Tips for buying a 2nd hand TT

[cygnet100]

Hi all

So my partner and I fancy the idea of a pre-loved TT Coupe as a weekend run around.  Our budget is up to around £3K.  We have viewed a couple but really we don't have much of an idea what to watch out for in a 2nd hand TT.  Some questions I have:

- Full service history a must?

- High mileage?  Consider or not?

- Bose stereo a must?  One we looked at on a 53 plate was a radio, not Bose so would want to install a more modern CD/Radio/MP3 - tips on this please?

- The 53 plate was re-mapped from 225bhp to 280bhp - is this something to avoid?

- Body work issues to look out for?

- Any other hints and tips please?

Most grateful to those in the know :)

Ann

 

 

[Trevor]

1.  Definitely but doesn't have to be dealer history as long as it is a reputable garage, preferably a VW Audi specialist repairer

2. Nothing wrong with high milers as long as it is 'proper' miles (e.g. used correctly, not smoked around town on short journeys, etc)

3. Aftermarket stereos are far better for functionality that standard fit

4. remaps are okay if the servicing has been carried out and it wasn't owned by a hooligan

5. Not sure, sorry

6. Worth checking the forum posts for further info

[cygnet100]

Thanks Trevor

Much appreciated.  How would we know if the miles are 'proper'; not smoked around town/short journeys, or owned by a hooligan

In relation to the stereo; a few replacements I've looked at say that the existing system must be Bose otherwise the upgrade won't work.  I assume this is because of the pre-existing wiring/connections?

 

[Magnet]

Hello Ann, 

In relation to your question raised by Trevor's sound advice " How would you know if miles are proper......?" I think the answer to that is fairly simple to research. I have mentioned before under other such posts that although service history is important, it is likely to be more important to know how the car has been used and cared for. 

Easy to ascertain? Well, I think it is ( but more often than not overlooked). If you are not buying direct from the owner, then you obtain the last keeper's contact details from the V5 and you discuss the merits or otherwise, of the car. The true story of the car lies there. If the dealer is reluctant to give you that contact - data protection and all that! - then ask them to ask the last owner if they will contact you. If that doesn't work, then walk away. Short term ownership with last owner? Very often not a good sign. 

Good luck with finding what you want, but just think - would you buy a pup from a dealer without at least talking to the owner of the !Removed!? Pedigrees are all well and good, but how something has been cared for is important too. Do as much homework as possible before shaking anyone's hand.

Kind regards.

Gareth.

[Magnet]

Like the 'Removed' edit for the term describing the mother of a pup?

Must remember to respect political correctness even when the word used is the correct, and non offensive, descriptive one!

Good, isn't it? 

Kind regards,

Gareth.