Audi TT 2006-2014 used car review

The Audi TT is a sports car that offers enough comfort to make it usable every day. It is expensive to service.

The original Audi TT was launched in the late 1990s as a quirky small sports car. It shares its chassis and some components with the Volkswagen Golf GTi. By the second generation, the quirky looks had been softened, making it a stylish small sports coupe - with the option of a convertible “Roadster” version. Aluminium used for some body panels makes the vehicle lighter. Although it’s a German car, the TT is assembled in Hungary.

You need to lower yourself into the TT because it sits low to the ground. The interior is sporty, much the same as any Audi of the time, with chrome-ringed, red-lit gauges in a round pod. The steering wheel features a flat bottom for a sporty feel. The air vents across the dash also follow the circular theme and are trimmed in metal.

Our review vehicle was fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system which will require a band expander to receive local stations. This does not look as nice as the well-integrated standard stereo. The handbrake is in an awkward position to the left of the centre console.

The front seats are excellent, with standard leather, thick cushions and bolsters that do an excellent job of keeping you in place around corners. The seats are also electrically adjustable and heated. The rear seats are best for short, occasional use by small people - there is little headroom and virtually no legroom. They look nice but the seatback is too upright to offer much comfort. To access them a lever at the top of the front passenger seat tilts and slides it forward.

The boot isn’t practical either. It is shallow and would struggle to fit a single large suitcase or two small ones. Soft luggage would make the most of the space. However, the rear seats do fold down to expand space to a reasonable level if required.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting paddles on the steering wheel. The engine delivers excellent performance in what is a small car - it will sprint from 0-100kmh in under six seconds. It is quiet when cruising, then sounds throaty and sporty when pushed hard. We did experience some driveline refinement issues though we suspect that might have been down to a transmission issue.

The TT’s handling is also impressive. It rides reasonably comfortably and feels flat and firm through corners with excellent grip, thanks to the all-wheel drive system. The suspension adapts to conditions by changing how firm it is and can be switched into a firmer sports mode. 

Visibility in all directions is not high in the TT - as is normal for a low-slung sports car. Most New Zealand-new 3.2 and TT RS models have parking sensors fitted and Japanese cars are often equipped with an optional reversing camera - they were not sold with them as standard.

Audi does not recommend you tow a trailer with the TT.

Widespread complaints include failure to shift, harsh shift patterns, loss of ratios and excessive shudder. Walk away if the transmission in the Audi you are looking at shifts harshly or shudders on take-off. Repair out of warranty is costly so we firmly recommend any purchase is accompanied by an extended mechanical breakdown insurance policy.

The Quattro system is reliable, provided it is monitored and serviced correctly by an Audi dealer or specialist workshop.

Electric window regulators can fail and genuine replacements are not cheap. Used parts are hard to find, though this component can be purchased online for a saving. Door handle failure is another weak point.

Flickering or juddering electronic needles on the instrument panel are a sure sign that the unit is malfunctioning, an expensive component to source, recalibrate and fit to the TT. Check the panel carefully for any loss of display lighting too.

Water ingress over time can cause failures in the electrical control units ending up with either the roof not working at all or intermittent faults when opening or closing. This model TT is not known to be particularly watertight so look carefully on floor surfaces, under carpets, mats and boot wells for any sign of moisture or water damage.

Water can seep into the electrical circuitry and corrode the rear taillight terminals so make sure they are operating as they should, including indicator lamps, stop lights and brake lights.

Make sure all speakers and amplifier components are working properly on models that have the BOSE factory-installed audio system. Replacement speakers or amps are extremely difficult and expensive to source.

This review covers the Audi TT for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.