Mk1 Audi TT, or....
Discussion
Hi all, I am considering getting a Mk1 Audi TT, a 2003 model 225BHP, which would mainly be used as a station runner (approx. 5 miles per day) and some weekend use.
I quite like the look of the Mk1's, which IMO haven't aged too badly, and for my budget of £7k (well, really £6k, but more on that further down) I am struggling to think of a nice, stylish, well equipped, and reasonably sporty car that fits the bill better.
I currently have a relatively poverty spec BMW 3 series, 2008 model, but that is getting part ex'd against a new family car, so I am in the market for something to fill my requirements. The thing I find with the beemer, is that although nice to drive, being RWD it does struggle with grip on the cold muddy/icy roads, which I find quite frustrating.
Don't get me wrong, I understand Quattro doesn't mean invincible grip, but surely must be better equipped for it than a BMW or other RWD car?
So, my criteria are for something comfortable and useable (hence no stripped out track specials), capable in most weather (wont be foolish enough to tackle snow in it or anything though), reasonable get up and go, and decent looking.
My shortlist sort of faltered after the TT. I like the Nissan 350Z, but it's RWD again, and Ive had an S2000 before (plus not keen on another convertible). Thought of possibly a Focus ST/Golf GTi, but don't really need the practicality of a hatchback, and prefer a coupe look. Don't like the Toyota Celica looks wise, so ruled that out as well. Open to any other suggestions though.
Now, the thing about my bulging budget, could really use some advise on this...
While looking for a TT I came across what I think is a pretty rare example. This one has done 38k miles from new (2003), and is a one owner car. Full and correct Audi service history, and MOT's to confirm the mileage. I went to view it yesterday, and it is in fantastic condition, interior and exterior are spot on and it looks about 3 years old, not 13. It's a 225 model, with heated leather seats, Bose sound, and Xenons, so it has a good spec. I had set my mind at spending £6k max, but this one is £7k with no more room for negotiation, so I don't know whether this price is just too much due to it's age, or whether this really is a little gem and I should snap it up?
It needs some minor cosmetics done, and I will be test driving it this week following that, but given I have only had a small window of looking at these to ascertain their values, I am not sure whether I should start looking down the back of the sofa for the extra grand because it's absolutely worth it, or whether it's better to wait, because it is overpriced, and low mileage models come up regularly?
Given I will be doing a max of 2.5k miles a year, it will keep a very low mileage, and will be very well looked after while I have it, so hopefully would mean it has some future value when I do come to sell it one day. Other examples are 50k miles plus, and I viewed another yesterday which really showed it's age, and was tatty in comparison to the one I want. They are a grand or more cheaper, so reflects the fact I suppose.
Keen to hear thoughts on Mk1 TT values, and any other alternatives that may do the job better, otherwise I will find the money to get this one due to condition, mileage, and history.
I quite like the look of the Mk1's, which IMO haven't aged too badly, and for my budget of £7k (well, really £6k, but more on that further down) I am struggling to think of a nice, stylish, well equipped, and reasonably sporty car that fits the bill better.
I currently have a relatively poverty spec BMW 3 series, 2008 model, but that is getting part ex'd against a new family car, so I am in the market for something to fill my requirements. The thing I find with the beemer, is that although nice to drive, being RWD it does struggle with grip on the cold muddy/icy roads, which I find quite frustrating.
Don't get me wrong, I understand Quattro doesn't mean invincible grip, but surely must be better equipped for it than a BMW or other RWD car?
So, my criteria are for something comfortable and useable (hence no stripped out track specials), capable in most weather (wont be foolish enough to tackle snow in it or anything though), reasonable get up and go, and decent looking.
My shortlist sort of faltered after the TT. I like the Nissan 350Z, but it's RWD again, and Ive had an S2000 before (plus not keen on another convertible). Thought of possibly a Focus ST/Golf GTi, but don't really need the practicality of a hatchback, and prefer a coupe look. Don't like the Toyota Celica looks wise, so ruled that out as well. Open to any other suggestions though.
Now, the thing about my bulging budget, could really use some advise on this...
While looking for a TT I came across what I think is a pretty rare example. This one has done 38k miles from new (2003), and is a one owner car. Full and correct Audi service history, and MOT's to confirm the mileage. I went to view it yesterday, and it is in fantastic condition, interior and exterior are spot on and it looks about 3 years old, not 13. It's a 225 model, with heated leather seats, Bose sound, and Xenons, so it has a good spec. I had set my mind at spending £6k max, but this one is £7k with no more room for negotiation, so I don't know whether this price is just too much due to it's age, or whether this really is a little gem and I should snap it up?
It needs some minor cosmetics done, and I will be test driving it this week following that, but given I have only had a small window of looking at these to ascertain their values, I am not sure whether I should start looking down the back of the sofa for the extra grand because it's absolutely worth it, or whether it's better to wait, because it is overpriced, and low mileage models come up regularly?
Given I will be doing a max of 2.5k miles a year, it will keep a very low mileage, and will be very well looked after while I have it, so hopefully would mean it has some future value when I do come to sell it one day. Other examples are 50k miles plus, and I viewed another yesterday which really showed it's age, and was tatty in comparison to the one I want. They are a grand or more cheaper, so reflects the fact I suppose.
Keen to hear thoughts on Mk1 TT values, and any other alternatives that may do the job better, otherwise I will find the money to get this one due to condition, mileage, and history.
I'm not sure i'd want to spend 7k on a TT of that age. I recently bought a nice 225 from a dealer for 2k. I like it, nice to drive casually and a fancy pants interior. One thing i've noted is that they are full of issues (like all VAG cars) as the bits you don't see are poorly made and cheap. If you look on the Audi TT forum, it seems every part of the car is prone to failure and gets described as a common problem. If you think low mileage and expensive will equal reliability I think you'll be disappointed.
Cheers, I completely forgot to mention, preferably 4 seats, even if the rear seats are kid size, as I have three small kids that very occasionally I would be taking out in it. To be honest, I could use what will be the family car, but wouldn't always have access to it.
Saying that, maybe it's worth doing without the rear seats and making a plan when the need for 4 seats arises (that's what a boot is for right?
), Boxster may be a good shout in that case, will take a look at the classifieds around my budget.
Saying that, maybe it's worth doing without the rear seats and making a plan when the need for 4 seats arises (that's what a boot is for right?
), Boxster may be a good shout in that case, will take a look at the classifieds around my budget. Escy said:
I'm not sure i'd want to spend 7k on a TT of that age. I recently bought a nice 225 from a dealer for 2k. I like it, nice to drive casually and a fancy pants interior. One thing i've noted is that they are full of issues (like all VAG cars) as the bits you don't see are poorly made and cheap. If you look on the Audi TT forum, it seems every part of the car is prone to failure and gets described as a common problem. If you think low mileage and expensive will equal reliability I think you'll be disappointed.
Ouch, doesn't sound promising, will take a look on the forum. £2k is a real bargain, only reason I was considering £7k was one owner, service history, and low mileage, but things still wear with age I suppose regardless of miles done.Just to add, on the Porshe Boxster front, I don't think the model I could afford would offer much more in the way of performance over the TT. Looking on AT they are around 220BHP for anything with a lowish mileage. Maybe I should test drive one to compare the actual driving experience.
Thunderhead said:
Ouch, doesn't sound promising, will take a look on the forum. £2k is a real bargain, only reason I was considering £7k was one owner, service history, and low mileage, but things still wear with age I suppose regardless of miles done.
Unless it's a QS the price is a bit steep but then condition is everything. Don't let the horror stories get to you. TTs are reliable cars. I've been all over Europe on mine and do so every year without issues. Needs to be serviced and has a few perishables that require replacing. All cars of a certain age need those.TTs are not sport cars though and are more like a GT car. Station run is not the best way to run one imho.
I also own a Boxster
. Completely different car altogether. Even with all my mods the Boxster is still the better drivers car but they're both lovely in their own (very) different ways.Thanks Hdrflow, I hadn't considered them a GT, Id assumed that given their size and essentially Golf GTi underpinnings, they would be fine to chuck about and good for shorter journeys.
Do you think it might affect reliability doing short journeys, or is it more that it will be a boring drive because it drives more like a GT/cruiser?
Im also wondering how much my location is affecting prices. Im in the South East not far outside of London, and am looking in a 30 mile radius. If I extend that range prices do seem to come down, and with some serious distance there are some genuinely cheap ones, but not sure Id be prepared to travel too far just to view.
Do you think it might affect reliability doing short journeys, or is it more that it will be a boring drive because it drives more like a GT/cruiser?
Im also wondering how much my location is affecting prices. Im in the South East not far outside of London, and am looking in a 30 mile radius. If I extend that range prices do seem to come down, and with some serious distance there are some genuinely cheap ones, but not sure Id be prepared to travel too far just to view.
They definitely like being warmed up so short journeys do have the tendency to throw fault codes if that doesn't happen. In standard guise they're not really brilliant handlers. There's a long story about why Audi crippled the handling. They do have plenty of torque and a good remap will make it quite fast, so fun to drive. I guess it depends if your commute involves city driving or some country roads.
The interior is stunning even for today's standards so not boring to be inside. The driving position is a bit high but comfortable but the seats don't have a lot of support or a lot less than a Boxster. If you're undecided just drive a couple
and check the TT forum. That's where we all hang out 
The interior is stunning even for today's standards so not boring to be inside. The driving position is a bit high but comfortable but the seats don't have a lot of support or a lot less than a Boxster. If you're undecided just drive a couple
and check the TT forum. That's where we all hang out A mk1 TT is still a very nice place to sit. 7k is silly money when 8.5k will get you in to a mk2.
If you are set on the design of the TT, I would would not rule out the 180hp FWD. The smaller K03 turbos spool up much quicker and with a map are a proper hoot while retaining good milage. Less to go wrong without Quattro too.
Any VAG 1.8t model of this era has it's faults, but nothing a keen home mechanic can't fix. All cars of this age will have problems. The main being sump/pick up sludge build up. And if you want the Quattro make the the oil and filter have been changed religiously.
Looking on AT 4k will get you a good one, and save the rest for maintenance.
If you are set on the design of the TT, I would would not rule out the 180hp FWD. The smaller K03 turbos spool up much quicker and with a map are a proper hoot while retaining good milage. Less to go wrong without Quattro too.
Any VAG 1.8t model of this era has it's faults, but nothing a keen home mechanic can't fix. All cars of this age will have problems. The main being sump/pick up sludge build up. And if you want the Quattro make the the oil and filter have been changed religiously.
Looking on AT 4k will get you a good one, and save the rest for maintenance.
We don't have it any more but my wife did for a time have a TT with exactly the spec you describe. Here's my honest appraisal of it having had it for about 3 years.
Exterior - looks are subjective of course but we loved it. Paint work was great as well.
Interior - lovely. Probably the nicest of any car we've owned. A lovely place to sit
Build quality - generally good but some interior plastics are cheap
Drive - very sure footed. We used ours in the snow and it was actually pretty capable, certainly better than a rear drive BMW which I've also experienced in the snow.
Maintenance - expensive when things went wrong, needed more attention than some other cars we've had at a similar age. The added complexities of being 4wd doesn't help really.
The biggest let down for me though was with how it drove. It doesn't sound very sporty (it's a 1.8 turbo after all) and doesn't have great handling either. Yes you can carry a lot of speed round corners given its 4 wheel drive but it's not much fun whilst doing so. I echo what another poster has said, it's a better cruiser than sports car and for that it's fantastic. Can also get a surprising amount in the boot with the seats down when needed.
I had a mk4 golf GTI at the time. Handling on that was comically bad by comparison so probably showed the TT up in a better light than it should. Since getting rid of both cars, the wife now has a VW polo (boring) and I've bought a MK5 golf gti which has been absolutely excellent.
You mentioned a golf as a possibility for looking at and I'd recommended you do. The MK5 gti is infinitely nicer to drive than a MK 1 TT as you'll see for yourself if you drive one. Can't say that the interior is as nice as the TT as it isn't but it's certainly not bad at all and the gti seats are great for sitting in. For £6k you'll get a newer golf than you will a TT with likely fewer problems. Not used it in the snow but it's front wheel drive so can't imagine it being that bad.
Basically don't discount the golf would be my suggestion. Have a drive of both and you should see how much better the handling is on the golf. That said, if the interior and looks of the audi are important to you then the TT is a good car for sure.
If your are prepared to stretch your budget for that low mileage mk1 then I'd have a think about buying a TT mk2 as that was a massive improvement handling wise over the original version. Might have to stuff your hand down quite a lot of sofas though I suppose!
Tom
Exterior - looks are subjective of course but we loved it. Paint work was great as well.
Interior - lovely. Probably the nicest of any car we've owned. A lovely place to sit
Build quality - generally good but some interior plastics are cheap
Drive - very sure footed. We used ours in the snow and it was actually pretty capable, certainly better than a rear drive BMW which I've also experienced in the snow.
Maintenance - expensive when things went wrong, needed more attention than some other cars we've had at a similar age. The added complexities of being 4wd doesn't help really.
The biggest let down for me though was with how it drove. It doesn't sound very sporty (it's a 1.8 turbo after all) and doesn't have great handling either. Yes you can carry a lot of speed round corners given its 4 wheel drive but it's not much fun whilst doing so. I echo what another poster has said, it's a better cruiser than sports car and for that it's fantastic. Can also get a surprising amount in the boot with the seats down when needed.
I had a mk4 golf GTI at the time. Handling on that was comically bad by comparison so probably showed the TT up in a better light than it should. Since getting rid of both cars, the wife now has a VW polo (boring) and I've bought a MK5 golf gti which has been absolutely excellent.
You mentioned a golf as a possibility for looking at and I'd recommended you do. The MK5 gti is infinitely nicer to drive than a MK 1 TT as you'll see for yourself if you drive one. Can't say that the interior is as nice as the TT as it isn't but it's certainly not bad at all and the gti seats are great for sitting in. For £6k you'll get a newer golf than you will a TT with likely fewer problems. Not used it in the snow but it's front wheel drive so can't imagine it being that bad.
Basically don't discount the golf would be my suggestion. Have a drive of both and you should see how much better the handling is on the golf. That said, if the interior and looks of the audi are important to you then the TT is a good car for sure.
If your are prepared to stretch your budget for that low mileage mk1 then I'd have a think about buying a TT mk2 as that was a massive improvement handling wise over the original version. Might have to stuff your hand down quite a lot of sofas though I suppose!
Tom
My mother has a Mk1 TT convertible. It is miles away from any equivalent beemer in terms of build quality (ie doesn't feel as good). It is relatively quick, but after a pokey NA engine the turbo lag is infuriating.
I have driven plenty of high-power RWD cars through winter - I believe it has been shown several times that good winter tyres on a RWD car will outperform any AWD car with summers on.
I have driven plenty of high-power RWD cars through winter - I believe it has been shown several times that good winter tyres on a RWD car will outperform any AWD car with summers on.
you're doing 2.5k pa, short journeys, parking at the station. Not a job for a P&J.
Small engines warm up faster. Get a Panda 100hp and enjoy the journey every day. They're huge fun a real PH car.
OK they look bad, but what's important as you hoon to the station?
Buy something else with the balance.
Small engines warm up faster. Get a Panda 100hp and enjoy the journey every day. They're huge fun a real PH car.
OK they look bad, but what's important as you hoon to the station?
Buy something else with the balance.
Thanks all, from the experiences described I am thinking maybe it's not the car for me.
Will start taking a look at some GTi's, I did put a small deposit on the TT which is refundable following the test drive, so will at least try it out, but will make sure I get a drive of a GTi prior to doing so. If I am not blown away by the TT then maybe it's worth getting a snotter and waiting until Ive saved up more money for a Mk2, or getting a GTi.
Will start taking a look at some GTi's, I did put a small deposit on the TT which is refundable following the test drive, so will at least try it out, but will make sure I get a drive of a GTi prior to doing so. If I am not blown away by the TT then maybe it's worth getting a snotter and waiting until Ive saved up more money for a Mk2, or getting a GTi.
It's not a massive issue, but you certainly notice it when it's cold and wet (so at least 6 months of the year. Pulling away from roundabouts, going over drain covers, anywhere where there's mud on the road, and you really feel it.
It's not a massive issue, but I thought it would be nice to have the surefootedness of 4 wheel drive, or at least FWD.
Had a look on AT at some GTi's, and there isn't a great deal of choice, they are all the relatively low powered 197BHP model with over 50k miles. Will try a few different marques to see what's out there.
It's not a massive issue, but I thought it would be nice to have the surefootedness of 4 wheel drive, or at least FWD.
Had a look on AT at some GTi's, and there isn't a great deal of choice, they are all the relatively low powered 197BHP model with over 50k miles. Will try a few different marques to see what's out there.
We've had a couple of mk1 225 TT's both low mileage with Fsh but quite old (10 years) and they had a surprisingly lot of reliability issues which can be really expensive to sort out even using local garage:
Here's some of the things we had to fix on a low mileage 225
Turbo ( huge job as the turbo is hard to get to on 4wd TT)
Front drive shaft cv siezed
Dash pod replace ( BBa reman do these now)
Indicators stopped working (new hazard unit)
Cooling fan controller stopped working
Nice cars to sit in and well equipped but suspension poor over bumpy roads, quite quick but no driver involvement.
Here's some of the things we had to fix on a low mileage 225
Turbo ( huge job as the turbo is hard to get to on 4wd TT)
Front drive shaft cv siezed
Dash pod replace ( BBa reman do these now)
Indicators stopped working (new hazard unit)
Cooling fan controller stopped working
Nice cars to sit in and well equipped but suspension poor over bumpy roads, quite quick but no driver involvement.
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