whats the safer choice, 225 or 250?

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Mar 21, 2009 | 05:21 AM

mrrippey

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whats the safer choice, 225 or 250?

Going to be using it as a commuter, so i need it to be pretty reliable. need awd that is why I like the TT, usually travel alone. Most days travel 40 round trip but on weekends goes up to 300 roundtrip. I am not a modder so I do not expect to do too much (unless it is really simple). I rather have a 6-spd but I do not think the 250hp comes in 6-spd.

Advice? Oh btw, I am looking to spend like 17K on this so I am searching...Many more roadsters than coupes available....

Rippey

Mar 21, 2009 | 09:22 AM

Vegas-roadster

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Both drivetrains are pretty reliable

The big positive about the 250 is that it has a timing chain that will last forever. The timing belt (including tensioners, water pump, etc. that are associated with the belt) on the 225 needs to be changed every 60K or 5 years despite what the owners manual says which will cost you about $1k at a local shop or close to $2K at most stealers. There have been some rare instances of failing even sooner so give the 250 the edge there. If you are thinking of a roadsTTer, the 225 comes with a donut spare but if you get a flat, the flat tire will not fit in the trunk with the lid closed. Meanwhile the 250 does not even have a donut because they had to put the battery where the dount used to be.

Mar 21, 2009 | 09:50 AM

DumpTTruck

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The 1.8 engine is overall more forgiving I think. The 3.2 has a really nice torque curve. If you are not planning on doing any mods then the engine wise the 3.2 is probably better. There have been an increasing number of problems with the DSG transmission lately. They will potentially cost way more than the timing belt change on the 1.8 as they come out of warranty.

Mar 21, 2009 | 11:53 AM

MaxHedrm

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225 - better mileage, cheaper trans
250 - no turbo, no shifting, timing chain

Mar 21, 2009 | 03:24 PM

TTeleven

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I've had 3 TT's, 1 coupe and 2 roadsters the 3.2 DSG was the best of the group.

Just traded it at 85,000 miles no problems

Now on my 2nd Z4

Mar 22, 2009 | 06:55 AM

mrrippey

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Thanks for all of your opinions, this really helps me alot. As I said, I am not really going to mod it but I am really worried about issues with the car. I have a 2002 CL500 and my air suspension spit everything up but I paid zero since I got it CPO.

I have not been able to find anything CPO and most have enuf miles that on a 225, I would do the timing belt stuff anywhy (adding $1500 to any price I pay). I would love to find a ALMS low miles since that was a sweet combo.

I did not know the DSG's had tranny issues but I will search more on this forum. I cant get a roadster (I would love to) but every two weeks I have to get my kids so I need the seats (even if they are small).

Thanks again. Hope to join you all soon.

Rippey

Mar 22, 2009 | 03:57 PM

MaxHedrm

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From: Dallas, Texas, USA

As far as I know the DSG has been reliable. But I mentioned it cos if it does go wrong it will be MUCH more expensive to repair.

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Mar 26, 2009 | 12:48 PM

mrrippey

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I think on any TT I get it will have to at least be CPO or buy into an extended warranty for 2 years or so. I just need to sell my car first. Another issue I am seeing is the lack of coupes, there are many roadsters but on cars.com, there were only 20 or so coupes and most were fwd. It needs to be 2005 or newer else my credit union will not bite.

Anyone want to buy a 2002 CL500 with a year of CPO left