Mk1 Audi TT 225 - My first enthusiast car.
Discussion
PT1984 said:
My mum had one when they first came out, I must have been 19 and was insured. It was a 150 cab so FWD. Silver with full black leather. It was slow, and as I remember somewhat numb. But at 19 slow was what I needed, and amazingly I understood that. I had just written off my mk5 Zetec S Fiesta (bloody brilliant car).
The interior of the TT was a masterpiece for a mainstream car. You sat so low surrounded by all the leather. They eve managed to n KB she the plastic dash look quality with those metal air vents.
Yes I always wanted a BAM Quattro but went for a MK4 5 door Gti in the end which had the same AGU engine as my mums TT had. That ended up having quite a bit more power and torque than a BAM and it was a great engine. My girlfriend ended up having the Gti when I got a company Passat. I always kept having to tell her to slow down and stop playing the traffic light Grand Prix with yooths! She was a newly qualified solicitor! She’s now has a sting of new Cooper S’ and she’s just as bad.
Gosh that must've been awesome to drive a TT when you were 19! The interior of the TT was a masterpiece for a mainstream car. You sat so low surrounded by all the leather. They eve managed to n KB she the plastic dash look quality with those metal air vents.
Yes I always wanted a BAM Quattro but went for a MK4 5 door Gti in the end which had the same AGU engine as my mums TT had. That ended up having quite a bit more power and torque than a BAM and it was a great engine. My girlfriend ended up having the Gti when I got a company Passat. I always kept having to tell her to slow down and stop playing the traffic light Grand Prix with yooths! She was a newly qualified solicitor! She’s now has a sting of new Cooper S’ and she’s just as bad.
I agree on the interior. I think its great now, it must've been epic back then!
The girlfriend seems seems to have both good taste and lead feet!
TTOBES said:
As has been written today there was quite the hype around the TT's launch. Four years prior to the aforementioned driving work, I did work experience at the adjoining VW dealer - last week of June, first week of July. Whilst too young to drive, which was a shame as they were asking me to help re-arrange the forecourt (think Corrados, Ventos, Jazz Blue Golf 1.8Ts), I shadowed two trainee salesmen and remember returning from a sister dealer in a TT coupe (in the back!) and it breaking down three or four times with EPC issues on the way home. The thing just wouldn't start. The attention the car got from office workers peering down was something else. Of course, nobody was taking photos of it as they would be doing today. That particular car (T390 TGF 
) was perhaps of particular interest because it was a very fresh-off-boat RHD.
Its been fascinating to learn form people about the reception of the TT upon launch. This is another great story! Thank you very much!) was perhaps of particular interest because it was a very fresh-off-boat RHD.mk4gtiturbo said:
Interesting read, spurring me on to do something with mine!!
I have a 2002 TT225 that needs the turbo changing. Mine is only a weekend car and will be used for trackdays. Ultimate aim is to double the bhp (at least!!) I helped my mate build a 1.8T into a Golf4 4-motion shell. At the last count he's running 530bhp.
I guess I should start a topic for myself.
Please do! It sounds like it could be a great thread! That 530bhp TT sounds insane!I have a 2002 TT225 that needs the turbo changing. Mine is only a weekend car and will be used for trackdays. Ultimate aim is to double the bhp (at least!!) I helped my mate build a 1.8T into a Golf4 4-motion shell. At the last count he's running 530bhp.
I guess I should start a topic for myself.
Edited by mk4gtiturbo on Friday 2nd July 15:32
Afternoon all. Interesting TT news.
The TT has come home to see my parents. Despite an arduous, 3.5 hour drive punctuated by a queue at every opportunity, I thoroughly enjoyed the drive and the TT ran like a freshly serviced Swiss watch. Only even cooler
The parents absolutely love it!
It is so completely different to what we are used to. We've only had practical cars in my lifetime. For example, I was taken to school in a Peugeot 306 and then later on a Peugeot 307. My Dad has driven an A4 Avant since 2013.
So they were taken aback by the low suave cool coupe but commented on how memorable it made the experience of being a passenger.
I of course echo this statement as the driver. I feel like a Pharaoh when I drive it; so bloody special. Im so glad I've got it in my life.
Unfortunately it has a small problem.
I took it out this morning and it started making a rubbing noise around the passenger side rear wheel. Particularly noticeable from manoeuvring speeds to about 25mph. It makes the rub noise once every full rotation. Not a constant rub.
All my car lifting equipment is back where I live. Over 2 hours away on a good run. I didn't want to lift the car with the jack it comes with, especially on a sloped drive. They are called widowmakers for a reason.
Could see anything from peering under, so I've taken it to a good VAG place near me.
Hopefully its an annoying piece of trim or something. Fingers crossed. Really gutted but we shall see.
The TT has come home to see my parents. Despite an arduous, 3.5 hour drive punctuated by a queue at every opportunity, I thoroughly enjoyed the drive and the TT ran like a freshly serviced Swiss watch. Only even cooler
The parents absolutely love it!
It is so completely different to what we are used to. We've only had practical cars in my lifetime. For example, I was taken to school in a Peugeot 306 and then later on a Peugeot 307. My Dad has driven an A4 Avant since 2013.
So they were taken aback by the low suave cool coupe but commented on how memorable it made the experience of being a passenger.
I of course echo this statement as the driver. I feel like a Pharaoh when I drive it; so bloody special. Im so glad I've got it in my life.
Unfortunately it has a small problem.
I took it out this morning and it started making a rubbing noise around the passenger side rear wheel. Particularly noticeable from manoeuvring speeds to about 25mph. It makes the rub noise once every full rotation. Not a constant rub.
All my car lifting equipment is back where I live. Over 2 hours away on a good run. I didn't want to lift the car with the jack it comes with, especially on a sloped drive. They are called widowmakers for a reason.
Could see anything from peering under, so I've taken it to a good VAG place near me.
Hopefully its an annoying piece of trim or something. Fingers crossed. Really gutted but we shall see.
Hello! A TT update.
Noise problem
So it went to the garage as shown in the previous post. To address a cyclic grinding issue with the passenger side rear wheel.
The garage fortunately couldn't diagnose the issue. Too inundated with work.
Worn out discs
I got the car back. Looking through the service history, in Feb 2020, I saw that a noise had been noted in that area which had been traced to the brakes.
The rear discs and pads had been advised to be changed. However, as the car had had £700 spent on it 2 days before, and I presume the previous owner doesn't have a money tree in the garden, they had the discs machined a bit to limp them on.
Meaning, 8k miles later, they looked like this. Okay pads but really not great discs.
More worn out than first year university accommodation.
Im a bit annoyed with myself that I didn't spot that tbh.
However, I was happy that I had that service history. Really useful.
Realising I couldn't fix the car myself
Now, the car was at my parents at this point. Being loving hypochondriacs, they REALLY did not want me driving 2hrs+ home with not ideal brakes and a funny noise.
I also REALLY wanted to fix this myself. However, my tools are not at my parents. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to advance my mechanic skills. I've done some servicing on my car before but really want to do more. Especially as I know I can do discs and pads.
However, I swallowed my pride, realised that driving with dodgy brakes actually isn't wise, and booked it in at Kwik Fit.
Kwik Fit
They get the car, confirm the rear brakes and pads need doing and also diagnose the calliper in the trouble area is seized. Can barely turn the wheel. They say that this is the reason for the noise. At this point, I thought that replacing the discs, pads and that calliper would surely sort that problem and give me an 100% working braking system.It must be one of them right? I green light the work.
I get the car back. Still making the noise. Sadface.
I bring it straight back. To their credit, they get the car immediately back on the ramp and have another investigate.
The wheel bearing in that corner was found to have a touch of play. Very little, but noticeable.
The diagnosis was, as the wheel was turning, because the wheel bearing had a touch of play, the brake disc would wobble.
As it wobbled, it would catch, creating that scraping noise.
The solution? Tighten the wheel hub nut ever so slightly.
This was all explained to me next to the car. I appreciated that. They also showed me around the underside of the car. I appreciated that too. Couple of points of note, but overall its in great nick.
Afterwards, they sent me on their way. Had it worked? Yes! No more noise! Big relief.
Summary of solution
It's an interesting one this. I'm still a little bummed that I couldn't sort it myself. I could've replaced those brakes and that calliper easily. Also, its a little disheartening to come out of a mechanics with the same problem you went in with.
Would I have thought to tighten the hub nut though which ultimately solved the problem? Probably not.
Ultimately, I now have a car with proper, safe brakes. The calliper and discs/pads needed doing and I now have a car that is safer. When I'm driving my family and friends around who mean the world to me, that counts for a lot.
It also means I can use the car, which also means a huge amount.
Big shoutout to Kwik Fit for the work. I know they get a lot of flack, Ive heard the term s
t Fit before aimed their way, but the guys at Tunbridge Wells Kwik Fit are a solid bunch.
Number plates
In other news, I've fitted a new set of plates to the car. I drew inspiration for my plates from misano_tt_qs on Instagram. Well worth a follow. Arguably the most fastidiously restored and maintained MK1 TT I have ever seen.
He had a set of plates made with an in period dealership logo on them. See below.
I thought this was an incredible idea. Fantastic attention to detail and a subtle cool mod.
I contacted him about this and he kindly informed me that he created the logo on his computer and sent it to a plate maker, proplates to be precise.
His TT originally came from Epsom Audi, mine from Hartwell Audi. I couldn't find a picture anywhere of an Hartwell Audi plate from the early 2000s. So I made an educated guess of what it looks like and created it on my computer. Even if I'm actually wrong, Im very happy with the outcome. Proplates executed it perfectly. My face could barely contain my smile when they turned up.
Fuel Door Sticker
Finally (thanks for reading if you've got this far!) I ordered a new fuel door sticker as the old one was looking a bit decrepid
Noise problem
So it went to the garage as shown in the previous post. To address a cyclic grinding issue with the passenger side rear wheel.
The garage fortunately couldn't diagnose the issue. Too inundated with work.
Worn out discs
I got the car back. Looking through the service history, in Feb 2020, I saw that a noise had been noted in that area which had been traced to the brakes.
The rear discs and pads had been advised to be changed. However, as the car had had £700 spent on it 2 days before, and I presume the previous owner doesn't have a money tree in the garden, they had the discs machined a bit to limp them on.
Meaning, 8k miles later, they looked like this. Okay pads but really not great discs.
More worn out than first year university accommodation.
Im a bit annoyed with myself that I didn't spot that tbh.
However, I was happy that I had that service history. Really useful.
Realising I couldn't fix the car myself
Now, the car was at my parents at this point. Being loving hypochondriacs, they REALLY did not want me driving 2hrs+ home with not ideal brakes and a funny noise.
I also REALLY wanted to fix this myself. However, my tools are not at my parents. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to advance my mechanic skills. I've done some servicing on my car before but really want to do more. Especially as I know I can do discs and pads.
However, I swallowed my pride, realised that driving with dodgy brakes actually isn't wise, and booked it in at Kwik Fit.
Kwik Fit
They get the car, confirm the rear brakes and pads need doing and also diagnose the calliper in the trouble area is seized. Can barely turn the wheel. They say that this is the reason for the noise. At this point, I thought that replacing the discs, pads and that calliper would surely sort that problem and give me an 100% working braking system.It must be one of them right? I green light the work.
I get the car back. Still making the noise. Sadface.
I bring it straight back. To their credit, they get the car immediately back on the ramp and have another investigate.
The wheel bearing in that corner was found to have a touch of play. Very little, but noticeable.
The diagnosis was, as the wheel was turning, because the wheel bearing had a touch of play, the brake disc would wobble.
As it wobbled, it would catch, creating that scraping noise.
The solution? Tighten the wheel hub nut ever so slightly.
This was all explained to me next to the car. I appreciated that. They also showed me around the underside of the car. I appreciated that too. Couple of points of note, but overall its in great nick.
Afterwards, they sent me on their way. Had it worked? Yes! No more noise! Big relief.
Summary of solution
It's an interesting one this. I'm still a little bummed that I couldn't sort it myself. I could've replaced those brakes and that calliper easily. Also, its a little disheartening to come out of a mechanics with the same problem you went in with.
Would I have thought to tighten the hub nut though which ultimately solved the problem? Probably not.
Ultimately, I now have a car with proper, safe brakes. The calliper and discs/pads needed doing and I now have a car that is safer. When I'm driving my family and friends around who mean the world to me, that counts for a lot.
It also means I can use the car, which also means a huge amount.
Big shoutout to Kwik Fit for the work. I know they get a lot of flack, Ive heard the term s
t Fit before aimed their way, but the guys at Tunbridge Wells Kwik Fit are a solid bunch. Number plates
In other news, I've fitted a new set of plates to the car. I drew inspiration for my plates from misano_tt_qs on Instagram. Well worth a follow. Arguably the most fastidiously restored and maintained MK1 TT I have ever seen.
He had a set of plates made with an in period dealership logo on them. See below.
I thought this was an incredible idea. Fantastic attention to detail and a subtle cool mod.
I contacted him about this and he kindly informed me that he created the logo on his computer and sent it to a plate maker, proplates to be precise.
His TT originally came from Epsom Audi, mine from Hartwell Audi. I couldn't find a picture anywhere of an Hartwell Audi plate from the early 2000s. So I made an educated guess of what it looks like and created it on my computer. Even if I'm actually wrong, Im very happy with the outcome. Proplates executed it perfectly. My face could barely contain my smile when they turned up.
Fuel Door Sticker
Finally (thanks for reading if you've got this far!) I ordered a new fuel door sticker as the old one was looking a bit decrepid
bangerhoarder said:
Nice bit of attention to detail!
Brake parts for the TT aren’t expensive - even though the 225 has different rear calipers to the lower models, and the fronts are a big unit. Though the Cupra R Brembos are desirable, I’m not sure they’re proportionally better for the outlay (and as multi-piston need more maintenance on a weekend car).
With the brakes well sorted, they do stip very well!
Thank you! Im very glad I found the inspiration to do that plate. Very grateful for that and the work of Proplates!Brake parts for the TT aren’t expensive - even though the 225 has different rear calipers to the lower models, and the fronts are a big unit. Though the Cupra R Brembos are desirable, I’m not sure they’re proportionally better for the outlay (and as multi-piston need more maintenance on a weekend car).
With the brakes well sorted, they do stip very well!
You are quite right, TT brakes are relatively inexpensive but they stop the car very well. Impressed with them.
Its an interesting point about the Cupra R brakes. Also big brakes in general. Ive seen Porsche ones put on TTs.
I agree though, im not sure if they are 100% worth it. Im sure they make a difference but I think they money, certainly for now, is better spent elsewhere.
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