Without going any farther into detail, I’m aware that the title alone will leave several of you disagreeing with me. Perhaps everyone will. But at the very least, in my mind I really think that the first generation Audi TT is a future classic. It’s hard to look back at the 8N Volkswagen Golf-based with complete objectivity, but if you go all the way back to when this car was first designed – 1994 – you can start to see why there’s an important legacy to the Audi TT. In many ways, it revolutionized Audi’s lineup. There was simply nothing like it before; even the much-loved Quattro was really a carefully re-crafted sedan. But the TT looked bespoke with a slinky body hiding the rather pedestrian underpinnings. Then there was the all-wheel drive system, which introduced the first Haldex all-wheel drive to U.S. customers. Truth told it was mostly front drive and these TTs don’t have the best driving experience that an Audi has ever provided, which I’m sure some detractors will immediately point towards since Audis in general aren’t known as supreme driver’s cars. But to me, the A8, A4 and TT all worked together to save Audi for us here in North America. They created a buzz about the company; for the first time since 1980, they were once again on the cutting edge of German design and desirability and they haven’t looked back since. They made a lot of these TTs so there are plenty to choose from, but this one really stood out to me:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 Audi TT quattro 225
Year: 2002
Model: TT
Engine: 1.8 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 40,000 mi
Price: $15,000
2002 Audi TT 225 Hp Quattro with just turned 40K miles on this single owner in a very scarce Imola yellow that only a few for that year were painted.
Black leather heated seats show no sign’s of ware and has a 6 speed stick with aluminum pedals.
The car is basically flawless with a new looking interior and never touched carpets W/double matts.
TT was just brought back from Colorado and has never been driven in the rain or snow,garage queen
Paint is perfect and shine’s brightly ,1.8 turbo engine has no leaks and sounds like day one for it.
Car has perfect Car Fax with no accidents and has always been garaged since new by owner.
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It’s easy to dismiss the TT from future collector status, and perhaps it’s harder to prove that it may be. But in my corner, there are plenty of cars that are now deemed collector status that many didn’t love for some time. The original GTi, the E30 (along with the M3), the R107 SL – even the mighty Quattro; all were considered throw-away cars until fairly recently. How about more budget-minded versions of slinky coupes, like the Porsche 914 and 912 or the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia? Even though the M3 and Quattro were limited production, what sets all these cars apart is that the low cost and discard-when-done status meant that a generation on there were few left in good condition. Turn your attention to the TT; as prices fell, so did the number of really great original examples. There are some limited edition models that are probably worth considering; the ALMS edition, for example, or the hotter 3.2 model. But this particular TT looks pretty awesome. It checks the right boxes with a 6-speed manual, the higher output 225 version, and a great color in Imola Yellow. The miles are quite low and condition is one of the best I’ve seen since new. And the price, while high compared to some real budget examples, reflects that overall. Is it money better spent than say….a S8? That’s hard to say. While neither will ever likely experience the surge in pricing that models like the E30 M3 have, they’ll remain important bits of Audi’s history – transforming the company from what was an also ran to the head of the pack.
-Carter
First,Merry Christmas! Second, after reading your Christmas Day comment, Carter, about nobody responding to the ‘future classic’ theory, I agree with you. I owned a 2002 TT-ALMS Edition with some APR Stage 1 software installed. I sold it to a friend of mine about 4 years ago, and now sorry I did. it was a solid performer and reliable, year-round daily driver with the AWD that, as you noted today in the TT-RS write-up, is an outstanding Winter sports car that stacks up well against the Caymen. And while the gen-I might currently be considered a throw-way car like an old Bug or 914, they are a good-looking piece of German automotive architecture – almost iconic in shape like a 911 or a Clown Shoe – with outstanding capabilities for their price, whose value I think will eventually be recognized…even if it takes another 30 years! Big bonus with these, especially the 225hp motors, is the performance enhancements available from tuners for roughly $500 in ECU software. I’d do it all over again. My only complaint with the car was that it was too tightly-wound, buzzy, and noisy at speed. But that’s not really a legitimate complaint because it’s a sports car! In retrospect, Dyna-mat would have solved that problem and I should have kept it. Hatchback, performance, AWD, Teutonic looks and operational simplicity makes it a great bang for the buck car, and – yes I agree – a future classic.
Buzz, I had the same reaction after reading the comment re lack of comments. I’ve long felt that the 1st gen TT was a ground-breaking design – not only did the body establish a new direction for Audi design, but the interior featured a level of detail that is almost inconceivable today.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Autoweek brunch with Ian Callum at the Hilton Head concours (which was a fantastic event btw). After the brunch, I asked Mr. Callum to share some of his personal favorite car designs over the last few decades (excluding Jag of course). First on his list? Audi TT.
There are certainly cars of that era more capable (and more dependable) than the TT – but I agree that certain 8N variants will one day be classics.
Thanks Rick and Buzz for chiming in! Great comments!
I bought a 2002 Imola Yellow TT Roadster back in January 2002 brand new, and, while biased, I have to agree with you. Fabulous car that I did not ever see myself getting rid of – driving it less over the years, sure, but had planned on holding onto it & keeping it garaged. Unfortunately a couple weeks ago, my husband was rear-ended by a hit & run driver on the highway while driving it & the insurance company totaled it. Such a shame, as it is still in beautiful condition other than the accident & drove like a dream, I’m sure going to miss it. GREAT little car!!
What a shame! I love that color…