geordon

I am looking at several similarly equipped privately owned MK1 quattros. Assuming all are in relatively good condition, which would be the most bang for my buck without incurring excessive maintenance concerns:
2005 45,000mi $19K
2004 97,000mi $13K
2001 95,000mi $9K (has new timing belt)

Is age or mileage more of a factor for repairs and longevity in snow/salt country?

Thanks,

Geordon

TTQ2k2

Always best to buy newest/lowest mileage car you can afford. Forget the o2004, imo. 97K miles is way to much. FWIW, I bought a 2-owner completely stock 2001 225Q coupe, bose, fat 5s, heated seats, xenons and carfax info with 67K mile in june for $9K.

Age and mileage are equal factors imo regardless of climate.

good luck on the hunt.

geordon

I was thinking the 2004 was bad news. It is listed as all highway miles, but a buddy pointed out that highway miles on a 4 banger may actually be harder on the engine, itself, continously running at high RPMs.

I will through another option into the mix:
2006 TT 3.2 quattro DSG 17,000mi $27000

I currently drive (for the past 18 years!) a 1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (300HP Twin Turbo V6), so might I enjoy the 3.2 more?

SlapTTy

High RPMs on the highway??

I have a 180Q and in 5th gear I'm only at like 3k RPM at legal highway speeds.

geordon

That is good to know! I would think the 225Q in 6th might be a little lower. Thanks.

BosTTon

Jump on that 3.2L w/DSG if you can afford it and don't mind not having a clutch. The DSG is a spectacular manual/auto tranny and the 3.2L v6 is a hoot to drive. FYI, have owned a 180hp TTR FWD and have experience with the 225hp....the 3.2L is the way to go as it is a great engine (and no lag).

BosTTon

AudiMick

Resale is not good on those cars, the transmission while interesting to drive has a mixed reputation for reliability and if it breaks it's Audi dealer only.

Big $$$$$

Google Audi Mechatronic, not quite as bad a reputation as the Audi CVT but still cause for concern.

If you want DSG go for the Mk 2 TT or get long warranty.

geordon

I just missed a 2008 3.2, dealer listed and had it sold right away. Don't know if it was DSG or 6MT.

Last year my wife replaced her NB TDI DSG with an '08 A4 2.0T Q w/ paddle shift. I rarely used the paddles in either car, and being a techie, liked the idea of DSG, though I am still a clutch man.

The local non-dealer foreign car shop said to jump on the 2006, as it sounds like it wasn't driven hard. He had/has the older 180Q, and said, yes, the 3.2 has more power, but he felt the 225Q would be a better performer (but not as good as the 2.0T), and that the 3.2 was harder to work on. He said when (not if) the 1.8T starts to leak, to get the cam seals replaced right away by someone knowledgeable, and it will be bullet-proof.

I haven't been able to find a 3.2 within 3 hours distance to test drive, so the local 2005 225Q is looking real good to me, right about now, if I can convince myself it is time to part with the R/T TT.

CU13ANO

i said you should keep looking,i just got my tt 01 225 quattro w/ 60,000k miles for 8k < but i bought off a good friend, my point is you can find a better car for ur money

BosTTon

The DSG tranny is more than just interesting.....it kicks **** (esp. w/a 3.2L). Owned a 2004 3.2L w/DSG for 4 years...never a problem (but of course it's no stastical analysis or reliability). Have the DSG in my current 09 TTR 3.2L...again amazing. Test drive and see. The only thing that matches are the new auto trannies in the Porsches. IMHO, Audi has one of the best auto/manual trannies available.

BosTTon