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I'm a technician that's worked for Audi & VW for the past 25+ years and remember the TT very fondly. Me & some of my friends experienced the TT handling recall first hand. It was unprecedented, possibly only matched by the emissions scandal recalls. From memory there was only one customer at our dealership that didn't want the recall & had to sign a legal document to absolve the manufacturer. A few things about the video which I really enjoyed, the baseball stitch interior I actually loved and believe it or not was a rare option in the later version of the TT not just the MK1. Although the V6 engine is similar to that found in VW vehicles it's actually designated V6 in the Audi not VR6. The ultimate MK1 was the lightweight or sport, maybe you'll get one to test. The chassis in the MK1 contains no aluminium, that is a feature of the MK2 TT which has extruded elements of steel front & rear... It's quite sad to see the TT & R8's go. I spent over a decade of my life maintaining those in all forms at dealer level.
Why on earth would you sign a waiver for Audi? That’s crazy. What are they going to do, take away your birthday if you don’t? Absolutely nuts to do that.
Unremarkable interior???? TT’s have always had one of the best looking interiors in its class and it started with the MK1, my jaw dropped when you called in unremarkable…
The Rally driver Walter Rohrl was supposedly quoted as saying "Not bad, but way too dangerous for the normal driver. If you take off the throttle at 200 km/h in a fast bend it will go backwards and there is only one person that can drive like this and that is Walter Röhrl." ... however, I spoke to an Audi engineer in the early 00s and he said it was a triumph of PR over engineering... "They forced us to neuter our sports car, ruining the handling in favour of foolproof safety."
Sounds to me like that engineer just didn't want to admit they cocked up. "It was always meant to be dangerously unstable at high speed. We wanted it that way!" Yeah right.
I very much doubt that. As being an unbelievable driving talent, and, allowing for West German born, he really is a decent guy and not at all arrogant. Legend wheelmeister!
Don’t believe that at all. Total nonsense. The Walter Rohrl comment never happened. In the Uk the public was alerted when a very competent driver crashed one at high speed. He said the car did something bizarre, and nobody believed him. But he did his own research into accidents in Europe. and it snowballed from there. If Walter had been paid by Audi to test it and he gave that review, it would never have come to market.
The 3.2 V6 with the DSG box was an absolute hooligan of a car...way more fun than any hairdresser could handle! I still remember seeing a huge billboard on Deansgate Street in Manchester advertising the TT back in 1999, it really grabbed my attention...still a great looking car...
The 3.2 V6 with dsg box was okay but I honestly preferred the clio 172 back in 2004, didn't make the noise of the TT but was more fun to drive and just as quick.
The 225 in Silbersee metallic, black leather, Bose & 6 CD autochanger was my wife’s pick I was first awarded a sizeable bonus. She kept the car for 13 years, so I’d say that was a success ❤ In truth, it was a heavy beast, slow off the line and never economical, but it was a confidence inspiring mile muncher. It looked almost as good as new when we sold it with 115k miles. Not a single major fault. It used to eat front side light bulbs and the door glass drop switches failed more than once. UA-cam videos to the rescue, a DIY job. Literally nothing important ever failed.
I think your verdict on the interior is being a little uncharitable; back in 1999, when we started seeing these cars in the UK, the fit and finish, with those soft feel plastics and brushed aluminium trims, was pretty sensational for a car in that price point. Audi probably did the best interiors bar none at the time.
Yes the interior was revolutionary in quality as well as design at the time of launch, far better than contemporary S Class Mercs or BMW 7 series and not bettered anywhere in the auto industry until Audis own A8 Mk2 launched in 2003.
I got one of these along with a Alfa 159 for dirt cheap in 2016 as runabouts. Super super unappreciated car and I couldn't believe the level of interior quality. I had previously only been driving 90s Nissans (R34 GTT), Toyotas (92 Camry) and Holden VT and VS Commodores. My mind was blown. It set the bar high for my opinion of euro cars.
I had an original 225 that I bought new in ‘99. Before mine was recalled, EVO invited me to spend the day with John Barker to test it back to back with a modified/recalled TT and an S3. It was an amazing experience and can be read in the May 2000 edition. I put in my fastest (embarrassingly slow) laps in the modified car with ESP off, JB was fastest in the unmodified car. In addition to providing a nice 2.4 A4 loan car for the duration of the recall, Audi also generously invited owners to an Audi Experience Track day where we got to drive everything from a single seater to an HGV. I loved the car and almost bought it back after I eventually sold it. I continue to monitor the classifieds looking for a nice sport or a 3.2 (which you could also have in manual). Great review, thanks for bringing back some fond memories although I have to disagree on the interior, it was pretty special at the time and received a lot of compliments but I can see why you say that it is not so special in 2024.
I can't think rationally about this car. I was 21 in Germany and a student when the prototype hit the IAA in Frankfurt and stepped into the pantheon-style building that they had built to feature this. It was a moment where art overtook transportation and I just got to be there. I sincerely wish Audi would bring back Bauhaus and apply it to EV design. This was probably the best car design of the 90s that got into production, though there are a lot of alternatives (300 zx, BMW 5 Series to name a couple)
I've got one of these in almost the exact same spec, although it's had the recalls done, and I have to say: Almost all the issues you're talking about in regards to handling are easily resolved by a fresh set of shocks and springs. Being 25-years-old and meant for a compliant ride, they've all become fairly worn-out, and it's an easy bit of maintenance that really livens the car up. I fitted a set of Bilstein B14's to mine, and it's become far more dynamic: Better response, less body roll, etc. to a degree much greater than I expected.
My mother just bought a 2002 TT convertible last month just for puttering around in. She wanted me to look over the carfax and go with her to test drive it and see if I found anything wrong with it before she made her purchase. It is in much better condition than I expected; neat little car.
@@lowcountrydawg2525 Before we went and looked at it I looked up common problems and that was one I was aware of. According to the carfax it was done this past October. If it hadn't have been done already I would have tried to talk her out of buying it.
@@mystiqblackcat Lots of people just change the timing belt, but it's the hydraulic tensioner that fails. Hopefully your shop replaced that. I had a 2001 TT225 roadster, nimbus gray with baseball optic interior. It was a fun car. Blew the turbo at 60k miles and rebuilt it with a 383hp APR stg3+ engine kit. It was a monster after that.
I never bought the "Hairdressers Car" thing, looking back I think this is the jealousy of people driving boring Euro Boxes trying to poo-poo people who dared to buy interesting cars like the TT, MX-5, MR2, MG-F etc. The MK TT has aged very well. Occasionally it looks a little odd at certain angles, but it's a car that isn't very 'loud' in styling but you'd never mistake it for anything else. And 30-ish mpg in a near 30 year old car is pretty respectable.
If it attracts hairdressers, then it gets the label, but it says nothing about the car. My boss used to constantly tease me about my "hairdressers" MX5. On the way back from a meeting with a client I left his BMW absolutely for dead and once back at office he remarked "It might look like a girl's car, but it *goes* like a MAN'S CAR!"
An instant classic. It’s one of those you love it or hate it cases. Wether we like or not changed the course of Audi design. It’s a pleasure seeing one on the streets still in 2024. Specially in a time where cars lost all their soul and originality. The TT along with many others from the 90’s, represent the end of a decade, the end of an era, when brands weren’t afraid to try, to be different, a decade where you could easily distinguish a car by their look, and not only by their badge.
I first saw a TT in person parked at a curb outside Gare Montparnasse in 2000. I circled it twice and said out loud “when this is available in a cabriolet, I’m in!” A year later I was living in San Diego California and acquired my 2001 225 Roadster in Silver. Loved that car until my second child was born and a two-seater no longer fit my lifestyle. I miss it, and can’t wait to pick up a project 2001 TT again some day!!
I'm not a serious car enthusiast by any means but I'm a fan of good design and have owned one of these for around 5 years since someone wrote off my little mx5. I enjoyed the review and thought it was really on the money except when you described the interior as unremarkable. Whenever I drive anything else, especially anything new I'm always reminded of just how excellent a place to sit and how well laid out the little TT is.
UNREMARKABLE interior? This WHOLE car was a design sensation when unveiled. Almost exactly like the concept that preceded it and Bauhaus-inspired inside and out. I'm the same age as you, I remember having a notebook with a Roadster on the cover and drooling over the pictures of the TT I saw in the car magazines. The interior is designed according to the principles of the incredibly influential school of design that transformed the way things are done all around the world and it shows. The use of aluminium inside (one of the firsts!), the repeating golf ball-like motif, the rubber gear lever cover, head unit cover, some concealed and beautifully elegant functional elements like the aluminium vent rings or the button-levers on the dash... You can easily see someone's put a lot of effort into it. Minimalist doesn't equal unremarkable and this interior is very much NOT that.
@@philipethier9136 NSU was the worlds largest motorbike company back in it's heydays and had many TT victories. But didn't produce any race cars back then. So when they transformed their successful car model NSU 1000 into a somewhat sportier car to attract the young generation, NSU decided referring the new model's name to their motorbike racing reputation. The NSU TT then quickly got famous for its slalom and speed hillclimbing capabilities and dominated the hill climbing scene in its class for a long time.
If you managed to get the Haldex to disengage or re-engage on the limit of traction, it's fucking terrifying 😂 I ditched mine and got an A4 Quattro, significantly better on the limit.
I spun my MK1 TT "quattro" on two occasions. Finally, I decided to read up on it and thats when I figured out what was going on with the haldex system not being a full time all-wheel drive, only kicking in when the fronts lose traction. In other words, not true quattro and not a true sports car. I didn't like the idea of having the rears kick in mid corner, for obvious reasons, so I sold it soon after.
Very nice ! I’ve got a 3,2 L. VR6 coupe in papaya orange in perfect condition……..I’m sure this will be a collector in a few years …….cheers from Switzerland
Ive never driven one but I sefinitely remember the impact the design made in me. Absolutely stunning looks whwn it was new. I'd still like one at some point and it would have to be the original shape. I get that yhe later ones are probably better but I am still rather in love with the mark 1 shape.
I was considering one of these when I was on the hunt for my first interesting car. I ended buying an SLK230K because of the hardtop roof and the RWD setup instead of the FWD in these. If I remember correctly, even the AWD is primarily a FWD setup, it only spins the rear when it deems necessary. Glad to see you summarize everything I learned when I was researching these plus some weird quirks and features on top.
Audi overall have their AWD models all like that (except the R8's) to be FWD priority. Add to that their engines are in front of the front axle, and handling becomes a little difficult apparently
I'm actually in the hunt for a sub £4k convertible atm. My choices are Audi TT Roadster, Merc SLK or Mazda MX5. Which one tho? I've tested the TT and SLK and liked both. 🤔
@@gazz1246 My guess would be: MX5 for lightness and reliability (and might be faster and more lively than a base SLK and/or TT Convertible if you got later ones (like NB or NC, rather than NA) with bigger engines like the 2.0 for example. Will also be relatively easier to fix more than likely if there's anything wrong). SLK if you want that nice automatic folding hardtop and decent starting performance even at base spec that won't make you sleep at the wheel. TT if you want something a bit easier (but not necessarily better) to drive than both and have more unique styling.
I remember seeing my first one in 99 when a college girl got out of it and walked into the sandwich shop next to the liquor store I worked at. I had never seen one before, so I went out to the parking lot and gave it a walk around. I thought it was cool because it was different. Still think about that day every time I see one.
I purchased my first MK1 TT in January this year, I think your review James was absolutely spot on. I agree almost exactly with all of the points you've made. Mine is a 180hp 2wd variant, but as a daily driver, I quite appreciate that for the extra fuel economy and boot space. So far, I've put a new clutch and flywheel in, new brakes all round and a full service, and I must say, it is a fine car
We had an original TT 225. It was a great car. We used it year round with winter tires on her during the winter months. She plowed through the snow. Wonderful car. Thanks for your great story Jay. Cheers🍺
Nice to see these exist! I have a suspicion the main "flaw" was bad/average drivers. The target market for the car wasn't keen drivers who enjoy taking a car to its limits and learning how to manage its handling on the edge, no they were intended for people who wanted a quick stylish car but have no interest in learning how to drive one. If you gave a Dodge Viper, a TVR, a Supra or an RX7 to any of those people they'd also die. Edit: Not saying its the only flaw, clearly getting light at high speeds isn't desirable, but I think if you give a twitchy car to people who never expected to actually have to worry about such things that has no ESC (people now seem to expect a computer to save them when the f***up) and maybe drove it a bit too fast, then you would inevitably have a bad mix. Having not driven it I don't know how quick it swaps ends and how deadly it actually is, but some cars with lift off oversteer are rather fun (Pug 205 GTi for example)
I still have my original 2000 Mark I TT I got new here in the US back in 1999 in Lake Silver. Still drive it almost daily and love its 5 speed transmission and smooth engine. Recently changed the timing belt at 60,000 miles. It got a lot of attention when new, then it faded from people’s minds. Now at 25 years old she has been getting those admiring looks once again! Thank you for this great video.
I nearly bought a TT RS, twice. Once back in likd 2012 for the "Final Edition" Mk2, though the manual was basically ripped out of a Golf diesel and kinda ruined everything (plus the chassis was kind of a mess), the engine was of course, the highlight, though it was mounted WAY too far forward and transversely (even though they likely could've gone for an inline mounted 5). The AWD also sucked (and continues to suck, to this day), because it's literally just FWD 90% of the time and only kicks power to the rear during a launch or a loss of grip. Then, a few years ago, before I got my M2CS, I decided I'd give the Mk3 TT-RS a try, and it was much more polished in every way than the Mk2, though no manual, which sucked, and the DCT was weird because the software would indicate a shift before the actual transmission was capable of doing it, but it was okay. Took it out on some of my favorite roads, and i was shocked to find that it had all the same negative handling traits as the MK2. The 5 cylinder was still mounted (seemingly) as far forward as they could manage, and you could feel it pulling the car in corners. It handles almost like the opposite of my 90's Carrera S, but the TTRS just has an unforgiveable amount of oversteer. It was super upsetting, especially because the Mk3 RS looked so great. Just not a well thought out car, as far as I'm concerned. The acceleration felt like little more than a party trick, and the engine HATES revs, that 5 cyl literally cuts you off at 6800rpm, which may be a personal problem, being used to higher revving engines (even the M2CS revs out to 7600-7800rpm, and delivers every bit of the way), but I cane back from the test drive with the same feeling I had almost a decade earlier in the Mk2. Everyone kept telling me, "it's a baby R8, you'll love it", but it couldn't be further from an R8. Even the Mk3 was almost entirely FWD, outside of launches. Unless you buy a Haldex controller and force more power to the rear, but even then, that system is not made to handle 400hp all the time. I know so many guys with Haldex cars who have blown those systems out by using controllers, and it seems to be a pretty consistent failure if you push it away from the fairly boring factory F/R-bias. JayEmm nails it when he says these things are simply NOT sports cars. Not any version of it is a sports car, even the TT-RS.
The first i tought when i saw the picture at a VW dealer buying my new (getting to be a terrible bad quality car) VW Golf was that it have no spoiler and will take to the sky in speed when shaped like a wing of a plane... In Norway if you payd extra you would loose your car for the summer and get it back safer with a spoiler mounted in Germany... I was told then...
I was offered a TT and an Allroad for nothing because this lawyer I was doing work for was offered near nothing in a trade-in in 03'. He had me doing odd stuff landscaping wise, we cut a hole in his balcony and planted a tree under it, I put a stone path in and then planted moss in all the cracks for what seemed like weeks. My boss thought it was real funny to line me up with that, then the guy was offering cars to me. I didn't accept. Just put him down as a creeper, he wasn't offering my fat old boss cars.
Yes it was. I was working for Audi at the time and the promotional blurb confirmed that. The connection with Audi itself was very tenuous and through historical brands that became part of Audi much later.
I owned a midnight blue BAM 225 with bodykit and remap to 265. It was a beautiful drive and a car I was very proud of. I now own an RS mk2, in between owning a mk1 Boxster, but still remember the mk1 TT very fondly. Thanks for the continuous awesome content, James.
Origins of the TT on that Audi is here: Initially the Typ 110 came with a 1085 cc engine with a claimed output of 49 PS (36 kW), which would also find its way into the sporting smaller Prinz 1000 TT, albeit with a slightly higher claimed output of 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp). A car that dominated the 1000cc saloon car competitions on the continent. Like the Fiat Abarth ran with it engine lid lifted up.
I’ve had my 2005 TT Quattro Roadster since 2015. Just turned 200k miles on a 600-mile road trip through Vermont last week, exclusively on backroads. Certainly not a race car, but a reasonably solid sports/GT car for public roads, and bit of a unicorn as an all-wheel-drive roadster with a manual transmission that could potentially be a year-round vehicle (at least, that’s how I justified it to my wife). I know plenty of guys who can’t fit in a Miata, and can’t afford to maintain a Boxster, so this can be a good alternative. As with all German cars, deferring maintenance will have dire consequences, but the 1.8T was one of the most reliable VAG motors, and mine has been relatively inexpensive to own. I might have the dents and paint attended to someday, but I’m enjoying my recently refreshed suspension in the meantime.
Great review. Had a Mk1 TT with the added spoiler. There's a feeling of comfort knowing you are driving a car whose known issue had been fixed to make it safer.
Me too. I had no idea they officially changed the name. I've always just called the New Beetle the New Beetle; and the Porsche-fied 2nd gen I call the _Newer_ Beetle 😁.
Last time I bought a car, a little over six years ago, a TT 225 was the item topping my shortlist, At the time, however, the nearest advertised was a hundred and twenty miles away, down in Perth, so my first venture was across to Nairn to see a Mini Cooper S 175, which was my second choice. When I got there I found that car had been sent to Inverness to have some work done, but on the dealer's website I had seen a car that wasn't actually on my list, but about which I was a bit curious. In the absence of the Mini I took it for a test drive, and fell instantly in love, and within the hour I had bought myself a smart forfour Brabus, like the one you had on the channel a while back. Haven't regretted that decision for a single moment.
Jay, I can definitely confirm that the New Beetle was WILDLY popular here across the pond. I remember a number of my high school peers owning them, probably on their third owners at that point. I've driven one once, and it wasn't half bad. The interior was very... spartan but spacious. This TT shares that. You're making me want a TT now...
I had a 225 for a while and it was great fun...rock solid and I really loved the looks. Not the most classically sporting, but unusual in a good way. I remember seeing one at Stockholm airport shortly before they were released and I was blown away by the look of it in the metal...and that interior at the time was a thing of Germanic beauty.
I'm on my second TT, the first was a Mk1 225 Quattro, which I think had been remapped by a previous owner as it was an absolute flying machine, had it indicating north of 145mph on a German autobahn, and it was still pulling hard, it was a right hoot. I now have a Mk2 TDI Quattro, which I've had about 5 years now and love it, it's a car I don't think I'll ever sell, and thats coming from someone that hardly ever keeps a car very long, and previously didn't like Diesels in cars, but it just does everything I want from a car at this time in my car saga, it handles well enough, it's decently economical and its comfortable on a long drive and looks bloody brilliant while doing it.
@@gaffnaldo1 absolutely, is this your car now? My wife still misses it, but alas a repair I couldn’t do and local garages not wanting to fix was the last straw. Still think they look fab especially without the spoiler which was pure luck when I found it back in 08. I remember taking my son out in it on a test drive when he was 4 in a booster seat, he’s now 20 and 6’4” 😂, sorry of little interest to readers but just couldn’t believe it’s survived and still looks great.
No, it’s mine! Happy memories of picking it up in Northumberland. Your alloys looked better but I had to go back to original. I was thinking then of doing an electric conversion but the car was way too original for that. Parts car? Never!
I see one of these outside of my home every day. I think it is still a very clean design that is a genuine classic and will be remembered long after its numerous reiterations are forgotten.
A longboard strapped on top cleans up the roadster aerodynamically if anything, I got 29mpg going over the hills to the beach. Lugging up hills in 6th gear while keeping manifold pressure low seems to be the best payoff for the coast backdown
I'm a gardener and across the road from one of my customers there is a part built house swamped by brambles thar been like that for many years. My customer said 'under those brambles there's a sportscar'. They've just been cut back and its a T plate TT in silver. Looks pretty solid just a little green with algae.
I’ve always said this will be a classic one day so go buy a mint one for few grand. They’re more now and will never be expensive but definitely will go down in history
My dad also has a mk1 convertibel TT which was built in 1999. He also declined the wing for the same reason of implying a sporty character, although it does have ESP. But ive never seen any other mk1 TT without a spoiler here in Germany or anywhere else. Nice car to drive anyway
This review of the TT mark 1 is very subjective, of course as most enthusiasts do. But the only flaw that caused a redesign was the risk of the car taking flight at 90 mph and higher which led to the addition of the rear aerofoil. My 2004 coupe has it and is the only thing I ‘feel’ is not in the Bauhaus design theme.
Very intrigued to hear how rare the non spoiler mk1s are. I saw one at my local morrisons 6 months ago and stopped for a proper nosey as I didn't realise there even were any left without the back wing. They've aged very well!
I bought a 2000 180q to replace my Corrado that replaced the 16V Scirocco. It didn't have the rear lip but did have ESP, in silver of course. been looking for another one and I would seriously consider a Front-Trak vert. with a manual.
Weird youtube has blown up about these, in recent months got a 53 plate 225 Coupe, while it needs work at 124k it's not bad, fun to drive with a stage 1 map and all the PCV problems fixed, just done the timing kit on it tonight, will see how it is tomorrow. It's not quite a sports car, but it is MK4 golf platform which I will try my best to stick to as all the newer marques are not worth the hasstle.
Ive never been into VAG or German stuff but about 4 years ago i bought a cheap MOT failure 225, spent quite a bit on it just tidying it up and ended up keeping it to this day, i sometimes don't drive it for 6 months and then take it out and it surprizes me every time! Sure its not razor sharp like the hot hatches ive owned but anyone who drives it enjoys it, the wife likes it (and she hates everything i buy), it goes well, and with modern tyre technology coming on leaps and bounds its got BUCKETS of grip, in all weather! It may not be the best car to take down a backroad on a summers day, but take that same backroad on a damp winters morning, with the heated seats on full, and its a fairly nice place to be!
When cars are so expensive and costs keep rising people can only justify one car that can do most of what life throws at them. This class of car is for the people who love it way too much, or privileged enough to have an extra more practical car. Until people are doing much better financially and costs of living go down, I doubt sporty cars will make a grand return. Insurance is way too high, the smaller the car the greater the risk of safety for the driver, not very practical, low ground clearance and low entry. Small car for its price point too. The world has just changed and priorities have. Cars are a more unenjoyable experience than ever because of how expensive even basic commuters are these days.
@@Sam-go3mb Small sporty cars with sensible power. I have an SLK and those aren't made anymore either. Most manufacturers seem to be SUV or crossover only. A pity because poor aerodynamics will matter with EVs when it comes to range and they are huge and generally pretty expensive.
The class of incredibly mediocre to the point of being pointless cars? If you want a small, cheap to run sportscar you can still buy a brand new MX5 or if you're more flush then a Cayman/Boxster. If you want something equally as boring to drive as a TT but more practical then you can buy a Golf GTI. I don't really see the problem?
The Audi TT is named after the NSU TT, a small car from the 1960s produced by NSU based on the NSU Prinz 1000. The NSU TT was in turn named after the famous Tourist Trophy motorcycle race.
My mate was a racing driver and had one when they first come out. And he said they were a little tricky at the limit which he did bin it on a track a short time later. the recall came out.
We loved our '04 225 quattro. It was absolutely bulletproof. Great fun to drive. Handled well at speed and in the wet. With a cream leather interior, it was a lovely light, airy place to be, but horrible with a dark interior.
I have owned 3 TT's . My first was a '02 automatic for my wife. Bought new and had no problems. The second was an 01 /225 hp. Great car with no problems. The 3rd was an 09 with about 140k on the odometer. It was a 3.2 with DSG box. Great looking and super fun to drive. It came with a perfect Carfax with all services done at the dealer. Unfortunately, this car cured me of TT ownership. The car was always in the shop for relays, and other electrical and mechanical issues. Too bad because they should be better considering the price.
Interesting, I've since started paying attention to the backs of TTs (both to recognise if it has the post-recall spoiler as well as seeing which ones are the Quattros) and the ones with the spoiler are clearly the most common, although I have seen a few without it.
Cool cars - I almost ended up with one as my first car but went with a Mk3 MX-5 instead. Well worth spending a few grand on a slightly tatty one and making it a classic.
Those cute little wings might seem just for style. But they make a massive difference. I put on the oem wing on my 350z. It didn't feel light in the rear afterwards on high speed drives.
These cars are definitely future classics. I don't understand how they can not be considered sports cars though? I recently bought and modified some a 2005 TT with the 3.2. After adding Scorpion exhaust, HR springs and wheels it is definitely a sports car. A sports car with AWD, excellent looks and mostly reliable. The MK1s I would argue are also more artistic and better made than the following models. Especially with the interiors. What other modern car has aluminum and minimalistic dash board layout? It's like an all weather 356 outlaw that you can drive year round. There is literally no other car that provides all of this in the price range. Not in the USA anyway. The closest thing would be the Carrera 4's but they are all double the money at least-and, there are A LOT of Porsches at Cars and Coffee whereas the MK1 TT is becoming rare.
On my 3rd Mk1 TT. Started in a 2002 225 Coupe in black which was moved along when the kids needed more rear space. A couple of years ago I had an opportunity to get hold of a 2003 3.2V6 in gold (a factory colour apparently) with a DSG. That was a lovely car, but unfortunately commute changes meant I would've added 400 miles a week onto the car, and I couldn't stomach it given their increasing rarity.... 3 days after the 3.2 sold, I was trawling through FB marketplace and found a cheap 2003 225 Roadster. It was far from concourse but would be a fun daily driver/weekend car to throw around, and given the 'cost effective' nature of these cars currently, I figured "why not!". I don't think the roadster will stay around, purely because I rarely get a chance to go out (other than the previously mentioned commute) on my own/without two kids in tow... but I would be lying if I said another TT coupe wouldn't be an option :) Though the wife isn't as keen, given she's driving a Mk2 2.0 TFSI TT currently, and would much rather I take that and buy her something new.
Almost bought one- the baseball glove interior is special, and that bauhaus style has aged well. It drives well enough and you could do worse for a vintage roadster. Of course, for pure driving dynamics, you could also do better- any Boxster, Lotus, or even a humble MR2-S to name a few, but the much missed TT has charm for weeks. But you have to get the quattro. The tasteful interior still stands as an example of Audi's one time dominance in design.
Finding a nice original unmolested 3.2 V6 manual which has been well looked after is like a needle in a haystack - one of those or a 240 Quattro Sport would do me fine. Great cars for the money.
On my visit to Ingolstadt in 2011, I had a long and fascinating tour of the A3 production line. Our guide told us that Audi would give employees a TT as a reward for really good suggestions. My rich cousin used his TT as his working car and clocked up nearly 200,000 miles on his long distance business trips.
I've loved my 06 mk1 Special Commemorative Edition Roadster. I've had it since 07 and it has 40,110 original miles on it. They only produced 99 of them for that original mk1 body styles final run. We don't get the body rot or corrosion issues up here in Colorado that ya'll do in GB where parts are wayyyyyy cheaper. Each headlight assembly on my car with the bi-xenons and quartz grey interior part is $1,650.00 usd. My Baseball stitched non heated Napa leather bucket seats are $5,740.00 usd each. My anodized aluminum air vents on the Special Edition are $350 a piece, and same goes for every part on that cute little car. So you'll need a parts department hookup or an act of God to maintain one in it's original state of Audi parts. One exactly like mine, only with 97,400 miles sold in Texas at auction for $43,800 usd. That's nuts. I wouldn't feel right about someone offering me that much for my TT. Especially in this economy. But some people aren't burdened by conscience. The world is backwards. Where's my Valium!
It was quite the thing to be a young car obsessed kid at school and seeing radical designs come to market around the turn of the century. This, the Mk1 Focus and - dare I say - the Bangle era E65 were all examples of very exciting fresh car designs. I remember seeing a very early 180 driven by the Dad of a kid who went to my school and it being the highlight of my day 😂
I nearly bought one of these (US spec)back then.I had my uncle's handed down Audi Fox as a first car.Through some (apparently fortunate) twist of fate I ended up with another Saab,though.Or,in my instance,Slaab.I just remember that particular Audi dealership was too pushy and hard-sell.I won't patronize any business who acts like that on principle.Had no idea they were initially death traps until this vid.The car's profile reminds me of a proto Volkswagen Eos.
I've been looking at test driving one of these for awhile. Here in the states. I've wanted to get a Mazda Miata but the price for one now is just ridiculous. An unrusted one seems to be costing at least $8000 usd. $5000 will get you rust, missing interior bits, slammed to the ground, poorly maintained ones. I've considered maybe trying out early 2000s BMW verts. There's a few that are decently priced. The Audi TT I've seen the 6 speed 3.2 versions going for $5500 or so in good condition. I guess I'm just gonna have to test drive a few examples to see find what I'm looking for.
I had a 2003 mk1 180hp Quattro in glacier blue and had to get rid of it at 150000 miles due to lots of mechanical issues. They really do not wear mileage or age very well. Choosing good tyres and keeping the suspension in good order is a must to get the best out of the car. Loved the looks but not the expense of running it. I wish I had chosen a Celica vvti 190 bhp instead as it drove better and would have easier to look after!
I have a '01 roadster. It has seen better days, but it was an inexpensive option for an open-air toy to get me thru a few summers. I enjoy it quite a bit.
Great to at least hear such a well balanced review of the TT (Tourist Trophy)….I have to say the original ‘TG’ reviews of yesteryear always seemed to be focused on the ‘hairdresser/hand-bag accessory’ aspect of the car, rather than its concept, design etc. Am I biased, ‘Yes’, I bought my first back in ‘99….one of the rarer LHD (jump the waiting list) imports in all-originally ‘killer’ guise and have since owned a further 3, my ‘02 plate 225 TTC tucked away in the garage. As a business we’re always looking for great mk1’s and have just brought into stock a sensational 2 owner, 18k miles (yes 18k) 225 TTC finished in Mauritius Blue metallic….a unicorn car and one for the enthusiast/collectors. Thanks for the great review 👍
I have a 3.2 s-line convertible here in Canada , it was like bloody driving a go-cart! I replaced the springs a shocks with standard, and swapped the 18 in rims for 17. Ahhhhhhhh a ride much more suited for by 69 year old body.
I really like our TT 225 Cabrio. Yes, it has a lot more faults and kinks and rusts and has more defects, since it's a VW instead of a real Audi, but it drives nice, looks very good as a Cabriolet, with a little work you get solid 300PS from it and it's very usable. Granted, ours rides on 245/35 18 Falken Azenis FK510 with OZ Superleggera and a KW V3 suspension, almost all bushings swapped for soft polyurethane ones from Strongflex and it drives very nicely. Not too much of a problem keeping up with a 997 Carrera.
I am an ex Ford Escort, Ford XR3, Fiat X19, Mazda RX7, Fiat UNO, Peugeot 106, Mercedes 320ml, Mitsubishi D5, Toyota IQ and Ferrari F355. Now an owner of 3 Mk1 TT's in silver. I bought them while in Japan. Right hand drive Automatic 6 speed triptronic 180bhp, Left hand drive 6 speed Manuel 225 Quattro and an ABT right hand drive Manuel. BHP!! Not up and running yet. Love the styling, handling and performance. For what they are they are nice. Yes I prefer the original with no spoiler but like them custom too. And yes rear seats are pointless don't really like hatchbacks but boot space comes in handy. For me the first tow are so different. Auto and Manuel feel like a different car when driving. I personally if I keep one would fully customise it. As I said fine for what they are I would like though around 350 BHP AWD lowered suspension and sharper handling. I had a chance to get a convertible with baseball style seats cheap but my wife wants me to have only one car!!
We had a TT Coupe owner as a client. Just the front wheel drive version but tuned to make 225HP on the wheels. Every gear ended with a little wheel spin and a pft. It was a hoot to drive. As a light car lover I always dreamt of designing a super light spaceframe car and using a TT front wheel drive drivetrain as mid engine, tuned to 300HP. I suppose aspiring to an early Lotus Eloise with 300HP.
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The Mk4 r32 got the dsg before the Audi but it was not sold in the UK just manual.
The servicing on these is not cheap.
mad u didnt mention the special mk1 quattro sport 240 best looks and car
I'm a technician that's worked for Audi & VW for the past 25+ years and remember the TT very fondly. Me & some of my friends experienced the TT handling recall first hand. It was unprecedented, possibly only matched by the emissions scandal recalls. From memory there was only one customer at our dealership that didn't want the recall & had to sign a legal document to absolve the manufacturer. A few things about the video which I really enjoyed, the baseball stitch interior I actually loved and believe it or not was a rare option in the later version of the TT not just the MK1. Although the V6 engine is similar to that found in VW vehicles it's actually designated V6 in the Audi not VR6. The ultimate MK1 was the lightweight or sport, maybe you'll get one to test. The chassis in the MK1 contains no aluminium, that is a feature of the MK2 TT which has extruded elements of steel front & rear... It's quite sad to see the TT & R8's go. I spent over a decade of my life maintaining those in all forms at dealer level.
Really interesting about the waiver, particularly when it wasn’t a mandated recall. Not worth the paper it was printed on, methinks
Drilling the holes for the spoiler though the jig always made me wince 😂
Why on earth would you sign a waiver for Audi? That’s crazy. What are they going to do, take away your birthday if you don’t? Absolutely nuts to do that.
Sir, might I respectfully suggest you now set up shop and become an independent TT and R8 specialist?
What do you mean "not vr6"? Audi TT had the VR6, not a V6 engine. Maybe not exactly the same as R32 but still VR-shape.
Unremarkable interior???? TT’s have always had one of the best looking interiors in its class and it started with the MK1, my jaw dropped when you called in unremarkable…
My thoughts exactly! Baseball stitch or not, it’s a very special place to be, and the attention to detail is outstanding.
This is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, in my opinion. I'm a sucker for this epcot-esque futurism.
Agreed. Almost art-deco.
That baseball stitching is quite cool I must say.
Anything that isn't black is good in my book. Living in the USA, I am so sick to death of everything being in bland, neutral colors.
Everyone who saw it at the time loved it, but went with the black seats anyway when they specced their own.
The Rally driver Walter Rohrl was supposedly quoted as saying "Not bad, but way too dangerous for the normal driver. If you take off the throttle at 200 km/h in a fast bend it will go backwards and there is only one person that can drive like this and that is Walter Röhrl." ... however, I spoke to an Audi engineer in the early 00s and he said it was a triumph of PR over engineering... "They forced us to neuter our sports car, ruining the handling in favour of foolproof safety."
Sounds to me like that engineer just didn't want to admit they cocked up. "It was always meant to be dangerously unstable at high speed. We wanted it that way!" Yeah right.
@@AWMJoeyjoejoe Makes life a little bit more interesting.
@@bjorngveInteresting, and short. Lol
I very much doubt that. As being an unbelievable driving talent, and, allowing for West German born, he really is a decent guy and not at all arrogant. Legend wheelmeister!
Don’t believe that at all. Total nonsense. The Walter Rohrl comment never happened.
In the Uk the public was alerted when a very competent driver crashed one at high speed. He said the car did something bizarre, and nobody believed him. But he did his own research into accidents in Europe. and it snowballed from there.
If Walter had been paid by Audi to test it and he gave that review, it would never have come to market.
And we made all of the 3 generations exclusively in Hungary, in Győr, at the very first Audi plant outside Germany :) :) :)
Yes , it is a hungary car.....
Geci ezt nem is tudtam XD
You should be very proud to be so environmentally-friendly that they're all rusting away after 25 years.
The 3.2 V6 with the DSG box was an absolute hooligan of a car...way more fun than any hairdresser could handle!
I still remember seeing a huge billboard on Deansgate Street in Manchester advertising the TT back in 1999, it really grabbed my attention...still a great looking car...
You're delusional. It's a bad hatchback...made even worse.
A nose heavy drinker
I have a manual mk1 VR6, and guarantee it’s even more hooligan than the DSG version ;) beautiful cars, inside and out. Sound phenomenal.
The 3.2 V6 with dsg box was okay but I honestly preferred the clio 172 back in 2004, didn't make the noise of the TT but was more fun to drive and just as quick.
The 225 in Silbersee metallic, black leather, Bose & 6 CD autochanger was my wife’s pick I was first awarded a sizeable bonus. She kept the car for 13 years, so I’d say that was a success ❤
In truth, it was a heavy beast, slow off the line and never economical, but it was a confidence inspiring mile muncher. It looked almost as good as new when we sold it with 115k miles. Not a single major fault. It used to eat front side light bulbs and the door glass drop switches failed more than once. UA-cam videos to the rescue, a DIY job.
Literally nothing important ever failed.
I think your verdict on the interior is being a little uncharitable; back in 1999, when we started seeing these cars in the UK, the fit and finish, with those soft feel plastics and brushed aluminium trims, was pretty sensational for a car in that price point. Audi probably did the best interiors bar none at the time.
Yes the interior was revolutionary in quality as well as design at the time of launch, far better than contemporary S Class Mercs or BMW 7 series and not bettered anywhere in the auto industry until Audis own A8 Mk2 launched in 2003.
I got one of these along with a Alfa 159 for dirt cheap in 2016 as runabouts. Super super unappreciated car and I couldn't believe the level of interior quality. I had previously only been driving 90s Nissans (R34 GTT), Toyotas (92 Camry) and Holden VT and VS Commodores. My mind was blown. It set the bar high for my opinion of euro cars.
The interior was fantastic
Agree 100%. I was attracted to the exterior, when I sat inside I was SOLD!
@@hllokthis!!! Exactly the same for me when I got my first TT, interior was incredible
I had an original 225 that I bought new in ‘99. Before mine was recalled, EVO invited me to spend the day with John Barker to test it back to back with a modified/recalled TT and an S3. It was an amazing experience and can be read in the May 2000 edition. I put in my fastest (embarrassingly slow) laps in the modified car with ESP off, JB was fastest in the unmodified car.
In addition to providing a nice 2.4 A4 loan car for the duration of the recall, Audi also generously invited owners to an Audi Experience Track day where we got to drive everything from a single seater to an HGV.
I loved the car and almost bought it back after I eventually sold it. I continue to monitor the classifieds looking for a nice sport or a 3.2 (which you could also have in manual).
Great review, thanks for bringing back some fond memories although I have to disagree on the interior, it was pretty special at the time and received a lot of compliments but I can see why you say that it is not so special in 2024.
I did the track day at Palmersport . Never had the boot spoiler fitted , but was featured in a magazine after the rear lower control arm sheared 😵💫
@@v12dot Really enjoyed that day at Palmersport 😄
You woulda
Been faster with traction control on
It really helps high speed cornering
@@fastinradfordable I wasn’t though, it made me a bit slower, think it would have been different on a faster circuit.
I can't think rationally about this car. I was 21 in Germany and a student when the prototype hit the IAA in Frankfurt and stepped into the pantheon-style building that they had built to feature this. It was a moment where art overtook transportation and I just got to be there. I sincerely wish Audi would bring back Bauhaus and apply it to EV design. This was probably the best car design of the 90s that got into production, though there are a lot of alternatives (300 zx, BMW 5 Series to name a couple)
I've got one of these in almost the exact same spec, although it's had the recalls done, and I have to say: Almost all the issues you're talking about in regards to handling are easily resolved by a fresh set of shocks and springs. Being 25-years-old and meant for a compliant ride, they've all become fairly worn-out, and it's an easy bit of maintenance that really livens the car up. I fitted a set of Bilstein B14's to mine, and it's become far more dynamic: Better response, less body roll, etc. to a degree much greater than I expected.
My mother just bought a 2002 TT convertible last month just for puttering around in. She wanted me to look over the carfax and go with her to test drive it and see if I found anything wrong with it before she made her purchase. It is in much better condition than I expected; neat little car.
Change the water pump impeller and the timing belt tensioner immediately. Huge weak point on the 1.8T cars.
@@lowcountrydawg2525 Before we went and looked at it I looked up common problems and that was one I was aware of. According to the carfax it was done this past October. If it hadn't have been done already I would have tried to talk her out of buying it.
@@mystiqblackcat Lots of people just change the timing belt, but it's the hydraulic tensioner that fails. Hopefully your shop replaced that. I had a 2001 TT225 roadster, nimbus gray with baseball optic interior. It was a fun car. Blew the turbo at 60k miles and rebuilt it with a 383hp APR stg3+ engine kit. It was a monster after that.
I never bought the "Hairdressers Car" thing, looking back I think this is the jealousy of people driving boring Euro Boxes trying to poo-poo people who dared to buy interesting cars like the TT, MX-5, MR2, MG-F etc.
The MK TT has aged very well. Occasionally it looks a little odd at certain angles, but it's a car that isn't very 'loud' in styling but you'd never mistake it for anything else.
And 30-ish mpg in a near 30 year old car is pretty respectable.
If it attracts hairdressers, then it gets the label, but it says nothing about the car. My boss used to constantly tease me about my "hairdressers" MX5. On the way back from a meeting with a client I left his BMW absolutely for dead and once back at office he remarked "It might look like a girl's car, but it *goes* like a MAN'S CAR!"
@@neodonkeyyour boss has a 12 incher though.
@@Hrossey Usually people drive big cars to make up for a lack in that department.
An instant classic. It’s one of those you love it or hate it cases. Wether we like or not changed the course of Audi design. It’s a pleasure seeing one on the streets still in 2024. Specially in a time where cars lost all their soul and originality. The TT along with many others from the 90’s, represent the end of a decade, the end of an era, when brands weren’t afraid to try, to be different, a decade where you could easily distinguish a car by their look, and not only by their badge.
The interior doesn't feel cheap, even compared to modern cars
But the interior of modern cars feel cheap.
I first saw a TT in person parked at a curb outside Gare Montparnasse in 2000. I circled it twice and said out loud “when this is available in a cabriolet, I’m in!”
A year later I was living in San Diego California and acquired my 2001 225 Roadster in Silver.
Loved that car until my second child was born and a two-seater no longer fit my lifestyle.
I miss it, and can’t wait to pick up a project 2001 TT again some day!!
The first time I saw the Mk.1 TT I immediately thought of the 1930’s Auto Union, rear engined V16 racing cars.
I thought beetle
I'm not a serious car enthusiast by any means but I'm a fan of good design and have owned one of these for around 5 years since someone wrote off my little mx5.
I enjoyed the review and thought it was really on the money except when you described the interior as unremarkable. Whenever I drive anything else, especially anything new I'm always reminded of just how excellent a place to sit and how well laid out the little TT is.
UNREMARKABLE interior? This WHOLE car was a design sensation when unveiled. Almost exactly like the concept that preceded it and Bauhaus-inspired inside and out. I'm the same age as you, I remember having a notebook with a Roadster on the cover and drooling over the pictures of the TT I saw in the car magazines. The interior is designed according to the principles of the incredibly influential school of design that transformed the way things are done all around the world and it shows. The use of aluminium inside (one of the firsts!), the repeating golf ball-like motif, the rubber gear lever cover, head unit cover, some concealed and beautifully elegant functional elements like the aluminium vent rings or the button-levers on the dash... You can easily see someone's put a lot of effort into it. Minimalist doesn't equal unremarkable and this interior is very much NOT that.
8:24 it’s definitely named after the NSU TT - even the model inscription is in the same font.
Er and what was the NSU TT named after?
@@neilturner6749 i presume it goes back to the isle of man tt since nsu raced bikes
@@neilturner6749you’ll have to wait for Jayemm’s review of the NSU TT to find that out.
@@fabium3410 They had Tourist Trophy CAR races back in the day...
@@philipethier9136
NSU was the worlds largest motorbike company back in it's heydays and had many TT victories. But didn't produce any race cars back then.
So when they transformed their successful car model NSU 1000 into a somewhat sportier car to attract the young generation, NSU decided referring the new model's name to their motorbike racing reputation.
The NSU TT then quickly got famous for its slalom and speed hillclimbing capabilities and dominated the hill climbing scene in its class for a long time.
I like the TT had several as company cars. They were still twitchy on the limit even with the rear spoiler, I put one backwards into a field.
If you managed to get the Haldex to disengage or re-engage on the limit of traction, it's fucking terrifying 😂 I ditched mine and got an A4 Quattro, significantly better on the limit.
I spun my MK1 TT "quattro" on two occasions. Finally, I decided to read up on it and thats when I figured out what was going on with the haldex system not being a full time all-wheel drive, only kicking in when the fronts lose traction. In other words, not true quattro and not a true sports car. I didn't like the idea of having the rears kick in mid corner, for obvious reasons, so I sold it soon after.
The TT design never impressed me. But had some good memories driving it.
Very nice ! I’ve got a 3,2 L. VR6 coupe in papaya orange in perfect condition……..I’m sure this will be a collector in a few years
…….cheers from Switzerland
What a fantastic car, congratulations👍
I thought the Swiss government hated big engined cars? You must be taxed like crazy on that car
This cars styling was and is gorgeous. Remember seeing this on the road the first time. Jaw dropping
Ive never driven one but I sefinitely remember the impact the design made in me. Absolutely stunning looks whwn it was new. I'd still like one at some point and it would have to be the original shape. I get that yhe later ones are probably better but I am still rather in love with the mark 1 shape.
I was considering one of these when I was on the hunt for my first interesting car. I ended buying an SLK230K because of the hardtop roof and the RWD setup instead of the FWD in these. If I remember correctly, even the AWD is primarily a FWD setup, it only spins the rear when it deems necessary.
Glad to see you summarize everything I learned when I was researching these plus some weird quirks and features on top.
Audi overall have their AWD models all like that (except the R8's) to be FWD priority. Add to that their engines are in front of the front axle, and handling becomes a little difficult apparently
@@PlatinumNath anything with a longitudinal engine was permanent 40:60 quattro
Slk is much more fun anyway
I'm actually in the hunt for a sub £4k convertible atm. My choices are Audi TT Roadster, Merc SLK or Mazda MX5. Which one tho? I've tested the TT and SLK and liked both. 🤔
@@gazz1246 My guess would be:
MX5 for lightness and reliability (and might be faster and more lively than a base SLK and/or TT Convertible if you got later ones (like NB or NC, rather than NA) with bigger engines like the 2.0 for example. Will also be relatively easier to fix more than likely if there's anything wrong). SLK if you want that nice automatic folding hardtop and decent starting performance even at base spec that won't make you sleep at the wheel. TT if you want something a bit easier (but not necessarily better) to drive than both and have more unique styling.
VAG made some of the most creative and interesting cars of the late 1990s - 2008. I think you are correct that this could be a sort of future classic.
It's scrap always was
I remember seeing my first one in 99 when a college girl got out of it and walked into the sandwich shop next to the liquor store I worked at. I had never seen one before, so I went out to the parking lot and gave it a walk around. I thought it was cool because it was different. Still think about that day every time I see one.
I purchased my first MK1 TT in January this year, I think your review James was absolutely spot on. I agree almost exactly with all of the points you've made. Mine is a 180hp 2wd variant, but as a daily driver, I quite appreciate that for the extra fuel economy and boot space.
So far, I've put a new clutch and flywheel in, new brakes all round and a full service, and I must say, it is a fine car
Do you have esp or asr?
What fuel consumption do you get? And how is it for longer drives?
@@MrAdven depends on the type. 225hp consumpes like 11L/100km. 180hp consumes less.
We had an original TT 225. It was a great car. We used it year round with winter tires on her during the winter months. She plowed through the snow. Wonderful car. Thanks for your great story Jay. Cheers🍺
Nice to see these exist! I have a suspicion the main "flaw" was bad/average drivers. The target market for the car wasn't keen drivers who enjoy taking a car to its limits and learning how to manage its handling on the edge, no they were intended for people who wanted a quick stylish car but have no interest in learning how to drive one. If you gave a Dodge Viper, a TVR, a Supra or an RX7 to any of those people they'd also die.
Edit: Not saying its the only flaw, clearly getting light at high speeds isn't desirable, but I think if you give a twitchy car to people who never expected to actually have to worry about such things that has no ESC (people now seem to expect a computer to save them when the f***up) and maybe drove it a bit too fast, then you would inevitably have a bad mix. Having not driven it I don't know how quick it swaps ends and how deadly it actually is, but some cars with lift off oversteer are rather fun (Pug 205 GTi for example)
I still have my original 2000 Mark I TT I got new here in the US back in 1999 in Lake Silver. Still drive it almost daily and love its 5 speed transmission and smooth engine. Recently changed the timing belt at 60,000 miles. It got a lot of attention when new, then it faded from people’s minds. Now at 25 years old she has been getting those admiring looks once again! Thank you for this great video.
I nearly bought a TT RS, twice. Once back in likd 2012 for the "Final Edition" Mk2, though the manual was basically ripped out of a Golf diesel and kinda ruined everything (plus the chassis was kind of a mess), the engine was of course, the highlight, though it was mounted WAY too far forward and transversely (even though they likely could've gone for an inline mounted 5).
The AWD also sucked (and continues to suck, to this day), because it's literally just FWD 90% of the time and only kicks power to the rear during a launch or a loss of grip.
Then, a few years ago, before I got my M2CS, I decided I'd give the Mk3 TT-RS a try, and it was much more polished in every way than the Mk2, though no manual, which sucked, and the DCT was weird because the software would indicate a shift before the actual transmission was capable of doing it, but it was okay.
Took it out on some of my favorite roads, and i was shocked to find that it had all the same negative handling traits as the MK2. The 5 cylinder was still mounted (seemingly) as far forward as they could manage, and you could feel it pulling the car in corners. It handles almost like the opposite of my 90's Carrera S, but the TTRS just has an unforgiveable amount of oversteer. It was super upsetting, especially because the Mk3 RS looked so great. Just not a well thought out car, as far as I'm concerned. The acceleration felt like little more than a party trick, and the engine HATES revs, that 5 cyl literally cuts you off at 6800rpm, which may be a personal problem, being used to higher revving engines (even the M2CS revs out to 7600-7800rpm, and delivers every bit of the way), but I cane back from the test drive with the same feeling I had almost a decade earlier in the Mk2.
Everyone kept telling me, "it's a baby R8, you'll love it", but it couldn't be further from an R8. Even the Mk3 was almost entirely FWD, outside of launches. Unless you buy a Haldex controller and force more power to the rear, but even then, that system is not made to handle 400hp all the time. I know so many guys with Haldex cars who have blown those systems out by using controllers, and it seems to be a pretty consistent failure if you push it away from the fairly boring factory F/R-bias.
JayEmm nails it when he says these things are simply NOT sports cars. Not any version of it is a sports car, even the TT-RS.
The first i tought when i saw the picture at a VW dealer buying my new (getting to be a terrible bad quality car) VW Golf was that it have no spoiler and will take to the sky in speed when shaped like a wing of a plane... In Norway if you payd extra you would loose your car for the summer and get it back safer with a spoiler mounted in Germany... I was told then...
I was offered a TT and an Allroad for nothing because this lawyer I was doing work for was offered near nothing in a trade-in in 03'.
He had me doing odd stuff landscaping wise, we cut a hole in his balcony and planted a tree under it, I put a stone path in and then planted moss in all the cracks for what seemed like weeks. My boss thought it was real funny to line me up with that, then the guy was offering cars to me.
I didn't accept. Just put him down as a creeper, he wasn't offering my fat old boss cars.
I had a one a 1999 left hand drive. Bought from Germany loved it looked better than any golf .. the ttrs was a super car
I thought it was named after the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man.
Yes it was. I was working for Audi at the time and the promotional blurb confirmed that. The connection with Audi itself was very tenuous and through historical brands that became part of Audi much later.
The closest competitor (”the original”) the Fiat Coupe had, interestingly, great high speed aero. Flat floor, square boot!
I owned a midnight blue BAM 225 with bodykit and remap to 265. It was a beautiful drive and a car I was very proud of. I now own an RS mk2, in between owning a mk1 Boxster, but still remember the mk1 TT very fondly. Thanks for the continuous awesome content, James.
My wife almost bought one of these new back in the early OOs. It drove EXCTLY like her GTI. It was that day I learned what a “platform” was.
Origins of the TT on that Audi is here: Initially the Typ 110 came with a 1085 cc engine with a claimed output of 49 PS (36 kW), which would also find its way into the sporting smaller Prinz 1000 TT, albeit with a slightly higher claimed output of 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp). A car that dominated the 1000cc saloon car competitions on the continent. Like the Fiat Abarth ran with it engine lid lifted up.
I’ve had my 2005 TT Quattro Roadster since 2015. Just turned 200k miles on a 600-mile road trip through Vermont last week, exclusively on backroads. Certainly not a race car, but a reasonably solid sports/GT car for public roads, and bit of a unicorn as an all-wheel-drive roadster with a manual transmission that could potentially be a year-round vehicle (at least, that’s how I justified it to my wife).
I know plenty of guys who can’t fit in a Miata, and can’t afford to maintain a Boxster, so this can be a good alternative. As with all German cars, deferring maintenance will have dire consequences, but the 1.8T was one of the most reliable VAG motors, and mine has been relatively inexpensive to own. I might have the dents and paint attended to someday, but I’m enjoying my recently refreshed suspension in the meantime.
I have a Mark 1 225, my first car, absolutely love it.
Great review. Had a Mk1 TT with the added spoiler. There's a feeling of comfort knowing you are driving a car whose known issue had been fixed to make it safer.
Up til now, I always thought the beetle replacing the new beetle was just the second gen of the new beetle
Me too. I had no idea they officially changed the name.
I've always just called the New Beetle the New Beetle; and the Porsche-fied 2nd gen I call the _Newer_ Beetle 😁.
Thank you. I thought I was alone.
Those non-recalled TT's are super rare! It might be more dangerous but the lack of the rear wing looks better I think
I think it looks worse
Just get a mk2 with electric spoiler, yer both happy then
I think they look as good as each other
I saw one in the supermarket parking lot a few years ago when I was younger and had no idea how rare it was.
Last time I bought a car, a little over six years ago, a TT 225 was the item topping my shortlist, At the time, however, the nearest advertised was a hundred and twenty miles away, down in Perth, so my first venture was across to Nairn to see a Mini Cooper S 175, which was my second choice. When I got there I found that car had been sent to Inverness to have some work done, but on the dealer's website I had seen a car that wasn't actually on my list, but about which I was a bit curious. In the absence of the Mini I took it for a test drive, and fell instantly in love, and within the hour I had bought myself a smart forfour Brabus, like the one you had on the channel a while back. Haven't regretted that decision for a single moment.
Jay, I can definitely confirm that the New Beetle was WILDLY popular here across the pond. I remember a number of my high school peers owning them, probably on their third owners at that point. I've driven one once, and it wasn't half bad. The interior was very... spartan but spacious. This TT shares that.
You're making me want a TT now...
I had a 225 for a while and it was great fun...rock solid and I really loved the looks. Not the most classically sporting, but unusual in a good way. I remember seeing one at Stockholm airport shortly before they were released and I was blown away by the look of it in the metal...and that interior at the time was a thing of Germanic beauty.
I got the 3.2 had it 19 years not missed a beat
Noticed right away the wing was missing, and I already knew what was coming. Jay never dissapoints
I'm on my second TT, the first was a Mk1 225 Quattro, which I think had been remapped by a previous owner as it was an absolute flying machine, had it indicating north of 145mph on a German autobahn, and it was still pulling hard, it was a right hoot.
I now have a Mk2 TDI Quattro, which I've had about 5 years now and love it, it's a car I don't think I'll ever sell, and thats coming from someone that hardly ever keeps a car very long, and previously didn't like Diesels in cars, but it just does everything I want from a car at this time in my car saga, it handles well enough, it's decently economical and its comfortable on a long drive and looks bloody brilliant while doing it.
There was a lot of LHD "new" Beetles imported before they went officially on sale in the UK too!
That specific car was my wife’s for 10 years between 2008-2018 nice to see it again, though on different wheels.
That's brilliant Rob - what are the chances? 😂
@@gaffnaldo1 absolutely, is this your car now? My wife still misses it, but alas a repair I couldn’t do and local garages not wanting to fix was the last straw. Still think they look fab especially without the spoiler which was pure luck when I found it back in 08. I remember taking my son out in it on a test drive when he was 4 in a booster seat, he’s now 20 and 6’4” 😂, sorry of little interest to readers but just couldn’t believe it’s survived and still looks great.
@@robc5955 no Rob not my car - I have an MK2. I just thought this was a brilliant story. Funny how the world works.
@@gaffnaldo1 it is, honestly thought it would end up a parts car. It’s got me wanting another tt but not the mk1.
No, it’s mine! Happy memories of picking it up in Northumberland. Your alloys looked better but I had to go back to original. I was thinking then of doing an electric conversion but the car was way too original for that. Parts car? Never!
I see one of these outside of my home every day. I think it is still a very clean design that is a genuine classic and will be remembered long after its numerous reiterations are forgotten.
A longboard strapped on top cleans up the roadster aerodynamically if anything, I got 29mpg going over the hills to the beach. Lugging up hills in 6th gear while keeping manifold pressure low seems to be the best payoff for the coast backdown
I'm a gardener and across the road from one of my customers there is a part built house swamped by brambles thar been like that for many years. My customer said 'under those brambles there's a sportscar'. They've just been cut back and its a T plate TT in silver. Looks pretty solid just a little green with algae.
I’ve always said this will be a classic one day so go buy a mint one for few grand. They’re more now and will never be expensive but definitely will go down in history
My dad also has a mk1 convertibel TT which was built in 1999. He also declined the wing for the same reason of implying a sporty character, although it does have ESP. But ive never seen any other mk1 TT without a spoiler here in Germany or anywhere else. Nice car to drive anyway
This review of the TT mark 1 is very subjective, of course as most enthusiasts do. But the only flaw that caused a redesign was the risk of the car taking flight at 90 mph and higher which led to the addition of the rear aerofoil. My 2004 coupe has it and is the only thing I ‘feel’ is not in the Bauhaus design theme.
These were the hardest at launch and still are =\ the clean look of the original without the wing or ground effects
Very intrigued to hear how rare the non spoiler mk1s are. I saw one at my local morrisons 6 months ago and stopped for a proper nosey as I didn't realise there even were any left without the back wing. They've aged very well!
I bought a 2000 180q to replace my Corrado that replaced the 16V Scirocco. It didn't have the rear lip but did have ESP, in silver of course. been looking for another one and I would seriously consider a Front-Trak vert. with a manual.
Weird youtube has blown up about these, in recent months got a 53 plate 225 Coupe, while it needs work at 124k it's not bad, fun to drive with a stage 1 map and all the PCV problems fixed, just done the timing kit on it tonight, will see how it is tomorrow. It's not quite a sports car, but it is MK4 golf platform which I will try my best to stick to as all the newer marques are not worth the hasstle.
Ive never been into VAG or German stuff but about 4 years ago i bought a cheap MOT failure 225, spent quite a bit on it just tidying it up and ended up keeping it to this day, i sometimes don't drive it for 6 months and then take it out and it surprizes me every time! Sure its not razor sharp like the hot hatches ive owned but anyone who drives it enjoys it, the wife likes it (and she hates everything i buy), it goes well, and with modern tyre technology coming on leaps and bounds its got BUCKETS of grip, in all weather!
It may not be the best car to take down a backroad on a summers day, but take that same backroad on a damp winters morning, with the heated seats on full, and its a fairly nice place to be!
I used to have the e86 z4 coupe, and alway loved it over this.
Besides the fitment of a rear spoiler they fitted a 50lbs metal weight bolted behind the rear bumper.
That is _such_ a a VW way to fix things.
(Thinking back to the 40 lbs I lost from the front of my '84 Caddy switching from US to euro bumper)
It's sad that this class of car is disappearing.
What class do you mean? Unique design, not quite sports-coupes?
All classes are gone. Only EV SUV
When cars are so expensive and costs keep rising people can only justify one car that can do most of what life throws at them.
This class of car is for the people who love it way too much, or privileged enough to have an extra more practical car.
Until people are doing much better financially and costs of living go down, I doubt sporty cars will make a grand return.
Insurance is way too high, the smaller the car the greater the risk of safety for the driver, not very practical, low ground clearance and low entry. Small car for its price point too.
The world has just changed and priorities have. Cars are a more unenjoyable experience than ever because of how expensive even basic commuters are these days.
@@Sam-go3mb Small sporty cars with sensible power. I have an SLK and those aren't made anymore either. Most manufacturers seem to be SUV or crossover only. A pity because poor aerodynamics will matter with EVs when it comes to range and they are huge and generally pretty expensive.
The class of incredibly mediocre to the point of being pointless cars? If you want a small, cheap to run sportscar you can still buy a brand new MX5 or if you're more flush then a Cayman/Boxster. If you want something equally as boring to drive as a TT but more practical then you can buy a Golf GTI. I don't really see the problem?
The Audi TT is named after the NSU TT, a small car from the 1960s produced by NSU based on the NSU Prinz 1000. The NSU TT was in turn named after the famous Tourist Trophy motorcycle race.
My mate was a racing driver and had one when they first come out.
And he said they were a little tricky at the limit which he did bin it on a track a short time later. the recall came out.
We loved our '04 225 quattro. It was absolutely bulletproof. Great fun to drive. Handled well at speed and in the wet. With a cream leather interior, it was a lovely light, airy place to be, but horrible with a dark interior.
I have owned 3 TT's . My first was a '02 automatic for my wife. Bought new and had no problems. The second was an 01 /225 hp. Great car with no problems. The 3rd was an 09 with about 140k on the odometer. It was a 3.2 with DSG box. Great looking and super fun to drive. It came with a perfect Carfax with all services done at the dealer. Unfortunately, this car cured me of TT ownership. The car was always in the shop for relays, and other electrical and mechanical issues. Too bad because they should be better considering the price.
Interesting, I've since started paying attention to the backs of TTs (both to recognise if it has the post-recall spoiler as well as seeing which ones are the Quattros) and the ones with the spoiler are clearly the most common, although I have seen a few without it.
Cool cars - I almost ended up with one as my first car but went with a Mk3 MX-5 instead. Well worth spending a few grand on a slightly tatty one and making it a classic.
Those cute little wings might seem just for style. But they make a massive difference. I put on the oem wing on my 350z. It didn't feel light in the rear afterwards on high speed drives.
These cars are definitely future classics. I don't understand how they can not be considered sports cars though? I recently bought and modified some a 2005 TT with the 3.2. After adding Scorpion exhaust, HR springs and wheels it is definitely a sports car. A sports car with AWD, excellent looks and mostly reliable. The MK1s I would argue are also more artistic and better made than the following models. Especially with the interiors. What other modern car has aluminum and minimalistic dash board layout? It's like an all weather 356 outlaw that you can drive year round. There is literally no other car that provides all of this in the price range. Not in the USA anyway. The closest thing would be the Carrera 4's but they are all double the money at least-and, there are A LOT of Porsches at Cars and Coffee whereas the MK1 TT is becoming rare.
the designer said himself that the name stands for technology and tradition
I remember when this cool car came out. It was so lovely
On my 3rd Mk1 TT.
Started in a 2002 225 Coupe in black which was moved along when the kids needed more rear space. A couple of years ago I had an opportunity to get hold of a 2003 3.2V6 in gold (a factory colour apparently) with a DSG. That was a lovely car, but unfortunately commute changes meant I would've added 400 miles a week onto the car, and I couldn't stomach it given their increasing rarity.... 3 days after the 3.2 sold, I was trawling through FB marketplace and found a cheap 2003 225 Roadster. It was far from concourse but would be a fun daily driver/weekend car to throw around, and given the 'cost effective' nature of these cars currently, I figured "why not!".
I don't think the roadster will stay around, purely because I rarely get a chance to go out (other than the previously mentioned commute) on my own/without two kids in tow... but I would be lying if I said another TT coupe wouldn't be an option :) Though the wife isn't as keen, given she's driving a Mk2 2.0 TFSI TT currently, and would much rather I take that and buy her something new.
Almost bought one- the baseball glove interior is special, and that bauhaus style has aged well. It drives well enough and you could do worse for a vintage roadster. Of course, for pure driving dynamics, you could also do better- any Boxster, Lotus, or even a humble MR2-S to name a few, but the much missed TT has charm for weeks. But you have to get the quattro. The tasteful interior still stands as an example of Audi's one time dominance in design.
Finding a nice original unmolested 3.2 V6 manual which has been well looked after is like a needle in a haystack - one of those or a 240 Quattro Sport would do me fine. Great cars for the money.
On my visit to Ingolstadt in 2011, I had a long and fascinating tour of the A3 production line. Our guide told us that Audi would give employees a TT as a reward for really good suggestions.
My rich cousin used his TT as his working car and clocked up nearly 200,000 miles on his long distance business trips.
I've loved my 06 mk1 Special Commemorative Edition Roadster. I've had it since 07 and it has 40,110 original miles on it. They only produced 99 of them for that original mk1 body styles final run. We don't get the body rot or corrosion issues up here in Colorado that ya'll do in GB where parts are wayyyyyy cheaper. Each headlight assembly on my car with the bi-xenons and quartz grey interior part is $1,650.00 usd. My Baseball stitched non heated Napa leather bucket seats are $5,740.00 usd each. My anodized aluminum air vents on the Special Edition are $350 a piece, and same goes for every part on that cute little car. So you'll need a parts department hookup or an act of God to maintain one in it's original state of Audi parts. One exactly like mine, only with 97,400 miles sold in Texas at auction for $43,800 usd.
That's nuts.
I wouldn't feel right about someone offering me that much for my TT.
Especially in this economy.
But some people aren't burdened by conscience.
The world is backwards.
Where's my Valium!
It was quite the thing to be a young car obsessed kid at school and seeing radical designs come to market around the turn of the century. This, the Mk1 Focus and - dare I say - the Bangle era E65 were all examples of very exciting fresh car designs. I remember seeing a very early 180 driven by the Dad of a kid who went to my school and it being the highlight of my day 😂
Not sure about radical. Reminds me of a Beetle. Not that I think it's bad.
We kept our 2004 TT quattro when we got a Scirocco for the space.
Amongst all the other things about how good it is, the TT is ULEZ compliant.
I nearly bought one of these (US spec)back then.I had my uncle's handed down Audi Fox as a first car.Through some (apparently fortunate) twist of fate I ended up with another Saab,though.Or,in my instance,Slaab.I just remember that particular Audi dealership was too pushy and hard-sell.I won't patronize any business who acts like that on principle.Had no idea they were initially death traps until this vid.The car's profile reminds me of a proto Volkswagen Eos.
Some 12/15 years later the MK7 Golf gti got 225bhp & the gtd golf got 184bhp the e90 3 series had that amount in 2008.
Getting that HP has never been an issue. It's more about efficiency. Not that you would care about that when getting a TT.
I've been looking at test driving one of these for awhile. Here in the states. I've wanted to get a Mazda Miata but the price for one now is just ridiculous. An unrusted one seems to be costing at least $8000 usd. $5000 will get you rust, missing interior bits, slammed to the ground, poorly maintained ones. I've considered maybe trying out early 2000s BMW verts. There's a few that are decently priced. The Audi TT I've seen the 6 speed 3.2 versions going for $5500 or so in good condition. I guess I'm just gonna have to test drive a few examples to see find what I'm looking for.
I had a 2003 mk1 180hp Quattro in glacier blue and had to get rid of it at 150000 miles due to lots of mechanical issues. They really do not wear mileage or age very well. Choosing good tyres and keeping the suspension in good order is a must to get the best out of the car. Loved the looks but not the expense of running it. I wish I had chosen a Celica vvti 190 bhp instead as it drove better and would have easier to look after!
I have a '01 roadster. It has seen better days, but it was an inexpensive option for an open-air toy to get me thru a few summers. I enjoy it quite a bit.
Great to at least hear such a well balanced review of the TT (Tourist Trophy)….I have to say the original ‘TG’ reviews of yesteryear always seemed to be focused on the ‘hairdresser/hand-bag accessory’ aspect of the car, rather than its concept, design etc.
Am I biased, ‘Yes’, I bought my first back in ‘99….one of the rarer LHD (jump the waiting list) imports in all-originally ‘killer’ guise and have since owned a further 3, my ‘02 plate 225 TTC tucked away in the garage.
As a business we’re always looking for great mk1’s and have just brought into stock a sensational 2 owner, 18k miles (yes 18k) 225 TTC finished in Mauritius Blue metallic….a unicorn car and one for the enthusiast/collectors.
Thanks for the great review 👍
I have a 3.2 s-line convertible here in Canada , it was like bloody driving a go-cart! I replaced the springs a shocks with standard, and swapped the 18 in rims for 17. Ahhhhhhhh a ride much more suited for by 69 year old body.
I've never owned a TT, but I had a two day test in 1999 when they first arrived here. I really liked it, buut it was just too small inside.
Always thought the TT was a cool looking car especially the later 3.2 V6 in a lairy colour.
TT according to the dealerships around me stands for "Tourist Trophy" at least that's the story they been telling for 2+ decades
Loved my 2002 225. Miss it dearly. Replaced with an F31 330d touring and now a G21 M340i touring. I'd buy the TT back if I knew where it was...
TT was supposed to mean “Tourist Trophy”
I really like our TT 225 Cabrio. Yes, it has a lot more faults and kinks and rusts and has more defects, since it's a VW instead of a real Audi, but it drives nice, looks very good as a Cabriolet, with a little work you get solid 300PS from it and it's very usable.
Granted, ours rides on 245/35 18 Falken Azenis FK510 with OZ Superleggera and a KW V3 suspension, almost all bushings swapped for soft polyurethane ones from Strongflex and it drives very nicely. Not too much of a problem keeping up with a 997 Carrera.
I am an ex Ford Escort, Ford XR3, Fiat X19, Mazda RX7, Fiat UNO, Peugeot 106, Mercedes 320ml, Mitsubishi D5, Toyota IQ and Ferrari F355. Now an owner of 3 Mk1 TT's in silver. I bought them while in Japan. Right hand drive Automatic 6 speed triptronic 180bhp, Left hand drive 6 speed Manuel 225 Quattro and an ABT right hand drive Manuel. BHP!! Not up and running yet. Love the styling, handling and performance. For what they are they are nice. Yes I prefer the original with no spoiler but like them custom too. And yes rear seats are pointless don't really like hatchbacks but boot space comes in handy. For me the first tow are so different. Auto and Manuel feel like a different car when driving. I personally if I keep one would fully customise it. As I said fine for what they are I would like though around 350 BHP AWD lowered suspension and sharper handling. I had a chance to get a convertible with baseball style seats cheap but my wife wants me to have only one car!!
We had a TT Coupe owner as a client. Just the front wheel drive version but tuned to make 225HP on the wheels. Every gear ended with a little wheel spin and a pft. It was a hoot to drive. As a light car lover I always dreamt of designing a super light spaceframe car and using a TT front wheel drive drivetrain as mid engine, tuned to 300HP. I suppose aspiring to an early Lotus Eloise with 300HP.