Hi everyone,
Thought I'd start a thread for my latest project and share progress.
Ever since I first saw the early left hookers appearing at VAG shows and the first time I sat in new one at an Audi dealer many years ago - I've wanted a mk1 Audi TT. Only recently I have found myself in a position to purchase one - though its actually slightly an irrational decision it has so far proved to be VERY enjoyable 2 years in.
I first began my research/search in the summer of 2014 by signing up to the TTforum, joining the TTOC and reading as many reviews, guides and mags I could find.
My initial objective was to find either a roadster or coupe 225 that was just post facelift, no colour preference and a budget that would allow for any age/service issues to be addressed plus a few modifications - with that in mind I set out to view SOME!
I very nearly purchased the first one I viewed! - a 2002 black 225 coupe with one owner and just 13k on the clock!! Annoyingly the early start and 5 hour round trip to London proved wasted as the condition didn't match the expectation. It was externally very tatty, had spent a life outside possibly under trees and had suffered parking abuse.
I then must have viewed a dozen or so all varying in age, miles, colour, condition and price - travelling hundreds of miles up and down the country. What was becoming apparent was that low mileage was not a guarantee of condition, and that descriptions were often inaccurate or misleading.
The game changer was when I went to view a 05 Misano Red QS with 50k at Norfolk Performance Cars. Unfortunately it was a CAT-D which I couldn't live with but it looked and drove so special, I decided I had to find a QS!
I then viewed a further five more QS's including flying to Belfast, NI to view one in Misano with just 35k, which again didn't match the expectation/description (had a nice day in Belfast though!).
I was starting to loose hope by now until by chance in late September I spotted a 2006 Misano Red QS with 25k miles advertised on AutoTrader. A very urgent call/conversation with the seller followed and a viewing was arranged for the next day.
Another 2.5 hr drive to Essex and I found myself watching as a MINT QS emerged carefully from the darkness of its garage home to stand gleaming in the sun. With the feeling I got as I took a first walk around I new I wouldn't be walking away from this one!!
Heres some pics of when I viewed/purchased it.
DC
Thought I'd start a thread for my latest project and share progress.
Ever since I first saw the early left hookers appearing at VAG shows and the first time I sat in new one at an Audi dealer many years ago - I've wanted a mk1 Audi TT. Only recently I have found myself in a position to purchase one - though its actually slightly an irrational decision it has so far proved to be VERY enjoyable 2 years in.
I first began my research/search in the summer of 2014 by signing up to the TTforum, joining the TTOC and reading as many reviews, guides and mags I could find.
My initial objective was to find either a roadster or coupe 225 that was just post facelift, no colour preference and a budget that would allow for any age/service issues to be addressed plus a few modifications - with that in mind I set out to view SOME!
I very nearly purchased the first one I viewed! - a 2002 black 225 coupe with one owner and just 13k on the clock!! Annoyingly the early start and 5 hour round trip to London proved wasted as the condition didn't match the expectation. It was externally very tatty, had spent a life outside possibly under trees and had suffered parking abuse.
I then must have viewed a dozen or so all varying in age, miles, colour, condition and price - travelling hundreds of miles up and down the country. What was becoming apparent was that low mileage was not a guarantee of condition, and that descriptions were often inaccurate or misleading.
The game changer was when I went to view a 05 Misano Red QS with 50k at Norfolk Performance Cars. Unfortunately it was a CAT-D which I couldn't live with but it looked and drove so special, I decided I had to find a QS!
I then viewed a further five more QS's including flying to Belfast, NI to view one in Misano with just 35k, which again didn't match the expectation/description (had a nice day in Belfast though!).
I was starting to loose hope by now until by chance in late September I spotted a 2006 Misano Red QS with 25k miles advertised on AutoTrader. A very urgent call/conversation with the seller followed and a viewing was arranged for the next day.
Another 2.5 hr drive to Essex and I found myself watching as a MINT QS emerged carefully from the darkness of its garage home to stand gleaming in the sun. With the feeling I got as I took a first walk around I new I wouldn't be walking away from this one!!
Heres some pics of when I viewed/purchased it.
DC