Introduced to North America in 1999, as a 2000 model, the
Audi TT was a revelation of design. The Audi’s rounded shape resembled that of
the ancient Egyptian scarab, while its interior was an amalgam of circles and
aluminum trim deftly blended into an avant-garde design. Though it was based on
theVolkswagen
Golf’s platform, the Audi looked nothing like the car from which it was
derived.
The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995
Frankfurt Auto Show. For those of you who don't know, Audi does not use the
name of the car to draw attention to a certain aspect of the female anatomy.
The initials TT stand for Tourist Trophy, a very rigorous and highly technical
road race held on the Isle of Man.
Difficult to classify, the Audi TT—while definitely a
two-seat automobile, isn't really a sports car.
The Audi is really more of a sports tourer. Yes, it offers commendable
handling, and yes it offers a distinctive style. However, with its comfortable
ride, high style, and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Audi is more about
comfortable long distance travel at high speeds than it is out and out curve
carving.
Offered in both coupe and convertible formats, and with
either front– or all–wheel drive, there have been two generations of the Audi
TT since it was introduced. A complete redesign hit the market in 2008.
While the Audi TT came to North America in 2000, the model
had been on sale in Europe since 1998. Shortly after it was introduced to the
US, the Audi was recalled because of an aerodynamic problem.
During abrupt lane changes, or while making sharp turns at
very high speeds, it was reported the TT would go out of control. To correct
this, a fixed rear spoiler was added to the car, its electronic stability
program was recalibrated, and the suspension system was modified.
Available with front- or all-wheel drive, a 180-horsepower,
turbocharged 1.8 L in-line four-cylinder engine making 173 foot-pounds torque
was the only engine offering. A five-speed manual transmission was standard
equipment. In fact, it was the only equipment. At launch, there was no
automatic transmission available, it would be another three model years before
a self-shifting gearbox would find its way into the Audi TT.
For the 2000 model year, the Audi TT was introduced in two
states of trim, “Base” and “Quattro”. The first car of its type, absolutely
nothing before or since looks like an Audi TT. Although, there have been some
comparisons to the Volkswagen New Beetle, with some saying the
Audi looks like a squashed New Beetle.
The primary difference between the base TT and the Quattro
TT was the all-wheel drive system. Standard equipment for the base model
included; a pair of bucket seats, a center console with storage, fog lights, a
set of power operated heated exterior mirrors, a keyless entry system, and
power brakes.
Also included in the base price of the TT were a rear window
defroster, tinted glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, a clock, a tachometer, traction
control, and four disc brakes with ABS. Driver and front passenger airbags,
front side airbags, an antitheft alarm system, leather upholstery, cruise
control, power steering by way of a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped
steering wheel, and a remote trunk release can also be found on the standard
equipment list.
An automatic climate control system, intermittent windshield
wipers, power windows and door locks, and an AM/FM/cassette-based audio system
rounded out the standard features offerings.
Base model options included a compact disc changer, heated
front seats, a performance/handling package, a trip computer, cloth upholstery,
xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, a Bose audio system, and a cellular
phone.
Standard equipment on the 2000 Audi TT Quattro
included all of the above plus; all-wheel drive, a lighted entry system, a
locking differential, traction control, and rear-wheel ABS.
The Quattro's options list was identical to the base
model’s.
For the 2001 model year, Audi debuted the TT Roadster with
an orange leather upholstery treatment featuring baseball glove-style
stitching. The company also responded to comments the TT could use more power
with a 225 horsepower version of the 1.8 L turbocharged engine. This powerplant
delivered 207 foot-pounds of torque and was exclusively paired with Quattro and
a six-speed manual transmission.
The 225 horsepower engine was installed in both coupe and
convertible models.
With this development, there were three coupe models for
2001; “Base”, “180hp Quattro”, and “225hp Quattro”. There were also two
convertible models; “Base and “225hp Quattro”.
The standard feature-set for the Base 2001 Audi TTRoadster
included; a rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, variable
intermittent windshield wipers, a manually operated convertible roof, a rear
window defogger, and height adjustable leather upholstered driver and passenger
seats. There were remote door locks, heated power adjustable exterior mirrors,
and a pair of one-touch power windows.
Cruise control, front cupholders, a remote trunk release,
and power steering by way of a tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering
wheel were also standard equipment. The base model Audi TT Roadster retained
accessory power when the engine was shut off, and its climate control system
included interior air filtration.
There was also a trunk light, aluminum alloy and leather
trim on the center console and doors, aluminum alloy trim on the dash, a pair
of front floor mats, and a pair of dual vanity mirrors. The audio system used
seven speakers, a 120W amplifier, and an AM/FM stereo head unit—with a six-disc
CD changer.
The safety and security suite included four-wheel ABS, front
head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, roll-over hoops, child seat
anchors, a remote antitheft alarm system, ventilated front/solid rear disc
brakes, fog lights, high-pressure headlight washers, a passenger airbag
deactivation switch, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, stability control, traction
control, and electronic brake force distribution.
The 2001TT 225hp Quattro convertible used all of the above,
plus; 17-inch alloy wheels, a power operated convertible roof, a mechanical
center differential, and a six-speed manual transmission.
Coupe models were similarly equipped and a navigation system
was optional for all trims.
More of a sporty car than a sports car per se, the Audi
TT is a singularly distinctive automobile with a remarkably unique appearance.
Simply put, nothing else looks like it. Blessed with Audi’s outstanding fit and
finish and attention to detail, the Audi TT is a remarkably handsome car with a
premium feel.
All but the most hard-core high-performance enthusiasts will
find something about the way the TT drives to love. However, if all-out
handling, acceleration, and braking rate highly on your must-have list, you
might be better off looking at one of the challengers from BMW, or Porsche.
(Unless your budget will permit you to spring for a TTS or a TT RS.)
If you’re a younger person, you’ll want to get an insurance
quote before you buy a pre-owned TT to make sure you can afford the premium.
Audis are considered prestige cars, and the TT is a sporty model besides, so
the insurance tab is bound to be a bit spendy.
Most forums recommend focusing your first-gen search on the
225hp models, as they are the most problem free versions of the car.
Whatever you decide, spend some time here on the ‘Net in the various Audi TT
forums to get an idea of what you might be getting into. All in all, the TT
seems to be about average in terms of reliability as a used car purchase, so
judicious due diligence should net you a good clean driver.
There have been recalls, so you’ll want to research those to
learn which apply to your model of interest. When you’ve found the car you
think is the one, run a vehicle history report against its VIN to get an idea
of how well it has been cared for and whether or not the car has been subjected
to undue trauma, like salvage or floods. If it passes that sniff test, turn the
TT over to a trusted professional independent Audi mechanic for a very thorough
pre-purchase inspection.
source: http://www.autobytel.com/audi/tt/car-buying-guides/audi-tt-used-car-buying-guide-112111/by Lyndon conrad Bell
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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