bpd5alive

Hello - I'm new to the forum and I'm hoping for some guidance regarding a purchase of a 2005 TT 3.2 located in Auburn, WA. The car has just under 68K miles. And I realize this might be a stretch but does anyone recognize this car - or did the owner ever post on the forum (it is a NorCal and WA car)?

I have some questions regarding the long term service of 3.2 trim with the DSG:

• Are there any major maintenance issues I should look for in the cars service records? Especially regarding the DSG?
  
• Are there any major parts that I should be aware of that routinely wear or are costly to fix?
  
• Can anyone recommend an independent Audi shop near Auburn, Tacoma and/or Seattle that can perform a detailed PPI?

Thanks in advance for your assistance - I'm looking forward to contributing to forum community in the future.

Grave

Look at the title history. If it's a salvage, then it's very possible you'll have issues. Also see if there's any rental history in the car. People who rent cars tend to care less about them.

Your mileage is in that range where the car will begin needing maintenance, if the previous owner didn't take care of it.

Prepare to do the following:

• Obvious stuff: oil change, tires, brakes, battery, spark plugs, fluids
• Timing belt at about 75K - $1000~ of work
• DSG: change oil and replace filter
• Clutch: change oil/filter
  

bpd5alive

Thanks Grave.

It does not have a salvage title - it was originally a lease in Santa Clara, CA until 31k miles and subsequently a CPO from Larson Porsche/Audi in Tacoma, WA until 62K miles.

The car is still in WA and Larson Audi will be conducting a Buy's Inspection as well as furnishing the service records for the car from 31k. I am going to contact the Santa Clara dealer to see if they are willing to do the same.

It does not appear the time belt has been changed but most all other major services have been performed - 35k, 45k and 60k. I will be sure to have them look over the DSG and and timing belt as key points of interest.

Are there any other red flag items I should ask them to check?

Grave

This might be helpful. I'm pretty sure it includes all services required.


As for red flags, here's some "hidden" issues my TT had when I bought it:

• Oxygen sensor might be out, and the seller just 'reset' the check engine
• Flex pipe might be blown out or about to (expensive replacement)
• Make sure there's no alignment issues (ball bearings, etc)
• Evap system: it's a pain to find and fix issues
• Rotors: make sure they're not almost worn out and if they are, make sure they're not thin to where you can't smooth it out
• Water pumps: if there's a leak, I hear it's a pain to replace yourself

By the way, if you're looking for an inspection, I would take it to an Audi dealer. They'll charge you somewhere around $100, but they will find every issue with the car, since they're eager to charge you thousands to repair them.

Vegas-roadster

bpd5alive

@Vegas-roadster - thanks for the timing chain info very glad to hear that it's a chain ...

@Grave - thanks for pointing to the scheduled maintenance intervals PDF as well as your hidden issues.

I'll be sure to let you know what turns up from the Larson Audi PPI - it's scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Cheers!

AudiMick

No chain, but the tensioners have issues.

Vegas-roadster

I hane heard of a few tensioner problems in the 3.2 after 100K but have seen virtually no posts about this on TT boards here or elsewhere. I've read that the chain gets very noisy to alert you when the tensioners get weak.

bpd5alive

So the PPI from Lason Audi in Tacoma came back with the following;

• Align Four Wheels - All ($197.00)
• Front Strut Bearing, r&r ($638.00)
• Front Wiper Blades, r&r - both ($53.06)
• DIAG for Fault Coolant Temp Sensor ($155.82)
• DIAG for Fault VTI FLAP MOTOR INOP ($155.82)

Front brake linings were at (10mm) and and tire treads were both 10mm. The rear tires were both (9mm) and brake linings rears were at (6mm). They noted curb rash on the passenger rear wheel.

It came to approx 160.00 in parts and $872.00 in labor for a total estimate of $1,132.00. The car is listed for $16,998 with 69,917 miles on the clock ...

Questions for the board: Is anything listed above going to send you packing? If not, do you offer the less the repairs or have them make the repairs prior to purchase?

Thanks again in advance for the advice.

AudiMick

They must be flying in mechanics from Germany to work on it.

Temp sensor is $20 it takes 5 minutes to replace.

Wiper blades $53?

Is that both front strut bearings?

You can get a 4 wheel alignment for a lot less. There is no adjustment on the rear anyways, you have to move the sub-frame.