine, look carefully at the sparkplug connectors and harness for any signs of damage or wear.
•
Coolant reservoir bottle is located on your left as you face the engine. Verify level is correct. Coolant color is pink (G12). Remove the cap and inspect the inside for any sludge or signs of oil in the coolant.
•
Washer fluid bottle cap (blue) is located on your right as you face the engine bay, just behind the gas strut at the edge of the fender.
•
Using a flashlight (torch), look through the vent holes of the plenum cover to see if there is any standing water or debris underneath.
5.2 Engine running at idle:
• The engine should start up right away without hesitation.
• No squeaks, rattles or unusual sounds with the engine running.
• Open the bonnet/hood and observe the accessory belt and tensioner for vibration or excessive play.
• Rev the engine; it should not shake or vibrate excessively.
• Listen for "marbles-in-a-can" sound on the transmission side of the engine which might indicate a worn timing chain.
• Observe exhaust color - blue smoke indicates it's burning oil, black smoke indicates it's running rich.
6. Steering & Suspension -
• Vehicle does not drift to one side or the other when the steering wheel is released.
• Steering wheel is centered when driving straight.
• Steering is stable without shaking or vibration.
• No resistance felt in the steering wheel when turning.
• No clicking, clunking or grinding when turning.
• No excessive oil around shocks indicating a possible leak.
Note: Verify if these are 'standard' shocks or if the vehicle is equipped with Mag Ride suspension.
• Suspension bushings are not cracked or split.
• CV joint boots are not ripped, torn or damaged.
Note: The Mk2 TT does not have hydraulic steering pump/fluid as it's an electromechanical design.
7. Electrical -
• All gauges work; speedo, tach, oil temp, fuel gauge.
• Warning lights come on and go off when key is first turned in the ignition.
• All lights work; low beam, high beam, fogs, indicators, brakes, emergency flashers and reverse lights. Also check mirror indicator lights are functional.
• Wing mirrors work and if configured, they also fold.
• Check central mirror and if present, auto dim works and compass is functional.
• Map lights both work.
• If present, verify steering wheel controls work.
• If present, verify the paddle shifters work.
• HVAC controls work properly.
- Test the heater and AC controls while driving.
- Verify blower works at all speeds and the vent selection and defroster works correctly.
• Speakers work properly; no buzz, hum, crackle or unusual sounds.
• Verify that any accessory to the stereo system (e.g. Bluetooth, phone kit, etc.) works properly.
• Windshield wipers work at all speeds.
• Washer jets work properly.
• Headlight washer jets work properly -
- Headlight washers will only be present for vehicles fitted with Bi-Xenon headlights
- Headlamp washers only activate every 5th windscreen wash and only when headlights are on.
• Seat heaters are functional.
• Electric seats move freely in all directions. If present, verify the lumbar support also works properly.
• Driver's and passenger's windows go up and down freely without any hesitation, squealing or grinding noises.
• Drivers door lock works.
(Note - there is no door lock button on the passengers door.)
• Passengers door handle (interior and exterior) operates correctly.
• Passengers window button works correctly.
• Fuel release button works.
• Trunk release button works.
Note: Verify the emergency release for Coupe Hatch and Roadster Trunk is functional.
• Alarm system works
including the two alarm setting buttons located on the edge of the driver's door.
- You can perform a quick test to ensure the siren works by following these instructions. (Link
here)
• Hazard lights work.
• Ashtray light is illuminated and cigarette lighter works.
• Battery terminals are not corroded (
Mk2 battery is in the trunk, right side).
•
Stereo, Amplifier and CD-changer works properly.
- If present, the amplifier is located behind the left side trunk panel.
- Depending on the option package, the CD Changer or iPod connector is located in the glovebox.
•
Vehicles with Sat-Nav RNS-E should have the Navi DVD inside the head unit. Open the front display and press the eject button to verify that it is present.
• Test speakers using the balance and fader adjustments to check left, right, front and rear.
•
Spoiler button works.
•
MagRide button works (if present).
•
TPMS button works (if present).
•
Cycle through the DIS menu to see that all the pixels in the display are working.
•
Both ignition key fobs are present. In North America a plastic valet key may also be included.
- If the vehicle only comes with one fob, the selling price should reflect that (est. replacement cost is ~$300.00 / £230.00 for a second fob).
•
If present, emergency jumper points are located in the engine bay, just to the right of the left shock tower.
8. Interior -
8.1 Cabin:
• Doors, hatch and/or trunk open and close freely.
• Seats are not excessively worn and there are no cracks or splits in the material.
• Carpets are not excessively worn.
• OEM floor mats are present or available.
• Carpets are not wet or damp.
• Clutch, brake and gas pedals are not excessively worn.
• Seatbelts are not worn or frayed and retract properly.
• Ask the seller when was the last time the cabin air filter was changed.
•
When opening the drivers door for the first time, listen carefully for the fuel pump to prime.
•
Door locks - be sure to perform the following tests with BOTH fobs -
- Press the fob buttons and verify it can unlock and unlock the doors and hatch/trunk.
- Unlock and lock the driver's door with a physical key as dead battery will render your key fob useless.
•
Glove box opens freely with no resistance when opening or closing. Verify that both key fobs can operate the lock.
•
Vent bezels rotate freely. Note - the bezels only rotate 90° from the 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock position.
•
Coupe rear seats fold forward. Verify the release works properly.
•
Storage bins under the seats open and close easily (if present).
•
Baby seat restraints (if present) are only available in the Coupe rear seats.
•
Rear parcel shelf is present in the Coupe.
•
Verify the supporting brackets for the parcel shelf are not damaged or broken and are installed correctly (no Non-OEM fasteners)
8.2 Trunk:
• Side, floor and rear panels are in good shape.
• Trunk light comes on.
•
Cargo restraining points are present and functional; x4 in Coupe
•
Cargo net; optional for Coupe
8.3 Below the Trunk floor:
•
Verify all tools are present including the lug lock key, warning triangle and air compressor.
For Roadsters, verify that the roof tool is located under the air compressor and that it is not damaged or broken.
• Car jack may or may not be present depending on country. Note: the Mk2 does NOT include a space saver spare.
•
Check battery condition (located on the right side)
•
Look around the trunk floor for any signs of water ingress.
9. Frame & Chassis - (limited to what you can see looking under the vehicle)
• Chassis and suspension is not damaged, bent or cracked.
• No excessive rust or corrosion especially under the trunk area and around the rear suspension.
• Check for any signs of overspray indicating possible body work.
• Verify the wheel arch liners are properly secured.
• No dents or signs of damage to the underside of the rocker panel below the door sill.
• No serious damage to the lower front edge of the front bumper/spoiler from hitting speed bumps or driveway ramps.
• Look for any obvious signs of damage, scrapes, dents etc. under the vehicle.
10. Roadster -
• Convertible top fabric is in good condition without excessive signs or abrasion or wear.
• Rear glass does not show signs of separation from the top.
• Headliner is not damaged or stained.
• Check that the carpeting behind the seats is not wet or damp.
• Check the drivers and passengers storage bins and seat pockets for items that the owner may have left behind.
•
Top operates smoothly with no hesitation or jerky motion when going up or down (This should be done with the engine running).
•
Roof flaps operate correctly and lay flat when down.
•
Windows drop slightly and then raise completely when the top is operated.
•
Front latch motor cover is present.
•
Wind blocker raises and lowers freely.
•
Center console storage hatch opens freely and both key fobs can operate the locks.
•
Emergency kit is present in upper half of the center console storage area.
• E
mergency trunk release handle is located inside the upper section of the center storage console. Verify that it works properly.
•
In the trunk, remove the air compressor and check that the emergency "key" is located underneath as it is required in the event you have to manually open or close the convertible top.
-
Inspect the crank arm tool and make sure the threaded stud is present in the cup end of the tool. (See this
post for more information)
•
Additional features to check if the Roadster storage package option is present:
- Seat back tips forward (if release is present)
- Storage bins located under the front edge of the seats are functional.
- Seat back bins behind the seats are functional and latch properly.
- Seat back storage pockets are in good condition.
- Pass through cover is present (Note - This can be viewed from inside trunk and will be against the bulkhead)
11. Quattro -
• Rear wheels should engage on wet, icy or slick surfaces. To test it, park on wet grass, sand or gravel and step on the gas. The rear wheels should engage.
• During the mechanical inspection, verify the flex disks are not worn, cracked or split.
• Verify that the Haldex and Final drive are free from leaks.
• Check that the axle boots are not ripped, torn or damaged.
• Verify in the Service Records that the fluid in the Final Drive has been changed.
• Verify in the Service Records that the fluid and BOTH filters in the Haldex have been changed.
12. Test Drive -
• Look, listen, feel and smell how the car operates and handles. Refer to the comments in the above lists.
• Don't be overwhelmed with how the car performs, but be sure to pay attention to how it drives and handles.
• Operate all of the features and optional equipment to make sure everything works; (e.g. paddle shifters, windows, mirrors, HVAC, MagRide, vents, seats, stereo, steering wheel controls, parking assistance, etc.)
• While driving, gently pull the parking brake with the button depressed to see if the parking brake warning light comes on.
• With a manual transmission; check the travel distance of the pedal from the floor to engagement of the clutch.
• DSG and manual transmission; check for slippage on a small incline and make sure all gears shift smoothly without shudder or hesitation.
•
There should be no warning lights or fault messages displayed on the DIS (Drivers Information Screen).
•
When on the highway look in the rear view mirror to verify the spoiler has deployed.
13. Post Test Drive -
• Before shutting off the engine, open the hood again and inspect the engine for any signs of fluid leaks.
• Pay attention to any unusual sounds and/or smells from the engine, transmission and brakes.
14. Basic Questions to Ask the Seller -
• Has the vehicle ever been in any sort of accident or had any bodywork or paint repairs?
• Are the original owners manual and OEM factory booklets available?
• Are service and repair records available?
• When was the last time the oil and filter was changed?
• When was the last time the spark plugs, air filter or cabin air filter was changed?
• When was the last time the DSG, Haldex and Finial Drive fluids were changed?
• Has the car ever been "tuned"?
• Is the security code for the stereo available?
• Does the owner have the original title?
15. Miscellaneous -
• Look around the door frame and engine bay and verify all the OEM stickers and warning labels are present, correct and in the right place.
• Look for any missing, damaged or incorrect fasteners that may indicate body work may have been done.
• Remove any air fresheners before a test drive as it could be there to hide smells of mold or damp.
• Ask the seller if any other optional features are available such as roof racks, baby seats, etc., they may have stored away in an attic or garage.
• Be cautious of any vehicle with "beefed up" engine mods or various re-maps.
16. When to Walk Away -
• If the seller objects or refuses to a mechanical inspection by a third party (at your cost).
• If the seller objects or refuses to an OBDII fault scan.
• If you discover something that is contrary to what the seller has told you.
• If you find a defect, damage or any sign of repairs that the seller can't explain.
• If you feel pressured by the seller.
• If the seller seems overly keen to sell the car.
• If the seller is unwilling to negotiate on the price.
• If you sense something "Isn't quite right".
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