Audi TT Mk1 - not sure why it's got such a bad reputation?
Discussion
Emeye said:
Well I've had my 2002 Audi TT 225 for a month now, and I'm really starting to fall for it!
It feels solid, feels special and it shifts and all the reviews go on about the handling, but I don't think it's too bad.
Yesterday I found an excuse to take it for a proper blast and ended up using the fantastic back roads into Macclesfield. Half the time I was ploughing through the s
t that farmers had kindly left on the road and the Quattro was completely unfazed.
I had my girlfriend in the car, so even though we were late maybe I wasn't taking the car up to the limit, but I was surprised how much confidence I had in the car.
Maybe it's because I was running 17s and not the 18s that the later cars came on, but I was happy!
These were the same roads I used to commute on 12/13 years ago, and it made me realise I need to get out more often for a proper drive!
In truth I think they look great and are a mastery of hiding its hatch origins and physical limitations.It feels solid, feels special and it shifts and all the reviews go on about the handling, but I don't think it's too bad.
Yesterday I found an excuse to take it for a proper blast and ended up using the fantastic back roads into Macclesfield. Half the time I was ploughing through the s
t that farmers had kindly left on the road and the Quattro was completely unfazed.I had my girlfriend in the car, so even though we were late maybe I wasn't taking the car up to the limit, but I was surprised how much confidence I had in the car.
Maybe it's because I was running 17s and not the 18s that the later cars came on, but I was happy!
These were the same roads I used to commute on 12/13 years ago, and it made me realise I need to get out more often for a proper drive!But they do have a bit of a dodgy image and I think it's the VAG inertness in the steering and pedals that puts off the purists. Not the amount of cornering grip it can generate.
If you want a "sports" car, then there are better options. If you want a comfy GT coupe then there are better options (although maybe not as compact). If you want a bit of a middle ground and hatch style handling, then they are a good bet. And do look good, even today.
Killer2005 said:
My mrs has one, its certainly nice enough and quick enough for what it is, but its really unreliable and so badly put together for a supposed premium brand
That was why I got rid of my 225. It was horrendously riddled with faults. It ended up going back to the seller and I got my cash back. The wife still talks about wanting a mk1 TT, but no car can make me nervous about potential running problems like a TT.
There she is. Lovely to look at and sit in, alight to drive too. I'd have kept it a while, I think, had it not been so faulty. I wonder if I just bought a lemon.
fredbrad said:
If they have got such a bad reputation how come they hold their value so well? I've had my X reg (13 years old) quattro 4 years - paid 7000 for it, still think it's worth 3-4000. Not seen one as 'Shed of the week yet.
Best car I've ever had. (No, I'm not queer or a hairdresser LOL)
Because people who buy cars based on what they look like are less likely to do research and find out about things like coilpacks and dashpods.Best car I've ever had. (No, I'm not queer or a hairdresser LOL)
Just my opinion, mind.
C
CraigyMc said:
Because people who buy cars based on what they look like are less likely to do research and find out about things like coilpacks and dashpods.
Just my opinion, mind.
C
This. They still look good, they have a desirable badge on the front, they feel nice to sit in and feel well made. The sort of people who buy it because it is a good looking coupe (like my wife, say) aren't the sorts who will be researching a dashpod failing and costing circa 1000 to replace. That said, their values continue to fall despite a relatively strong residual. You can now get a decent example for between 3500-4000 now, whereas 5000 as generally the watermark when I was buying. They have never been lauded an an awesome drive, but for comfortable transport for me and wife to the Lake District or Scotland for a weekend they'd be quite good.Just my opinion, mind.
C
masherturner said:
Don't compare the Audi TT mk1 with a Boxter. They are completely different cars. Try putting a mountain bike in a Boxter. Don't listen to Jeremy Clarkson he exaggerates the cliched view for comic effect. he TT is a great practical real world GT car that will outlast a Mazda RX8. Fantastic grip in wet weather, good in the snow, fast, great build quality. The handling is good enough. Most of the time you are in traffic anyway. How many kids can you get in a boxter? My 11 year old has no bother in the back of the tt. Get a motorbike if you want real performance fun. If you like the car don't let other influence you.
And it is very difficult to spell TT wrong.
I've just bought a bargain 1.8l TT. Had more fun in the last week than I did in the five years I owned my RX-8. I can't afford a Boxster as much as I'd love one. The stunning design of the MK 1 still makes me grin every time I look at it! A question of the right context and very much the right perspective. Don't go looking for comparisons with TVRs and you'll be delighted! Any self respecting TVR owner making those comparisons must have a sore willy from all that waving!!
Edited by safehandsgk1 on Friday 3rd May 22:49
Edited by safehandsgk1 on Friday 3rd May 22:50
A few choice mods and the vr6 version becomes something a little special. Certainly more interesting than a z4 or s2000
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ds0XXmRfD9o
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ds0XXmRfD9o
I picked a nice 2002 225 model up a few months ago.
I never actually liked the TT, never liked the styling, or the fact they were so badly designed people died and they were all recalled.
Anyway, I am impressed. Yes the interior is fiddly, over designed and it feels like something will break.
I've owned S2000, and Z4s and can tell you I could take a corner faster and power out with so much grip they wouldn't stand a chance.
Its not a GT car, its certainly not because of a stupidly low gearing set up.
Mine is mapped, its on Einbach suspension, has adjustable control arms and after I powder coated the wheels I put 4 new Vredstein Sessanta tyres on.
Its pretty impressive considering they are not a lot of money.
To think I thought they were driven by hairdressers and Women, and hated the styling shows how tastes change.
I have to say though, I did like my Boxster S, but for the money, this will give you some decent entertainment in the twisties.
Edited by nottyash on Wednesday 18th February 21:30
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.
I had a mk1 225 for a while. Can't remember what year but a late ish one.
Very competent car, but relatively boring. Sold a lovely little Mk1 MX5 and loved certain things about the titty. I also found myself getting pretty bored quickly.
Felt quick in comparison to the MX5, but in reality it's not that quick.
Went up and down the A1 regularly and it was good enough on the log runs.
Nothing really went wrong on the thing.
Would recommend them for people not too worried about how involving it is to drive. Not overly PH!!
Very competent car, but relatively boring. Sold a lovely little Mk1 MX5 and loved certain things about the titty. I also found myself getting pretty bored quickly.
Felt quick in comparison to the MX5, but in reality it's not that quick.
Went up and down the A1 regularly and it was good enough on the log runs.
Nothing really went wrong on the thing.
Would recommend them for people not too worried about how involving it is to drive. Not overly PH!!
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