Shed money mk1 TT project
Discussion
I finally have an interesting (ish) car that I thought I could document my progress on here with.
First of all I just want to apologise for any grammar mistakes I’m sure I will make in my posts. I’m not dyslexic, just from Skegness originally.
So first a bit about my car history. I have always been a pistonhead ever since I can remember. Growing up my uncle had hundreds of interesting cars from xr4x4’s to tuned escort RS turbos, r33 skylines to 300zx twin turbos, Audi coupe’s to range rovers. You get the idea.
I passed my test at 17 and have owned the following. Will try and keep them in order.
Vectra b Sri ( mum and dads car I was first insured on )
Fiat punto mk1 1.2
Fiat punto mk2 1.2
Corsa b sxi 1.2
Vectra b 2.0 TD
Saxo 1.1spi
Vectra c 1.8
Corsa b ( c20xe )
E46 323i
I then met my now wife and moved to Hertfordshire and actually didn’t drive for a couple of years due to not really needing to ( she had a car we was joint insured on ) and then kids and adult stuff. I did want my own car so have been shedding with various cars mainly mk1 focus and Peugeot’s. I did manage to get a 300zx which was my realistic dream car but a wedding meant that had to go. We also had a Vauxhall antara which was the worst car I have ever owned.
Up until a few weeks ago I was running a mk1 focus which was a brilliant car and reliable for a few years only paid £450 pre Covid and all it needed was service items, starter motor, and a battery. Unfortunately a lot went wrong in a short amount of time and it needed tyres and a cambelt doing so even doing all the work my self the maths just wasn’t adding up.
My man maths kicked in and I thought why not buy something that needs a bit of work but is also a bit interesting instead of putting money into the focus.
I have always loved turbocharged cars and especially well modified cars. Growing up watching old street fire videos of supras and skylines with massive turbos destroying supercars had me addicted to older modified turbocharged cars and so the hunt was on. The only problem it it had to be cheap, and when I say cheap I mean well under shed cheap. I had narrowed it down to either a Saab 9-3 or an Audi TT, both offered what seemed to be the best route for cheap boosted fun. I had my hart set on a Saab as I just think they are cool cars and I love a quick saloon. But then an Audi TT popped up on marketplace which was definitely worth a look at. It had a few issues and was high mileages but seemed a solid base to start with so with train ticket in hand off I went on a freezing foggy morning to east London to go and have a view.
I have learned in my past car buying days to always follow your gut instinct as soon as you see the car and chat with the seller. I’d did just that and off I drove home in my new toy / project. I will be doing all the work my self in stages as and when needed. It’s not perfect but more on that later as I’m getting tired.
So the car.
The good bits.
2004 Audi TT (225) Quattro.
Denim blue.
Long MOT.
Bone stock.
Xeon headlights.
Cruse control.
And stacks and stacks of paper work. FSH with Audi and owned by an enthusiast for 15 years before apparently.
The not so good bits.
Slight oil leak.
Scuff on the front bumper.
Scabby rear arches.
EML light on.
Brakes will need doing soon. As well as a few other bits looking at.
High mileage. 167k high.
So how much did i get this for. I paid a grand sum of £900 and it came with half a tank of fuel.
It’s a solid car and driving it back reassured me. It drives like it has half the mileage.
Will update as I go along but I have already done a couple of things but that can come in the next update.
First of all I just want to apologise for any grammar mistakes I’m sure I will make in my posts. I’m not dyslexic, just from Skegness originally.
So first a bit about my car history. I have always been a pistonhead ever since I can remember. Growing up my uncle had hundreds of interesting cars from xr4x4’s to tuned escort RS turbos, r33 skylines to 300zx twin turbos, Audi coupe’s to range rovers. You get the idea.
I passed my test at 17 and have owned the following. Will try and keep them in order.
Vectra b Sri ( mum and dads car I was first insured on )
Fiat punto mk1 1.2
Fiat punto mk2 1.2
Corsa b sxi 1.2
Vectra b 2.0 TD
Saxo 1.1spi
Vectra c 1.8
Corsa b ( c20xe )
E46 323i
I then met my now wife and moved to Hertfordshire and actually didn’t drive for a couple of years due to not really needing to ( she had a car we was joint insured on ) and then kids and adult stuff. I did want my own car so have been shedding with various cars mainly mk1 focus and Peugeot’s. I did manage to get a 300zx which was my realistic dream car but a wedding meant that had to go. We also had a Vauxhall antara which was the worst car I have ever owned.
Up until a few weeks ago I was running a mk1 focus which was a brilliant car and reliable for a few years only paid £450 pre Covid and all it needed was service items, starter motor, and a battery. Unfortunately a lot went wrong in a short amount of time and it needed tyres and a cambelt doing so even doing all the work my self the maths just wasn’t adding up.
My man maths kicked in and I thought why not buy something that needs a bit of work but is also a bit interesting instead of putting money into the focus.
I have always loved turbocharged cars and especially well modified cars. Growing up watching old street fire videos of supras and skylines with massive turbos destroying supercars had me addicted to older modified turbocharged cars and so the hunt was on. The only problem it it had to be cheap, and when I say cheap I mean well under shed cheap. I had narrowed it down to either a Saab 9-3 or an Audi TT, both offered what seemed to be the best route for cheap boosted fun. I had my hart set on a Saab as I just think they are cool cars and I love a quick saloon. But then an Audi TT popped up on marketplace which was definitely worth a look at. It had a few issues and was high mileages but seemed a solid base to start with so with train ticket in hand off I went on a freezing foggy morning to east London to go and have a view.
I have learned in my past car buying days to always follow your gut instinct as soon as you see the car and chat with the seller. I’d did just that and off I drove home in my new toy / project. I will be doing all the work my self in stages as and when needed. It’s not perfect but more on that later as I’m getting tired.
So the car.
The good bits.
2004 Audi TT (225) Quattro.
Denim blue.
Long MOT.
Bone stock.
Xeon headlights.
Cruse control.
And stacks and stacks of paper work. FSH with Audi and owned by an enthusiast for 15 years before apparently.
The not so good bits.
Slight oil leak.
Scuff on the front bumper.
Scabby rear arches.
EML light on.
Brakes will need doing soon. As well as a few other bits looking at.
High mileage. 167k high.
So how much did i get this for. I paid a grand sum of £900 and it came with half a tank of fuel.
It’s a solid car and driving it back reassured me. It drives like it has half the mileage.
Will update as I go along but I have already done a couple of things but that can come in the next update.
Looks great. One of my favourite early TT body colours.
I almost bought a 225 one of these a few years back, it was in that lovely metalic dark plum colour ( the name escapes me ) but I dithered and someone else bought it.
Get it up on a ramp, as the underside of these can get very crusty.
I almost bought a 225 one of these a few years back, it was in that lovely metalic dark plum colour ( the name escapes me ) but I dithered and someone else bought it.
Get it up on a ramp, as the underside of these can get very crusty.
That is a nice one. I do like the grey interior - very smart. My current TT was the same money - it has cost several times that over the years but no regrets.
Dealing with rust on them isn’t bad - the panels are good quality and can be repaired well. Worth removing the sill covers if possible to check, but you can spray rust prevention into them.
Usual engine cautions apply - take the sump off and clean it all out. Get the cambelt changed. Check the coilpacks and plugs. Check for water leaks and temperature regulation.
Lots of TT threads where I’ve commented with other issues and things to watch out for. I do love these cars - quick enough, comfortable, pretty, solidly built. Not a sports car but a mini GT. Mega in snow and ice.
Enjoy it.
Dealing with rust on them isn’t bad - the panels are good quality and can be repaired well. Worth removing the sill covers if possible to check, but you can spray rust prevention into them.
Usual engine cautions apply - take the sump off and clean it all out. Get the cambelt changed. Check the coilpacks and plugs. Check for water leaks and temperature regulation.
Lots of TT threads where I’ve commented with other issues and things to watch out for. I do love these cars - quick enough, comfortable, pretty, solidly built. Not a sports car but a mini GT. Mega in snow and ice.
Enjoy it.
If it's a 2004 I'm fairly sure it's Mauritius Blue, not Denim, but I could be wrong so best check before buying anything that needs to match the colour.
I bought a cheap, tatty Denim Blue 225 for less than shed money as a man maths winter hack a few years ago, and liked it so much that I traded it up for a tidier Mauritius Blue one 18 months ago. Cracking little cars and generally pretty easy to work on, loads of information and how-to guides out there. Currently mid way through a suspension refresh.
I bought a cheap, tatty Denim Blue 225 for less than shed money as a man maths winter hack a few years ago, and liked it so much that I traded it up for a tidier Mauritius Blue one 18 months ago. Cracking little cars and generally pretty easy to work on, loads of information and how-to guides out there. Currently mid way through a suspension refresh.
Looks great OP. Sounds like a really good plan to spend on this rather than keep going with your Focus. ‘Hope the TT goes well for you.
I did a sort of a similar thing last month. Rather than spend £5,000 fixing my Range Rover Sport, I sold it and spent 2/3rds of that amount on a 2008 TT with the VR6 engine - at least it hasn’t got a DPF to crack!
I did a sort of a similar thing last month. Rather than spend £5,000 fixing my Range Rover Sport, I sold it and spent 2/3rds of that amount on a 2008 TT with the VR6 engine - at least it hasn’t got a DPF to crack!
I think the BAM engine is good for some high mileage if looked after correctly, then after that it's just addressing the TT niggles? A friend had a string of these, all remapped years ago and they always felt rapid!Congrats. Hopefully, it doesn't cost a lot to deal with the EML and brakes.
The rest including oil leak can be lived with (well, if it's a slight leak). I have the 180 2WD and love driving it. It's getting on a bit and things need replacing every couple of months but then it's a 20 year old car so not unexpected. Will need new tyres soon. Mine leaks through the rocker cover gasket. Hardly notice the oil leak on the dipstick so I don't top up very often. It does smell a bit when hot, though (burning oil).
The rest including oil leak can be lived with (well, if it's a slight leak). I have the 180 2WD and love driving it. It's getting on a bit and things need replacing every couple of months but then it's a 20 year old car so not unexpected. Will need new tyres soon. Mine leaks through the rocker cover gasket. Hardly notice the oil leak on the dipstick so I don't top up very often. It does smell a bit when hot, though (burning oil).
ttthilvester said:
E63eeeeee... said:
If it's a 2004 I'm fairly sure it's Mauritius Blue, not Denim, but I could be wrong so best check before buying anything that needs to match the colour.
Agree - I had a 2003 in Mauritius Blue. Pretty sure Denim Blue is a little paler and less metallic?E63eeeeee... said:
ttthilvester said:
E63eeeeee... said:
If it's a 2004 I'm fairly sure it's Mauritius Blue, not Denim, but I could be wrong so best check before buying anything that needs to match the colour.
Agree - I had a 2003 in Mauritius Blue. Pretty sure Denim Blue is a little paler and less metallic?
MDMA . said:
E63eeeeee... said:
ttthilvester said:
E63eeeeee... said:
If it's a 2004 I'm fairly sure it's Mauritius Blue, not Denim, but I could be wrong so best check before buying anything that needs to match the colour.
Agree - I had a 2003 in Mauritius Blue. Pretty sure Denim Blue is a little paler and less metallic?So with the car not boosting right and engine light on once I got home I plugged in my code scanner, and the codes that were being flagged were for the o2 sensor.
I set about getting a replacement but wanted to know if I cleared the codes would it resolve the boosting issue or not. Later that night I decided to clear the codes and take it for a quick spin. After driving for 10-15 minutes the light stayed off and was running great, as it was warmed up I wanted to see how it felt on boost, before you could feel it kick in but then fall flat. Pulling out of a junction into second gear and stuck my foot down, the thing pinned me into the back of my seat and shot off, into 3rd and again it just went pushing me into the back of my seat. I instantly let off. It was fast, way too fast. It was meant to be a bone stock 225 but felt like the 320bhp Impreza my uncle used to have. I drove home off boost and decided I would look more into it when I had the o2 sensor changed.
After getting hold of a o2 sensor I set about replacing it. Was a bit of a nightmare as it’s at an angle and anything substantial tools that could get it off wouldn’t fit as it would hit against the chassis rail. In the end I used an angle grinder to chop the sensor in half so I could get a socket and bar on there and used a lot of heat.
So with the new o2 sensor installed I cleaned the codes and took it for a drive. No EML light and was running a lot smoother and idling wasn’t lumpy. Result. Or so I thought. After warming up I rolled on in second again and nothing, flat as a pancake. This along with shooting off like a rocket the last time I drove it I instantly knew it was the n75 valve that controls the wastegate. Got home and gave it a clean out with some carb cleaner. It now runs perfect. Strong boost all the way to the redline and feeling much more docile. The time it went off like a rocket it must have been the n75 valve keeping the wastegate shut solid so I got all the boost. Oops.
Will update in a few weeks as I have a few things planned like rocker cover gasket and full set of discs and pads.
SAS Tom said:
As someone who also bought a shed money TT, be prepared to spend a lot of money! Loads you can do to modify them and they have their fair share of common problems too!
I like mine, as someone above said, it’s like a mini GT car.
I’m prepared. The list is.I like mine, as someone above said, it’s like a mini GT car.
Rocker cover gasket.
Full brakes including brake lines.
Rust.
Milky headlight ( probably be no1 on list )
I’m in a deciding point where I just do a few mods and keep it as a 280bhp daily.
Or I build a block, strip it and make it into a 450+bhp fast road car.
I want to be young again so I’m leaning towards the second option.
SAS Tom said:
Before power I went for handling. There are loads of bushes on these and when they’re worn they cause the alignment to go way out. The rear trailing arm bushes for example cause loads of toe in and make them very understeery.
Exactly. My plan is to buy a rear and front subframe off of a breaker and do it all at once. All new bushes, diff rear and front discs and pads etc. My 2000 TT (225) has 163k and going strong. Checked v5 and owned it since 2019. Practical in a sense and more stuff to keep fettling.
Just treated it to allot wheel rerurb and new boots ahead of commute to Le Mans in June.
I've just fitted a Bluetooth adapter which bypasses the CD changer. Dead simple and works really well. On Amazon ...
Bluetooth audio interface for 8... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072FLLVPN?ref=ppx_pop...
Just treated it to allot wheel rerurb and new boots ahead of commute to Le Mans in June.
I've just fitted a Bluetooth adapter which bypasses the CD changer. Dead simple and works really well. On Amazon ...
Bluetooth audio interface for 8... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072FLLVPN?ref=ppx_pop...
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