Routine service finds huge problems. What did the CAR WIZARD find on 2002 TT that equals car's value 

I was an audi dealer tech for 5 years and never once saw one of these that wasn't ruined. I honestly despise the brand and am embarrassed to say I still own one. If you want an older German car, just buy a bmw

Videos like this make me so grateful to be able to do all my own work. I couldn't afford to drive a car if I had to pay labor costs.

Wizard: it's junk Me: *immediately looks at S4's in Kansas 😂😂

That fwd 1.8t tt is essentially a golf / gti / or beetle , very easy to work on and reliable just a better looking car

Oil change - $100, Transmission Svc - $450, Steering Rack $2,000....Wizard's Boat Payment - Priceless!

or $1500 of parts from Rock Auto and a weekend in your driveway. The steering rack is the only painful thing and would be at least a 5 or 6 beer job.

As a car guy I'm 100% cool with paying for what needs to be done. Coils being replaced just because they're Audi doesn't fall in the need category. It's one of those lets get your car safe and reliable first. When you're ready to give it a well deserved tune up, let's do coils, plugs and address the exhaust starting to fail. One other thing you never hear is changing power steering fluid. If done every 3yrs along with brake and radiator fluid. You'd be surprised how long your steering rack will last.

I remember when the original Audi TT (this model) launched way back in 1998 it truly did look like a concept car on the road. In fact very little got changed between the concept design to the road going version. We've all got used to it now, but it really did look like something from the future back then.

Love how thorough you are and your common sense explanationon. Top notch job!!!

I did my timing belt on my tt in my driveway. Only set me back like $150. Ive owned my tt for 5 years and can firmly say, it dosent cost that much to maintain if you do it yourself.

I can't stand that and it happens in a lot of businesses. People call an expert for advice. However it really isn't for advice, it is to try to justify their bad decision which they already have made. When the expert doesn't do that, they get upset and don't listen.

I'm new to your channel and would like to thank you for this video! I'm on the market for a MK1 Audi TT and it was great watching you perform the inspection as I'm not knowledgeable on cars. I'll do a pre-purchase inspection when I buy mine, but its great to know where to look at. I guess all of them are going to need some love, just have to find one not as neglected as this one!

This is why it's best to do a little bit of work at a time so that it doesn't turn into a massive lump sum. If you start by doing a regular maintenance program around 80-90k miles then you can spread the cost out over more time and miles. For instance service your transmission, service your cooling system, change the spark plugs and possibly the coils too if you know that's an issue. If you just do one or two maintenance items per year starting around 80k miles then it's a lot more manageable than waiting until 110k + miles and getting dragged through the coals.

So from what I see is this, owning multiple Audi TT 8n Quattros (and having a mechanic on staff I see rough profit rate of 50-75% here): Oil Change: 100$. Parts wise o.k.-ish (40$ for oil and oil filter part, rest labour) Timing Belt & Water Pump: 1250$. OEM Parts are at most 250$ if bought through Distribution. Labour would be 3-4 hours tops. (Do this service every 5 years or 50T-Km) Valve Cover / Plugs / Coils: 800$. OEM Parts would be at most 150$. (This one is not very transparent time wise since theres so much leakage, but id say 2 hours max) Filter Service: 50$. This is reasonable. Rear Shocks: 350$. I feel this might be reasonable aswell. But then again I paid the same price having my shocks and struts done on my multiple Quattro Models. (Febi Parts) Transmission Service: 450$ Uh. Oh. Hold on Gandalf, we might be treading on overcharge territory there. Labour would be at most 2 hours if you are flushing the system. Steering Rack: 2.000$ Now you have completely started dipping into the "paint boozing" territory. You get these parts refurbished for 300-500$ with all the extra stuff you need to replace it + 3-5 hours labour. Its very labour intensive to replace I give you that. Front Struts: 900$. That must be quite the expensive parts to warrant such a cost. Last time I checked they were 200$ for them together you would be looking at another 2 hours of work here. Aux Cooling pump: 450$ The part is around 70$ and work is around 30 mins while you do all the rest. All this excl. Tax. By this estimate you are making at minimum 50% profit margins on parts and on labour each. Not trying to undermine your skill and practice, but at this rate she can go to an Audi dealer and have it done for the same price or even cheaper. I always thought mechanic shops ought to be cheaper than the dealer itself. But I guess times are a changing. + Some of the things you mentioned could be done in the same time since all the parts are lying open anyways. But I guess you are quoting the price for transperancy reasons. Nonetheless thanks for showcasing the possible costs of such a beautiful car.

15:15 You could spend $14k and still have to spend $7k repairs on it.

Those prices are crazy, you can fix it on OEM parts including labor in a reputable shop for half this price. This is a rip off.

He's got a good point, for an owner or buyer who doesn't know much about cars and is completely dependant on someone else to do the work. However, if you know how to turn a wrench and can shop for the best part prices, some of these cars are a good deal. I own one of these TT's, I did buy it new, 20 years ago, however it still has cost me very little in maintenance.

Out of curiosity, I checked the prices of parts for the base Audi TT here in Europe. Oil: $30 (Motul 5w40 5l) Timing (complete kit with water pump): $130 (Continental, Ina) Valve Cover Gasket: $10- $20 Spark Plugs (Set of 4): $40 (Denso, NGK) Ignition Coil (Set of 4): $125 (NGK, Beru) Filter Set (Air, Fuel, Oil, Cabin): $30 (Mann Filter) Rear Shock Absorber (Set of 2): $85 (KYB, TRW) / $220 (Bilstein B6) Front Shock Absorber (Set of 2): $135 (Monroe) / $350 (Bilstein B6) Tie Rod (Left & Right, Complete Kit): $130 (TRW) Auxiliary water pump: $45 (Bosch) Prices are approximate, but final. We don't have that funny "tax thing" that is in the US.

1.8T is rock solid if proper maintained. I have worked on a couple dozens so let me know if you need any advice. Check MAF sensor, lambda sensor, n75 wastegate valve, spark plugs and ignition coils, vacuum and boost leaks. Another common issue is the dual mass flywheel (Sachs is the brand to use always) Spark plugs go with NGK iridium ones Ignition coils go with OEM code from the Audi dealer (made by Eldor) and use the Touareg plastic spacer (2bucks each) Sensors go with ORM (Bosch all most of them)

Love your channel. Very informative.

I really enjoy your "Automotive Ministry" You are grounded,down to earth, and matter of fact. Whenever you and Hoovie get together I always crack up. If I lived in Wichita, you would be servicing my car.

Lmfaooooooo customers: “🤦🏽‍♀️ohhhhhh, I forgot about the labor. “ Wizard: yes😒🤨

I work on these a lot. I own and rebuild them. That is a 150bhp model but it is rare as the colour is Papaya and were originally early release or press cars. In uk I would charge £1800-2k for everything inc parts and Labour but we pay far less for the parts. The steering rack does book at 5 hours but takes half that on the front wheel drive. What you will find is when you do the secondary pump, I bet the breather pipes are broken. Rip them all out and put in a catch can. Cheaper and much easier to do. That car would make a premium in UK just for the colour. Great content wizard…

Every shop has the right to set their own pricing, but damn Wizard, your're in the stratosphere!

Great video keep them coming thanks 👍🏾

Perfect car for a DIY enthusiast such as myself. I totally understand why the Wizard charges what he does, but that's all DIY'able for a fraction of the cost. The trick is knowing the exact state before purchase, and getting at a cost that condones the repairs.

This is definitely a Mr. Dink from Doug episode: "Very Expensive!" My dad has always referred to people who ask for advice and then do the complete opposite as "ask-holes." The example he always likes to reminisce about is when he was a fleet mechanic for the local telephone company during the late 90s/early 2000s. One of the secretaries asked him what kind of car she should buy since she didn't have a lot of money and needed something dependable to haul her and her two kids around in. He told her to find a used Geo Prizm/Toyota Corolla in decent condition, pay cash and drive it for a couple years until she could afford something nicer. What did she do? She went out and financed a used Dodge Intrepid with no money down at some crazy interest rate at one of the local used car lots, and a few months later had catastrophic engine failure.

Just subscribed. Thank you for sharing knowledge.

I really appreciate your channel.. keep up the good work 👍

Fantastic cars for the DIY mechanic. Not terrible to work on with a decent set of tools.

If the cam belt has never been changed since 2002 then it's a neglected car. You can't really blame the car when all the neglect adds up to a big bill. I often found with Alfas that the well maintained ones were reliable and the badly maintained ones weren't. Well surprise surprise. This Audi deserves some kind of award for lasting as long as it has.

I love watching your videos and usually learn something each time I do. That being said I am surprised you use Mobil 1 oil. Every car we get in that has religiously used that oil has bad sludge issues...and you know what that can potentially lead to.

This was very interesting , appreciate the information

Once repaired, she’ll get 6 more years out of it. A 3 year lease would be upwards of $35K.

I love the TT. I bought a 2003 225 hp roadster for $1900 two years ago. It needed a clutch. Everything else was already done. The clutch took me nearly 30 hours on my back in my driveway to get done bit it was worth it. I drove it for a couple of years and sold it. It had 180k miles.

Wow in the UK it's recommended to do the timing belt on these every 5 years. It should be on its 3rd belt by now and soon due its 4th! You didn't mention the rear bushes on the front control arms - they are usually knackered after 50 k miles :) Timing belt and water pump in the Uk is usually 4 to £500 at an independent garage - your strut and shock prices sound about x2 as well even for Bilstein.

tysm, this really helps, I'm looking forward to get a mk1 this year, trying to go budget but reasonable.

A few years ago I wanted an awd v8 car. I live in New England. This was 2007-2009. There were several a8s in the 5-6 k range, all with around 120k miles. Turns out the transmission was like 8k and blew in the 120k range like clockwork.

This screams "sarah-n-tuned" but she did her own work!

Love your honesty 👍.

😂😂😂 no way! I have a 02 TT Quattro with 220,000 miles Timing belt done at 200k on OG belt:$350 kit with metal impeller water pump, Gates Racing Belt/Tensioner etc 4 hour project (with aluminum pulley upgrades) Reman Power Steering Rack $300 at 215k (OG Rack) 2 hours time (You also need an alignment after) Aftermarket Coil overs $700 190k, Oil change $40 Mobile 1, OEM Valve Cover Gasket Kit $79 about an hour , Plugs (4) NGK $34, Coil Packs R8 Upgrade $89 (If needed 🤷🏻‍♂️) 15 minute install: OEM lasted until upgrade 200k. It all depends on the owner, driving, storage, maintenance, and if you price out parts on sale/fix it yourself. This applies to ALL cars. Shop times and prices are hyper inflated because of the Audi badge. It’s no different than a Honda

I love how the videos are just as honest as the Wizard himself, no crazy edits or anything needed. Just straight to the point, bullet-proof sincerity. The best car mechanic channel on RU-vid. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wizard!

My experience with Audi is limited to being in a Toyota dealership waiting room and having a customer walk in and ask for a salesman who materialized out of thin air and asked if he could help. The customer said he wanted to sell his Audi. The Salesman sighed, his eyes grew dull, and said, “What’s wrong with it?” and they walked outside. I learned a lot in that brief exchange.

Good job explaining it all.

I can honestly say that the 1.8t motor is a solid reliable motor. I have one in my passat. However I’ve heard that the accessories around the engine go bad but the engine itself is bullet proof

“Tastes like the propel water you drink, but that’s definitely coolant”😂😂 savage the car wizard 😂

You should only buy older Audis if you really like them and you’re going to do all the work and maintenance DIY.

If practical, you might want to drop the oil pan and check the oil pickup. Limey reviewer said that it can be/is a problem area. They are easily clogged and can lead to total engine failure. The apparent lack of maintenance on this car makes this a very good idea. The pickup can be cleaned or cheaply replaced and a little attention could prevent a disaster.

Papaya orange love this colour got one with a 3.2ltr Quattro goes like lil rocket…. Nice video keep up the good work😊

Anyone else just love the fact that the car lift has its own theme song? I find myself tapping my foot to it when it’s going up. And the same again when it’s going down.

I drive since about over 20 years old Audi‘s and I love them, I live only 2 miles away from the Audi factory here in Germany, Ingolstadt. But I repair on my own and never needed a repair shop…

Had a 2003VW Sharan 1.8T, same exact engine. It's a very good engine as far as mechanicals but I had to fix a lot of tiny coolant leaks, had to change the aux water pump also, lot of little unique fittings and molded hoses, and had to cancel the heating because the heater core leaked and was hell to repair.

I live in the Uk and enjoy your blogs. I have just purchased a 20 year old 22 5 Quattro . One owner , full Audi history black looks like new . It cost me about £10000 . It’s way over the usual cost for this year but it’s in unique like new condition! You buy cheap you buy twice !

Hey Wiz I bought a TT because of your “buy this not that” episode a while back!

Audi had a recall on the coils on the early TT's I had a 2002 quatro audi did them for free, worth checking the recall list

WOW mind blowing can`t wait to see the repairs

One way to spot a good shop... the mechanic will sort the list of repairs from highest to lowest priority in case you can't afford to do it all at once.

I have personally done a timing belt and waterpump on my own Audi 1.8t with the same engine and I am shocked that you want to charge $1250.

Those prices are ridiculous. Here in UK you could get all that done for around 3000 dollars

I bought an 04 tt quattro last spring and had to replace the timing belt, coolant pump and thermostat 1 month after buying it. It definitely sucked in the moment but I am glad I kept it through that.

I agree with you concerning FWD. I feel lucky to have found a 2004 A4 Cabriolet 1.8t with the original engine as a spare. Replaced due to overheating. I'm jettisoning the cvt trans and going with a 5spd manual trans. No nav. system, phone etc. Keep it simple as they say.

The S4 story and TT story is spot on, you'll be spending quite a bit to get it sorted. I bought a 2011 A4 Avant back in early 2019. When I started looking at it, I checked the VIN with Audi to see if it was still under the engine warranty and it was! After negotiating a bit, I bought it. But I knew what I was getting into to get the car back to even. Engine was rebuilt under warranty and then I had my regular mechanic do the 50,000 mile service along with changing all the fluids because we were fairly certain they'd never been changed, new tires and all that. All said, it was ~$2000 to get it all sorted. Knowing what you are getting into with any vehicle purchase is really important so you are ready.

I’ve owned two 1.8T A4s and we still have a 1.8T Jetta with 276k miles on it. It’s on its third timing belt and it’s still faster than my ‘15 Focus SE. Great engine, would recommend if you’re buying an older VW/Audi.

Exactly why I do the work myself.

I have an ‘01 TT Quattro (6 speed manual, of course). It leaks power steering fluid and oil (drain plug bolt stripped). It did leak oil (from the top) and coolant, but a few hours of work (which I did) took care of those problems. The current issues aren’t a big deal to fix, just haven’t gotten to it yet. Bought it with 120k-ish miles about a year ago and it’s my daily driver. You put up with it..that car is so much fun. I didn’t run a CARFAX on it before I bought it and I’m glad I didn’t…but I was told that it was a great car when they lived in the Utah snow. 🌝

Gotta call bulls#&t on this one, Wiz. There was nothing notably wrong with this car that wouldn’t be expected to go wrong with a 2002 Camry. And I know because I maintain one for my Mom. The only difference that I see is a bit more expense on the parts themselves. The fact that the buyer was clueless doesn’t make the car bad. It is also true that German cars were/are designed for a more preventive maintenance schedule, so again, don’t blame the car for the neglect of the prior owner. I am personally on my 4th Audi, a 2013 S4, and it is breezing past 100,000 miles. I am blessed with the confidence, knowledge and tools to be able to perform all maintenance requirements, but my neighbor still has my first one, a ‘98 A4 and it is still happily chugging thru 245,000 miles on the original clutch! Audi engineering is spot-on, it’s the misinformed used buyer’s expectations that need to be changed. Audi actually does very little of the horrid BMW engineering tricks that look great on paper but don’t translate well to everyday cars. Things like liquid-cooled alternators and hollow, oil-filled alternator brackets. If this was a Camry, this job, all-in, would still have been between $4000-$6000, so stop trying to make your viewers think the difference would have been an entire decimal point.

Had an older Subaru Outback. Had a a long list of items to fix. Some were 'nice to fix' and some were safety/reliability items. Only reason they got done was because I did the work myself and actually liked the car. When labor cost isn't in the equation, sometimes you can justify it, but in this case... well...

I love it when drivers neglect maintenance on their cars or modify them beyond sensible limits. And then go on social media and complain that Audi (or whatever make) quality and reliability are shit.

You have to want one of these TT's. I have 2001 Quattro TT 225. And it needs all that and a bit more! But I will likely do as much of it as I can myself. It's a slow project. But even with all the crap wrong with it. I love starting it up and taking it for a drive.

I am a VAG enthusiast, if you are mechanically minded the 1.8t cars are super easy to work on. I myself prefer the VR6 and even that is not that bad to work on. My friend had this same year TT with almost all the same issues and did all the work himself then flipped it for a hefty profit.

Hi guys I just sold my TT Cabrio with 280000 (yes, that's right) miles on its 1.8T 5 valve BAM engine. Change the oil and filters often plus don't tune the heck out of it and they are indestructible. It's a non-quattro and had no leaks...get a good one and you're laughing

I used to work at a wrecking yard specializing in European cars, pulling those Auxiliary pumps was a chore mostly because trying to save the plastic hoses coming off of it was 80% unlikely to work. The plastic usually turned brittle.

This car has one of the cheapest maintenance for the engine/transmission here in Brazil. However, the headlights and other finish parts are impossible to find, specially the 1st gen TT that is really rare here. The internals are basically the same for all VW/Audi models sold here. The original TT has 150hp and the red T (A3 and Golf GTi has 180hp). The S3 has 220hp but uses the K03S turbo (the 150 and 180hp use the normal K03 turbo)

that car is actually super clean underneath for a 2002 model, must be from california or arizona. here in the UK it would be a big ball of rust, the springs still have the paint markings on them!

I had a similar 1.8T in a Golf GTI... and I found it to be quite reasonable in costs for most things. The car had a penchant for wheel bearings, but finding the full replace bearing and hub combo saved money in the long run. What this particular TT looks like is a car that was used fairly hard and didn't have too much maintenance done. So the current owner is looking at a pile of work to do because it's been not done in the past. I would say that since the car itself appears to be sound (not particularly rusty, etc) it would be worth it. But the same amount of money may buy a slightly better sorted car.

You got a very reliable camera person in Mrs. Wizard!

My 02 is a great car now that it’s sorted. Did the work myself but as you say it can add up fast.

When I worked at a BMW parts department in the 80's, people would complaine about the prices of parts. I would tell them you are the one who wanted an expensive car and now you see why they are. Parts don't get cheaper just because they are older.

My TT sat in the garage for five years. When I brought it back out I had a list of repairs quite similar; the repairs trends on that particular model are always unlike and the bill was just about the same. My car runs great now and I love it, and it was worth the money. Great video content!

Bought one a couple years ago now (225 quattro). Drove over 1000Km after buying through the mountains home. It almost overheated on me about 2 hrs from home, Stopped let it cool down and made it the rest of way home. After getting home i smelled a bit of coolant so popped the hood and looked underneath sure enough leaking coolant. Ended up fixing myself was a coolant passage pipe which is plastic piece with rubber seal for mounting to motor which coolant flows thru. Just thought thank god it didn't leave me stranded in the mountains!! Some really weak parts and engineering on the cheaper euro stuff if you ask me. Sold shortly after that.

Selecting quality aftermarket parts: x1 STARK Valve Cover Gasket set, x4 NGK Ignition Coils and x4 NGK Spark Plugs cost 183,00€ ($207,00) in Europe, with 24% VAT included. Say very generously 2-3 hours labor at $100 per hour so an extra $200-300. Total cost should be from $407,00 to $507,00 How on Earth do you charge $800,00 ?

Spot on Car Wizard. My wife has the convertible TT mark one and I do all the work on it , so I guess we save on labour costs. But it needs constant attention. I’ve replaced so many things on it with many more to go. I even replaced the canvas roof( nightmare job). By the time I do everything that needs doing it will be double the cost and that is without paying anyone else to work on it

Man, service costs in the US are insane. $450 for transmission service, i pay 200 euro for that, with filter replacement in Europe. $50 filter service, might aswell just buy a new one.

Yup... I know that feeling. I has a car like that before, first time I had it serviced my bill was as high as what I paid for the car... stupid thing needed 4 new tires and an oil change, amount total was over 300 bucks.

I had a 99 Audi A4 Turbo, I bought used in 2001. It was a great car for the first six or seven years. By 2009, I was easily spending close to 5K a year in maintenance and repairs. In 2010 after spending over two grand in suspension repairs, the ABS light came on and the power steering pump literally went out on the drive home from the shop. I was looking at another $2,500 minimum. I parked it in my garage and never drove it again. Sold the Audi in 2015 for a thousand bucks to a kid who did all his own work, so I had no problem telling him everything wrong with it. Audi like Volkswagen are fun cars for the first few years, but not worth the headaches after they turn five years old.

That exhaust clamp is actually ... stock - all the mk4 platform has that clamp in the middle. VW and Audi weren't cruel, and gave folks a way to take the exhaust off without needing the 4 point lift and 3 people to manipulate everything from downpipe to exhaust tip out.

I think you said it best at the beginning of the video, buy one with good maintenance records. This is all differed maintenance that if it had been done when it needed to be done would have cost the same but over a longer period of time.

My 2005 1.8T Cabriolet with 75,000 original miles (and it’s service records confirmed it) was about in this condition when I bought it. It was an up move from my 1999 VW Cabrio. When I compared it to the Audis on the two Audi dealers lots, the purchase $ was acceptable and I went into it with the knowledge of what service was done, how it was driven, and overall condition. Including the 2005 Serpentine belt and the water pump issue. The deciding factor was the expenses to correct future issues was simply a smaller $ estate balance that my heirs could bitch about while being forced to admit I had fun in my final years.

I saw your other video on a car like this. I love these cars. But this video is totally different. 👍😎🤔🤑❤❤

I’m reminded of someone on an Audi forum who’s “friend” tried to port the headers for him…by dumping a bag of sand into the fuel tank. When he was asking for help to fix it he said “my friend doesn’t know much about Audis.” Someone replied, “guess what your friend doesn’t know much about cars period.”

You couldn’t pay me to buy an Audi. And I’m a VW Porsche tech. The electrical problems can be maddening.

That was a rare and cool color, worth fixing up IMO to the right person. Had an 01 and loved it

I had a 2002 Audi TT convertible Quattro. 6 speed, bells and whistles. I adored that car. The only problems I had were the power steering rack cracked and I could not have it welded because it cracked on 2 1/2 sides. And my transmission completely failed at 130,000 miles. Other than those two expensive repairs the car was change the oil and go easy.

Thank you Car Wizard for your honest approach to maintenance and repairs and the advice you pass along. Also, a big “Thanks” to Mrs. Wizard for her professional camera footage and I love her feedback - especially the antifreeze taste test! Thank you both!

Such damn good advice, thanks Car Wizard!

You are basically rebuilding the car 😆 BRING YA WALLET WHEN YOU GO TO THE WIZARD! I love this channel

Awesome shop you have.

I wish I could find an Audi TT in this color for Less than $7k. I can do most of the work myself but what the Wizard quoted for all that work was very reasonable. Definitely do the timing belt water pump and steering rack first, Then the transmission service and the suspension components, I'm surprised the plastic cooling lines aren't shot.

Driving around with a 20 year old timing belt? I'd say any car will become unreliable sooner or later if you skimp on regular maintenance and/or quality of spare-parts/consumables. Aside from my Golf Mk VI GTI (which was a bit of a basket-case), I never had any trouble with Audis or VWs in the 30+ years I've driven and owned them. Including a '99 FWD TT coupé which I wish I still owned - that's how good and reliable that car was. Might have something to do with the fact that in Germany we have a pretty thorough mandatory technical inspection every 24 months - fail the inspection and you can't continue using your vehicle on public roads.

No no no way.... My Audi Coupe 1994 has nearly 200,000 miles on her..... Never broke down or anything .... No leaks.... It's all down to servicing and taking care.... Drive it hard, don't service or look after her, then your asking for trouble.... Great show... Keep up the great informative programs.....