But not for long. Seriously, first generation Audi TTs (1998-2006 model year) are hitting record low prices and are quickly becoming incredible bang for the buck deals.
For those unfamiliar, the Audi TT nameplate comes from the successful motor tracing tradition of NSU in the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race. The Audi TT follows the NSU 1000TT, 1200TT and TTS cars of the 1960s in taking their names from the race. It has also been attributed to the phrase, “Technology and Tradition”.
In September 1998, Audi launched the Audi TT as a couple and followed up in 1999 with a roadster. The first generations are considered those produced from 1998 to 2006 and are based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform which was also used by the Volkswagen Golf MK4, Audi A3, and the Skoda Octavia among others. The nameplate has done well, and the first generation models were nominated for the North American Car of the Year award in 2000. Car and Driver magazine lists the Audi TT first generation on their Ten Best list for 2000 and 2001. But why is this car so well liked?
Well it starts with the styling which has really stayed modern and grown on people. Then it moves to the powertrain, where the Audi TT shares an identical powertrain layout with it’s Volkswagen groupmates. Depending on the model year and trim level you are looking at you will either get the 1.8 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine or the straight inline 6 cylinder, VR6, engine. The 1.8 litre four cylinder turbocharged engine had two different setups with different power numbers. The first produced 180 horsepower with a 5 speed manual transmission and the later produced 225 horsepower with a 6 speed manual transmission. The 225 horsepower motor gave you a four wheel drive setup while this was an option with the 180 horsepower motor. Both options also had an optional Tiptronic 6 speed automatic transmission. In early 2003, Audi made the inline 6 cylinder 3.2 litre VR6 engine available as an option which produced 250 horsepower and 236lb feet of torque. It was offered with the DSG 6 speed automatic transmission.
There is also a special edition called the Audi TT quattro Sport, which will obviously be available for more money. This limited edition couple was only available in 2005 and was powered by a tuned 1.8 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged engine making 240 horsepower and 236lb feet of torque. It was also 75kg or 165lbs lighter which all combined made it a much faster, better handling car.
Now for pricing, we will start with the coupes and only focus on the AWD versions as the FWD are not worth your time. An early first generation Audi TT, probably a 1998-2001, in OK condition with 150,000 miles on the clock and a 6 speed manual transmission can be had for $5,500. If you want to go for more a fixer up, you can probably get them as low as $3,500. A good condition coupe, later model year first generation Audi TT with about 100,000 miles and a 6 speed manual transmission, will cost about $7,500-8,000.
Now for the first generation Audi TT roadsters, an early model year one with about 150,000 miles on the clock and a 6 speed manual transmission can be had in the $5,000-$6,000 range. Where a good condition one that does not require a new top will be around $7,500. If you want to go for more of a project roadster, you can find them in the $4,000 range but be aware the tops can get expensive and will probably be in rough shape. If you want a good condition example with lower miles, you’re in luck! The roadsters seem to see less time on the road and generally have lower milage. You can get one like this green example we found with just 69,000 miles on the clock for $7,500.
If you are seriously considering an Audi TT, I strongly recommend you get on one as soon as you can. These are starting to attract a lot of attention with their price point and people are starting to seek them out.
Happy shopping!
