Audi TT

When it debuted in 1999, the Audi TT's concept car looks made it the motor to be seen in. Six years of familiarity have lessened the impact of that amazing bodywork, but its enduring popularity means it is still in big demand - and there are plenty around, which is great news if you are after a used model. Values have started to drop, so now is the time to buy yourself a real design classic.

Early stability scares led to a worldwide recall of the car, but the TT's image has remained rock-solid and there's more choice than ever. Audi has expanded the original range to include a budget 150bhp front-wheel-drive model and a storming 3.2-litre V6.

Prices

Roadsters are worth more than their Coupe equivalents and, as you would expect, the more powerful the car, the higher its value. You can now buy an early imported left-hand-drive TT 180 Coupe for less than ΂£9,000; the equivalent UK machine will fetch ΂£11,000.

A 52-registered TT 225 Coupe with 28,000 miles on the clock costs around ΂£19,500 from a dealer; deduct ΂£1,500 for a TT 180 Coupe, while Roadsters command a ΂£500 premium. The 3.2 V6 Coupe starts at ΂£21,000 for an 03-plate in a private sale - add another ΂£1,000 for the Roadster.

What to look for

It is vitally important to check that any TT you are considering has been recalled for suspension modifications, plus the fitment of an ESP system and a rear spoiler. Also, the timing belt, tensioner and water pump need replacing at 60,000 miles - not the 80,000 Audi specifies. This is a ΂£500 job.

Timing belts on 1.8-litre engines have been known to snap between 65,000-80,000 miles, and the extensive damage this causes is sometimes not repairable. Standard 17-inch Avus alloys cost ΂£270 to replace - optional 18-inch rims can be up to ΂£500 a piece.

Checklist

• Drive on right: don't be afraid to buy a left-hand-drive car if cash is tight, but it'll always be worth less than a right-drive example. There are plenty of imported right-hookers around, yet UK dealers should be able to service them - check with your garage first.
• Engine: some people get carried away with ECU chips. If a car you're considering has been upgraded, you must know. Reliability will be suspect if the 1.8T engine has been pumped up to 300bhp or more. Economy could also suffer.
• Convertibles: new Roadster hoods cost ΂£1,000 for the outer fabric alone. If the whole unit needs replacing, expect to fork out ΂£5,000, so it pays to check very closely. Make sure the top goes up and down smoothly, and look for signs of water leaks inside.
• Storage: coupes provide more luggage space than the Roadster, and there are rear seats, too - although these are tiny. No matter what the roof is made of, all TTs should have a rear spoiler - part of the safety recall carried out in 2000.
• Cabin: check every electrical item, from lights to the stereo - especially on early examples. Glitches are common and hard to cure, so ensure you discover any problems before you hand over your cash. Cabin otherwise well built and stylish.

Recalls

Owner comment

Gavin Whalley, of Green Street Green, Kent, is completely smitten with his TT 1.8T, thanks to its concept car looks. He said: "It's great to drive and has a superbly built cabin, but the dealer's attitude leaves a lot to be desired.

"Staff think they're doing you a favour selling you a ΂£32,000 car, and at service time they're really unhelpful. The best thing any owner can do is join the TT Forum (www.tt-forum.co.uk) - it's amazingly useful."