Audi TT (MkI): Catch It While You Can
Once a pricey fashion statement, the original Audi TT is now firmly in the 'clearance' section
It can't be easy. If being achingly hip (is that what the kids still call it these days?) is your thing, keeping abreast of the latest trends is a full-time occupation. And no self-respecting fashionista would be without at least some awareness of the most chi chi automotive accessory (that's 'car', to the rest of us) going.
For a design that's 20 years old...
Thing is, that moment's passed now, and as a result, the original TT's long since fallen from grace among the fashionistas. And driving enthusiasts haven't exactly snapped up all those examples floating around on the used market, turned off by the TT's reputation for being... well, a little bit effete. Handsome though it has always been, its inert steering and chassis have left it in the shadow of some other, more genuinely involving rivals.
But let's not get too carried away. The TT was never a disaster to drive, just rather plain. But it did have plenty enough pace to make progress (in 225 form, at least), a fantastically styled and built interior, and of course, all-wheel drive, which not only endowed it with a whole heap of traction, but also made it the sports car you'd probably want to be driving in greasy or icy conditions. Sounds like an appealing daily or year-round toy.
What's more, now that the TT is no longer the fashion icon it once was, it's getting to be remarkably cheap. Assuming, of course, that you stick with the standard models; the Quattro Sport - the TT that genuinely did stack up as a driver's car - is still going for lofty prices, unfortunately.
While researching this article, we came across a 225 Roadster with 101,000 miles and a full service history going for just £2,300 in a private sale - sadly, it had been snapped up by the time of writing, but we did find this tidy-looking 225 Coupe with under 100,000 miles and a comprehensive history, for sale at a shade under £3,000. Or for the same price, this one with 80,000 miles, albeit with a history that suggests it's been serviced on mileage, rather than time. Pay a little more, and you can easily get a 225 with a very reasonable mileage and a solid history.
Not all that to drive, but who cares for less than £3K?
Even putting aside the investment potential, though, these prices make the Mk1 TT hard to ignore. No, it isn't the sharpest tool in the box, but for this sort of money, who cares? For very little outlay you get all that traction, a decent slug of power, a cracking interior and styling that still looks great. And anyway, who among us wouldn't be proud to adopt a fashion craze 15 years too late?
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They're not the most focussed of cars and a bit softly sprung as standard, but have lots of grip and the 225 is a punchy and efficient little motor that responds well to tuning. With a set of coilovers and a remap these are quick and good looking little cars.
Think a lot of their reputation is undeserved.
I always loved the shape of the TT and can see it being a great useable and collectible car in the future.
As for the drive, I love the feel of the vertical windscreen. You feel like you are driving something special. The build quality is exceptional too.
While it's possible to go down a rabbit warren of suspension and steering mods, I simply put some fatter ARBs on mine and it cornered brilliantly.
If you want some rear-end play, the defcon mod (google it, but basically restores the car to its pre-recall setup) is very highly thought of, but it was a step too far for me.
But like most classic status, it will be when all the dogs have been retired out of circulation, there are very few standard cars left with lower milage / no mods and the later will be rare to find.
Definately an iconic design.
My time owning one was brief because I bought a knacker (I had a refund within 24 hrs) but I wish I had preserved and bought a better one. I really like them as a mini GT. They are done a disservice by constant comparisons with the real sports cars of the time. If you can accept that it's never going to be as good as a Boxster and just appreciate the TT for it's merits then you'll start to see why the car has it's fans.
Maybe it IS time to get a low mileage one and wrap it in clingfilm for 15 years.. if only there was space..
While it's possible to go down a rabbit warren of suspension and steering mods, I simply put some fatter ARBs on mine and it cornered brilliantly.
If you want some rear-end play, the defcon mod (google it, but basically restores the car to its pre-recall setup) is very highly thought of, but it was a step too far for me.
Then they 'fixed' it
Before that, in 1999, I did my work experience at the same dealer (Audi & VW together as they often were) shadowing two trainee salespeople. Upon taking a VW to the sister dealer they had nothing for us to go back in so the Audi showroom permitted us to take back a TT coupe. Not any TT coupe but a RHD TT coupe… wow! Sitting in the back of one as a 16 year old was not so wow.
It broke down three times during the short journey due to the EPC light coming on so there were plenty of opportunities for turned heads and people looking out of their office windows!
It took me 5 months to find the one I really wanted. It had to be a Desert Pearl Green 225 with black interior... seems to be a very niche combination. even more so when you want one that's been looked after. Mine was owned my a mechanic who had known the car for 11 years.
It has done 93k, has FSH and had just had the full cambelt kit replaced. I only paid £2300 but have now spent over £4000 on it to get it how I want it (this includes a major service and haldex service)
At this moment in time, an investment is exactly what this isn't but I know that it will always retain it's value to a large degree. Plus it sounds fantastic, makes loads of stupid turbo noise and pulls like a train!
Insurance is another matter...
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