Mk1 Audi TT 225 - My first enthusiast car.
Discussion
cadmunkey said:
Loved my Mk1 TT, still one of my favourite cars I ever owned. Hated the Mk2 so never bought one when they launched. Enjoy your new car, looks in decent nick. I always wonder what happened to mine 
Nice to hear yet another positive recount of a TT. Im loving mine so far!cerb4.5lee said:
I've loved these ever since they first came out(well apart from being a rear passenger in one on the way to the RAC Rally in Wales years ago!). Agree with others and they still look great both inside and out.
Enjoy yours.
Oh gosh, being a rear passenger in one of these is not the best way to enjoy them! Definitely still look great inside and out. The brilliance of the design is especially apparent when you compare them to other cars of the period. Enjoy yours.
Drive it fix it repeat said:
I bought one about a year ago, checked everything I could before I bought it, test drive etc. Seemed like I had found a good one…. for about 3 weeks. After that everything that could go wrong has basically. It is currently sat at the end of my road where it has been since Christmas as I am sick of the sight of it. Hopefully yours is better behaved but it has put me right off them at the moment.
Sorry to hear about your one man. Any hope of it being back on the road?PT1984 said:
Dropping the sump and cleaning the pick up with some petrol is the best gift you will give this car. You need Dirko to seal the sump up.
I do think you should look at keeping this looking as standard as you can. Stick a new set of plugs and coil packs on it. Less than £100 from Opie Oils for NGK, it will run smother and maybe better MPG. People forget the fuel filter on these so get that done.
I would definitely get a new OE 710n DV. And look at the N249 delete. This worked for me with instant response and no on/off throttle jerky ness.
Also look at the PCV and for general boost leaks. Get in running as it should be.
Upgrade wise. I would fit a Forge TIP with the standard air box , and if you can a bigger downpipe and sport cat. I was amazed at how quick the turbo spooled after. Remap at R-Tech and leave it at that.
Thanks for taking the time out to give your advice and suggestions! I’ll deffo take it all on board. So much to think about with it. In a good way though! I’m very much looking forward to it! Planning it’s first service with me atm. Which will include a sump removal. Pictures and write up will follow. Should be doing that next weekend hopefullyI do think you should look at keeping this looking as standard as you can. Stick a new set of plugs and coil packs on it. Less than £100 from Opie Oils for NGK, it will run smother and maybe better MPG. People forget the fuel filter on these so get that done.
I would definitely get a new OE 710n DV. And look at the N249 delete. This worked for me with instant response and no on/off throttle jerky ness.
Also look at the PCV and for general boost leaks. Get in running as it should be.
Upgrade wise. I would fit a Forge TIP with the standard air box , and if you can a bigger downpipe and sport cat. I was amazed at how quick the turbo spooled after. Remap at R-Tech and leave it at that.
Ructions said:
Once you’ve done all of the above, fit a set of R32 anti-roll bars and you are good to go. Keep the standard wheels and you are good to go.
Not heard of that one so thank you! Bolts straight on I guess given the platform sharing? Sharpens up the handling noticeably I imagine?So today marks two weeks since getting the car!
It continues to be brilliant! Looking at giving it a big service and doing other maintenance work when I get paid next in July. Spreading out the parts shopping list over the two pay checks.
I've been planning it and definitely taken the advice on this page on board so thank you.
I'll probably do it all in one day/weekend, if all goes to plan.
Also, with a trip through the drive through at McDonalds over the weekend, the car is now officially mine! The drive through christening is the last stage of ownership acquisition in my opinion.
Also, I picked up this key ring.
In my opinion, a car key NEEDS a nice keyring on it.
As soon as I saw this keyring on the Audi website, even long before the TT arrived, I knew that was what it was getting. Such a great one in my opinion. Feels very high quality and quite hefty too for such a small thing.
Also, picked up this gecko air freshener.
The gecko seems to be a bit of an Audi mascot. Not quite sure of its meaning or where that comes from but I think they are cool. Always wanted a gecko but wanted to wait until I had an Audi to get one.
It will live in my car as a little mascot, long after the scent has all diffused away.
Speaking of which, it smells great. I wasn't sure beforehand as there was nothing to indicate the smell on the box. The "touch and smell" thing didn't seem to work.
It smells like a slightly citrus hybrid between a car air freshener and a cologne. Very impressed with it.
Picture from a trip to Milton Keynes. Taking pictures at every opportunity atm.
It continues to be brilliant! Looking at giving it a big service and doing other maintenance work when I get paid next in July. Spreading out the parts shopping list over the two pay checks.
I've been planning it and definitely taken the advice on this page on board so thank you.
I'll probably do it all in one day/weekend, if all goes to plan.
Also, with a trip through the drive through at McDonalds over the weekend, the car is now officially mine! The drive through christening is the last stage of ownership acquisition in my opinion.
Also, I picked up this key ring.
In my opinion, a car key NEEDS a nice keyring on it.
As soon as I saw this keyring on the Audi website, even long before the TT arrived, I knew that was what it was getting. Such a great one in my opinion. Feels very high quality and quite hefty too for such a small thing.
Also, picked up this gecko air freshener.
The gecko seems to be a bit of an Audi mascot. Not quite sure of its meaning or where that comes from but I think they are cool. Always wanted a gecko but wanted to wait until I had an Audi to get one.
It will live in my car as a little mascot, long after the scent has all diffused away.
Speaking of which, it smells great. I wasn't sure beforehand as there was nothing to indicate the smell on the box. The "touch and smell" thing didn't seem to work.
It smells like a slightly citrus hybrid between a car air freshener and a cologne. Very impressed with it.
Picture from a trip to Milton Keynes. Taking pictures at every opportunity atm.
Ructions said:
aaron_2000 said:
I remember in the mid to late 00's that anyone cool in their late 20's with some money had either an Audi TT or an E46 coupe.
I had both TT’s and E46 M3’s though I’m not sure I’d ever be described as cool, I have nothing but fond memories of the TT, despite the odd busted sump and dashpod issue. I can’t say the same about the M3. I know I’ll be in the minority here but despite all the accolades the M3 got, I never felt totally comfortable driving it on. I always felt that I sat on it rather than in it, if that makes sense.Maybe the TT was better suited to the local mountain roads than the M3.
My GT4 comes alive over those same roads.
Glad to hear you've got great memories of the TT. I'm hoping to make some great memories with mine! It's interesting to talk to someone who had them when they were newer.
It's interesting what you say about the E46 M3.
Like you say, it has had many accolades and is eulogised by many in the car enthusiast scene. Despite having never driven one, I do think its for good reason.
However, your feedback as an actual (prior?) owner is really interesting. Really does prove that the hype does not translate to greatness for everybody.
Also the roads of course make a big difference. I imagine the smaller TT is sized a little better for those roads.
Furthermore, you have a GT4! One of my dream cars. I have a 981 GT4 brochure. What is yours like?
Ructions said:
It’s a great car, all the car I will ever need. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, which sadly isn’t very often. I had a lot of surgery on my spine just after I bought it and I find it increasingly difficult to get in and out of it. It has the carbon bucket seats.
But on the right road, especially at night it is simply amazing. You don’t have to overdrive it to enjoy it, driving it at 80% of both the cars capabilities and mine is more than enough. I’ve had faster cars, I’m trying to think if I’ve had a better handling car, but it’s just better all round.
I should sell it, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’m going to build a hot rod type truck over the winter just need to convince the boss I need both of them.
Glad to hear about the 981 GT4 being awesome! It really sounds like a dream driver's car. Made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts for the pleasure of driving; not outright speed. But on the right road, especially at night it is simply amazing. You don’t have to overdrive it to enjoy it, driving it at 80% of both the cars capabilities and mine is more than enough. I’ve had faster cars, I’m trying to think if I’ve had a better handling car, but it’s just better all round.
I should sell it, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’m going to build a hot rod type truck over the winter just need to convince the boss I need both of them.
Hopefully you can use the GT4 for a bit longer and have some more great drives.
What kind of hot rod truck are you thinking of building?
Sir_Dave said:
Good to see someone so enthusiastic about the TT for a change!!
My wifes had her Moro Blue one since May 2008 now, taken it from 60k miles to 145k. On our 2nd cambelt change, but barring the clutch/flywheel/start motor going, nothing other than the usual servicing has been needed. Rear springs are a bit of a consumable, but its cheaper to buy 4 x H&R replacements than 2 x OEM Audi.
Thank you for your post and your shared enthusiasm!My wifes had her Moro Blue one since May 2008 now, taken it from 60k miles to 145k. On our 2nd cambelt change, but barring the clutch/flywheel/start motor going, nothing other than the usual servicing has been needed. Rear springs are a bit of a consumable, but its cheaper to buy 4 x H&R replacements than 2 x OEM Audi.
It looks like a lovely example and I'm happy that it has given you many years of good service!
Duly noted about the springs and thanks for the tip. It has had a couple of new rear springs recently which is great. This is definitely not the first time I've heard of their appetite for rear springs so I'll keep an eye on them.
You going to be keeping yours for the foreseeable future?
simonsti said:
My 19 year daughter bought a fwd 180 TT last December with 70k miles, she has since done another 11k mile in 6 months! We had a full service with cambelt done as soon as she had it and it has been faultless ever since.
It may not be as quick as a 225, but it has a super smooth engine, pulls really well and is good on fuel.
Overall we are really really impressed.
That is such a brilliant car at 19! I love that. Also glad to hear another positive anecdote! The stories are fascinating and rather joyous too. It may not be as quick as a 225, but it has a super smooth engine, pulls really well and is good on fuel.
Overall we are really really impressed.
NewNameNeeded said:
So nice to see so much love and enthusiasm for the TT.
Can still remember going to an Audi dealership in 2001 and literally shaking with excitement sliding in behind the wheel. It felt like such a different league of car to the 206 I was running at the time.
It took a couple of years before I bought a high mileage second hand, poverty spec, 180 coupe ... god I loved that car.
A baby came along and the car went, but some years later I stepped back in to a mk1 3.2 V6 TT roadster. An amazing car I loved for a few years.
I've owned an R8 and now on to Porsche, and they are clearly better drivers cars. But I still take a second look at the mk1 TT. They still look stunning and the interior seems timeless.
Enjoy every minute!
I think most people would use a time machine to see moments in time such as Ancient Egypt, or to answer questions such as who shot Kennedy. I however would go to an Audi showroom and see the TTs in period. I bet it was super amazing to have that experience Can still remember going to an Audi dealership in 2001 and literally shaking with excitement sliding in behind the wheel. It felt like such a different league of car to the 206 I was running at the time.
It took a couple of years before I bought a high mileage second hand, poverty spec, 180 coupe ... god I loved that car.
A baby came along and the car went, but some years later I stepped back in to a mk1 3.2 V6 TT roadster. An amazing car I loved for a few years.
I've owned an R8 and now on to Porsche, and they are clearly better drivers cars. But I still take a second look at the mk1 TT. They still look stunning and the interior seems timeless.
Enjoy every minute!
of sitting in one! Especially in the context of the cars it shared the roads with at the time.
I'm once again elated to hear of another positive TT anecdote this time featuring two! How did you find the V6 compared to the 180? Worth the upgrade in your opinion? DSG or manual?
An R8 and now onto Porsche. You've had some cool stuff!
Ructions said:
I have a 64 Chevy C10 small block V8. It was a drunken eBay purchase. WARNING watching too many episodes of Gas Monkey Garage can cause temporary madness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ny2U4HPHWM
That’s how it looks now. It handles like the Titanic.
I’m planning on adding a sorted chassis, an engine and gearbox from a Camaro ZL1, it’s 620bhp
Then sort out the paint, the current paint is very poor up close, but will pass muster to the casual observer.
I’m hoping to end up with something like this, but preferably without the bumpers.
It’s not currently for sale, but I keep getting offers. Someone wanted it today for one of those online raffle thingys.
Haha. Gas Monkey Garage and alcohol are a potent combination!That’s how it looks now. It handles like the Titanic.
I’m planning on adding a sorted chassis, an engine and gearbox from a Camaro ZL1, it’s 620bhp
Then sort out the paint, the current paint is very poor up close, but will pass muster to the casual observer.
I’m hoping to end up with something like this, but preferably without the bumpers.
It’s not currently for sale, but I keep getting offers. Someone wanted it today for one of those online raffle thingys.
That is an absolutely brilliant truck! Im not an expert on the American stuff, but I do think the 60s were a great time for American cars/trucks.
The build plan is simultaneously bonkers and amazing! That would make a great thread on here!
TR4man said:
How does your daughter get insured for a TT at such a young age?
I actually had one as a company car soon after they were introduced and at the time, I seem to remember that they were one of the most desirable coupes you could buy with potential buyers offering more than list to own one. I feel that they have been in the doldrums for sometime and perhaps only now are starting to be appreciated once more. Too many of them have been crashed, scrapped or chavved that they are quite a rare sight.
Anyway I still have this 3.2 which has been totally reliable despite it now having just under 120,000 miles.
That is really cool that you had one as a company car! I didn't realise that people were paying over list for them! I actually had one as a company car soon after they were introduced and at the time, I seem to remember that they were one of the most desirable coupes you could buy with potential buyers offering more than list to own one. I feel that they have been in the doldrums for sometime and perhaps only now are starting to be appreciated once more. Too many of them have been crashed, scrapped or chavved that they are quite a rare sight.
Anyway I still have this 3.2 which has been totally reliable despite it now having just under 120,000 miles.
Edited by TR4man on Wednesday 30th June 19:48
I agree with you. They have simply been an old Audi to many people for a while now and have suffered at the hands of breakers, scrappers, trees and chavs as their prices have dropped. Some of them you see online you end up feeling sorry for.
That is a lovely example you have there! DSG? If so, what is the early DSG like?
mercedeslimos said:
Now I'm on Donedeal looking at them. I'd love a 225 but there's a clean black one in Galway for €2k... Has to be 01 or before as stupid minimum 20 years for classic insurance 
I'm not sure what your situation is, as of course personal circumstances influence insurance a lot, but I rang a couple of insurers and they said they'd offer classic car insurance on my 03 example. What let me down was my age, hence why I don't have classic insurance on it. However, Admiral have given me a multi-car policy from the gods so I'm happy. Clio200pat said:
Lovely looking TT you have there OP. They look so good on the early 17" 6 spoke wheels.
This is my one.
Rarely use it which isn't a good thing, the road tax is horrendous but I'd never get rid of it!
Thank you! I also agree it sits nice on those wheels.This is my one.
Rarely use it which isn't a good thing, the road tax is horrendous but I'd never get rid of it!
I do like a Quattro Sport! Thanks for posting that on here. I love its subtle but meaningful alterations from the standard car. Deffo has a slight edge to it that hints at its rarity without willy waving or hurting the purity of the original design. Never actually seen one before in real life so I'd like that to change.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Could not agree more. Absolutely timeless and pure. Im a little gutted that mine has a head unit that doesn't allow that panel to close. However, it does give me bluetooth phone connectivity, radio and a reversing camera for "free" so I can't complain too much. I agree with you about it's successors. I think they are both great looking cars, when specced right, and are of course more modernised. However, like you say, as the sophistication has increased, something was lost from the original.
Lord_Howit_Hertz said:
TR4man are you northwest/Sandbach based by any chance? I'm sure I have seen a similar spec V6 around this parts.
Back on topic.
I had 2 TT's back in 99/01 when I was 19/20, first was a black 180 BHP, second was a new silver 225, which was modified close to 400 over the next few years of ownership. I loved that car, there wasn't much I hadn't done to it, I miss it massively and all these Mk1 TT threads that keep appearing don't help. I think these are underrated cars personally.
400 hp! Wow that is some output. These engines can really go places with the right work! Back on topic.
I had 2 TT's back in 99/01 when I was 19/20, first was a black 180 BHP, second was a new silver 225, which was modified close to 400 over the next few years of ownership. I loved that car, there wasn't much I hadn't done to it, I miss it massively and all these Mk1 TT threads that keep appearing don't help. I think these are underrated cars personally.
Sounds like it was your pride and joy. So many great stories and a high sentiment for the MK1 TT right now.
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