I am looking at maybe buying a 2000 TT Quattro, 5-Speed, 98,000 miles. Asking price of $9700. The car seems to drive well, and shifts good. It will need tires soon, wheels have a bit of curb rash, a couple of small paint chips and scratches, leather interior front seats look like an old distressed leather jacket, I guess they were never treated right, the back seats look perfect. Are there any particulars I should look for while inspecting this car? Are these cars know for a long life? The car seems to have been properly maintained. I asked about the timing belt and was told that the belt was inspected by an Audi dealer and the mechanic told the owner that it didn't need to be replaced until about 120,000 miles, does this sound right? It doesn't to me. When are timing belts supposed to be replaced on this model? I know I have a lot of questions but I really like the car and the AWD, but just don't know enough about Audi's to make an informed decision. I'm in no rush to buy a car, I have three others that I can drive. I live up in the Ozarks and would like an AWD car for winter driving and also to commute to Louisiana every 2 weeks to go to work offshore. What kind of highway mileage do these cars get? Thanks for any and all input. Best regards and Merry Christmas.

 

that's a pretty high price for a 2000 180Q. Check kelly blue book for price estimate..and given it hasn't had the TB done and the other issues you cite, I would rate it "fair to poor", but that's just me.

timing belt should be done every 5/60 ($500-1000). there was a recall and audi inspected belts and told almost all owners to replace as they would be liable if they said it was ok, and it broke before 120K (original recommendation until they started breaking early)
at that age; suspension ($1500-3000) will need work
timing belt, tensioner (usually fails before belt), water pump (usually fails due to original plastic impeller...new ones have metal impeller) guage cluster ($200-1000) usually craps out by now (pixels missing in center DIS or gauges acting up.

These are all problems associated with a 10yr old car. engine and turbo seem to last forever as long as TB is replace. If it snaps, you engine will have a catestrophic failure ($3-6K for repairs.)

I'm on my 3d and love it. Take care of it and its a great car. if not, it will cost a small fortune to upkeep.

Highway mileage is near 30mpg at 70-80.

 

I think I'll either have then reduce the price on the car or look for another car. Sounds like they don't know enough about their TT to have properly maintained it. I would rather buy from an involved, diehard Audi fan, someone who really knows and cares about his or her automobile. Thanks again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.