2005 Audi TT: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Audi TT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Audi TT than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Audi TT

  22.6% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.3% of all 2005 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) joints1.8× usual
  Audi TT

  12.8% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.3% of all 2005 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.

• Airbag warning light2.9× usual
  Audi TT

  4.9% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Engine warning light1.9× usual
  Audi TT

  5.6% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers1.7× usual
  Audi TT

  5% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2005 Audi TT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Audi TT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  38% 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
  32% 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
  30% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.2× as often on the 2005 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2005 Audi TT as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?