2000 Audi TT Review

Specifications

January 1st, 2000 is a day most people will never forget. The first day in a new millennia, to be alive on such an occasion was truly a treat, and the sensation that accompanied the knowledge that you were present and accounted for at an event that occurred once every 1000 years was fantastic. Heralded as the end of the world by doomsday fanatics, and the day that the world’s institutions would collapse on their technological, Y2K-bug laden swords by geeks, the passing of the 20th Century went relatively quietly, and as the world partied its way into the next century everyone breathed a sigh of relief when their bank didn’t spontaneously combust in a giant binary-code explosion. But as exciting as the Y2K bash was, the year 2000 held more than a few surprises for the denizens of Earth.

One such surprise came from Germany. With four interlinked rings on its grille and a very futuristic silhouette, this surprise had a simple name befitting its simple design: TT. Actually, truth be told the TT was launched in ‘99 butwas officially a 2000 model year vehicle, so hey, while not totally correct the Y2K introduction is far more interesting than ramblings about the last year of the 20th Century. But enough with such trivialities and on with the show!

By far one of the most unique automobiles ever created, the TT took the popular billet look to a whole new level. While other manufacturers were perfecting designs that looked like they were carved from a solid chunk, Audi’s first sports car since the famed Quattro looked as if it’d rolled right out of the world’s largest CNC machine. Available initially in coupe form only, the TT’s pure design was devoid of any needless embellishment, instead relying on the beauty of the whole to carry the design.

The long, sloping hood rolled overinto a geometrically correct curve that formed the car’s prow, into which the headlights and grille were fitted without altering the front end’s silhouette. The front valance didn’t continue that curve, but instead dropped straight down towards the ground, giving the car a very planted look and contributing to its machined appearance. On top, the windshield curved up into the roof forming one seamless arc before sliding gracefully back to the rear resulting in a traditional fastback. From there, the rear’s silhouette mimicked the front’s, and curved in a perfect radius back downward before dropping down to the ground.

The first models were devoid of the tacked-on spoiler made standard in 2001 due to cars reportedly losing control at autobahn speeds, and looked better for it. Without any distractions, the rounded back end was absolutely gorgeous, and absolutely unmistakable. Bodyside styling was equally distinctive, with geometric fender flares and carefully chosen sheetmetal junctions that only added to the TT’s precision appearance. Also, it’s worth noting that none of the shapes was allowed to overlap, with the hood’s edges being trimmed so as not to interrupt the front fender flares, and the lower body cladding being cut out from around the doors. Likewise, neither headlights nor taillights used complex elements or forms to draw the eye, instead simply completing the fenders’ shapes. Even the Audi logo on the trunklid seemed just right.

The following year the TT’s shape grew even more pure with the addition of the Roadster. Removing the graceful roof from the equation, the Roadster meant that only the windshield remained above the billet-looking shoulders, as well as the headrests and a pair of roll hoops that fit the TT’s style perfectly. Additionally, a glass wind blocker could be raised between the structural roll hoops to quiet down the cabin without disrupting the car’s clean, surgical shape.

Interestingly, which top you got with your Roadster depended on what powertrain you ordered. Available initiallyas a front-wheel drive, 180 horsepower 2+2 coupe, the Roadster’s 2001 debut was joined by the introduction of the TT Quattro, which used Audi’s signature all-wheel drive system to better put the power to the ground. Also, while Quattro was optional with the 1.8L, 180 horsepower engine, opting for the new-for-’01 225-horsepower turbocharged 1.8L engine meant Quattro, and a sweet six-speed manual transmission came standard. Providing much better driving dynamics, the more powerful motor gave the TT the performance to back up its good looks, and with Audi’s superb all-wheel drive system the TT became an instant autocross hit overnight.

Interestingly as well, opting for the all-wheel drive system in your Roadster also meant you received a power top; something FWD cars did not.

In 2002 Audi built 1,000 special ALMS commemorative editions of the 225-horsepower TT coupe to celebrate their participation in the American Le Mans Series, all of which left the factory with unique trim and 18-inch wheels. Model year 2003 saw 18-inch wheels become optional on all 225-horsepower TTs, but the big news was the availability of the six-speed manual on base model cars. Going further towards unlocking the potential of the more sluggish 180-horsepower engine, the six-speed helped tremendously, better keeping the engine in its relatively short powerband.

Finally, 2004 saw the biggest change to the TT lineup with the availability of Volkswagen Group’s narrow-angle 3.2L V6. Producing 250 horsepower, the V6 displaced twice as much as the smaller 225-horsepower motor yet produced only 25 horsepower more; but don’t let that fool you. With almost 30 more foot pounds of torque and a much broader powerband, the big naturally aspirated V6 made the TT a genuinely quick little car, eradicating any apprehension would-be buyers had about the 1.8L’s turbo lag, and sounding absolutely exquisite doing it. Even better, this great engine was joined mid-year by Audi’s near-perfect DSG sequential-manual gearbox, and the two coupled together in a TT V6 Quattro combine to make an excellent package.

But while the V6 did much to transform the TT into a genuine performance car, it was the TT’s first-rate chassis that earned the car its reputation. Based on a shortened version of the A4 platform (which itself was based on the Golf/Jetta/New Beetle chassis), the TT featured a slightly harder, more performance-oriented suspension tune. Firmer dampers and springs and thicker sway bars mean it handles briskly and feels very nimble thanks to its small size, but the best part is that it does so without punishing the driver for going down a bumpy road. While certainly not ‘77 Eldorado soft, the TT is perfectly capable of commuting on a daily basis without requiring weekly visits to the chiropractor; a fact helped along by the exceedingly high level of interior comfort. With tall seats and plenty of headroom, taller people have little trouble in the TT coupe, and while the Roadster does decrease the amount of real estate slightly, it’s still plenty spacious for most.

Standard leather seating and a very high level of detail work on the interior makes it feel more upscale than its price tag imbued, with plenty of real solid aluminum trim around the center console, vents and instruments. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel aids drivers in their quest for comfort, and covering long distances in a TT usually isn’t a hard task. Unfortunately though, the coupe’s rear seats are absolutely horrific, and even Audi recommends leaving only children between 4′3″ and 4′11″ in back. In reality, they’re best used for packages and luggage.

As a sports car, TTs are usually a rather safe buy, with most owners choosing to use theirs as comfortable cruising cars rather than track day toys. However, there have been those that have abused their TTs, so as with anything it’s always a case of buyer beware. NHTSA recalls were few, with only three affecting the 2000 and 2001 models. Most interesting of the recalls is one outlining the replacement of control arms and stabilizers due to the TT’s precise steering requiring substantial effort to maintain directional stability at speeds well in excess of the posted limits. Applying to all 2000 model year TT’s, that’s undoubtedly one to look for, as is a recall for the same year vehicle describing a faulty fuel line that could cause a fuel leak. Quattro-equipped 2001 TTs could have faulty rear control arm bushings that can corrode, leading to a loss of vehicle control; also an important one to check for. Beyond those three recalls, problems are few and far between, with most common trouble spots being very easy to spot. Leaking coolant and a rough idle or strange engine noises are a few of the most common complaints, and most of those are easily fixed by cleaning or replacing a few suspect parts. More expensive is the early models’ (2000) soft sill plates, leading to potential sill damage when the car is lifted up on a hoist from these points.

Due to the relative popularity of the TT, finding a good used one in decent condition isn’t terribly hard, although you can expect to pay a premium for the Audi badge, as always. Prices have dropped considerably from their original window sticker, but are still slightly higher than the prices commanded by the TT’s competitors. While some of those competitors offer better performance or more luxury, mind you, very few of them offer those two mixed in the same proportions as the TT. Well built, very fun, and exceptionally well engineered, the TT provides a sensible sports car experience very few other cars can match, making it an excellent buy.

Specifications: