AUDI TT 8N Roadster - a designer piece becomes a youngtimer cabrio
One year after the Coupé, Audi positioned the Audi TT Roadster 8N against the Porsche Boxster , Mercedes SLK and BMW Z3 in 1999 - the "Folks Porsche" can still convince today. This is also due to its good workmanship and short list of defects. The Audi TT Roadster 8N produced between 1998 and 2006 is the "first of its kind" and well on its way to becoming a classic. Although all engine and drivetrain variants were available as with the Coupè, the Cabrio was often ordered with the smallest 150 hp engine. In return, the roadster was often kept as a classic garage or second car, as a result of which good examples with low mileages can be found today.
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Body check when buying the youngtimer convertible Audi TT 8N Roadster
The chic sheet metal dress of the Audi TT 8N Roadster has only a few quirks. The hood is made of aluminum and the body was hot-dip galvanized as standard. Rust pockets can only be caused by stone chips, accidents or improperly installed add-on parts. Typical places for this are the front and rear end areas of the sills, the edges of the wheel arches or subsequently fitted spoilers. Incorrectly adjusted side windows and doors can rattle or cause wind noise. Attention should be paid to the headlights. These can become dull due to leaks or stone chip damage. Even though fabric roofs are considered durable, they can have scuff marks that allow moisture to penetrate. The glass rear window avoids ugly blinding, but its bonding occasionally weakens. The soft top mechanism is available both electrically and mechanically. In the case of an electric soft top variant, care should be taken to clean the sensors in the roof bar. Otherwise, these will trigger a delay in the reaction.
Interior check when buying the youngtimer convertible Audi TT 8N Roadster
The interior has a lavish, high-quality finish with brushed aluminum. The leather upholstery is long-lasting if you take care of it carefully. Special attention should be paid to the display. It can quickly become expensive if it has to be replaced due to pixel errors or faulty tank or temperature displays. The volume controls on the original radios are also weak.
CHASSIS CHECK WHEN BUYING THE YOUNGTIMER CABRIO AUDI TT 8N ROADSTER
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When it comes to the suspension, the technology from the Golf IV and Audi A3 also works in the Audi TT 8N Roadster with the same robustness and screwdriver-friendliness. However, it also has to contend with the same weaknesses, such as worn tie rod ends and coupling rods. A defect can be recognized by loud rumbling and cracking on bumps. Another weak point is the drive shafts, where a defect can be identified by clacking noises in tight curves when the steering is fully stopped. In most cases, the rims are a good indicator of whether the brake discs are worn or rusty. The rear brake calipers occasionally seize, due to defective rubber grommets on the handbrake cables. If a sports suspension, spacers or other wheel combinations have been used, it is essential to check whether the modification has been registered.
ENGINE CHECK WHEN BUYING THE YOUNGTIMER CABRIO AUDI TT 8N ROADSTER
With the 1.8-liter engine with five valves, which was also used in the Golf GTI and Audi A3, mileages of over 300,000 kilometers are not uncommon. However, since defects such as a defective hose on the turbo can severely limit the service life, it is essential to ensure that regular visits to the workshop are carried out for such mileage. If the engine runs out of round, it may be a sign of a faulty air flow meter. Also important is the replacement of the timing belt. This should be changed every 180,000KM or every five years for the 150 and 180 HP engine and every 120,000KM or every five years for the 225 HP engine. If a timing belt has been changed, it is essential to check whether the water pump, which is driven by the timing belt, has also been replaced in this context.
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