Is the Iconic Audi TT still a great sports car? (full review)

The Mk1 TT came out back in 1998, and it was a radical and different car from a company known for steady and conservative designs. Will it be a classic?
Car on review is a 2002 Audi TT Mk1 (8N) 1.8 225 Quattro
#audi #auditt
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[@mladensisa]

Driving one right now. Every morning drive to work is pure fun because of it. I think I will never sell it. Big love for mk1!

[@absolving]

How about reliability? I'm looking at trading my mx-5 for one of these with 130k miles

[@mladensisa]

@@absolving I think it's very reliable... I traveled couple of times 1200km in like 10-12h. Without a single problem. First time it didn't even work properly (the engine was cutting when accelerating), but no problem on the road. So in my opinion, I'd never sell it. Very fun, timeless design, I fix most of stuff on it by myself. So my saying is go for it, try it, if you don't like it, you can always change it! ^^

[@absolving]

@@mladensisa thanks for your thoughts!

[@OldManShoutsAtClouds]

​@@mladensisa *is very reliable if you do scheduled maintenance Fixed that for ya lol

[@ronrichardson3103]

Ive owned one for last 8 years .great car the best car ive ever owned .and ive had lots of cats over the last 50 years .defiantly the best value . .cheap as chips but tough and reliable . Buy one you will not regret it .

[@shand1967]

I'm disappointed that you didn't put Back Seat JJ through the torture test of sitting in those rear chairs. It would have been fun to see him try. 😁

[@JJonCars]

He will be subjected to some terrible rear seats at some point, I promise 😄

[@vvs.diamond2310]

Bro the tt has the worst back seats I’ve ever been in

[@brickmissing8295]

One cool interior design detail you forgot to mention: they use the circle of 8 dots emblem throughout the cabin: on the air vent rings, on all the knobs, on the speedo dials, on the gear stick and in the centre of the steering wheel - it’s also why there are 8 levels of heated seat adjustment - just so the 8 illuminated dots on the knobs could follow the circle of 8 emblem. Very cool detail.

[@christopherpardell4418]

Back at the time, Audi made a full suite of Auto detailing washing and cleaning products and they came in bottles with a little silver trim ring on them with the same 8 dimples as the air vents on the TT.

[@johnlabus7359]

I've had mine since they first hit the US shores in May of 1999. I just adore this car, no matter how much money I have to spend on it.

[@iansmeath8674]

I have a 2004 3.2 s-line with the paddle shift here in Canada! I absolutely love this car and have a blast driving it in the summer, I am knocking 70! Great video mate!

[@JJonCars]

Cheers mate! 3.2 with paddle shift, lovely!

[@Jake-ie6bi]

Something about this generation TT that just makes me want one so much, I hope they’re sill cheap in a few years so that I can get one for a 2nd car

[@ajf_0510]

I’m in the same boat, I’ve found a very clean v6 but I need a few years to afford it, especially as I’m only 18 atm

[@christopherpardell4418]

I see them for sale around 5-8 thousand dollars in the US.

[@Jake-ie6bi]

@@christopherpardell4418 that’s mental, they’re like less than £3k here

[@christopherpardell4418]

@@Jake-ie6bi well, used cars in the US are running a little higher these days due to inflation and interest rates and the ridiculous cost of new cars… but I’m talking about the 3.2 Quattro DSG. They run a little more here, especially if they have lower miles. I can find 1.8 TTs here with 180k plus miles on them for 3k, but I wouldn’t buy one. Most of the manuals you can find in the US were driven pretty hard, and often mistreated. What I like about the VR6 with DSG is that the DSG will NOT let the driver run over redline. Even in manual mode, it will upshift the moment the tach hits redline. That DSG also never mishifts, never fails to match engine speeds with a perfect throttle blip, never forgets to shift into first, never lugs the engine. In short, the DSG protects itself and the engine from driver exuberance or mistakes. Additionally, because the 3.2 gives very little room under the bonnet, and because it won’t let you over-rev the engine, the kind of guys who mod up or race TTs tend to shy away from the DSG equipped cars, so DSG cars are less likely to have been abused. I think the DSG is even more fun to drive than the manual because your hands are on the wheel tapping the paddles and the power is just continuous thru every shift, freeing up your full attention for steering and throttle and traffic. But what makes it the perfect daily driver is when you get stuck in heavy traffic, you can run it like an automatic and not wear your leg and arm out constantly shifting between first and second. Its the best of manual and automatic transmissions without either of their faults. And the other thing, that torquey 3.2 gives you instant power, but in normal drive mode allows the DSG to shift into 6th gear at 35 mph. Always picking the lowest gear it has the torque to pull, so despite that hefty 6 the car still gets over 30 mpg.

[@christopherpardell4418]

My 2005 Sline 3.2L Quattro with DSG is still great, 17 years after I bought it. 132k, and still the most fun car I ever owned and actually one of the lowest costs of ownership of any car I’ve ever had. And versatile. One day showed up at the hardwood lumber yard and loaded it up with about 300 lbs of 2” thick beech, 8 feet long, and several 10 foot lengths of galvanized pipe.

[@Rjhs001]

Hi JJ. I've watched this video umpteen times, always enjoyed it but have only just got around to praising you for the beauty of your viaduct. Nice one. Cheers

[@JJonCars]

Haha, cheers for watching and keeping those viewing figures up John. Backseat JJ has a nice spot to walk those dogs for sure 😂

[@artSFCA]

Thanks for your feedback! This is my favorite car.

[@louiemalvessi]

Love mine. Almost 5 years as a daily driver. Mapped 225 Imola Yellow, has 151.000miles. It's still a cannon.

[@JJonCars]

Nice car!

[@peterbyrne2808]

I have 2003 convertible. Love it. Auto with steering wheel gears

[@spotontheroad1]

I bought mine 5yrs ago as a temporary driver while I restore my MK2 GTI. It had no service history and 24 fault codes as well as numerous mechanical faults. It took much time, money and pain (so much pain!) to rectify but it's now fabulous to drive and I'm still using it every day. They really are great fun for the money. It even has two spaniel seats in the back. The GTI is still work in progress.

[@JJonCars]

Awesome. Good work on keeping it on the road. Amazing you can fit spaniels in there!

[@haitim]

I do enjoy the drive every time I get into my TT. Even the people exchange their smile although its an old car. The quality of the details are quite appreciative.

[@JJonCars]

It's definitely one of those cars that makes every drive an experience :)

[@ryanharb4075]

The kids love the turbo noises when i pass by them with my tt Custom exhaust helps as well

[@alroy2005]

I have a more expensive car as my daily but I get way more comments in my TT when it’s clean. Think we’ve moved past the hairdresser comments now and people are recognising them as a timeless car, I genuinely love the design of the MK1.

[@P.lieghOfficial]

I’m an owner of a mk1 Audi TT roadster Quattro 225hp that car is a dream to drive and a tank believe it or not my buddy has one and has convinced me to get one for so long after owning 2 Audi A4’s and an A6 and VW’s the TT puts a smile on my face every-time I take a look at it and get in it to drive !

[@JJonCars]

Yeah, they're great fun!

[@jambacardi2474]

Good review , the value of these are on the rise , if going for a 225 would be desirable with the BAM engine

[@peterlowden3814]

Very nice and honest review

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Peter!

[@tr7tr755]

Yess really nice car since many years now. I have one in Papaya orange with the famous 3,2 Liter engine and VR6 sounds amazing 😊

[@JJonCars]

Very nice!

[@tino897]

I was the same. The same way I looked at the Lancia Thesis. My dad loves the design of the Thesis and said you will start to like it with time and he was right. The same went for the TT for me. Sure the second and third generations are a lot better in design or more easily likeable but the first TT was strange for me even girly and toyish but starting to like it so much I might even buy one soon.

[@JJonCars]

Oh wow yes, the Thesis is an utterly bizarre looking car, but like you say quite cool now and certainly stands out. Not that I've ever seen on in this country (didn't sell them here). Fully agree with you about the TT 👍

[@lindylee1139]

Best car by far I’ve ever owned.

[@JJonCars]

Good to hear it :)

[@suzanneday3727]

Love mine! Enjoy the sound of the engine, the shifting of the 6 speeds and of course..... the accolades from admirers....... OF the car of course! 😊

[@aliceburke4559]

❤I had one and I loved it I still like them

[@alroy2005]

I bought a 225 earlier this year as a second car and I absolutely love it. Still very capable and still quick with a few sensible mods. I’ve got an aftermarket exhaust, cone filter, forge recirculation valve and a remap and it’s great to drive. The interior quality is decent… I recently replaced the screws around the gear shift surround and it’s incredibly well engineered and solid. There’s a big community particularly around the MK1s and most videos on KZbin have helped me fix a few issues and replace a few bits. Don’t think I’ll ever sell it and I’m tempted to get a V6 before they get too expensive!

[@JJonCars]

They are so great aren't they. Really very different to any Audi I've ever driven. They will all go up in value over time I'm certain of it.

[@alroy2005]

@@JJonCars there’s not really much else for the money… maybe an MX5 or a Clio RS. The Clio is probably the more capable ‘sports’ car but the TT is more tuneable and the driving position is a lot nicer (having owned both). I’m probably going to do a stage 2 map with a front mount intercooler and a new downpipe, few bits to sort the handling but then it’s all you need for a fast road car in my opinion.

[@JJonCars]

@alroy2005 would love to try a Clio RS! Sounds good to me 👍

[@alroy2005]

@@JJonCars I’ll keep you posted… my mate is restoring a phase one at the moment and I’m sure he’d love to have it featured

[@insufferableoaf6060]

Nice to see old cars getting some love. Pls review Nissan Maxima qx v6 and Toyota camry xv30 v6 if possible bro.

[@JJonCars]

Yep, I really enjoy reviewing older cars. The Maxima and Camry are both very rare cars over in the UK, so very unlikely I'll find one to review unfortunately! Not seen a Maxima QX in many years.

[@guitariste47]

I was thinking you put the doggies at thé back for a ride!!! I have had my 225 TT for thé last 2 years. Really enjoying it

[@JJonCars]

Haha yes, probably the only ones that would fit back there

[@NikiRomanov]

My dad had one 225 blue paint blue leather seats and was tuned to 340 350 hp and man that was one of the scariest car he drove me in even tho he had rs6,s4,535 tuned to 400 and many more

[@JJonCars]

I bet. The TT wasn't designed for that power so it must have been frightening 😄

[@SandysAutoDetailing]

My mk1 TT 225 is a cheap car that it's great fun to drive cool interior design looks good bargain Banger daily driver turbo 👍

[@adamkhan7736]

I've got the 225. It's o.k. It's been reliable. I recently got a 2003 Porsche 955 Cayenne Turbo which weighs about a tonne more than the tt but I'm afraid it would run rings around it in almost every aspect 😢

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

I bought one four years ago for £2,000. It’s an 04 plate. I took a bit of a risk as it had no service history at all. Anyway. Four years later I still have it, and apart from general wear and tear it’s been totally problem free. I would never sell it. In fact I have I also have a very nice 1 series Beamer that I’m selling and spending the money on the TT to make it perfect again. I’ve owned a lot of cars over the years, but the Audi is my true automotive love.

[@JJonCars]

Wow, I think you were quite lucky to have no problems at that price :) It's so different to most other Audis that have ever been made, and all the better for it

[@ryanharb4075]

I got a 01 cabriolet and ive had it for 2 years now Its my first car and im never selling it Interior needs some work and lights got a bit fogged up but other than that great car!!

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

@@ryanharb4075 An Audi TT as your first car is a great start. Mine was a Triumph TR7. I’ve had two of them. An SD1 Rover Sport, Also a Gen 4 Celica, a Gen 7 Celica, a 159 Alfa Romeo, a 1972 Mercedes 280CE pillar less Coupe, and an assortment of boring sensible cars. At present I’ve got a lovely BMW 1 series that never gets used because I love driving my TT so much. I’m 62 now, and regret selling every one of my classics. Keep yours. It looks cool as …. now. It’ll look cool as …. in 20 years.

[@ScottPC]

Brought a 225 Quattro in 2019 and sold it 2022 for a profit. There definitely going up even if there near the bottom of the market.

[@JJonCars]

Yep, all up from here!

[@rb5stevenumber903]

Been driving a 225 for two years now. Had a few little things like sensors giving up and usual dash problems, but all in all a great little modern classic. I actually show mine at difficult classic car shows. Was that Stone in Staffordshire you were filming this?

[@JJonCars]

Nice one. Yes it was filmed in Stone :) Not a bad spot to film

[@kyland719]

just finished rebuilding a tt 225 with bent valves, it does haul proper when the turbo spools

[@JJonCars]

Yep, great turbo shove!

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

They are a 😊 great looking sports car. Such a great design 😊

[@JJonCars]

Yep, will be a classic for sure

[@slchance8839]

The TT will always remind me of Mission Impossible 2, which is where I first saw it. That movie made the car look so European Spy Cool.

[@JJonCars]

Oh, I didn't realise it was in that film! All I can remember is the cigar cutter 😂

[@slchance8839]

@@JJonCars OOh.l that cigar cutter scene hurts to even REMEMBER. If i remember correctly, that movie was the film debut of both the newest Porsche 911 and the Audi TT where they exhibited both of them in that car chase in Spain.

[@willswheels283]

Great review as usual JJ, I quite like the TT it’s a good looker I think, I don’t think that it and the A2 were ever as popular as the rest of the cars in their range. I’m sure MG/Rover copied that style of dash for most of their small cars post 2003.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Will. Yeah, they were a bit 'out there' I guess. The A2 is another that I didn't really like at the time (and to be honest it's still very odd looking), but I've grown to like the car as an idea - the low drag efficient car with a small diesel engine. Would love to review one!

[@willswheels283]

@@JJonCars Yeah that would be a good one to review, the A2, they were a departure for VW/Audi group, I don’t think there was a VW version either. I think people are used to seeing Audi saloons and estates so that made these a bit of an oddball, I quite like them though.

[@colt45jr]

Where is that bridge at 6:05? It’s beautiful!

[@JJonCars]

That is in Buxton, Derbyshire. The road called dukes drive runs underneath it 👍

[@kevinpollard1550]

Mine is the same as urs .i love mine

[@EllisBurton3339]

Absolute design icon , I'm looking at buying a 2000 225 in black - 45000- stock and mint - superb history and belt kit done , £7995 though ...thoughts any one ....

[@JJonCars]

If it's a minter, then yes I say go for it. If you keep it in the same condition you probably won't lose much money on it :)

[@ronrichardson3103]

Ive owned a TT for the last 7 years. a great car .cheap as chip's goes like stink.and looks smart still even tho mine is 19 years old . Yes buy one i can recommend them .i should have bought on earlier. I could have saved a fortune instead of buying 3 LR DISCOVERIES

[@Rjhs001]

Thanks JJ, I was wondering if you'd shoehorn BSJJ into the rear of this car. That would have been something to behold. Nice vid about a car that I've loved since its introduction but never managed to drive one yet. Maybe one day.

[@JJonCars]

Cheers John. I don't think he'd have enjoyed it too much, though I'm not going to let him escape all back seats like that, I'll get him in some eventually 😈

[@Rjhs001]

@@JJonCars all that was missing from your post was 'mwahahaaa' at the end 😂

[@terrifictate]

Brooo mine has 322.222KM! And the biggest problem I had was changing the turbo because it exploded, but these cars are made to last!

[@JJonCars]

Wow, that's great. Good solid cars aren't they

[@user-cl9cl1hj3q]

Good

[@oscardominguez1680]

I have a 2008 TTS S tronic. Will it hold value do you think?

[@JJonCars]

Hard to say. The TTS is a nice model, so I think if you look after it, it might hold its value :)

[@Princessmaedeldo-ze4jl]

The first vehicle in City Racing 3D

[@JJonCars]

A lot of people grow up wanting to buy the cars they had on their favourite car game :)

[@Ivlodded]

My mother sold her audi tt 2 or 3 years ago and I regret that I didnt buy it from her Theyre just so cheap, and timeless stylish modern

[@JJonCars]

Yeah absolutely. Fortunately there are plenty out there and you should be able to find another one if you want one :) I think they will be going up in value soon(ish)

[@Ivlodded]

I hope they dont rise too soon, I wanted to finish my house first :D only a few months left though @@JJonCars

[@JJonCars]

@@Ivlodded you'll be alright! 😄

[@Ivlodded]

@@JJonCars whats your opinion on audi tt 8n models with 250k on Would it be too much repair/problems?

[@DmON_WINGS]

Ive 2 mk1 tts and will not sell either. Ive also 2 gen7 Celicas but theres no comparison between them. The tt will definitely be a very popular classic ,even more so now they're stopping production. Personally find the mk1 is the best looking and i think audi may regret dumping the tt from their lineup but atleast we can keep the ones we have and continue to enjoy the driving experience they give you when you are behind the wheel on a twisty B road. ❤

[@JJonCars]

I love the Mk7 Celica, it was such a modern design for its time. But that will hurt it in the run to become a classic as it will age much more slowly - I imagine people won't see it as a classic for many years. The TT however was a very unique design and has already started to look like a classic, to me at least. I am yet to drive the Celica though!

[@DmON_WINGS]

@@JJonCars totally agree with you, the tt will be well ahead in terms of people looking for a modern classic. The Celica has such a big following still and is a lovely driving car and with the 6 speed gears a good tourer . Since i love both i find it hard to pick 1 over the other but if i could only have 1 it would be the tt. Luckily im able to have both so its just the decision of which one do i drive today.

[@AManWith_NoName]

Brother Ive a 5.4 f-150, 5.0 mustang gt, and my mk1 Audi TT. 30-35 mpg might not sound great to you but it's a different plain of existence for me lmao

[@JJonCars]

lol yeah it's all relative!

[@TallTapper]

cars they exist they achieve happiness they eat ice cream

[@JJonCars]

1. True 2. True 3. I guess true - they can achieve us happiness 4. Not so sure on that one Nice poem haha

[@ricquebt1543]

Not "pill box" / hands down = the best "hot box" ever made!!!

[@JJonCars]

Hotboxing not recommended whilst driving :)

[@ricquebt1543]

@JJonCars definately not , especially ina tt

[@maxskerratt5693]

Are you based near stone could swear that is the train station that you pass at 1:19

[@JJonCars]

This video was filmed around that area, so that could well be :) well spotted

[@Dirpitz]

No because the TT has never been a sports car, it's a GTi/R32 coupe. Last time I checked noone is calling the Golf a sports car. Oh and for anyone thinking this is hate, I own a mk1 3.2 and I love it, it's the best hatchback by far.

[@JJonCars]

You're not alone in that opinion. But, all I can say is, I think it drives quite differently to a Golf or other hot hatches, it's low, handles great, doesn't have a huge amount of practicality. It feels special, sporty and meh, I'm gonna call it a sports car.

[@DlZZEE]

Selling my black 2006 TT 1.8t 190 if anyone's interested. Uk 🇬🇧 suffolk

[@JJonCars]

GLWTS

[@marksachse9027]

It's cool but don't confuse a "sporty car" with a sports car.

[@christopherpardell4418]

I’m not. I mean, A modern corvette can certainly outrun me on any straightaway. But he hasn’t got a prayer of keeping up with me on a twisty turning road, where Quattro, ESP, and a DSG gearbox mean far better road holding and far quicker and more accurate shifting. Guys who buy RWD ‘sports cars’ just LOVE a car they can steer with the throttle, but it makes for sloppy cornering, and lots of expensive cars wrapped sideways around trees, telephone poles and streetlights. I’ve driven thru a 150 degree curve at 127 mph in mine, and it was dead flat and stable. And I’ll be honest- I drove Audi’s R8 on a track and then the TT. I would take the TT over the R8 any day because I would never be able to USE what all the R8 can do on US highways. The R8 is garish and difficult to even get in and out of. And it can barely carry a briefcase. The TT is pure understated elegance. And a genuine practical daily driver. I can pick up two weeks groceries in a TT. If you don’t think the TT is a sports car, then the Jaguar XKE isn’t a sports car, and neither is the Ferrari Mondrian, 308, or Dino. Or James Bond’s DB5- all of which had about the same performance as the TT. It’s certainly not a RACE car. Nor is it a Hypercar. But “sports car” is more about handling, exhilarating driving, a lovely exhaust note, sexy good looks, and a satisfying level of performance and the TT is all of that. BTW the Mk III TTRS holds its own with just about any sports car you care to name. And it can STILL carry two sets of golf bags and a friend.

[@TheBaldMiddleAgedMetalHead]

Can do 200k miles 😂 tell that to the 16 of them registered with the DVLA at over 750k miles. They're just getting run in at 200k, mines got 182k and it doesnt give a toss, but its been serviced on time every year from new at Audi and Audi specialists. Look after any car properly and it should do 200k no problem at all.

[@JJonCars]

Lol, how do you find that stuff out? Pretty amazing if that's true about 16 of them over 750k

[@neilduignan9835]

Great car reviews, JJ. Proper reviews by someone who clearly loves cars. 😎

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Neil, that's much appreciated!

[@mrwest5552]

Teeter Tot !

[@granta_met]

🫵

[@zymmer4]

When was it ever a Great Sports Car?..The TT was built to be a fun little driver..never as a "sports car"..It is underpowered, over complex and just not anything but a fun , light duty , driver..As for that , it does ok..but the new prices on them was $15000 too high for what it was..Getting a neglected one back to oem is a very $$$ propisition..but once there, it will run for a long time IF IT IS NOT OVERDRIVEN..which is too easy to do..which is why it has a bad rap for reliability.

[@fredonline]

The TT always reminded me of a deformed VW Beetle!

[@JJonCars]

Haha yes, it's a bit like a flatted one, but much the better for it I think

[@MartinJones123]

Looks a lot better than the Beetle

[@cryptobreakthrough]

Or is the beetle deformed