Audi TT coupes are wonderful sports cars, but they are most definitely NOT girls’ cars.
In This Article...
What sort of individual operates an Audi TT?
They frequently claim that particular drivers will purchase particular automobile models or manufacturers. Whether you like a 4X4 or a convertible, it’s sometimes claimed that your vehicle represents your personality.
Let’s examine a few of the more well-known brands to find out what they might reveal about the owners and drivers of those brands:
Audi
Audi, formerly thought to be only for the middle class, is now the go-to vehicle for young adults seeking gorgeous interiors, snappy engines, and stellar reputations.
Undoubtedly one of the most well-liked vehicles on the road, the Audi TT is frequently ridden by managers and office workers with a passion for sports.
BMW
BMW is currently seen as a car for people in their thirties who are from middle-class backgrounds and used to be a car for people in their twenties.
This may be especially true if you drive a BMW Z4, according to Admiral research, which revealed that owners of the model are more likely to enjoy DIY projects, cycling, and have a 17% chance of speeding.
Mercedes
A brand that may have slipped from favor over the previous several years, the Mercedes X-latest Class’s introduction has helped it re-enter the chic crowd just a little bit.
The wealthy and powerful have historically preferred Mercedes vehicles, so having one parked in your driveway will undoubtedly boost your reputation in the community.
The A-Class, in example, is “driven by middle-aged housewives who ‘pop’ to get groceries, so there’s also that to consider about,” according to etiquette expert William Hanson.
Range Rover
Range Rovers are the preferred vehicles of Premiership footballers, as was covered in our previous column, and are essential for young people trying to impress.
Range Rovers are favored by persons in middle management roles because they provide luxury and power at an affordable price and feature interiors created by Victoria Beckham.
Despite the nation’s love for the brand, they are frequently perceived by some as enormous kid delivery units (perhaps unfairly).
Volvo
Volvos, allegedly the manufacturer of the safest vehicles on the road, are frequently observed being purchased by educators and people who enjoy reading The Guardian.
The latter assertion may include some reality, given the manufacturer recently declared that it would only make electric or hybrid vehicles by 2019.
But for those who are concerned about coming out as snobby, it’s important to keep in mind that the Volvo is a family brand that still has enough of punch at launch.
Is Audi female?
The Volkswagen Group A series served as the foundation for the A3, which has now evolved into something unique. In 2014, the Audi A3 third generation deservedly won the title of world’s best automobile. This car, which is great for women, has a variety of engines.
The vehicle is cozy, and it includes power-adjustable seats and a steering wheel, which greatly improves the driving experience and gives you more control.
Even in the city, the car uses little fuel, saving money. Last but not least, the vehicle has excellent multi-media installation, making it well-organized and simple to use, which is fantastic for female drivers.
Is the Audi TT a vintage vehicle?
Sometimes a car is just a car. By that, we merely imply that they are cars according to the dictionary’s definition. On the other side, certain vehicles are legendary. Whether in terms of performance, road handling, or, in the case of the Audi TT, design. These vehicles stand apart from the rest of the automotive landscape and get widespread acclaim in the process. These vehicles are the ones that breathe new life into the automotive industry. They push the envelope and demonstrate what is possible.
In the late 1990s, the Audi TT was a vehicle that completely blew our automotive minds. It appeared to have traveled from the future. It was unlike anything else because it was clear, uncomplicated, perfectly balanced, and clean. Given how far it deviated from the standard, it didn’t even resemble a typical Audi. When it first came out, it was only offered in left-hand-drive configuration. However, the desire to acquire one was so intense that many owners brought them to the UK before the right-hand-drive model was available. Over twenty years later, we still feel the same need for the car we had to have. True to its definition of a modern classic, the Audi TT. Additionally, it’s still a reasonably priced automobile to purchase, so the time is unquestionably now.
An introduction to the Audi TT
The Audi TT concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995, and the TTS roadster concept debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show the following year. It was the result of design research done at the Volkswagen Group Design Center in beautiful California. The concept was created by J Mays and Freeman Thomas, who drew design inspiration from vintage Auto Union vehicles. The body was simple and streamlined with thoughtful design elements throughout. Nothing was excessive; obviously, less was more.
The concept was well received by the media, although there was some skepticism about how much the automobile would change to meet manufacturing requirements. After all, during this transformation, the design and purity of a concept automobile are sometimes lost. There was a lot to deliver after Audi made promises about the production vehicle, including that it would be a 2+2 or a roadster, that it would be reasonably inexpensive to construct (due to sharing the Golf’s base), and that it would be a sports car that could be used on a daily basis. But Audi succeeded.
The legendary Isle of Man race and vintage NSU models served as inspiration for the naming of the production TT, which debuted in 1998 and was absolutely gorgeous. Very little of the concept automobile was lost. In actuality, the addition of a rear quarterlight was the only significant modification. It was a concept car for the road other than that.
The 1.8 20V turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drove the TT offered 180 or 225 horsepower. Additionally, customers could choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive using Audi’s renowned Quattro system. It was a swift, powerful vehicle with plenty of grip and composure. Despite some controversy, it was a true driver’s car.
Due to a design defect, several early automobiles were engaged in collisions. Due to the lack of a rear spoiler, the TT’s rear became light at high speeds, which led to a loss of traction and accidents. Audi fixed the problem by swiftly recalling all TTs and installing a rear spoiler. Ironically, those cars with no spoilers are now the most expensive since collectors value them as true rarities.
The TT would later add a few more cylinders, see two model changes, and solidify its status as a legend within the Audi lineup. This is the automobile to buy if you want a sporty vehicle that you can use without much sacrifice on a daily basis.
What are prices like?
The early four-cylinder variants are the ones we’re concentrating on here (the TT didn’t have six cylinders until 2003). The earliest TT is, in our opinion, the purest and most authentic model. the one that closely resembles that 1995 concept automobile.
The good news is that you can get behind the wheel for very little money if you’re interested in a TT. 750 will easily purchase a 180 horsepower 2+2. You can ride in a roadster for $1,000. They are currently quite affordable. But there is a warning. A inexpensive car will have a lot of miles on it, be a little beat up, and, if it has a service history at all, it won’t have a good one.
Instead, spend twice as much, or about 2,000, to buy a good, well-maintained, unaltered early TT 180bhp. Consider 2,500 for a respectable roadster. It’s interesting to note that you should up the price by at least $500 if you can find a coveted “no spoiler” TT.
Budget anywhere from 4,000 and over if you want to purchase the best of the best. The vehicles in this category will have minimal mileage (less than 50,000), be in superb condition, and proudly display a thorough service history. But even if these are the best vehicles available, paying this much money shows how committed you are to excellence.
If properly maintained, Audis of all varieties maintain their mileage well. As a result, it’s not a bad idea to think about a TT with up to 100k on the clock. If you set aside about 3,000, you can purchase an early 225bhp car with between 75 and 100k miles on the odometer. This strikes our opinion as the ideal balance between a minter and a car you won’t be afraid to drive.
Why should I buy one?
It is a design icon, which simply means that it is a significant automobile. The TT will continue to be the subject of books for many years to come, will be studied in design schools by future generations of automotive designers, and will always have a devoted and ardent fan base. It’s a significant vehicle in automotive history.
But even more than that, owning one is a beautiful experience. It’s incredibly enjoyable to drive, comfy, safe, and somewhat functional (for a sports car, you’re not moving a wardrobe with it). The TT is indeed one of those exceptional vehicles that makes you fall in love with driving all over again. Even in 180bhp form, it has plenty of power and can almost telepathically perceive the road’s undulations. It is sharp and straight. It’s just a joyful, enjoyable car.
It also has a classic design. one that always appears contemporary and fresh. This makes it challenging for the uninformed observer to appreciate it. Nobody would question your income, even if it were $100,000 a year, if you parked a 2,500 TT in the parking lot. It’s not just an old car; its design defies time. It almost like a sculpture on wheels. Not many automobiles can make that claim.
How long until I see a return?
Due in large part to the fact that Audi produced a large number of them, the TT is currently at the very bottom of the depreciation curve, and it will be some time before things start to increase. But that’s okay since you purchase a TT because you want one, not because you want to invest in one. What you put into it will come back to you. Purchase a 750 example, and you might make that investment back. Spend a few thousand dollars, maintain the TT in the manner to which it has grown accustomed, and you won’t lose any moneyyou might even turn a tiny profit.
But as we’ve said, the TT isn’t a vehicle to buy for investment purposes. Certainly not financially speaking. Instead, the TT’s time has come because original, spotless, well-maintained specimens are still available for a reasonable price. These vehicles will become more difficult to locate over time. Get one now before it’s too late.
Is the Audi TT a fun vehicle?
The all-wheel drive TT is your best option in this price range if you’re searching for a sporty, potent, stylish sports coupe that handles well in the snow. Both of its related vehicles, the Nissan Z and the Infiniti G35, have rear-wheel drive.
However, before you purchase, I wanted to make sure you were aware of a few drawbacks of the vehicle that are not easily accessible online.
TT Review, US News and World Report Audi Ranking, and The Car Connection Audi TT Review are a few further articles regarding Audi TTs that are pertinent.
Just a quick update: I eventually sold in my 2008 Audi for a 2015 BMW in 2015. It is now 2015. The 2015 Audi TT wasn’t available when I went to look at it since a revamp of the vehicle was still being worked on. I took related Infiniti and Mitsubishi vehicles for a test drive before deciding on my BMW 435i, with which I’m quite delighted.
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this article is accurate and true. Content is provided solely for informational or entertainment reasons and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting with a lawyer or other qualified business, financial, legal, or technical professional.
Is buying an Audi TT worthwhile?
Despite its performance, the TT is smooth at low speeds and simple to drive. The interior is made entirely of high-quality materials and has a sturdy, long-lasting feel. The boot is a reasonable size for a coupe, but the back seats are only suited for the tiniest children. It now offers good value for the money.
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
You may get an Alpine A110 for less money than the TT RS, the BMW M2 Competition, the Porsche Cayman, and the Porsche Boxster. To equal the TT RS’s basic features, including as climate control, heated seats, cruise control, and leather seat upholstery, the Porsches will cost you more in optional extras.
But both the A110 and the Porsches are expected to retain their worth better after three years. On the other hand, the M2 Competition isn’t. The TT RS and its competitors won’t be inexpensive to operate, either, as gasoline, taxes, servicing, and insurance all come at a significant expense. You won’t find it a cheap company car, either, given its somewhat high list price and CO2 emissions that exceed the 180g/km threshold.