The Audi TT comes to an end

Reaching classic car status (in production 25 years), as noted by Motor Trend Audi will retire its revolutionary “TT” sports car this year.  Technically the car rolled out in Europe in 1998 but it was the 1999 model which came to the United States in 2000.

I was working on a short-term spacial photography gig in early 2000 and one of my assignments took me to San Francisco.  It was there I noticed this trendy car zipping through the streets.  My thought was ummmm?

As 2001 went by I remembered that look and occasionally, I would see another one.  It was 2002 and my financial condition improved so I really started looking.  At the time it was the basic coupe and the roadster.  Finally, in March 2002 I found a pre-owned 2000 at a luxury dealer in Redondo Beach and it had limited mileage as well as having only one owner.  I grabbed it and the rest is history.  My office was in Pasadena and since it was still under warranty Rusnak Pasadena became my service dealer and they took care of all the issues you might have in wanting to bring your car back to perfection.  However, there was an issue with one of the service advisors who felt more concerned about his advice versus accommodating my needs.  I searched for a new dealer and even though Los Angeles Downtown Audi was closer to me, it seemed like a dealer not capable of meeting my needs I was wrong.   You know what they say?  First impressions can be everything!  After making an appointment I was greeted by the tech who resembled a German and who wore a white smock.  His name was Dennis and he assured me he would take care of my TT.  Along with him and his Associate Valentin, who became my regular tech, they provided all the confidence I needed in assuring me the TT would be taken care of.

TT Runs

I joined a couple of Audi TT car clubs and met some great people as well as gaining knowledge of why these cars were so special.  We would go on runs and other adventures and it was quite a site to see 50-75 TT’s rolling into various parts of the United States.  Over the years I made modifications to my TT, although I must admit being somewhat intimidated to do so not wanting to void my warranty.  Anyway, I added a chip to improve speed, wheels and other amenities.  Perhaps the biggest mod that made my car stand out was adding a sunroof.  When I was searching for the car, I could swear I saw the coupe with a sunroof.  My eyes deceived me as the coupe did not have a TT.  Even still, I had to have one.  Despite being warned the roof would cave in as well as other calamities, I took the splurge and found an aftermarket installer located in Paramount, CA.  I am 6’3” and the coupe is tight.  The roadster is a no-go due to the way it is designed.  It would be impossible to wedge my body into the car with the roof closed.  However, the coupe was perfect as since it is part of the VW design and features lots of headroom, the sunroof was perfect.

The TT is a very fun car to drive. Looking back I am glad I realized in 2003 with miles stacking up, I needed purchase another “regular day” car so I opted for the A4, which itself had gone through a new design.

Sad to see it go….but

I am said to see the TT go.  It was a revolutionary and the first sports car with an aerodynamic design.  I liked the Porsche due chose not the chase the crowd because in my opinion, everybody has one.  After Audi rolled out the TT, other manufacturers followed including Nissan, Honda, BMW and others who saw the benefit of the aerodynamic body.  Plus, because the body offers a curved feature, which even today you will rarely see a model without it, the car was known as “ahead of its time.”

So, my TT is coming up on 24 years.  It is in very good condition and yes, it is pampered.  It has approximately 155,000 miles on it and even though I moved away from Valentin (due to cost of repairs at a dealer), I found Eurospec where Jeff and Peter provide the same confidence in making sure any repairs are legitimate but providing the care to make sure my investment is protected.

My current everyday car is a zippy A3 sedan.

Postscript – Audi is replacing the TT with another electric model to add to their growing lineup. That’s leaves the R8 as the only sports car in their stable.