Buying a S3/TT..... but concerned!

[markyp2002]

Hi folks, thought id try and post this here too being as the TT has the same engine as the S3.

Ive owned an A3 2001 1.8T for a while now, and the missus wants to get rid of her KA and buy a TT.

After looking at some ridiculous ones, i think ive found the perfect one.

2001 51 Plate TT 225, black leather interior, silver and all that jazz.

The car is immaculate, full Audi service history, and its done 120k miles ( a little high i know, but still looks and drives like new)

My concern is this:

I took it for a test drive middle of last week, and im not sure if this happens to all of them, but when you dip the clutch in to change gear and lift of the accelerator, the revs dont seem to drop as fast as they do in say my a3, almost sounds like your foot is still on the accelerator for a split second.

Now is this common in all of them, as my theory to it would be being a sports car (kind of) perhaps it would do this to keep the revs up whilst changing gear?

If its not supposed to do this, anyone have an idea of what it could be and what sort of money are we talking to get it repaired?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shy19s]

Sounds like the clutch is slipping, but it could be your not used to changing gear as this clutch will have a slight tighter set up, so you might not be lifting your foot off as quick as you would in your a3, however if you did this test and lifted it off quickly..then id say its the clutch on the way out.

People quote different prices for clutch jobs, depends where you take it, not hard to change yourself, but if your not that handy, best advice would ask around for s3 owners near you for specialists.

 

[markyp2002]

Hmmm ok, i guess that would make sense to be honest, i did notice the clutch pedal was a touch higher than i would expect.

Whats the average sort of cost for having a clutch done a TT/S3?

 

[grumbas]

Mine does this and I think its because the MAF is shot - if I run the car with the MAF unplugged all is fine!

The MAF going is another common fault on the 1.8T.

Mine's on similar mileage and I've just had the turbo go so would advise checking that closely, the bill wasnt pleasant!

 

[markyp2002]

Ok, what symptoms did you have to know that the turbo had gone/going ?

I want to make sure im not buying a wreck, cosmetically it is perfect but driving wise im not sure as ive never driven a TT before now!

 

[jimbo_123]

One key thing to look out for... when the turbo charger is on its way out you'll notice blue smoke on cold start up. Next time you go test drive it , have a look..

One thing I would suggest is do what I did when looking for my S3, arrange a test drive with an Audi dealer of a car in the model/year you're after. I test drove an 8L S3 with 33k miles on it just to get an idea what it "should" drive like. It gave me a very good bench mark to work with.
Mind you it did make me VERY fussy as there is a lot of dogs out there that have been molested.... so be careful!

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[Lenny Benford]

It could be the switch that fits onto the clutch pedal arm, if its on the way out or broken the revs will raise slightly when the clutch is pressed down i replaced mine last week.

 

[grumbas]

In my case the bearings on the turbo had gone so oil was getting pretty much everywhere it shouldn't - simply lifting the bonnet after a drive you'd see smoke pouring off the turbo!

I had oil in the main pipe from the air box too - wonder why the MAF has gone...

I don't remember seeing any smoke from the exhaust at any point though (even from cold start), which was a bit peculiar.

 

[markyp2002]

ah well, didnt see any blue smoke, or oil coming from anywhere for that matter. I had a good look around and in the car, under the hood, even took the plastic engine cover off to check around for "weathered" pipes and the like.

Didnt see anything at all, pretty clean under the bonnet for 120k to be honest, it may be because im not used to the clutch or the drive of the TT at all for that matter. Either way i think im going to take the risk and buy it on wednesday, ill let you know how i get on!

Thanks you all

 

[Shy19s]

Dont buy it with emotion mate, think logically.. make sure you know whats up with the car before you buy yourself something that could potentially cost you alot more than you bargained for.

Arrange test drives, despite whether the cars are in your price range or not, cars in your area, seem interested go find out whether they are the same as this one... 120k is alot of mileage.. has the cambelt be done the second time roundm why is he selling it etc.. obviously you've asked these q's but just dont rush in to it.

At the end of the day your not going to be able to tell if the clutch has gone if you take the plastic cover off the engine.

Good luck with it either way. Let us know what happends.

 

[jimbo_123]

Totally agree with what shy19s said.

The first S3 I test drove when I was looking was well out of my price range but I wanted a bench mark to work with, the S3 at Audi dealer was an 03 plate with 33k miles on it up for £13995 (yes I did say £13995!!).

I would say if you're in any doubt get someone who knows what they're talking about to have a look around it (not AA or RAC). As said 120k is lot of mileage and that should be supported by a comprehensive service history (be it Audi or specialist indy).

I would personally say that on 120k miles, if it still has the original clutch it would be well past its prime and possibly on its last legs. Clutches on these are NOT cheap, I know people on here have paid mega bucks to get theirs sorted cheapest being about £700 from an indy (dont quote me on this figure though!!).

Anyway good luck and hope the potential purchase goes well, I know what its like when buying cars and its easy to get ruled by your heart rather than your head. But in this case I would seriously use your head as these cars arent cheap to fix when they go wrong!

 

[markyp2002]

Ok guys, thanks for your help. A friend of the family has his own garage, hes offered to come with me to give it the once over before i hand over any cash, it has got full service history, some missing between 65k and 107k, but stamp in book states cambelt, tensioners and waterpump changed at 107k along with a long life service. Either way i will have it serviced again when/if i get it.

I will let you know how i get on, if all is well we will have it on wednesday!

 

[TheSpaceCowboy]

I know people say mileage doesnt matter but the truth is it does, after this many miles things start to perish that you wouldnt really think of, at that sort of mileage its imperative to go over everything. Good luck!

 

[markyp2002]

Well, spoke to the guy were buying it from, hes offered me 12 months warranty with the car for my added satisfaction. Cant grumble with that!

Ill keep you updated tomorrow when we go over again!

 

[Nilz]

Good luck with it mate

 

[alijames]

Well, spoke to the guy were buying it from, hes offered me 12 months warranty with the car for my added satisfaction. Cant grumble with that!

What type of warranty is it? If it's one of those generic, 'valid at any garage' ones watch it, as most 'wear and tear' items are excluded, eg clutch etc.

Unless the warranty is with the seller himself, be very careful, and even if it is, ask exactly what is covered.

I've heard some rather scary tales on warranties on older/high mileage cars!!!

Cheers,

 

[scoobyra]

I'm guesssing the TT you're buying is drive buy wire?? If it is, that will explain why the revs dont drop off straight away as they suffer from throttle lag! I found this really odd when I went from my A3t to my S3 but you soon get used to it.

 

[S3 Rav]

this may be too late but ill add it anyways. i found this problem on my s3 when i bought it. i found it to be the clutch switch. it was knackered when we took it out it was in pieces really. got it cganged (only costs about £17) or so and has done the trick no problems now with the revs droping.

 

[markyp2002]

Well, went over yesterday to pick the car up, i have a platinum warranty, according to the little book that comes with it covers practically everything so im happy with that.

As for that car........ WOW! what a difference to the A3, smoother, quicker, sticks to the road like **** to a blanket, very impressed, now i know what i was missing haha.

As for the sticking revs, doesnt seem to be doing it now, perhaps it was because i wasnt used to it, but after driving it around for the latter part of yesterday for a few hours, clocking up 170mile in 1 day o.o around town; i am very impressed. Its fair to say i am happy with what i bought, and as for the exterior, its immaculate. very clean, very looked after car.

Overall im extremely happy, and anyone who currently has an A3..... get rid of it now and buy an S3/TT. Its a different league altogether!

 

[danotto]

If only dave bayern could read this.lol

 

[Leon]

I remember my first drive in the S3 and it was fantastic. I had a 1.8T before as well which was good, but nothing like its big brother. Everyone will tell you to get it remapped but I'd put up with it for as long as possible (maybe a year) then get it remapped. And then have fun with that!

 

[kevsn]

hi all

just reading this post i have the same problem where my revs arnt dropping quick enugh when changing gear. only happens tho when i floor it (seems worse changinf from 2nd to 3rd) also i have about of inch play in the pedal before the clutch engages. ne ideas i thought my clutch was on its way out but its not riding.

cheers

 

[S3 Rav]

my experience is its the clutch switch. take it out check that its not crakced if so only costs bout £17 odd quid

 

[kevsn]

what does it look like and where is it located