Mk1 Audi TT 225

[Drive it fix it repeat]

I've been looking for my next car for a while now after selling my 172 just before lock down. Basic criteria is,
Petrol
Ideally turbo
Reasonable power
Tuning potential
Something interesting/modern classic
More refined than my clio
Reasonable handling
Ideally sporty looking/not a hatchback

I've been looking at everything that's sat on 4 wheels all through lock down and I had settled on a saab 9-3 aero. Ticked most of the boxes. only issue was, I didn't actually WANT one. If I'm not excited about my new car before I even have it then that is clearly wrong.

It was a passing comment from my mother after seeing a TT 'ooh that looks nice, buy one of them', for some reason I had mentally written them off. Didn't used to be a fan of the styling and think I had just filed it away in my brain to be forgotten. Anyway after this comment I decided to do some research on them as I wasnt finding what I wanted anywhere else. Turns out the 225 is basically exactly what I'm looking for I think. Modern classic in the making IMO, looks have really grown on me. Good engine with plenty of tuning potential. Handles ok and can easily be made better. Nice interior. Much prefer the coupe to the rag top. Will drive better aswell I suspect.

I'm keeping a close eye on all the normal selling sites waiting for the right one to pop up now. Anyone got any advice for me? Things to look out for etc any ideas of other cars that meet the brief? Cheers everyone.

[stevemcs]

They eat coil packs, haldex needs changing every 20k, cambelt is every 5 years, check the bottom of the doors for corrosion and around the number plate lights. Dashpod can play up, gear change is a bit iffy, make sure it has a full service history with regular oil changes, ideally 10k or 12 months.

Rear calipers can fail, rubber peals off the internal door handles, steering is heavy and numb. They look pretty and you are right about the roadster, the wobble a lot with the roof down. They are the best looking TT, we owned our 9 years. I don't miss it. Oh and the oil pick up pipe gets blocked so if you are unsure of the history then get the sump dropped and cleaned out.

They may be a modern classic but they are not going to increase in value by huge amounts. How about an early S3 ?

[Gareth1974]

If the modern classic aspect ins important, seek out a TT Sport model, as these are most likely to appreciate in the future.

More power, stripped out interior, cool bucket seats and unique wheels and black roof.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[Drive it fix it repeat]

stevemcs said:

They eat coil packs, haldex needs changing every 20k, cambelt is every 5 years, check the bottom of the doors for corrosion and around the number plate lights. Dashpod can play up, gear change is a bit iffy, make sure it has a full service history with regular oil changes, ideally 10k or 12 months.

Rear calipers can fail, rubber peals off the internal door handles, steering is heavy and numb. They look pretty and you are right about the roadster, the wobble a lot with the roof down. They are the best looking TT, we owned our 9 years. I don't miss it. Oh and the oil pick up pipe gets blocked so if you are unsure of the history then get the sump dropped and cleaned out.

They may be a modern classic but they are not going to increase in value by huge amounts. How about an early S3 ?

Lots of info there, thank you. I've looked at s3's and they are clearly a good car but it's the same thing as the saab, it ticks the boxes but I dont actually WANT one. You say haldex needs changing every 20k, do you mean needs servicing?

[Drive it fix it repeat]

Gareth1974 said:

If the modern classic aspect ins important, seek out a TT Sport model, as these are most likely to appreciate in the future.

More power, stripped out interior, cool bucket seats and unique wheels and black roof.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Qs240 is a very nice car but unfortunately over my budget. I'm looking to spend £2000 - £4000 probably, I'll also be modifying it so would be a waste to buy the limited run car only to start changing it.

[Walter Sobchak]

I was going to say an early Boxster would be a good shout but it’s likely to be a ropey one at £4k whereas you’ll get a really good TT, I don’t know much about them, although had a similar,although lower power version of that engine with 180 BHP and 4 wheel drive in an A3 years ago and liked it.

[Trevor555]

I've always liked the MK1 TT and I still find myself admiring them now if they're nicely kept ones in that light blue, or grey, or even bright red.

£4,000 will get a really nice one, and kept nice I'd have thought they'd hold that value well.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're going to add some upgrades then I'd buy one with some of the work already done as it'll save you money in the long run.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-tt-225-coupe-quatt...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-TT-Quattro-225/202...

[stevemcs]

I sold ours last year for just over 4k, we covered just under 10,000 miles in the 9 years it was on 57k when we sold it. Ours was stg1 remap which made an improvement and a stainless exhaust, i still have a spare milltek back box in the garage.

[paulmakin]

i got an early 225 as a daily driver last winter and have been using it since march.

all the known weaknesses as above but mine is managing to throw up more electrical niggles than my fiat and alfa's combined. nothing to prevent it being used, just minor inconveniences - micro-switch this, bad connector that, random CELs, intermittent switch failings (yes - i'm looking at you 3 in the centre console) etc.

received wisdom seems to be that most maintenance should involve original parts as opposed to OEM "quality" but am yet to test that (it hasn't needed anything).

the haldex service costs are not wallet-worrying and used parts on the bay of dreams are remarkably well-priced - my car was a cheapy, not inclined to trouble audi for spares for this particular vehicle.

i do find it a bit uninvolving, even with a little remap, but it's more than adequate for what i need it do.

paul

[Nickp82]

I love the looks of the TT but the handling is just a bit on the dull side (can be improved with mods I guess). Although not turbo, a 350z could be worth a look, they sound great and handling is decent.

[albertoss]

Had one quite a number of years back and have fond memories. Performance was decent and handling was appropriate for my talent at the time. In the end I sold it due to too many coil pack issues. Just got sick of it. There's a dedicated TT forum website worth looking up. Loads of knowledge on there.

[SFTWend]

I bought a nice 70k miles 225 for £3k in 2017 and sold for £4.5k a year and 8k miles later but spent the difference on maintenance/repairs. I think leggy cars needing work are the best part of £2k now and double that for a low mileage well maintained example. Prices appear to be creeping up as the Mk1 seems to be getting more mention in forums and magazines.

As mentioned see the TT forum for research and the list of what can and does go wrong. I don't think there are usually any major bills with these but the numerous smaller items quickly add up if you want to keep the car tip top.

I recall the handling/steering was criticised by the media when the car was new as being a bit numb but I found it to be quite good fun compared to modern big overweight machines. There are sill plenty on the road so it is easy to overlook what a great looking machine the Mk1 is.