Audi TT Mk1 - not sure why it's got such a bad reputation?
Discussion
Backtobasics said:
hondafanatic said:
nottyash said:
hondafanatic said:
em177 said:
I start a new thread and you would post links to other threads.
Cheers for your helpful input.
Had my tt 225 just over 4 months now and very impressed for the price - corners like it's on rails .. If people complain about understeer then there tt needs to go to the garage! Had the remap - even more impressed now. Hard to believe it cost over 27k when new Now 2k all day long :-) highly recommend !
I chopped my Quattro Sport in for a Cayman S of the same vintage...whilst the Cayman certainly handles better, the interior, seats, engine, reliability, build quality and running costs were all much better with the TT and in truth it was just as quick and looked a bit better than the paupers Pork in my opinion!
Mr2Mike said:
nicktt said:
If people complain about understeer then there tt needs to go to the garage!
Which garage will fix the inherent understeer built into the design?
Had a 180 convertible years ago as an insurance loaner while my S2000 was having some paintwork done...it lasted all of 48hrs before I gave it to the wife so I could drive my Mk1 Focus diesel instead.
...and while that's not the 4wd 225, it's the same basic chassis, the 225 was running early, understeery Haldex anyway, and the lighter weight should have made the car more agile. I'll wager there are more agile oil tankers...
Seriously - s
t ride without any handling payoff (grip DOES NOT COUNT - any fool can make a car grip, you just add bigger rubber and stiffer suspension allied to the wrong geometry settings), no feedback at all, no character from the engine, naff gearbox, over-servo'd brake pedal...genuinely horrid thing compared to pretty much any of the competition - the 206CC felt more involving, FFS!Ive driven a few and they just leave me cold its quick but the engine is mightly dull the same as the steering and general feel of the thing. Now being 6ft4 and owning a mx5 im used to a small interior but the tt feels even worse than an mx5 and feels very claustrophobic.
Also with working on them complete ball ache 4x4 drive cars replacing the clutch is a nightmare of a job along with doing any sort of engine work outside of spark plugs means removing tons of parts/ Timing belts are extremely awkward to do along with most of things. Plauged with electrical faults to ive found.
Also with working on them complete ball ache 4x4 drive cars replacing the clutch is a nightmare of a job along with doing any sort of engine work outside of spark plugs means removing tons of parts/ Timing belts are extremely awkward to do along with most of things. Plauged with electrical faults to ive found.
Well I am very happy with mine. At the road speeds I drive at, under steer will not be an issue.
Also at my advanced age, the hairdresser's car nonsense is going to be a case of water off a ducks back.
I bought a 3.2, although maybe with hindsight I might have been a tiny bit happier with the more tune able (well easier anyway) 1.8s'.........
Also at my advanced age, the hairdresser's car nonsense is going to be a case of water off a ducks back.
I bought a 3.2, although maybe with hindsight I might have been a tiny bit happier with the more tune able (well easier anyway) 1.8s'.........
Had my 225 for 2 years now, and piont to piont on highland roads, think you'd be hard pushed to find anything quicker.
I read about all the failures, handling issues and had a fair amount of ribbing about hairdressers before buying it, but nothing else came close to my requirements - relatively small to get along tiny roads ok, four wheel drive for all year round usability, four seats so I could take the kids if required and something other than a saloon/hatch.
Love how it's all 'real wheel drive' and 'oversteer' on PH. That can be fun for 5 or 6 days a year. Had great fun in various Capris over the years, but for making progress when wet or icy, absolute ball ache.
I read about all the failures, handling issues and had a fair amount of ribbing about hairdressers before buying it, but nothing else came close to my requirements - relatively small to get along tiny roads ok, four wheel drive for all year round usability, four seats so I could take the kids if required and something other than a saloon/hatch.
Love how it's all 'real wheel drive' and 'oversteer' on PH. That can be fun for 5 or 6 days a year. Had great fun in various Capris over the years, but for making progress when wet or icy, absolute ball ache.
MG CHRIS said:
Ive driven a few and they just leave me cold its quick but the engine is mightly dull the same as the steering and general feel of the thing. Now being 6ft4 and owning a mx5 im used to a small interior but the tt feels even worse than an mx5 and feels very claustrophobic.
Also with working on them complete ball ache 4x4 drive cars replacing the clutch is a nightmare of a job along with doing any sort of engine work outside of spark plugs means removing tons of parts/ Timing belts are extremely awkward to do along with most of things. Plauged with electrical faults to ive found.
This ^^^ I'm not 6'4" (far from it) but I also found the interior claustrophobic and, while undoubtedly well put together, bland. Weirdly (to some) the cabin in the Crossfire which replaced it felt so much brighter and more airy, though I will admit the quality wasn't quite as good (and I do mean quite - IMO the difference was noticeable but not massive). A journey in the TT was potentially rapid but boring, again I preferred the feel of the Crossfire (suited my driving and requirements better).Also with working on them complete ball ache 4x4 drive cars replacing the clutch is a nightmare of a job along with doing any sort of engine work outside of spark plugs means removing tons of parts/ Timing belts are extremely awkward to do along with most of things. Plauged with electrical faults to ive found.
That's some good thread Necromancy, 2010! blimey.
I had a Mk1 for a year, and I have to echo the previous comments about it being dull to drive. It feels like a Mk4 golf (for some reason). Decent at putting its power down in the wet, mine looked good (but had a respray in white w/ black roof, black rs4 alloys etc) but the majority of them are bland looking, they dont suit any colour other than white, black or blue, they dont look right on less than 18"s but then you ruin the ride. Mine was the 180 4wd so not that fast.
I'll rate it 6/10.
I had a Mk1 for a year, and I have to echo the previous comments about it being dull to drive. It feels like a Mk4 golf (for some reason). Decent at putting its power down in the wet, mine looked good (but had a respray in white w/ black roof, black rs4 alloys etc) but the majority of them are bland looking, they dont suit any colour other than white, black or blue, they dont look right on less than 18"s but then you ruin the ride. Mine was the 180 4wd so not that fast.
I'll rate it 6/10.
I just think it's reputation is that it's perhaps not as sporty as people like to think it is. I mean effectively it's a MKIV Golf 4Motion which I wouldn't say is considered up their with the most dynamic of hot hatches let alone sporty coupes.
A good mate of mine has one and thinks it's super fast and because of the 'four wheel drive' can beat everything off the line in the wet. I was under the impression only 20% of the power gets fed to the back wheels so off the line may be useful but still understeers like any FWD car would. I was also susprised how softly sprung they are as standard, even compared to hot hatches I've owned/driven.
As it happens though I think the looks of the MKI have held up well, they don't look too dated considering the oldest ones are 17 odd years old. They also seem to be well put together and the interior is a nice place to be.
I don't blame anyone for liking the MKI TT at all, it's a good, quick, decent looking motor. It's only when people claim it's the fastest sports car out there that people's eyebrows will go up haha
A good mate of mine has one and thinks it's super fast and because of the 'four wheel drive' can beat everything off the line in the wet. I was under the impression only 20% of the power gets fed to the back wheels so off the line may be useful but still understeers like any FWD car would. I was also susprised how softly sprung they are as standard, even compared to hot hatches I've owned/driven.
As it happens though I think the looks of the MKI have held up well, they don't look too dated considering the oldest ones are 17 odd years old. They also seem to be well put together and the interior is a nice place to be.
I don't blame anyone for liking the MKI TT at all, it's a good, quick, decent looking motor. It's only when people claim it's the fastest sports car out there that people's eyebrows will go up haha
The Mk 1 TT came from an age (1998) before Audis became the junior manager, company lease vehicle, I'm a cock, standard issue. Back them it was BMWs that had the honour.
The Bauhaus influence makes it a design classic of the highest order.
I like to think of it as a "personal" car. Ideal for the single person about town. Small enough to park easily yet big enough to be useful. Previous vehicles in this role include the Mk 1 Scirroco, The Alfa Sud Sprint Veloce, The Lancia Fulvia and the Bertone Alfa GT Junior.
The driver of a brand new, silver, company lease Audi diesel barge would really look down on one. Which alone makes it a good thing.
I think, now they are getting on, the concept car for the road is becoming a classic, the new ones are nice and better cars but there is just something, to me anyway, about the MK1.
Once the poseurs moved on and it lost its fashion accessory image we are left with a good looking, pretty special little coupe, ok it isnt the last word in fun but it has other things going for it, lovely interior, 4wd, decent boot, good looks nd enough power, with a bit of tuning scope.
The original colour pallette they sold them in was woeful, silver is the signature colour for the TT but the choices in 199 were dull red, sludge green and doom blue, ok they arent that bad but pretty uninspiring, the bright red they did later looks great as does black.
I think they are a cheap classic in the making, pretty robust despite the odd fail like coilpacks and dash pods, but they dont seem to rust abd the mechanical stuff is generally solid, not due to rocket due tot he numbers still around but a solid place to put 4 or 5 grand.
Once the poseurs moved on and it lost its fashion accessory image we are left with a good looking, pretty special little coupe, ok it isnt the last word in fun but it has other things going for it, lovely interior, 4wd, decent boot, good looks nd enough power, with a bit of tuning scope.
The original colour pallette they sold them in was woeful, silver is the signature colour for the TT but the choices in 199 were dull red, sludge green and doom blue, ok they arent that bad but pretty uninspiring, the bright red they did later looks great as does black.
I think they are a cheap classic in the making, pretty robust despite the odd fail like coilpacks and dash pods, but they dont seem to rust abd the mechanical stuff is generally solid, not due to rocket due tot he numbers still around but a solid place to put 4 or 5 grand.
My ex had a new 225 back in the day. At the time it was the best looking car inside and out for up to double its cost. The build was very impressive. Practical as essentially it is a load carrying hatchback. Great all round GT. If you want to compare it to things, compare it to hot hatches. Would you compare a golf to a small impractical MX5 or Cayman? No!!
If you want a good all rounder get one: load lugger, quiet motorway trips, not getting stuck in winter, cheap to buy and run. If you want sharper steering you can have the standard suspension and tracking adjusted to make it much better! There are many mods too. These days you can buy a sharper steer. Things like a GT86. But then they won't have 300bhp with a map.
In terms of image they are the best Audi by a mile. Far better image than the new wave of thrusting motorway Audi saloon cock sockets. The TT is a design classic.
Ps
Avoid all automatics as they are unreliable. Must be a manual.
If you want a good all rounder get one: load lugger, quiet motorway trips, not getting stuck in winter, cheap to buy and run. If you want sharper steering you can have the standard suspension and tracking adjusted to make it much better! There are many mods too. These days you can buy a sharper steer. Things like a GT86. But then they won't have 300bhp with a map.
In terms of image they are the best Audi by a mile. Far better image than the new wave of thrusting motorway Audi saloon cock sockets. The TT is a design classic.
Ps
Avoid all automatics as they are unreliable. Must be a manual.
Haven't driven a Mk1 but we have a Mk3 and it always feels special to get into. Lovely seats/interior and all of the controls feel great to use. The dash screen and over-complicated computer system take some getting used to, but they are fantastic too.
I'd be surprised if anyone compares a TT to an Elise
.
Compared to our previous BMW 1 series the TT has a much nicer ride even though it's on 19" wheels rather than the BMW's 17", and it also feels light and sporty rather than business-y. The rear seats are surprisingly useful (as a handbag shelf for Mrs BigBob77, not for sitting) and the boot is quite large although not tall.
I think the TT has a bad reputation with some people because of the Audi driver reputation and the belief that it's EXACTLY the same as a Golf but less practical. Of course it shares a lot with the Golf (and many other VAG cars) but it's lower, lighter, faster and feels more special. My Passat estate probably has a lot in common with the TT but it feels like a bus in comparison.
Speaking of Audi driver reputation... At the risk of getting slated for being one, does anyone else think the TT and A8 are exempt? I can't remember the last time I was tailgaited or faced aggressive driving from a TT or A8.
I'd be surprised if anyone compares a TT to an Elise
.Compared to our previous BMW 1 series the TT has a much nicer ride even though it's on 19" wheels rather than the BMW's 17", and it also feels light and sporty rather than business-y. The rear seats are surprisingly useful (as a handbag shelf for Mrs BigBob77, not for sitting) and the boot is quite large although not tall.
I think the TT has a bad reputation with some people because of the Audi driver reputation and the belief that it's EXACTLY the same as a Golf but less practical. Of course it shares a lot with the Golf (and many other VAG cars) but it's lower, lighter, faster and feels more special. My Passat estate probably has a lot in common with the TT but it feels like a bus in comparison.
Speaking of Audi driver reputation... At the risk of getting slated for being one, does anyone else think the TT and A8 are exempt? I can't remember the last time I was tailgaited or faced aggressive driving from a TT or A8.
bigbob77 said:
Haven't driven a Mk1 but we have a Mk3 and it always feels special to get into. Lovely seats/interior and all of the controls feel great to use. The dash screen and over-complicated computer system take some getting used to, but they are fantastic too.
I'd be surprised if anyone compares a TT to an Elise.
Compared to our previous BMW 1 series the TT has a much nicer ride even though it's on 19" wheels rather than the BMW's 17", and it also feels light and sporty rather than business-y. The rear seats are surprisingly useful (as a handbag shelf for Mrs BigBob77, not for sitting) and the boot is quite large although not tall.
I think the TT has a bad reputation with some people because of the Audi driver reputation and the belief that it's EXACTLY the same as a Golf but less practical. Of course it shares a lot with the Golf (and many other VAG cars) but it's lower, lighter, faster and feels more special. My Passat estate probably has a lot in common with the TT but it feels like a bus in comparison.
Speaking of Audi driver reputation... At the risk of getting slated for being one, does anyone else think the TT and A8 are exempt? I can't remember the last time I was tailgaited or faced aggressive driving from a TT or A8.
ahhh but now you're talking a MK3 which like addresses one of my issues with the MK1 - ie that of feeling claustrophobic. I'll admit I wouldn't mind having a go in a new one if it drives better, as it should, and some of the toys seem quite useful (the 'puter overlay screen seems like a genius idea as far as gadgets go)I'd be surprised if anyone compares a TT to an Elise
.Compared to our previous BMW 1 series the TT has a much nicer ride even though it's on 19" wheels rather than the BMW's 17", and it also feels light and sporty rather than business-y. The rear seats are surprisingly useful (as a handbag shelf for Mrs BigBob77, not for sitting) and the boot is quite large although not tall.
I think the TT has a bad reputation with some people because of the Audi driver reputation and the belief that it's EXACTLY the same as a Golf but less practical. Of course it shares a lot with the Golf (and many other VAG cars) but it's lower, lighter, faster and feels more special. My Passat estate probably has a lot in common with the TT but it feels like a bus in comparison.
Speaking of Audi driver reputation... At the risk of getting slated for being one, does anyone else think the TT and A8 are exempt? I can't remember the last time I was tailgaited or faced aggressive driving from a TT or A8.
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