INSPECTING + BUYING THE CHEAPEST LOW MILE MK1 AUDI TT 3.2 V6 MANUAL

[@simonplimbley5778]

Had my 8n 3.2 Roadster for 4 years …49k mileage. I had the chains done as they were well out when checked on VCDS( £2k ) in 2022. Low mileage isn’t a guarantee as it’s all about servicing (oil) and getting her warmed up IMO. The reason I bought it was the mileage and condition…..also the paperwork that came with it. 2 years previously it had had the mechatronic / DSG box done at Audi (£2.5k). The key is they are 20 years old so you have to factor that in … main thing is I absolutely love the car. I would recommend buying the Bentley TT book (bible) & use a good TT specific specialist. TT Spares in Crewe are my go to but they also do a lot of mail order spares as well as services etc. I can’t recommend them enough - also a great MK1 TT community on the socials. So get to the meets 👍 All the best and thanks for the channel Andy

[@simonplimbley5778]

Oh and get ready for the warning lights 😂…

[@volkswizard]

Nice insight, thanks Simon. Agreed re the chains not being guaranteed at low mileage, I used to sell Golf V6 4motions and at 30k some sounded different to others. The community is a good point, it's always been a nice bonus to ownership and I'll definitely be at a meet once that car is a bit more sorted 👍🏻

[@volkswizard]

Not scared 😁

[@derekallan6231]

Any old VW comes with warning lights as standard ​@@simonplimbley5778

[@kevinmcg6747]

The TT parked in front of the R8 just screams peak Audi design years Andrew. Looking forward to seeing you progress this in to the car it deserves to be. Cheers, Kevin.

[@volkswizard]

Hey Kevin, thanks for your support. Interesting point re Audi design, the link is that both were first generation designs that hadn't been messed with so car pure. The subsequent generations were fiddled with. I love the Mk2 TT but I recall when it came out seeing one in a car park, all you could see was its nose which looked like any other Audi.

[@pietervanderspek3521]

I agree since I also own the two so I can see this every day. I would like to add some pictures but I wonder if this is possible on KZbin so maybe I could make a short video.

[@StueyMonster]

AC... If you haven't found it yet, I did a post on the TT forums (Stupots) titled with that code. Yes, as you say "Open or short to ground" can simply mean no gas so don't go on a wild goose chase checking wiring straight away. Normal places for loosing gas are through the sensor itself (I could blow through mine) or the o-ring failing (less common). Check your fans run on slow first by removing fuse 16. No point checking AC pump voltage or if the fans come on via the AC panel as neither will operate whilst that fault exists. The Febi sensor part 29240 and a regas worked perfectly for me (after quite a few hours of troubleshooting, hence the post to help others).

[@pietervanderspek3521]

I own an Audi TT 1.8 Quattro MK1 225hp that I bought new in 2000. For the moment it has 195.000 km on the counter. It is a very reliable car apart from some issues with the instrument cluster which had to be replaced two times. The 6 speed manual gear box is superb. I recently found a nearly new interior in Holland, front and back seats, for 800 euro. The car looks new now., When I bought the car it came without the ugly rear spoiler which had to be retrofitted some years later by Audi which I refused however since I wanted to keep the original design. The current official value of the car is very low but for me it is like a jewel.

[@BS-ge4ne]

Good buy Andrew and looks like the niggles are relatively cheap fixes so far 👌. The main thing apart from the chains is the dreadest rust. Sadly heavily affected my own QS I'd parted with earlier this year under 5k but i realised it needed a few K spend realistically (and sans buckets). I think it was your blue QS that partly inspired the purchase back in '18. These videos are keeping my interest in the TT alive vicariously for now; I think the 3.2 would be the way i go if i ever dip in again. Keep up the good work and have a great Christmas. Barney

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much Barney - sorry to hear about your qS. As with a lot of cars some go rusty and some don't. My old one was pretty bad on the suspension components but was OK where it matters - it's now over twice as old as it was back then so it will be interesting to see how it looks now. Maybe I should have stuck to vicarious enjoyment this time but then that engine sound forced my hand - hope it forces yours one day too :)

[@paulbaverstock751]

Loved the video Andrew. I too have just purchased a MK1, 3.2 manual, I’m loving it too. Not driven it much yet as sorting a few bits, but I bloody love it… Looking forward to following your progress with your one.

[@volkswizard]

Nice one Paul and thanks" Did you buy it from an Autotrader ad? If so I might have seen it. I think I missed a Glacier Blue with red interior in Hertfordshire, pretty sure that was manual.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Paul! The beauty of the Mk1 TT (quite literally) is that they are nice to look at as well as to drive so they give some pleasure just standing still. Started work on mine today, no seized up bolts as yet which is a pleasant surprise!

[@TheNorville2]

Love you doing content on the Audi TT, I still have my 225 TT that I bought in 2004...it stills put a smile on my face even though I have a TTS. The alarm horn on my car has never worked.

[@rsjamie9423]

I absolutely love them. I had a 3.2 manual when it was almost new. Sadly one of the most unreliable cars I've had. The coil packs kept failing. Looking forward to this journey. Thank you

[@Shyted]

Had a coil pack issue on my 1.8t. kzbin.infoLcXp5hmz6yk?si=_zFXkWz458DIRAnw

[@vedggie]

Merry Christmas Volkswizard, nice present at 7.30 on Christmas morning 🎅

[@volkswizard]

Thanks vedggie! Your comment was a pressie for me too 🎄

[@Auto-TaT]

As it has been lowered, has the rear camber been corrected? If not, this is a must. You can either fir off-set bushes or the better way is to fit a oait of adjustable arms. There have been some horror stories of the cheap adjustable arms breaking so I have just bought a pair of Forge arms. The fork end (where they fail) is much better engineered.

[@volkswizard]

Good point sir! Pretty sure camber hasn't been corrected. I heard those horror stories about the adjustable arms failing many years ago. I can see how that can happen as there will be a weak point unless far better engineered than the non-adjustable parts,

[@AUDIDOIT]

Andrew could not agree more, the 3.2 is the best MK 1 TT. Let’s face it these beautiful machines are about nostalgia, they are not the last bastion of performance, more characterful enjoyment. The car you tested honestly does not seem to have been loved. Owners that stack up niggles without sorting them out cause me to scratch their head. It is not an excuse “well it is a 20 year old car”. That said it will be good as a content feature car, and seeing her saved at brought back to her former glory would be lovely to see. Personally I would have walked away on this one, but hope you got her for a good price. Misano is the best colour, and those factory wheels are 👌😊 Look forward to the future content.

[@davidclarke7656]

Looking forward to the project Andrew. I reproduce/supply many of the obsolete original warning stickers/labels - including the door shuts so can help there

[@TimLemonn]

@ Do you do Golf mk5 R32 and Clio 182?

[@mc4130]

Really reminds me just how right these cars are. Undiluted from original design and the ‘Easter eggs’ though the design are such a pure touch. You don’t tend to see them with skirts and spoilers and big wheels as they are just right. The only change being the spacers and springs which actually do make it look really good. Looking forward to this journey!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks MC! Audi did a Votex styling kit for TT. Unsurprisingly and thankfully it’s very rare

[@mc4130]

@ omg - I just looked up the ABT widebody…. That’s just wrong…

[@malcolmscott4150]

Happy Christmas and new year to you and Kate. Great project - red v6 coupe manual Quattro - I think in Oz these were DSG only here’s to more great content 👍👏🏎

[@jaydeanhall]

A brave buy Andrew. Surprised me with the previous videos leading up to this tbh, I thought it was going to be mint not a project. Still, a nice project, 'tis the season after all

[@volkswizard]

Surprised me too Jay but the previous videos convinced me not to compromise, no DSG, no roadster, no 1.8T and no colour combination I don't like. I was addicted to searching Autotrader and ebay to no avail, in fact the cars on Autotrader that were 3.2 V6 manual were getting fewer and fewer. It was the drive of the Mk4 R32 DSG in Germany that put me off DSG which massively limits choice. Hence why I've gone for a car that yes needs work but can be the car I want at the end of the project. If there are plenty of cars to choose from then never go ex-write off as it's just not worth it.

[@scitec6166]

I just got one of these in dsg I love it the shifts are quick and manual mode is good, you can get the dsg remapped for better performance, the UK roadtax on a dsg is half the price of a manual, I had a mk2 3.2 tt V6 manual and it was a nice drive too but the £60 a month road tax on a weekend car was too much, been driving manuals for over 30 years and drive everyday for work so that's probably why I prefer dsg's these days😊

[@manniekerr1511]

A car most, having watched your earlier buying guide (and myself included), would’ve walked away from. Engine and gearbox appear sound though, so a good project car for the channel which should make for more great content. Merry Christmas Andrew and thanks for your hard work this year!

[@volkswizard]

Yes indeed, I appreciate it’s not a case or buying the best TT but I think it’s still a decent car and worthy of investment which isn’t case with the majority of Mk1 TTs. Thanks so much, seasons greeting to you and yours 👍

[@danielrussell446]

Merry Christmas Andrew and Kate and hope you have a great day and best wishes for the new year It looks like a good project and a good car at the end of it! Looking forward to see it come back to life! All the best Daniel

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Hi Andrew. The sound of that 3.2 is intoxicating you never need the radio on :) Once it’s mechanically sound and you push that engine the smile is ear to ear. I never get tired of my mk5 I’m very sad but I call my car the beast because of that lump in the front of a small car :) The tick over when warm sounds the same as on mine. Great price great car great engine:) can’t wait for the next videos. Vdub:)

[@peterosullivan8207]

Merry Christmas, thanks for some fantastic videos this year, I really enjoyed this one. I keep looking at these myself as they seem a really special car for not a huge amount of money (the wheels have got to be one of the best OE designs as well :D ) I'd actually prefer a DSG as I've struggled previously with 3.2 manuals and getting a smooth getaway. In regards to sharpening up the steering feel I fitted the pre-recall wishbones, super pro caster increase bushes and H&R anti-roll bars, granted it was a on the MK4 Golf so a lower baseline but the improvement was significant.

[@j11ssr]

I've had 3 3.2s in my life continuously since 2012, 2 MK1s and a MK2 in-between. Sadly the one I currently have doesn't really get driven. I've done less than. A 1000 miles since COVID hit. The last 2 years it's only been to and from the MOT centre. Currently on SORN, It has a few issues needs sorting but I just can't part with it. I know if I sell it I'll end up looking for another one.

[@slackmatt12]

Great detailed video Andrew, i'd quite like a MK1 , even though I've only just traded in my MK3!

[@volkswizard]

@@slackmatt12 thanks Matt 👍🏻

[@Phil-1969]

I had a’mint 3.2 53 plate roadster with fsh sitting on 96000 miles , I had it 4 years but ended up scraping it this year because the DMF was rattling and the chains were too, it was such a shame the car was original and mint , but it wasn’t worth spending that much on it , I sold it to a chap the broke TTs and he gave me £1500 , they are great cars yours has all the problems mine had over the 4 years I owned it , you have got the best colour by far and got it at a good price , mine was glacier blue with light grey leather interior , don’t forget the six track cd player in the side pocket in the back, video of mine on my channel

[@richweston6202]

Loving the content on the older stuff like this! Merry Christmas!

[@davidsweet8829]

Merry Christmas Andew. Thanks for all your videos which have kept us vag fans entertained. Looking forward to watching your progress with this one.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks David! Hope your S2 Avant project is going well🎅🏻👍🏻

[@ryangibson3552]

Looking forward to watching the journey on this one! Another great video Andrew.

[@f1kwa399]

Merry Christmas Andrew, thanks for all your hard work producing interesting videos for us, the TT is going to be good content as you say and the perfect colour for Christmas, all the best, Ken

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much Ken, it is much appreciated. Seasons greetings to you and yours.

[@Greig300]

For me I started with your channel with the MK5 Golf GTI. I’d like to see you restore a tired example with low miles. I look forward to more videos on this TT.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Greig! The problem with the Mk5 GTI from my perspective is that nobody wants to pay top money for a top car plus rust is a bigger problem at a younger age that the TT and generally they get driven harder. On the plus side they are simpler so less likely to get scrapped as no timing chains, no AWD so massive bills are unlikely

[@ianharris2407]

Merry Christmas Andrew , great video as always, good choice can’t beat that engine for sound, and spot on for videos having a nice project looking forward to this .👍🏻👍🏻

[@TimLemonn]

Looking forward to following this! I have a mk5 R32 so interested to see any engine bits you end up doing.

[@volkswizard]

👍👍👍👍

[@Shyted]

My dream for 2026 is a V6 TT to do the NC500 and then drive it to the Arctic circle. A friend wants to do it with me but can’t decide what car he wants to do it in.

[@Prop909]

Drinking a cup of coffee while watching this upload. I have a S3 8L from 2001. First thing i noticed in your video is how slow the wiper engine is. This will fail in a short amount of time is my experience

[@johnwhittaker6433]

Wishing you the best with this TT project, your videos on the MK2 TT is what convinced me to buy my own

[@chrismc1977]

Just needs a good sort through. Eibach springs instead of the stance items- along with those Bilstein dampers. Maybe a resonated milltek system & stealth map to compliment it in time

[@volkswizard]

Good idea, map and exhaust are fine for now but when it’s fully sorted those can be the cherry on top 👍

[@richiegsimpson]

Another great video Andrew. Looking forward to seeing the work progressing over the coming months. Will you do most of the work yourself? Merry Christmas and happy New Year🎉

[@CLMTON]

I’m having a sniff around for one of these. Them windscreen wipers though 😂 I had a 225 and thought they were absolutely useless, had 3 second hand motors in my old one, but just couldn’t seem to get them any faster.

[@airthreypark]

Great video. Really informative and good to watch.

[@robc5955]

Love the sound of that engine. Be interested what you think re febi parts, had a couple of fitment/quality issues of late whereas previously always my go to.

[@DougBentall]

Great video and look forward to following the progress. Merry Christmas Andrew.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Doug and to you and yours too 👍

[@burimalimi6490]

Merry Christmas Andrew. Thanks for all your efforts during 2024 and all the best for 2025! Also, I would love to support you through a Patreon set up if you would consider. Much respect from Australia. Burim.

[@rob_lightbody]

Funny how different people see different things, i think it looks nicer with the standard ride height. Nice car, and i enjoy watching projects with things to fix, so good choice.

[@isakeriksson1183]

Great video as always, keep it up! Love the mk1 TT, such a timeless and clean design.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Isak! Yes indeed, that design inside and out is maturing nicely

[@TheChappers]

All the best for this car. I bought my 225 MK1 in August and don’t regret it. Bought it for £1500. As you said they are cheap as chips at present.

[@pablopanayi8625]

Merry Christmas, all the best ! 🎄🎄🎄

[@volkswizard]

Same to you Pablo!🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

[@davewestrup2420]

Wow, £3600 for that, seems very expensive to me given the current market.. I was thinking all the way through “thats a £1500 car there”… I paid £4200 for mine a couple of years ago when the market was much better than it is now (the same manual 3.2 MK1) with no bodywork or anything needed… (In fairness mine has much higher mileage though, 110,000) Great series to watch, and will be interested to see how it progresses overtime(and what you find under that paint when you strip it off). Cheers

[@Cars_And_Stuff.]

I'm surprised you bought a previous right off. Obviously, its a long term project and not a money spinner. Without doubt these are a future classic. I quite fancy a mk1 myself TBH.

[@volkswizard]

I’m surprised too but after spending a month looking for a good V6 manual coupe I realised that I had to put its past behind me & assess on the condition today. Look at it this way, would you rather have a rusty one and or/in need of timing chains? I couldn’t even pay top dollar for a mint low miler as they don’t exist and if one did it should be £10k-£15k

[@Cars_And_Stuff.]

@@volkswizard if you bought it for channel content and to "enjoy it" fair do's .

[@berntfors3426]

Great video Andrew! Merry Christmas!🌲

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Bernt! Same to you too!

[@scitec6166]

Just got one of these in dsg so subscribed to see your content, was the £400 just for springs only? are you putting standard shocks with the Bilstein springs? Yes They do look to high stock

[@MidlifeM]

An enjoyable watch. Subscribed for more to see how you get on with this project.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much 🙌

[@davidstewart343]

Happy Christmas Andrew 🎄 the car looks lovely

[@volkswizard]

Same to you David and thanks!

[@faisalhamed6797]

Interesting video, had one of these a few years ago, the sound is epic. Reach out to BWS TT for any help. He’s very good

[@volkswizard]

BWS video already has helped by showing how to get the ABS sensor out by taking disc off, not everyday I learn something new about fixing broken VAG😁

[@matt.l-s]

What cameras do you use for recording in the car out of interest Andrew?

[@switchbladeromance1466]

It's a 20 year old car.. It's not going to be mint.

[@volkswizard]

I get that and being in the trade for 20 years I have very reasonable expectations. Problem is everybody's expectation vary and with a 'showy' car like the TT there's no point owning a rough one but many are too far gone to restore economically. For many it might be best buying a Mk2 as they seem to wear a little better and can be over a decade newer and not much more expensive

[@switchbladeromance1466]

@volkswizard looks like a great car and for the age.. You can get the paintwork done.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

​@@volkswizard I had a mk2 TT, just a base 2.0T, it's was great at the time but now I've had an NA 981S I wouldn't want to go back, unless it was the 5 cylinder for half the price.

[@spinnetti]

Wow... looks great, and sooo much cheaper there than the US!

[@bikersparky]

Excellent this will be interesting viewing. Happy Christmas

[@wynhughes9072]

Hi Andrew. That colour looks more like Brilliant Red not Missano Red

[@fatwalletboy2]

Thats presented very well. I love my B8 sports dampers. How did you get the contact details for a previous owner?

[@volkswizard]

It was on a receipt, that's one of the perks of buying privately, GDPR doesn't apply so receipts get passed on👍🏻

[@jrushen4235]

There is something inherently lovely about the Mk 1 TT.

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

The camera does pick up the different shades of red on the driver's side.

[@volkswizard]

Yes indeed, I should have mentioned it before the summary at the end of the video but I’d already decided the side needed painting. I found it interesting that the worst paint areas were unrelated to the original repair in 2006 but it’s an old car so it’s done well to keep the other side original 😅

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

@volkswizard yes, I noticed that too and was as surprised as you! Looks like you've got a good one there. Looking for another 225 in Avus silver with red leather as deeply regret letting my last one go!

[@marktipton218]

Cat-D means nothing or any categorise car as long as it’s been repaired properly and everything is okay. There’s a big mark out there where people literally buy crash damage cars they fix them and sell them on. There’s nothing wrong with it if anything it gives you the individual wiggle room to get money knocked off whoever you’re buying the car off.

[@volkswizard]

Agreed, problem is that many aren’t properly repaired as there are no post repair checks made aside from MOT which means nothing.

[@BollocksToThat]

Bought a passat cc the other day. The seat squeaks, wonder is it a VW/Audi thing

[@volkswizard]

I think it might be you know, their bucket seats are bad for it too

[@TheMcinto65]

how do i get vcds?

[@volkswizard]

It’s available to buy, just google it. A lot of people prefer smartphone based diagnostic devices but then a lot of people on YT are getting paid by them

[@KYoutube-hg5oy]

Can you make a video on the 2018 MK3 pls

[@farmatwin]

I need one with the steering wheel on the left side

[@neilrobson3064]

I’ve had my 2005 Mk1 190 bhp for 2 years now - good honest fun. Enjoy!

[@volkswizard]

My second favourite TT that one 🙌🏻

[@derekallan6231]

Was that one 2wd was tempted to get one thinking they would be cheaper to run and maintain

[@neilrobson3064]

@@derekallan6231It is. Picked it up for £3.5k on 80k miles and apart from getting the timing belt and water pump done when I bought it (c.£1k) routine servicing is very modest. Just passed its MOT first time. The electrics (if anything) are what goes wrong on them.

[@neilrobson3064]

@@volkswizardBest £3.5k I ever spent. I love the 3.2 though - bags of character.

[@penguinred651]

There must be a 3.2 that's not been crashed, accept its an old car but. The wonky shut lines would really grate. Pass.

[@volkswizard]

You try and find a low mileage manual with a black interior and good chains. The shut lines are easy to fix and aren’t exclusive to a Cat D car. Most will have been painted too, possibly to a greater extent and lower quality

[@penguinred651]

@volkswizard Think it's just my obsession with condition Andrew. People never seem to look after cars these days. So long as it ticks the boxes. Think your right on the mechanicals which could be harder to correct than bodywork. Happy Christmas.

[@chrisclague5578]

My wife owned the Clarkson clown car, she sold it a couple of years ago at 70k and the lady who bought it broke it. CHAIN failure It was also used on the Haynes history of the TT front cover…

[@volkswizard]

Small world Chris! Well that story certainly confirms the link between hard use and chain failure. I must get that Haynes book👍🏻

[@Eddison548]

My chains were gone at 60,000 mls on my A3 3.2 with a full service history.

[@RogueBrit]

V6 only existed because of the American market same reason there's a Hyundai Coupe V6. 1.8t makes more sense from a power point of view

[@hughgarsehotmail]

I know those roads in Trowbridge

[@volkswizard]

Well spotted, sadly didn't get to see much apart from the main road to and from and Melksham

[@speak_your_truth.]

8 owners is not a lot? 😂

[@volkswizard]

In 20 years for a car like a TT no it isn’t (😂)