2005 Audi TT 190 Quattro Roadster

35 Bids
9:07 PM, 10 Sep 2020Vehicle sold
Sold for

£6,635

Background

First launched in 1998, it might be hard to believe but the Bauhaus-inspired first-generation Audi TT is now a bona fide modern classic. Time flies, huh?

Built until 2006, the MKI/Type 8N cars might share the PQ34 chassis with cars as commonplace as the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and the Audi A3 but the coachwork - designed in California and named after the NSU’s historical success at the Isle of Man races - is a world apart from one of those pedestrian shopping hatchbacks being lithe and agile and snake-hipped in a way that the bloated carp that masquerade as sportscars these days never could be.

Offered as a two-seat convertible or a 2+2 coupé, the TT was offered with either the four-wheel-drive Quattro chassis or in a straightforward front-wheel-drive configuration.

A series of high-speed accidents forced Audi to recall cars in late 1999/early 2000 to help improve the car’s high-speed stability: a boot spoiler plus Audi’s Electronic Stability Programme and Anti-Slip Regulation cured the problem and were carried forward on subsequent models.

Engines ranged from a turbocharged 1.8-litre, five-valve, inline-four that develops 178bhp or 222bhp depending on the state of tune all the way to the 3.2-litre VR6 with 247bhp that arrived in early 2003, as did a new six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

A TT quattro Sport was launched in 2005. Offered only as a coupé, the high-performance variant sported 237bhp from the 1.8-litre engine. This, plus a weight reduction of 75kgs over the standard car, allowed the Sport to reach 62mpg in under six seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 

  • TRUZZZ8N951017386
  • 24500
  • 1781CC
  • Manual
  • Glacier Blue
  • Black Leather

Background

First launched in 1998, it might be hard to believe but the Bauhaus-inspired first-generation Audi TT is now a bona fide modern classic. Time flies, huh?

Built until 2006, the MKI/Type 8N cars might share the PQ34 chassis with cars as commonplace as the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia and the Audi A3 but the coachwork - designed in California and named after the NSU’s historical success at the Isle of Man races - is a world apart from one of those pedestrian shopping hatchbacks being lithe and agile and snake-hipped in a way that the bloated carp that masquerade as sportscars these days never could be.

Offered as a two-seat convertible or a 2+2 coupé, the TT was offered with either the four-wheel-drive Quattro chassis or in a straightforward front-wheel-drive configuration.

A series of high-speed accidents forced Audi to recall cars in late 1999/early 2000 to help improve the car’s high-speed stability: a boot spoiler plus Audi’s Electronic Stability Programme and Anti-Slip Regulation cured the problem and were carried forward on subsequent models.

Engines ranged from a turbocharged 1.8-litre, five-valve, inline-four that develops 178bhp or 222bhp depending on the state of tune all the way to the 3.2-litre VR6 with 247bhp that arrived in early 2003, as did a new six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

A TT quattro Sport was launched in 2005. Offered only as a coupé, the high-performance variant sported 237bhp from the 1.8-litre engine. This, plus a weight reduction of 75kgs over the standard car, allowed the Sport to reach 62mpg in under six seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 

Video

Overview

After being pre-registered by Epsom Audi on the 5th of July 2005 as a management car, this low-mileage example has been owned by a Mrs Browning since the 19th of June 2006 and 6,029 miles.

Still having covered under 25,000 miles in total, it has a full Audi service history from the supplying dealer. The provenance of this car is matched only by its condition, which is very good for a car that will never see 15 again.

Well-equipped, the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system is backed up by a 187bhp engine plus heated leather seats, an electric wind deflector, and a high-end Audi BOSE Concert sound system.

This is one for the modern classic enthusiast who wants a reliable and fast convertible sportscar but isn’t prepared to sacrifice their soul to the PCP Gods in order to get it. 

Exterior

The blue coachwork is as good as you’d expect of a car with this one’s history and limited use. Still sporting straight, dent-free panels, the shutlines are as impressively tight as the paintwork is glossy.

The black fabric roof is just as impressive being taut and free of damage. It furls and unfurls easily and it is so well engineered that it really does give the very best of all worlds. There’s an electric wind deflector too, for ruffle-free motoring at any sane speed.

The nine-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels are in a very good condition being free of dents and scrapes. They’re shod with matching Kumho tyres too, which is reassuring because our experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you an insight into their attitude towards maintenance.

Flaws? Well, aside from the inevitable stonechips and minor marks there is a scratch on the offside front wing and trailing edge of the bumper, and a dent on the nearside sill. Please see the photos for details. 

Interior

The black leather seats are only gently creased but then what else would you expect given its cherished, low-mileage status? Free of rips, tears, and other damage, they’re still firm and supportive.

The door cards are in good shape too, as are the carpets, dashboard, and controls. We are also told that everything works as it should, and there are no dead pixels.

In fact, the only problem we can see other than a few minor marks on the passenger’s seat is the period mobile phone holder that’s been fitted to the dashboard. Still, that one’s easily solved by buying something that’ll fit from eBay and so making a feature out of it.

The boot, which is home to the space-saver spare wheel, warning triangle, and tool kit, is in good shape bar the usual scratches to some of the hard plastic surfaces. 

Mechanical

The 190PS/187bhp 1.8-litre engine starts promptly and quickly settles into an even tickover. It revs well and drives as well as you’d expect of a car that has so few miles and so many main dealer services under its belt.

What we can see of the engine bay – it is extensively clad in black plastic and so large parts of it are hidden - appears to be neat and clean.

The underside is straight too but there is some light surface corrosion on some areas such as the mounting bolts and suspension components. 

History

The servicing regimen is as impressive as the rest of the car, comprising:

19.09.2006 and 6,029 miles – sold by Epsom Audi

30.01.2008 and 8,056 miles – service by Tutts of Dorking

13.03.2009 and 8,620 miles – new battery by Tutts of Dorking

13.10.2010 and 9,655 miles – service by Tutts of Dorking

02.07.2011 and 11,625 miles – service by Tutts of Dorking

25.05.2012 and 12,147 miles – service by Tutts of Dorking

26.10.2012 and 12,677 miles – service by Tutts of Dorking

17.07.2014 and 14,202 miles – service plus brake fluid change and air-con recharge by Tutts of Dorking

12.08.2014 and 15,107 miles – Haldex service plus a fresh cambelt, waterpump and coolant change by Tutts of Dorking

15.07.2015 and 17,241 miles – new battery by Tutts of Dorking

11.08.2016 and 18,600 miles – service plus brake fluid change and air-con recharge by Tutts of Dorking

10.08.2018 and 24,036 service plus brake fluid change by Tutts of Dorking

25.07.2019 and 24,457 service by Tutts of Dorking

The TT’s servicing history is backed up with invoices, including a recent one for a cambelt and water pump change.

The MOT certificate, which is valid until July 2021, was gained without a single advisory point.

It has a number of expired MOT certificates the original owner’s handbook, fully stamped service history booklet, book pack, and storage wallet.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to an impeccable standard.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.  

Summary

The Audi TT is not especially rare; plenty of cars remain and a lot of them are roadsters. However, to find a manual example that’s spent the past 14 years in the same hands – and has been serviced by the same Audi dealer to boot -is close to stepping in unicorn poo.

With a guide price of between £6,000 - £11,000, it certainly is an affordable up-and-coming classic; plus, the vendor has the upmost confidence in the car to offer her at NO RESERVE. Perhaps it’s not going to cost you a fortune?

This example has decades of life in it yet, making it the ideal car for anyone looking for a cheap, reliable modern classic to commute in during the week and an iconic 187bhp convertible sportscar to enjoy at the weekend – and that quattro drivetrain means that it’ll keep you mobile no matter what the weather throws at you.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’. 

About this auction

Seller

Private: iain


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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