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May 24, 2007 | 05:30 AM

odwagerTTy

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newbie

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2003 roadster/auto/all options 1.8T, 53k mile. I have tried to do market research, but there is not a ton out there... at least not as much I had hoped. For those of you that have a 2003 what issues should I most be concerned about? Are there any parts of the car that I need to examine more thoroughly? What is a realistic price for a retail-sold car? The car is in good shape for the year and miles, but I feel as though there is something that I am missing and just not seeing. At 53k miles, what is/was the major fault to be aware?

May 24, 2007 | 05:37 AM

roadyTT

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You'll hear this a lot...

You're going to need to have your timing belt changed soon. Due to time and/or mileage, they tend to break. Audi recommends 105k miles, but around here it's said that 60k is a good idea. If that particular piece breaks, you're looking at a rebuild which can go anywhere from $3-6k.

May 24, 2007 | 05:39 AM

blackfnTTruck

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Make sure the gauges and cluster is all functional, timing belt will need to be done....

in another 10k or so. make sure all the gears are smooth.

May 24, 2007 | 05:47 AM

odwagerTTy

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Re: newbie

thanks, that is the stuff that I am looking for, any more 411 would be fantastic! My main concern is the turbo. What is the failure rate, and at what point in the life of the car? Normal city driving... are you burning the brakes up faster in the TT than other cars?

May 24, 2007 | 05:57 AM

Cruzad3r

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are you buying it from private or dealer... i opt for CPO at a dealer..true you'll pay a little bit

more but it comes with a warranty. a 50 bucks deductible will cover a lot of things and offer a wonderful piece of mind...

things to look for, squeaking on the front, sign of worn sway bar bushing

people will drive chipped car a little bit harder so there might be some concern there for your turbo issue. well that's all i dont think there are much to worry other than regular maintenances

good luck and enjoy your soon-to-be-new-car

May 24, 2007 | 06:12 AM

odwagerTTy

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It is being purchased from a dealer

not a private owner. Ignorance here, CPO? Not sure what that is.

May 24, 2007 | 07:15 AM

ablankS4

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Certified pre-owned. *edited to delete bogus link* >>

Sorry, audicpo.com sometimes link to a fine watch offer apparently. Anyway, below is my original message.

--

My warranty has more than paid for itself in just two years. (CV joint, ball joint, etc.)

http://www.audicpo.com/

Excessive brake wear isn't typically an issue on TTs. Unless you're swapping to pads that eat rotors for some reason.

Turbos have failed, yes, but the items already listed in the posts below are far more common and worthy of your attention: timing belt, instrument cluster, fuel senders.

Do a search for "common problems," but realize that this forum probably attracts owners who are already seeking answers to problems, so you may get a skewed impression of the car's faults.

Good luck!