How prevalent is the mechatronic issue? (Audi TT 3.2 MK2)

[moebiusuk]

I'm looking to get a Audi TT 3.2 MK2 but don't know whether to get the auto or manual. The only reason I'm considering the auto is because of the lower VED but the mechatronic issue is putting me off a bit.

How common is the fault?
Is there anything I can check to be sure the car is going to be fine?
Can I pay for preventative maintenance to bring the cost down?
Are the prices to repair really going to be in the thousands? I've read the odd forum post suggesting that an indie can repair for hundreds instead.

[rayyan171]

Rather common on the early boxes, but there is a wealth of information on them now, I wouldn't be disregarding them over it. Many specialists can solve the issues relatively inexpensively. Ultimately, most used cars have a certain costly quirk, for our Audi it was the thermostat, for others its the DSG or the timing chain even, ultimately there isn't too much to worry about. Rather good cars actually.

[M4cruiser]

rayyan171 said:

Rather common on the early boxes, but there is a wealth of information on them now, I wouldn't be disregarding them over it. Many specialists can solve the issues relatively inexpensively. Ultimately, most used cars have a certain costly quirk, for our Audi it was the thermostat, for others its the DSG or the timing chain even, ultimately there isn't too much to worry about. Rather good cars actually.

I'd agree with rayyan. When the DSG was newish (2005??) there were loads of problems which only the franchised dealers could sort out. As soon as a car was out of warranty it was a no-no. A work colleague had a Passat in that category.
Things have changed. The DSG can be repaired. But yes, sometimes it costs a lot.

[moebiusuk]

Thanks, I think those answer my questions. I'd rather spend the extra tax ever year than a repair bill so a manual it is.

[rayyan171]

moebiusuk said:

Thanks, I think those answer my questions. I'd rather spend the extra tax ever year than a repair bill so a manual it is.

You will certainly find the manual is more than adequate. I think, even today, the DCT gearboxes offered by most manufacturers is not the best. They still are automated manuals, and try to act as automatics e.g. simulating creep when coming off the brake in drive etc. They shift extremely smoothly and with basically no time delay but there is no torque converter, and that can make it a problem coming out of roundabouts. I can see why BMW are starting to return to the 8 speed, and Audi are following. Sort of glad that the generation of A6 that we got was the standard tiptronic, it is very smooth and does the trick perfectly down, puts the power down very well even in 1st.

[Trevor555]

I collected a manual one for a dealer recently.

They said the manuals are quite rare.

I enjoyed driving it, instant response when you increase the throttle.

I thought about buying it on the way back, as I often do.

But the high RFL stopped me.

Enjoy, nice cars.

[moebiusuk]

I've always driven manuals but I live in west London so traffic is pretty much guaranteed. Thankfully I commute out rather than into London. Anyway I thought an auto might make things a bit easier when traffic becomes stop/start. Not worth the hassle quite yet it seems.

Thanks again everyone, much appreciated.