Bonhoeffer

I'm looking to purchase a used Audi TT coupe. If there is another thread that discusses maintenance on the 3.2 vs the 1.8 please link it for me. If not, I would so appreciate some expert advice.

I'm not a mechanic, but I've done plenty of maintenance on American and Japanese cars. I've done breaks, alternators, o2 censors, thermostats, plugs/wires, fuel pumps/filters and other forms of routine maintenace.

As I try to decided between the 1.8 and the 3.2 I would really like to know which is easier to work on.

Two things really stand out so far - the 3.2 has a timing chain, which nullifies the timing belt problem with the 1.8, and, the 1.8 has cheaper parts and more room to work under the hood. I read the thread on timing belt replacement and that's definitely something beyond my ability. I am confident however, the I could replace the plugs, fuel pump/filter, thermostat etc. In fact, I'm impressed with Audi's engineering. Some of the maintenance looks easier than work I've done in the past.

So please make your recommendation! If you were shopping for a used TT which would you buy?

DumpTTruck

The 3.2 is a little stronger out of the box but the 1.8 can easily be taken further.

There is a lot of experience with the 1.8 not so much with the 3.2. Problems with the 1.8 are well documented and dealt with.

The 3.2 didn't come with a stick.

I'd do the 1.8 again although I may go 225 instead of the 180 just for simplicity.

Bonhoeffer

Speed isn't really a concern, as crazy as that sounds. They're both more than fast enough for me. Manual or automatic isn't a very big deal either, although my wife prefers an automatic. If not for the timing belt I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 1.8. If the 3.2 is easy enough to work on, however, then why not buy the 3.2 and avoid the timing belt problem.

Or am I over-reacting about the timing belt? From what I've read they last 65,000. But if you want to play it safe they should be replaced every 40,000 miles.

TTEUER

Replace the belt, tensioner, water pump, etc around every 60k and you should be good.

Bonhoeffer

I recognize the need to replace the belt as you suggest. But why not just buy the 3.2 and avoid the problem altogether?

My concern is all about maintenance. I can maintain the 3.2 myself. But if I buy the 1.8 every 60,000 miles I'll have to pay a mechanic to do a job that is out of my depth. And I hate using mechanics.

60,000 miles doesn't seem like a big deal, but if you're buying a used TT with 30,000, or even 50,000 miles, then the job is right around the corner.

If I'm mistaken however, and the 3.2 is a maintenance nightmare, then I'll go with the 1.8 and just accept the fact that timing belt replacement looms in the future.

JohnLZ7W

I'd rather deal with short change intervals on the TB than deal with possible faults with DSG

TTschwing

But be aware that The potential failures with the DSG and dual clutch system are going to be far more expensive than an occasional TB change on a 1.8.....

There is no free lunch with Audi...All are expensive to maintain.

TToro 3.2

Schwing dont scare people away.. There has been hardly any reports of DSG major malfunctions after warranty or even extended warranty..TB's are money makers for dealers..

TToro 3.2

Then independent shop. then add all the people that didnt follow the Audiworld recommended change. Dealers said 100K, audiworld had it right. I've had both and much happier with DSG.

TToro 3.2

3.2 is my vote but I am biased..whats your goal for the car? track, POWER! or fun.