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The marketplace knows better. Pick any car, any category and compare what a GM, Ford or Chrysler is worth in 3-5+ years vs. their Japanese or German counterpart. The depreciation is offensive. It has cost me less to own several $50k+ cars than the average $20k GM would have. Not to mention the indignation of rattles and fit and finish defects.
I am a patriotic American. We are world leaders in many fields. Biotechnology, information technology, aerospace, medicine, etc.. But automobiles - it's embarassing. Is it un-patriotic to call a spade a spade? Not in my book.
In working for several large public companies, I have always attempted to hold myself and those that worked for me to the highest standards. If the company I now own and manage could only achieve the same standards of quality as GM, I'd retire tomorrow.
You want to be patriotic? Promote John Hopkins Hospital. Nobody in the world does what they do better. But if you are proud of GM, you are just stupid, blind or both.
You can never have too many horsepower or too much traction!
IMHO, quatro is a weight penalty that I would carefully consider before purchasing. Unfortunately, unlike Porsche, the Audi alternative is FWD, which isn't the best handling set-up either. I won't dispute that 225 horsepower is better than 180.
I still repeat my point that it is a decision requiring seat of the pants testing.
Does the 180 bhp version have the KKK K03 turbo, whereas the 225 bhp gets the larger KKK K04 turbo?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks.
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What I like best about the TT, however, is not the performance characteristics or the well-designed interior. The number 1 reason I like the TT is that it is one of my top 5 favorite designs of all time, a purely subjective view of course, but only one or two people have ever called the TT ugly. Whatever. The TT is beautiful.
I plan to hang on to the TT for a long time, which will be interesting with kids (hopefully) on the way soon. Our other car is a 2001 BMX XI sedan, which we will most likely trade in for an X5 4.4. I reckon the TT won't work with an infant, not b/c it couldn't accomodate a child's seat, but because my maternal instincts won't allow it. That said, I still plan to hang onto the TT, even if we relegate her to weekend fun trips. Yeah, a great excuse to grab an S4 for daily commuting!
I am looking into chipping and found the remarks you all contributed on it helpful. The manufacturer I will probably use is GIAC. A local dealer can install same. I am concerned that the chip may increase the risk of engine failure, but the other option is to upgrade to a 225, and I can't sell that to Mr. Bug. As to the warranty issues, as an attorney, the law is pretty clear--the chipping voids only that part of the warranty directly related to the chip.
So far, the only trouble on the TT has been electric (replaced the instrument cluster, with thanks to the audisucks cite for sending me on the right route) rather than engine-related. So I hope that with reasonably gentle treatment, I can enjoy the extra horsepower (23) and torque (85) and exhaust (15) without destroying the engine.
If anyone has anymore pros or cons on chipping or other modifications, please advise.
Best regards to all.
Ladybugnova
I'm anxious to know. Thanks in advance for your insights.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
We have had our 225 hp tt for about 3 months and the other day I noticed someone had dinged the door. There is just a small dent on the passenger door. Can dealers get these out relatively cheap. Also I notice that this board is really slow and I would have thought the tt to be talked about, so is there another site I don't know about ?
Thanks alot
Jonny B
I may be wrong on this, but I believe the smallest diameter rims for TT is 16". Downgrading to 16" (and using 205/55 r16 tires) will sacriface traction, but also will allow you greater flexible in tire choices, allowing you to pick a "Touring All-season" tire. You'll need to purchase a new set of rims though. You can get say Michelin Energy MXV4, which has a tire wear warranty of 80,000 miles.
Hope this helps you.
Although the snows of the last few years have been few I am concerned about driving with these tires in the NE winter. Do any of you change tires for winter? Do you have separate wheels or do you mount winter tires on the same wheel?
Are you sure you were looking at an S2000? On a recent golf trip, I got my clubs, garment bag, small duffle bag and various other odds and ends in the trunk. Another time, I actually got two sets of clubs in the trunk, albeit one was a travel bag. The S2000 trunk isn't huge, but it does a lot better than a Miata or SLK.
As for deciding between the TT and S2000, their driving characteristics are about as far apart as you can get in the two seat roadster category. Both are excellent in their own right, just make sure you get the one that compliments your style / preference. Our neighbors bought an early vintage Boxster a few years ago then traded it for a TT 225 roadster after about the 5th time the Boxster top got stuck in the "down" position. Now they are considering trading the TT for an S2000 or M Roadster, ostensibly to get back some of the "sports car feel" they had with the Boxster. When I asked them if either had driven an S2000, they said "no, but we like the looks of yours"! Wonder what they will get next.
I'm more concerned with the electrical problems reported with the TT. Although it does seem the TT has more trunk space, that probably isn't very useful if the car is being repaired every 30 days. So I'm looking for reliability first, practicality second.
I have not heard of specific reliability problems with the TT, but if that is your primary concern, you can't do much better than Honda. In addition to being fairly bulletproof, there is a much better dealer network. And, from my experience, S2000 owners are treated like royalty. The one minor problem I had when the car was new (broken top latch) resulted in two calls from the Honda regional representatives to make sure I was happy with the fix.
I still think the S2000 and TT are very different cars from a driver's perspective, but if you are going to make your choice based upon reliability, that's up to you.
If you really don't want a convertible, perhaps you should consider the Nissan 350Z or Infinity G35 Coupe as alternatives. From what I've heard, the Nissan/Infiniti are a step down from the S2000 in handling precision, but they make thier power through lower reving (i.e. quieter) V-6's. Again, I personally liked the fact that the S2000 was a limited production, mostly hand built "sports" car, and would have probably opted for a Boxster S rather than go the mass market GT/coupe route. But they may be worth your consideration.
The trunk of the coupe is quite good for a sports car.
You absolutely cannot find a car near this price range with the interior style of the TT. If that aspect is high on your list it's in a class by itself, and it should continue to delight for the lifetime of the car.
The Audi dealer/service experience is mixed. If you can find a dealer/service department you are pleased with stick with them, and they do exist, but just not in the vast majority. A few are really bad from what I've researched, a few are outstanding, most are about average at best.
Right now is a great time buy in my opinion - many local (SF Bay Area) dealers seem to have lots of TT's on the lot, sales are slow, and deals can be found. You should be able to get your TT for invoice (*not* MSRP) plus $500 - $800 (plus tax and license).
The car just plain feels good, tight, a of high quality - I've not experienced any rattles, etc.
Bruce
BMW M Roadster: a great performer, but the interior was too cramped. It was the only car that I couldn't drive in the rain without getting a wet elbow.
Porsche Boxster S: I loved this car! If it had been $10k cheaper and the maintenance costs weren't insane, I would have bought one in a heartbeat! Porsche should stop charging extra for items that are standard on every competitor.
Corvette convertible: best performer by a wide margin, but the dashboard looked too cheap. It even had the same radio as my 02 Tahoe (not to mention my old 97 Z28). I've always wanted a Vette, but just couldn't pull the trigger when I finally was in a position to buy one. I'll wait for the C6...
Honda S2000: this car rocked! Great handling, brakes, and acceleration. However, when driven at high rpm (the ONLY way to drive it) the engine noise was almost unbearable. "Cacophony" is the word that comes to mind. If the sound were more like the Boxster, the Porsche never would have entered my mind. A great third car, but I just couldn't live with it as my daily driver.
Audi TT: the poorest performer of the finalists--heaviest, least powerful, most body roll. Even with the stage 1 mod, my TT can't run with the others. However, the nicest interior, Quattro grip, free maintenance, best warranty and unique styling put it over the top for me. I've had the car for 15 months and haven't had any problems (or regrets for that matter). If ultimate performance isn't your #1 priority, then the TT is worth considering.
Good luck with your decision...
And will the next gen. TT have less body roll to compete with the Z4, Boxster, and S 2000?
TTs Rule!
Leon
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks for your moral support though. I'd hate to see all manual transmissions eliminated by European makers who look down on us Americans as too wimpy or ignorant to appreciate "driving" a car.
If you think we're "fanatics", you should hear one of my neighbors, "Manfred" who is a Daimler Chrysler exec transplanted from Germany. He drives a vintage 350 SL w/ 4-speed and claims that it's all the fault of "you Americans" that he can't get a stick in the current crop of higher end Mercedes offerings.
P.S. Sorry to muck up the TT forum with this digression; it's now out of my system.
The numbers don't lie though, especially in the high end market. 3 out of 4 Ferrari 575 Maranellos will roll off the factory with this type of transmission. The 12 Cylinder Aston Martin Vanquish comes equipped only with this type of transmission. Transmissions like the SMG (that have an electronic clutch, not an auto w/ torque converter) shift quicker than even the mosty highly skilled race car driver (and certainly quicker than you or I) provide the speed and control of a stick shift with the ease of an automatic when needed. They even blip the throtte on downshifts for you for christs' sake.
I agree that even though it does things better that it will never provide the feel and fun to drive factor of a manual transmission.
Back to the topic at hand though...The Audi TT. I rarely see a Black one cruising around, and there's one in my parents' neighborhood. The black is very sleek, sexy, and super stealthy.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I figured if the TT linkage works on the A4 Golf/Jetta/New Beetle (which the TT is on the A4 platform)....the opposite should be true.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Does anyone else have other info?
Sunday afternoon a saw an Amulet Red TT Coupe and it too was striking. Red is a very rare color 'round these parts, especially for German cars. It looked good.
I just wish there was some way for Audi to put a sunroof (I know it seems like a ridiculous notion on a car with such a small roof) on the TT coupe. Most of you are saying, ok then put the TT Roadster on your wishlist then. I like the looks of the coupe so much more, and the TT Roadster (with Quattro) is out of my pricerange for now. I love sunroofs though. I always drive with mine open unless it is raining or cloudy. That's just me though.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2002 Chevy Tahoe: "METS"
2001 TT Roadster: "JETS"
I took my "KNICKS" plate off of my 99 Catera before I returned that hunk of junk to the dealer when the lease expired. I'll have to buy another car so that I can use the plates again. I tried to get "Rangers" plates, but you can only get 6 letters--maybe the next state I move to can do better. (Please, no remarks about becoming a Devils fan).
By the way, I looked at the black TT when I bought mine, but opted for the Nimbus Gray Pearl with the amber "Baseball" leather. You should think about the roadster if you like sunroofs so much. I've owned several convertibles and in my opinion, the TT has the best year-round convertible top available.
Back to the TT though. Nimbus Gray Pearl is also a gorgeous color, especially with the Baseball glove leather. I won't be in the market for a new car for a while as I recently purchased a leftover 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH at the end of April which I hope to keep for a long time.
One of the reasons I am considering the TT (hopefully they'll still make 'em 7 years down the road) is because of Quattro (My Mom's A6 3.0 has it and I love how it pulls you around turns) ,the turbocharged engine (My 2000 Saab 9-3 is turbocharged and I love when the Turbo kicks in), and of course the sheer beauty of the car! Every time I see a TT, it still turns my head.
Speaking of convertibles, how is the rear visibility with the top up on the TT Roadster?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Quattro was a major factor in my purchase decision as well. Wet or dry, it makes a huge difference in handling. If I lived in the northeast, I wouldn't own a car without it.
2003 should be a great year for NY sports! I'll be making my reservations for the playoffs soon.
Do any of you know of a way to replace the radio only (w/a CD player) in this model? They say the 2002 in-dash radio (w/CD) is not compatible with the 2001 model. Again, I appreciate any help! Thanks!
2. Lexus SC430
3. Escalade
4. Altima 3.5, Stick
5. $3k 1994 Mazda MX-6 LS with Leather, stick
6. 2003 Honda S2000
7. Put a down payment on the insurance!