RE: Audi TT Mk1: PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
I just got rid of mine a couple of weeks back after about six months as was able to upgrade, to be honest I ignored my own advice and bought the second one I looked at because I liked the (QS) wheels.
The can be total money pits, I replaced the wiper motor/Mechanism, thermostat, temp sensor, sorted the cooling system out and loads of other jobs, new battery, couple of tyres etc etc, coil packs, plugs etc, previous owner lavished two grand on it, I spent over a grand. They always end up with boost issues or misfires at some point, you need to either have a decent slush fund/friendly specialist or a smaller one and a socket set.
Loads of youngsters are going back to them, they are getting retro cool apparently, but a 20 year old with no mechanical skills buying one as an only car is like someone who lives in a flat who is out all day deciding a Border Collie is a good idea.
Buy on condition and work done, not just low miles, lots of lower mileage ones are due a lot of work, lot of overpriced dealer stuff out there.
They dont seem to rust, a bit on the front wings and the interior is pretty hardy.
Check the clutch, its a big job, a grand or so due to all the stuff in the way.
They dont like cheap tyres, avoid if they ave them fitted, mine came with two on the back, it was genuinely scary.
Check it gets up to temp, thermostats are a common issue, £150 at a garage or a slightly fiddly hours work.
Check for misfires and hesitation, coil packs arent that dear but can be other stuff.
Slow wipers, if they seem slow, it isnt because thats how they were then, means the motor and mechanism is rusty and about to die.
You need a VCDS/Vagcom lead and software to stand a chance with these, otherwise you get engine lights and no clue as to why.
If after a V6 DSG, check via vagcom how stretched the cam chain is, lovely engine but has an Achilles heel, can be three grand, if the engine light is on then run away, mechatronic units in the DSG boxes can fail, a two grand job.
I liked how it drove, steering had more feel than my M135i Does, it went well enough when it worked, brakes were very good, aircon and heated seats were heroic. Decent space in the boot, just see them as a two seater unless you have very small kids and short legs yourself.
Loads out there, buyers market and they are still cheap with no signs of going up anytime soon, the TT MK1 Facebook group had some very cheap examples, I sold mine for £1500, 2001 225 with 130k, four new tyres, new cambelt etc, really, dont pay much, especially for 180s (largely banger money) and convertibles, and with verts, check for wet carpets, they do leak.
Three grand is absolute top money for a 225 really, and that has to be a very well maintained minter, 5k and 6k dealer examples are for the unwary, they will be taking a bath when they come to get rid. Dont pay loads for a V6 either, they arent really worth much more, they have the normal TT niggles plus the two big ticket possible fails of DSG and cam chain as mentioned, they do tend to be lower miles and better nick for some reason.
They are crap on fuel really, they are quite heavy at 1500 plus kilos, have 4wd and are fairly old, early twenties around town I found and early thirties on a run, sure others will do better but depends on a lot of factors, but dont think as its only a 1.8 it is cheap to fuel, my BMW is doing better depsite another 1200 cc, two more cylinders and another 95 or so bhp.
2002 models (mine was a 2002 model year, registered in late 2001) had the later 18 inch wheels and lower ride height, early ones can look perched but are the classic TT look, not worth much though
I did like it, I just bought a bit of a ropey one in haste.
The can be total money pits, I replaced the wiper motor/Mechanism, thermostat, temp sensor, sorted the cooling system out and loads of other jobs, new battery, couple of tyres etc etc, coil packs, plugs etc, previous owner lavished two grand on it, I spent over a grand. They always end up with boost issues or misfires at some point, you need to either have a decent slush fund/friendly specialist or a smaller one and a socket set.
Loads of youngsters are going back to them, they are getting retro cool apparently, but a 20 year old with no mechanical skills buying one as an only car is like someone who lives in a flat who is out all day deciding a Border Collie is a good idea.
Buy on condition and work done, not just low miles, lots of lower mileage ones are due a lot of work, lot of overpriced dealer stuff out there.
They dont seem to rust, a bit on the front wings and the interior is pretty hardy.
Check the clutch, its a big job, a grand or so due to all the stuff in the way.
They dont like cheap tyres, avoid if they ave them fitted, mine came with two on the back, it was genuinely scary.
Check it gets up to temp, thermostats are a common issue, £150 at a garage or a slightly fiddly hours work.
Check for misfires and hesitation, coil packs arent that dear but can be other stuff.
Slow wipers, if they seem slow, it isnt because thats how they were then, means the motor and mechanism is rusty and about to die.
You need a VCDS/Vagcom lead and software to stand a chance with these, otherwise you get engine lights and no clue as to why.
If after a V6 DSG, check via vagcom how stretched the cam chain is, lovely engine but has an Achilles heel, can be three grand, if the engine light is on then run away, mechatronic units in the DSG boxes can fail, a two grand job.
I liked how it drove, steering had more feel than my M135i Does, it went well enough when it worked, brakes were very good, aircon and heated seats were heroic. Decent space in the boot, just see them as a two seater unless you have very small kids and short legs yourself.
Loads out there, buyers market and they are still cheap with no signs of going up anytime soon, the TT MK1 Facebook group had some very cheap examples, I sold mine for £1500, 2001 225 with 130k, four new tyres, new cambelt etc, really, dont pay much, especially for 180s (largely banger money) and convertibles, and with verts, check for wet carpets, they do leak.
Three grand is absolute top money for a 225 really, and that has to be a very well maintained minter, 5k and 6k dealer examples are for the unwary, they will be taking a bath when they come to get rid. Dont pay loads for a V6 either, they arent really worth much more, they have the normal TT niggles plus the two big ticket possible fails of DSG and cam chain as mentioned, they do tend to be lower miles and better nick for some reason.
They are crap on fuel really, they are quite heavy at 1500 plus kilos, have 4wd and are fairly old, early twenties around town I found and early thirties on a run, sure others will do better but depends on a lot of factors, but dont think as its only a 1.8 it is cheap to fuel, my BMW is doing better depsite another 1200 cc, two more cylinders and another 95 or so bhp.
2002 models (mine was a 2002 model year, registered in late 2001) had the later 18 inch wheels and lower ride height, early ones can look perched but are the classic TT look, not worth much though
I did like it, I just bought a bit of a ropey one in haste.
J4CKO said:
some good stuff
What he saidI got high 30s mpg on a run, 31-33 on the commute - pretty fair combined cycle drive
Looks like I got out at about the right time as I managed not far of £3k for a 150k 225 with stupid exhaust and remap... I wouldn't be against jumping back in again for shed money if I had somewhere to park it alongside the other 2!
"I've got 21 seconds to go.."
This car is an icon, not least because of the cool kids of the time who made the TT a must-have piece of design. There's a development car with the 2.7TT from the S4 which I think would have been an awesome first-gen TT-S/TT-RS option. Still yet to see someone undertake this engine swap though.
This car is an icon, not least because of the cool kids of the time who made the TT a must-have piece of design. There's a development car with the 2.7TT from the S4 which I think would have been an awesome first-gen TT-S/TT-RS option. Still yet to see someone undertake this engine swap though.
F1GTRUeno said:
What's the upgrade?
Here you go! https://www.cbauto-solutions.com/mk1-tt-4wd-cookbo...2Btoo said:
I had a new 3.2 V6 Roadster as a company car at launch – the first the dealer delivered and also the first to have a DSG box failure resulting in a new gearbox in less than 500 miles (as Audi wanted to dismantle and check it). Many cars later and now without a choice of company car I bought a FSH two-owner 53 plate car with 71,000 miles on it as a weekend runabout when the common sense of a 320d became too much. It’s been one of the most reliable second cars I’ve run with rear springs the only non-service item in the past two years. I’ve replaced the pads and disks, had a comprehensive service done including DSG oil but other than that it’s been faultless over 14,000 miles and two years including 2200 miles in 9 days on a Scotland and NC500 run.
I know the image isn’t for everyone and, versus a Boxster it’s not really at all a sports car – more a two-seat GT. The DSG box is refined and the paddle-shift works well – it has effortless performance – it’s quick enough and unfussy. It’s not at all frenetic and if you wanted something that revs and sounds dramatic this isn’t it. While I may be damning the car with faint praise I rarely get less than 30mpg so it will easily do 300 miles on a tank and the heating and heated seats mean I get to have the roof-down year round with a happy wife in the car - take note all you Elise-driving heroes: most passengers care about being warm ;-).
It handles well enough for a blast in Wales and is safe-/secure enough for my wife to drive - something that can’t be said of other cars we had which scared her to drive more than once. The boot can take a large holdall and a couple of squashy bags plus there’s room for small items under the hood-shelf. All-in-all it’s a car I’d really recommend – there aren’t many betters ways to spend less than £5k on a soft-top with at least some sports-credentials and a V6 to boot.
I considered a Boxster but for less than £5k I am convinced I’d have been bankrupted by now – my mate with a 55 plate Boxster-S has spent more on repairs and replacements since 2016 than I spent buying the TT.
I know the image isn’t for everyone and, versus a Boxster it’s not really at all a sports car – more a two-seat GT. The DSG box is refined and the paddle-shift works well – it has effortless performance – it’s quick enough and unfussy. It’s not at all frenetic and if you wanted something that revs and sounds dramatic this isn’t it. While I may be damning the car with faint praise I rarely get less than 30mpg so it will easily do 300 miles on a tank and the heating and heated seats mean I get to have the roof-down year round with a happy wife in the car - take note all you Elise-driving heroes: most passengers care about being warm ;-).
It handles well enough for a blast in Wales and is safe-/secure enough for my wife to drive - something that can’t be said of other cars we had which scared her to drive more than once. The boot can take a large holdall and a couple of squashy bags plus there’s room for small items under the hood-shelf. All-in-all it’s a car I’d really recommend – there aren’t many betters ways to spend less than £5k on a soft-top with at least some sports-credentials and a V6 to boot.
I considered a Boxster but for less than £5k I am convinced I’d have been bankrupted by now – my mate with a 55 plate Boxster-S has spent more on repairs and replacements since 2016 than I spent buying the TT.
I dropped £10k on this for my wife at the NEC Classic last November.
3.2V6 Quattro DSG, 2 owner full history car with everything from the original brochure order tick list onward.
Mint condition, just 27k miles on it when we bought it.
Very impressed, did over 2k miles in it in just 7 days on the NC500. All they way up from Swansea.
It’s her toy car so won’t get much use.
3.2V6 Quattro DSG, 2 owner full history car with everything from the original brochure order tick list onward.
Mint condition, just 27k miles on it when we bought it.
Very impressed, did over 2k miles in it in just 7 days on the NC500. All they way up from Swansea.
It’s her toy car so won’t get much use.
I've got very found memories of the MK1 TT.
I was working in Sydney in 2000 when they first arrived in Australia and I drove one of the first ones in the country from our depot near the Airport to Byron Bay (working for a hire fleet at the time) which was officially the best job I've ever had. I should add the first two points (just arrive in Oz and it being one of the first ones might not be wholly accurate as my boss at the time should have been known as Mr. Hyperbole).
Anyway, I don't think it can be over stated now just how special they looked 18 years ago, compared to the sea of Holdens and Fords in Oz and well, BMWs Mercs, Fords and Vauxhalls at home it might as well have been delivered on a flying saucer. Prettied up Golf? Who cares, Golf was a good car, TT was a good car and it wasn't like they drove all that alike anyway - it was really an Audi S3 in a dress although some people look down on those for whatever reason they can think of, usually something Clarkson said once.
Anyway, looked amazing, was incredibly right for it's time, unbelievably desirable.
Reputation turned to s
t within a few years though as it always does with 'the car to have' - pretty soon I couldn't think of the TT without thinking about 'UK Garage scene' and So Solid Crew 'sang' about them a lot and that was it. I still think they look great though, as does the A2 which came out about the same time.
I was working in Sydney in 2000 when they first arrived in Australia and I drove one of the first ones in the country from our depot near the Airport to Byron Bay (working for a hire fleet at the time) which was officially the best job I've ever had. I should add the first two points (just arrive in Oz and it being one of the first ones might not be wholly accurate as my boss at the time should have been known as Mr. Hyperbole).
Anyway, I don't think it can be over stated now just how special they looked 18 years ago, compared to the sea of Holdens and Fords in Oz and well, BMWs Mercs, Fords and Vauxhalls at home it might as well have been delivered on a flying saucer. Prettied up Golf? Who cares, Golf was a good car, TT was a good car and it wasn't like they drove all that alike anyway - it was really an Audi S3 in a dress although some people look down on those for whatever reason they can think of, usually something Clarkson said once.
Anyway, looked amazing, was incredibly right for it's time, unbelievably desirable.
Reputation turned to s
t within a few years though as it always does with 'the car to have' - pretty soon I couldn't think of the TT without thinking about 'UK Garage scene' and So Solid Crew 'sang' about them a lot and that was it. I still think they look great though, as does the A2 which came out about the same time. This is a timely thread.
I was in the market recently for a car for the summer, and as I've never had a convertible before and it was going to be a third car, I thought a two seat soft top would be an experience.
My first thought was a Boxster, but I talked myself out of that due to potential cost. A TT Roadster was next on the list.
Now, I remember when the MK1 came out, and it was a game changer design wise. People are talking about the negative image, but I don't really feel that really.
So, I found a rather lovely MK1 TT Roadster on the KGF Classic Cars site, in Olive green with green roof and granite leather, in predictably lovely condition. IT's still up on the KGF website if any one wants a gander.
It's a 2002, 81k FSH, 2 owner cars, the 180hp version rather than the 225, but for its intended purpose, that didn't bother me one bit.
What do I think? I like it. I wasn't expecting the last word in driving dynamics, which is fortunate as it's a bit clumsy really, and generally feels like there is too much grip from too stiff a suspension system bolted to a not particularly stiff structure.
I wasn't expecting it to be quick, which again is lucky as it's not...it's perfectly adequate without being in anyway exciting.
But, it's all about perspective. It's a 16 year old car. It drives well, is in lovely condition, everything works, and is giving top down summer fun for not much cash. I'm happy with it.
With regard to prices. I paid strong, but not outrageous money for mine, and my thinking is that values of decent examples will strengthen. I'm not expecting to get rich of course, but If I can have a year in the car and not lose loads of my initial outlay, I'll be relatively happy.
I was in the market recently for a car for the summer, and as I've never had a convertible before and it was going to be a third car, I thought a two seat soft top would be an experience.
My first thought was a Boxster, but I talked myself out of that due to potential cost. A TT Roadster was next on the list.
Now, I remember when the MK1 came out, and it was a game changer design wise. People are talking about the negative image, but I don't really feel that really.
So, I found a rather lovely MK1 TT Roadster on the KGF Classic Cars site, in Olive green with green roof and granite leather, in predictably lovely condition. IT's still up on the KGF website if any one wants a gander.
It's a 2002, 81k FSH, 2 owner cars, the 180hp version rather than the 225, but for its intended purpose, that didn't bother me one bit.
What do I think? I like it. I wasn't expecting the last word in driving dynamics, which is fortunate as it's a bit clumsy really, and generally feels like there is too much grip from too stiff a suspension system bolted to a not particularly stiff structure.
I wasn't expecting it to be quick, which again is lucky as it's not...it's perfectly adequate without being in anyway exciting.
But, it's all about perspective. It's a 16 year old car. It drives well, is in lovely condition, everything works, and is giving top down summer fun for not much cash. I'm happy with it.
With regard to prices. I paid strong, but not outrageous money for mine, and my thinking is that values of decent examples will strengthen. I'm not expecting to get rich of course, but If I can have a year in the car and not lose loads of my initial outlay, I'll be relatively happy.
Edited by f1nn on Thursday 31st May 17:33
Can't help much on current running costs as i bought one new in September 1999.
Did handle very well originally (which was ruined by the handling "upgrade"), but did suffer from serious snap oversteer if you got things badly wrong - managed a 720 spin between the Chicane and Clarks at Knockhill once,but it handily spun right down the middle of the track.The upgrades dialled this out at the expense of huge understeer IIRC.
Gave me 7 years of faithful use with very little costs (other than brakes,tyres etc).
Still love the looks (probably because unlike most modern cars they aren't heavy in the rear three quarter view because the roofline joins the body (more or less) in front of the rear wheels.
Has to be silver for me.
Baseball stitching was Roadster only i think.
Did handle very well originally (which was ruined by the handling "upgrade"), but did suffer from serious snap oversteer if you got things badly wrong - managed a 720 spin between the Chicane and Clarks at Knockhill once,but it handily spun right down the middle of the track.The upgrades dialled this out at the expense of huge understeer IIRC.
Gave me 7 years of faithful use with very little costs (other than brakes,tyres etc).
Still love the looks (probably because unlike most modern cars they aren't heavy in the rear three quarter view because the roofline joins the body (more or less) in front of the rear wheels.
Has to be silver for me.
Baseball stitching was Roadster only i think.
I’ve ripped over 450kg out of mine, gutted all I can, baffled sump, stage 2, semi slicks (have slicks for this summer), gaz golds, buckets, cage, powertrack and loads more... love it, quicker than you would think round a track than much more expensive machinery and cheap as chips, so much potential in the platform and rock solid reliability
1.8T 225 Quattro pick of the bunch, 3.2 sounds lovely but mechachronic issues persist, worth it if you go in open minded and with some reserve funds
1.8T 225 Quattro pick of the bunch, 3.2 sounds lovely but mechachronic issues persist, worth it if you go in open minded and with some reserve funds
Get on the TT Forum if you want one, try and find an ex owners club car, they are a great bunch on there, dont think there is anything they cant advise on and loads of old threads to scare yourself with 
I dont get the "iffy image", I had one, so that makes it cool
I got called a hairdresser numerous times, just offer to do their hair and they shut up, why is it men dont like other men owning something that looks distinctive ? an acquaintance kept mentioning it so I just asked him how his 2004 Primaera diesel was doing, a proper manly butch car, I may have insinuated he delivered takeaways in his spare time as well.
I got called gay as well, Im not which was always a disappointment as I would have got way more action as us chaps arent usually quite as choosy as the female of the species, anyway this bloke at work kept saying it, so I just said he was barking up the wrong tree and to try Canal street (Anal treet...) in Manchester rather than impoverished petrolheads trying to get something at least vaguely fun and interesting for 2 grand.
I dont get the "iffy image", I had one, so that makes it cool
I got called a hairdresser numerous times, just offer to do their hair and they shut up, why is it men dont like other men owning something that looks distinctive ? an acquaintance kept mentioning it so I just asked him how his 2004 Primaera diesel was doing, a proper manly butch car, I may have insinuated he delivered takeaways in his spare time as well.
I got called gay as well, Im not which was always a disappointment as I would have got way more action as us chaps arent usually quite as choosy as the female of the species, anyway this bloke at work kept saying it, so I just said he was barking up the wrong tree and to try Canal street (Anal treet...) in Manchester rather than impoverished petrolheads trying to get something at least vaguely fun and interesting for 2 grand.
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