2001 Audi TT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Audi TT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Audi TT than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
  Audi TT

  20.7% All 2001 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Audi TT

  15.5% All 2001 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Sub-frame2.6× usual
  Audi TT

  12.6% All 2001 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Audi TT

  15.1% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 3.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.6× usual
  Audi TT

  8.2% All 2001 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 3.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2001 Audi TT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Audi TT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  42% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Audi TT

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2001 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2001 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?