It was only recently that Audi announced their plans of discontinuing the Audi TT and now, it has finally happened. With the latest release of the Audi TT RS Iconic Edition, a limited run of 100 units, Audi has definitely ceased production.
This is sad to see, as the model was with us for almost 25 years and was one of the most entertaining models produced by Audi. Thankfully, there are plenty of TTs on the used market, and especially the mk2 Audi TTS is an appealing deal.
The Mk2 Audi TTS Left Almost Nothing to be Desired
The first ever Audi TT was released in 1998, and it was cleverly engineered. While it certainly felt like a sports car, it was built on the platform used by the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf, which allowed Audi to push the price down.
An identical approach was also taken with the successor, which uses the PQ35 platform, which was shared across the VW group. The engine options ranged from a 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder up to the famous Audi 5-cylinder 2.5 TFSI. In the middle was also a 2.0 TFSI found in the base TT and TTS models, as well as a naturally aspirated 3.2L V6. What’s interesting is that some markets also had the option of a 2.0 TDI diesel engine, which is certainly an unusual engine for this type of car.
The mk2 Audi TTS comes equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder, similar to the one found in the base TT but tuned up for significantly more power. It generates 265 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. The horsepower peaks at 6,000 rpm. It uses direct injection and is paired with an S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system.
As a successor to the Mk1 TT, it improved on most of its flaws. In addition, the car finally felt “grown up”. The equipment featured tons of comfort and safety features, and the design was no longer seen as “girly”. This time, the TT was a proper, sleek, and muscular-looking sports coupe. In fact, even today, the Mk2 Audi TTS does not look a lot older than the latest generation. It has aged really well. In terms of handling, the TTS is responsive and agile. At the same time, it can be used for long drives without making the driver uncomfortable.
Average Reliability – a Tradeoff for Design and Performance
The Audi TT is a well-engineered car but nonetheless, there are numerous issues that slipped through unnoticed during the development of the TT. These mostly concern the drivetrains of the TT and TTS models.
Even Aluminum is Prone to Corrosion
A huge plus of the mk2 Audi TTS compared to its competitors at the time was the frequent use of aluminum on the chassis. It made the car a lot lighter but at the same time, it can now pose issues for a secondhand buyer. Replacement body panels are more expensive, as is any welding, which will require a specialized shop.
Additionally, aluminum can oxidize just like standard materials. Upon buying your TTS, you should make sure to inspect the underbelly of the car. The rear subframe, axles, and anti-roll bar are especially prone to corrosion. Applying anticorrosion treatment to the subframe and body structure is a worthwhile investment.
Mk2 Audi TTS Engine – Powerful but Not Without Flaws
While the engine is generally okay, it certainly is not a contender for any reliability awards. Careful and regular maintenance should be a standard for all cars but even more so for the Mk2 Audi TTS.
A common issue with these engines is excessive oil consumption. While Audi states that it can be up to 1 liter per 650 miles, engines that consume such an amount are not in good condition. This same problem also appears on Audi’s 1.8 TFSI engine from the same period.
The issue is difficult and costly to resolve, so make sure to check the oil levels. Some of the 2.0 TFSI engines may also leak oil, although this is rare. Common areas for leakage are the cam cover, oil filter area, and around the transmission. Of course, replacing the engine oil every 6,000 to 10,000, miles and replacing the transmission fluid every 35,000 should be a standard. If you need quality engine oil and transmission fluid for your Audi TTS, check out our selection.
Next, the timing belt needs to be replaced every 75,000 miles or 5 years. You do not want to deal with a snapped belt, which will certainly cause the dreaded handshake between the valves and pistons in these engines. Try your best to stay on top of the recommended service intervals for the timing belt, as these are known to fail if pushed over the limit. Here are some quality timing belt options for your TTS.
In regard to regular maintenance, it is also recommended to replace the spark plugs every 40,000 miles or every 3 years. This can be used as another clue when determining whether the car has been properly taken care of.
Perhaps the last common issue to keep an eye out for when shopping for your Mk2 Audi TTS are problems with the ignition coil pack. These are relatively common and manifest themselves by misfires or uneven idle of the engine. Failing ignition coils may also be picked up by the ECU and display a check engine or emission control light.
Is the DSG Reliable?
The Audi TTs came equipped with 6 and 7-speed DSG transmissions, and although fixing them can be expensive, they tend to be rather reliable. Nonetheless, here are a few issues that you might encounter.
When test-driving the TTS, try to stop at a slight incline and then very slowly let off the brake. The car should not jerk forward or stall. Instead, it should smoothly get in motion. If not, the DSG may need a replacement of the Mechatronic control unit.
These are extremely expensive, but specialized shops can refurbish them. As with any other transmission, you should also check whether the clutch slips. While it may not be an immediate problem, the slippage will get worse with time and require a rather costly repair. As mentioned earlier, you should also check out the service history, and make sure that the transmission fluid has been replaced regularly.
Watch for Other Common Issues
The issues concerning the engine are the most important ones to consider, but there is actually one more specificity to the Audi TTS that you should check — the retractable rear spoiler. It deploys electronically and should automatically raise at speeds above 78 mph and retract back once the car goes below 50 mph. It can also be raised or retracted using a button on the central console.
Other than that, there are no known serious problems with the mk2 Audi TTS. Other things to keep an eye out for when shopping for one of these include ones that are typical for all cars. This means you should inspect the car for any crash damage, make sure that all panel gaps are even, check whether the steering wheel is shaking when you brake hard (which could signal warped brake discs), inspect the wheel alignment, and make sure that the various systems such as cruise control and navigation system function properly.
Mk2 Audi TTS – Sporty and Modern
Overall, the second generation of the Audi TT is a great car. The TTS model then enhances it even further by providing more adequate power and extra equipment. It feels great to drive while not being uncomfortable and is suitable for weekend drives as it is for everyday commuting.
Yes, it does come with the cost of only average reliability but if you make sure to inspect your car thoroughly before buying, you should avoid any major issues. Most of the potential headaches are related to the engine and the most worrisome is certainly the oil consumption. Other than that, the mk2 Audi TTS is a great choice!
