A New Headache Has Entered The Chat

"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
09/09/2020 at 08:00 • Filed to: Audi, audi tt

My father bought this 2009 Audi TT as a weekend toy for my mom in July of 2019. It was wrecked in the rear and the passenger side skirt was messed up. Overall relatively clean though. I helped him source a few parts for it via eBay and a local scrapper. It fixed up really nicely and drives wonderfully.

Earlier this year my father passed away and it didn’t take long for it to be clear that the 40 acre farm, a dozen cars, an assortment of yard machines, trailers, and more was going to be far too much project for my mom alone to tackle. She has a good handle on things now and we’re thinning things out nicely. The TT was on her “keep” list originally, but moved to the “get it gone” category when it came time to pay insurance on the 8 or so remaining cars.

We just sold the CX-5 and the wife has claimed my 340i as her daily now. So when my mother offered me the Audi I jumped at the opportunity. Contrary to every car enthusiast it seems, I LOVE convertibles. This is my fourth convertible and third Audi.

To get sappy, my father and I have rebuilt wrecks and sold them for years. One of my favorite builds and long term cars I ever owned was this black 1996 Audi Cabriolet. It was a passion project and my dad gave me a lot of room to explore the scene with some questionable choices for sure (underglow, interior glow, smoked markers, subs in the trunk, flip out headunit, you get the idea - high school stuff circa 2006-9ish). The first Audi had a lot of emotion tied to it. I think knowing the TT was one of his last builds, it was for my mom, and I had a small hand in making it right has really given it a spot in my heart.

She is now proudly at home in my driveway and already costing me money. We drove home from east TN to Nashville incredibly early on Labor day. It was perfect the whole way, minimal traffic and the car did great. Then we hit just outside of Nashville where I got hit with laser for doing 85 in a 70. First time I’ve been pulled over in 7/8 years, if not more. It’s also the first time I’ve driven a car for more than 30 minutes without a radar detector in it in probably 12 years. I see why I like my radar detector.

Model info:
2009 Audi TT convertible
Base 2.0t Auto (first time with a DSG)
55k miles with unknown service history

Clearly the prior owner did some “mods” as I have found wiring for an assortment of things throughout that I will eventually spend time tracking down. Generally, it looks like it was wired for LED strips in a lot of places . For more pressing things, I have an appointment scheduled with a local euro shop for fresh oil and brake fluid as well as a DSG service as I have no idea when/if it was done prior. They are also going to do a full inspection and give me the status of how stretched the timing belt is looking. While it’ll be expensive, from my researching around they’re priced pretty well for the job at $630 for all things listed . Sounds like the 2.0t is known for problems so I suspect there will be headaches in the future - a t least it’s fun to drive!

TL:DR I now own a 2009 Audi TT

DISCUSSION (13)

facw > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 08:05

Then we hit just outside of Nashville where I got hit with laser for doing 85 in a 70.

Purely anecdotal, but haven driven between Boston and Austin a few times, Tennessee seemed to have way more cops on the highway than any other state on that route, even notably strict Virginia.

pip bip - choose Corrour > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 08:11

congrats!

CalzoneGolem > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 08:15

Rat-L-Trap was also my dad’s last project. It didn’t have a name then it was just “ our hot rod” . I’m hoping one day I can get a speeding ticket in it.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 08:29

Nice! I always thought this gen of TT was pretty handsome...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 09:01

That TT is a truly iconic car, one I’ve always wanted to drive. Co ngratulations. It’s so much more special because of its connection to your father but let’s hope you don’t have to tap that to want to continue dealing with it.

TysMagic > facw
09/09/2020 at 09:18

Even with a long period of clean driving history, knowing it was a holiday weekend travel day I knew there was no getting out of it. Take the risk, pay the price

TysMagic > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
09/09/2020 at 09:22

I do think it continues the theme of having unique Audis quite well. The Cabriolet I had was Audi’s first attempt at making a convertible. I don’t really know where the TT should fall with competition. The FWD convertible scene seems to fall further down market, but this is a proper two seater . Then the RWD convertible two seater sports cars are in a different league (imo).

I am car guy through and through. I suspect I will enjoy this with all of its future needs for what it is and that the emotional connection to it will remain unsullied.

TysMagic > CalzoneGolem
09/09/2020 at 09:24

I echo that sentiment. It made me laugh and I know my dad would have chuckled while cussing and asking was I doing something stupid?

TysMagic > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/09/2020 at 09:26

It’s a clean and proper looking cruiser in this form. I’m sure the sportier version has more power and better suspension, but as this sits it’s good fun in the twisties and does a smooth job taking me down the road . Hoping to keep it for a good bit

TysMagic > pip bip - choose Corrour
09/09/2020 at 09:26

thank you!! I’m excited to learn more about it

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 09:40

Good. The TT is a special car just as much as you are a car enthusiast so you should get along great, minus mechanical maladies. I wish you a happy ownership with that beautiful machine.

Tripper > TysMagic
09/09/2020 at 10:59

Sorry to hear about your father. It’s neat that you’re taking in the TT! I always say I don’t like convertibles but then I never drive the one I have with the top up...

TysMagic > Tripper
09/09/2020 at 11:09

Thank you, it was quick and surprising for sure. I’m a top down always kind of person and so was he.