Considering An Audi TT? Read This Before You Buy

Are you considering an Audit TT coupe as the choice for your next car? I recently purchased a brand new, 2008, Audi TT, 3.2, V6, Quattro, S Tronic, hard top coupe. This replaced my 2004, Infiniti G35, Coupe.

Overall, I am happy with my TT purchase. I love the stylish exterior and it is incredibly fast and fun to drive. It is so compact, the car fits in any size parking space. I also love the incredible amount of storage it has in the trunk- more than you would imagine.

But, there are a few things I am not crazy about and would like to share with others who are considering buying an Audit TT. This way, you’ll have no post purchase surprises.

For as long as I can remember, Audi TTs have been one of my favorite cars from a “style” perspective. Small, sporty, modern, sleek and fun.. ahead of their time. Before I purchased my 2004 Infiniti, I test drove the 2004 Audi TT. Although I loved how it looked, I was very disappointed in the lack of power it had. The Infiniti was like a rabbit compared to the TT, which was more like a turtle.

I enjoyed my Infiniti, but after four years of operating a rear wheel drive car in snowy New England, I decided that my next car had to be either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. So, I was very excited to learn that Audi now had a super powerful, 3.2 liter, all wheel drive version of the TT.

I test drove an Audi TT model that was identical to the one I eventually purchased, but in a different color. Like most test drives, this one took about 20 minutes and we drove around the streets closest to the car dealership. I remember thinking about how fun it was and didn’t notice any possible short comings in the car. I had also completed extensive internet research and the consensus of TT owners was “I love my car!”.

I placed an order for a TT that met my exact specs and picked it up about a week later. After driving the car for six months, here are three important FYIs:

1. The TT Has Limited Leg Support
2. The TT Has Almost No Interior Storage
3. The TTs Have "Brake Noise", Audi's branding for "the brakes squeak"

The Audi TT coupe does not have enough driver leg support. I am 5’ 7” and had gotten used to very comfortable bucket seats in the Infiniti G35. The TT seats are shorter and do not extend far enough forward to provide the appropriate level of thigh support. I’ve tried adjusting the seat in every possible position to no avail. I also spent hours Googling to see if I could find seat extenders that would work with the TT and could not find any.

The first few months I had the car, I actually got muscle cramps in my thighs. Now, after driving the car for six months, my legs are more used to the position. I no longer get cramps, but I still do not find them that comfortable.

Most cars, no matter how small, have some type of covered storage between the passenger and driver seat. Many sports cars also have a flip open, sunglasses compartment above the rear view mirror.

With the exception of two small, cup holders, the Audi TT has no convenient storage. The only covered storage in the car’s interior is the glove compartment, but even that is very small and can’t be reached while driving.

As a result, I have “stuff” stashed in the open top door compartments. And, have to leave stuff in my handbag instead. That may work for women, but most men don’t carry pocketbooks!

There is also this weird, unattractive cell phone mounting station in the center, which I’ve never used. Since the car has Bluetooth, there is no need to mount the phone.

I learned after I had the car for six months, that squeaky brakes are considered normal for the TT. I had brought the car in for some normal maintenance and asked them to check my brakes. I noticed that almost every time I braked, especially in colder weather, I heard a loud squeak.

I was informed by the dealer, that due to some changes Audi made in the brake materials, squeaking was normal. It was such a common complaint, I was even given a pre-printed pamphlet all about “brake noise”. I was relieved that nothing was wrong with my brakes, but the squeaking can be very annoying.

The branding Audi uses with "brake noise" reminds me of the branding of used cars as "pre-owned". It makes them sound better.

If you are looking for a fun, powerful, stylish sports coupe that is also good in the snow, the all wheel drive TT is your best bet in this price range. Its sister cars- the Infiniti G35 or the Nissan Z, both have rear wheel drive.

But, before you buy I wanted to make sure you were aware of a few of the car’s shortcomings, which are not readily available anywhere on the internet.

Here are some other relevant articles about Audi TTs: Edmonds.com TT Review, US News and World Report Audi Ranking, and The Car Connection Audi TT Review.

Happy buying and driving!!