... Audi has announced that the reign of its small sports car is over. The Audi TT will die at the end of 2023. But it won’t be going quietly into that good night, as the German automaker will be sending it off with one Final Edition. Audi is preparing to release the TT Final Edition in both coupe and convertible forms, bringing exclusive specs and design flourishes to the sports car for one last time.Feel free to goad me into buying another TT or tell me why I should treasure my 2005 TT into its vintage years or rid myself of all TTs and step into the new era, which is, at least from the Audi point of view, post-small-sports car.
By the way, if I were a German car company — or a German anything — I wouldn't use "Final" in my branding.
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91 comments:
At some point, the costs of maintenance and repair and availability of parts for a 2005 may force you to retire your TT. That said, buying a low-mileage used when that time comes is likely a better option than buying off the showroom floor.
Will the final special edition be offered in a three pedal version?
Lasted longer than competing SLK, of which I owned a first edition.
Looks like dual clutch auto only.
I miss my 2004 three pedal v70r!
I'd have kept if knew it was the end of an era.
If I was in your shoes, I'd absolutely buy it.
I've mentioned before my husband's experience as an appliance repairman. The new machines are built to last just out of warranty. Parts are no longer available even a few years later. Make the consumer buy a brand new appliance seems to be the motto.
Treasure your vintage, one of the most beautiful sports cars made. The Germans aren't immune to this trend.
Good one, Ann.
Farewell Edition would have been better.
Fly over to Germany and take delivery of your new TT. Tour the ancestral Althouse homeland in your German car. Blog from exotic Europe.
YOLO.
If you find a car you love that much, consider yourself fortunate and enjoy it. That they aren't making any more of them only makes the one you have more special.
Assuming your Audi is in relatively good shape and low mileage, I'd keep it going. In fact if you were to sell it, I'd be interested. Those are iconic vehicles. Thursday I had to put my quarter million mile, rusty VW Jetta TDI (manual tranny) to rest. Michigan's salty roads finally won out.
Keep the 2005 but hire a Cuban auto mechanic.
Keep the 2005 but hire a Cuban auto mechanic.
What is… Final Jeopardy?
All I know is that I will never buy another vehicle beyond 2026. That's when the kill switch feature from the recent IRJA goes into effect.
Watch to see pre-2026 vehicle prices remain oddly higher for longer afterwards.
I saw a Mercedes yesterday with vanity plates that said, TWAZF8H and I thought of that Janis Joplin song, Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
I would advise you to keep your TT and not buy a new one. The new ones are not built as well, contain a large number of plastic engine components and will not last as long as the one you currently own. Yours will climb in value while the new one will drop. Think how valuable old Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers and Challengers are compared to new ones. You own a piece of history.
I have my 2002 Miata and love it with no plans to replace it. If Mazda were to announce the final solution of the model I think I would stick with my old one. Swapping out the audio to an up to date unit made a big difference too. And manuals are the only way to go.
A newer used model (Certified if you can find one) is more cost wise and still a nice upgrade. That said, buying a brand new model is exciting, despite the fact that it becomes a used car the minute you drive it off the lot. Even in that case, you're the original owner.
Depends on how much you drive it. If only a few thousand miles a year, keep it. Depreciation costs alone on a new one would be ridiculous.
My friend, a Mercedes Benz service manager, sold his two late model cars and went out west to buy two older rust free cars. Why? To avoid the electronic issues on newer cars.
My anecdotal story: My spouse's Mercedes SUV had the blind spot warning sensor go off at the weirdest times. No vehicle in the blind spot, maybe a guard rail or some other object. The dealer replaced everything including the rear bumper. No luck. Mercedes Benz finally agreed to buy the car back as they determined it was a software issue, which was not available yet.
We bought a new Toyota Forerunner and purchased a 5 year/ 100k mile electronic warranty with it.
Sell it and buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia. If you enjoy driving, you won’t regret it!
Keep it until it spends more time in the shop than on the road. Then find someone willing to pay $$$ for a classic Audi TT that he (it’s always a guy) can spend even more $$$ restoring. He’s out there someplace!
It’s probably a good time to buy a new car. Audi, like many other automakers, are going fully electric. That means you’ll soon be stuck with cars that will make traveling any distance beyond your local area inconvenient. Of course the next step will be government restricting gas sales so you’ll likely be screwed either way.
My 2014 Yaris is holding up fine, but has only 2200 miles on it. It's building up from trips across town to the vet though for my 2013 Doberman, which is out of bicycle reach.
The Davos crowd, the WEF, the Green New Deal(ers) and Greta have created a Final Solution for the German auto industry. Does anybody think the Audis, Mercedes, Porsches, etc. can survive as premium brands in an e-vehicle world?
Keep your TT assuming there is a youngish mechanic in town that you trust. If the mechanics are old forget it, they will retire without a good bye at the critical moment. Buying new is shit for the environment whether gas or electric. Unlikely to amortize their harm over your lifetime. Might consider new rubber all around, hoses etc. New tires. Expensive detail with wax. Will feel new.
if you get 18 years out of a 2023.. That mean it'd go until 2041?
HOW Long, do you plan to be driving?
If your current TT is in good shape, keep it. Ignore the too much maintenance and parts availability comments, you'll have no where near the maintenance that will exceed a new TT, and parts will be available until you no longer drive.
My only concern would be rust. Road salt and all.
Think how valuable old Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers and Challengers are compared to new ones.
yep! THink about it! MOST (MOST) of them are in junk yards (Actually, have been melted down into scrap). It's Like: What are the odds you'll die next year
New cars at our age are like new pets. They are likely to out-live us.
I can't remember if Silvio is all wheel drive or not, so my suggestions will include some RWD options:
1. Buy a newer Audi TT.
2. VW offered a Golf Sportwagen in AWD with available manual transmission in the US until 2019. We have the automatic version because it's my wife's car and that's what she likes. It's been reliable, gets good mileage, handles well and has plenty of room for road trips. Some of the earlier models were branded as Jetta--one of our daughters has a FWD TDI, which she loves.
3. Subaru offers a very reasonably priced AWD Impressa, which you can still get with a manual shifter.
4. If you want a little more style, more power, a bit more expense (but probably still cheaper than a late-model used TT) the Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86 is an elegant manual transmission RWD vehicle which you can buy brand new for under 30k. They come with a limited slip differential, so are probably okay in the snow.
5. Keep the TT on the road forever. It will be inconvenient, but probably the least expensive option to just keep fixing whatever breaks or wears out.
From USA Today,
“ Automobile experts told USA TODAY the bill does not direct a kill switch to be implemented in cars, nor does it give any third parties, including law enforcement or government officials, access to the in-vehicle technology. Rather, the bill in question directs a federal agency to require technology that would detect driver impairment and disable the vehicle in that scenario.”
USA Today says the claim is false, but it is substantially true.
When a car is not like an iPhone.
Have the dealership go over it. Have it detailed and put it in the garage and take it out when it's sunny and dry. My oldest daughter is going to keep her 2019 infinity Q30 and buy a cheaper alternative. Also a manual.
Have the dealership go over it. Have it detailed and put it in the garage and take it out when it's sunny and dry. My oldest daughter is going to keep her 2019 infinity Q30 and buy a cheaper alternative. Also a manual.
I would test-drive the new one, more than once if possible, and then decide based on the experience.
We had two 2006 cars that we loved but recently replaced because the repairs and mileage became The Writing on the Wall. Have to admit that my new Honda Pilot's modern conveniences and safety features are wonderful. I still miss the more robust feel/ruggedness of the old Pilot.
I'd recommend leasing the 2023 TT for a couple of years. If you like it, you can buy it at the end of the term. If not, turn it in. Remember that rodents like to eat the soy wires in new cars (but maybe your fox will keep those critters away?) Keep your old one if you've got a good place to keep it - where do you store the camper?
Keep it as long as you can.
But a later model, used version, say later than 2018, will have some features that improve safety such as,
rear camera for backup,
-sensors to help back more safely from parking spaces,
-radar enhanced cruise control,
-enhanced lane change,
-and much better audio,
-hands free cellular phone
-bluetooth features,
-keyless ignition,
-better locking features, and so forth.
Most of these are truly useful features and not just gimmicks.
Drive what you love, forget economics, trends, status, or anything else. My F150 is 21 years old and I have no intention on trading it in as long as it is useful. Newest car is the blogger spouse's 2016 4Runner. That one will probably last another 25 years.
Wow I was sure you replaced it with a new one just a couple years back but maybe it was just a dream. Weird.
Do you wish you had, many years ago, bought a new 1955 MG-TD or Jaguar E-Type? You can't go back, but you can keep your TT or, better yet, buy a new one.
You'll thank me later -- 50 or 75 years later. In the meantime, enjoy your brand new last of the breed Audi TT.
Did Althouse come close to trading it recently but Audi was no longer offering it in manual? (I would click the tag but I like to engage in stubborn memory battles with myself over coffee.)
Readering said...
Lasted longer than competing SLK, of which I owned a first edition.
"Lord, Won't You Buy Me A Mercedes-Benz" - or a 2023 Audi Double T, finally!
I've been driving two ancient beaters and now that we're moving to a condo I feel pretty self conscious about them. How is everyone driving such new looking cars? And always so clean.
When you have a spouse who can fix numerous car problems it saves sooo much money. But he's too old for that now.
I have a 2002 TT Quattro convertible in Moro Blue. It’s got the 225 hp turbo and goes like hell. Six speeds manual and I love it. It’s got 174,000 miles on it, is terrible in the snow, but I’ll drive it until it cannot be repaired. It’s the first concept car to make it’s way into full production.
I'd say keep it m'self, if you really love driving it. You can keep virtually any car running indefinitely barring multiple and/or catastrophic failures (like the floor pans rusting through). That said, it depends on multiple factors such as whether you have a reliable backup, how much/often and how crucial your driving of that specific car is, and what your tolerance for repairs is (both financial and time/frustration). Since you've already had it almost 20 years and it's still in good working order, I think it's perfectly suited for another several years.
But yeah, I think newer cars are going to s***. We got a 2018 Honda Civic and (for a number of reasons, including Covid and working from home) it still has only a bit over 7k miles on it. Both the instrument cluster and touchscreen (which I hate) have both failed and would have been almost $8k to replace; fortunately, Honda picked up most of that due to the mileage. I rue the day when the Forester (2014) gets too expensive to keep and I'll have to find something that's not a rolling, bug-infested iPhone.
Carol said...
When you have a spouse who can fix numerous car problems it saves sooo much money. But he's too old for that now.
Carol - trade him in for the new, shiny 2023 model! But make sure to buy the extended warranty - they don't make 'em like they used to.
Althouse Car Talk Blog
I'm holding on to my '06 Mustang GT with 170k, although I only drive it maybe 500 miles/year these days. It needs an O2 sensor replaced, which will be the first nonscheduled repair to date. It still runs good with the original spark plugs.
. . . . . um. . . . . . you've got to go over to an R8. I would.
I've had two Audis. loved them both - nothing rides like an Audi (just like nothing drives like a BMW). However each Audi I owned developed a very expensive-to-fix oil leak just past a 100k of milage.
“At some point, the costs of maintenance and repair and availability of parts for a 2005 may force you to retire your TT. That said, buying a low-mileage used when that time comes is likely a better option than buying off the showroom floor”
I have a 2009 A4, with some minor issues. Looking at moving to a Q7, but the serviceman I talked to suggested that we try the Q5. The issues include my partner’s inability to bend her titanium neck very much getting in a vehicle. Going into the dealership next week for much belated service - the car spent a couple years in MT, where service is a couple hours away (I thought that the closest Audi dealership was only 90 miles away (it is), but the tow guy can’t take it over the pass, so it’s 140 miles)). Down here in AZ for the meantime, with a dealer a mile east of us. Can, and will, walk it this coming week. Just had the bright idea while writing this of bringing the dog along when I drop it off, and using the walk home to replace our morning walk. Only about 100 yards from the dealer to the path in the open space that we take every day.
In any case, had a problem with one of the electronic keys ($400 to replace plus $200 labor to key to car). Ended up talking to the parts guy for a half an hour or so. (I can get you his number if you want to talk to him about TTs, which have always been much rarer than A4s). One of the big takeaways is that the parts obsolescence cycle for Audi parts is getting shorter and shorter. Used to be that you could pretty much guarantee 20 years of parts availability. Now, there are parts for my 2009 that are getting scarce. Not many yet, but… Just good business on their part, since no repair parts pushes people to replace their cars more quickly. Used to know a guy in Denver with an Audi only junk yard (even bought some rebuilt cars from him). Been out of business for a decade now though. Aftermarket and used parts are getting scarce too.
My advice is to drive one of the new TTs, and see if it is still fun to drive. If not, then buy something else, and keep the TT for fun. My next brother has a Graduate model of the classic Alpha Spyder that he bought new 30 odd years ago. It’s a convertible (of course) and is his summer around town car. He has an A6 TDI for winter driving, and a Chevy Colorado as his “approach vehicle”, for his climbing in the CO mountains, but he keeps the Alpha around because he loves driving it.
Oh, and something I found out about esp new Audis, talking to the service guy a couple weeks ago - they have hot and cold weather packages. You want to make sure you get a cold weather package. The ones ordered by your local Audi dealer will have, no doubt, the cold weather package. Just like the ones ordered by our local (N Scottsdale) Audi dealer come with the hot weather package. But Audi sometimes sends them extra cars to sell, and they don’t always come with the right package for the climate. Some of the differences are obvious -heated seats and mirrors for the cold weather package, and air conditioned seats for the hot weather package. Some are more subtle. All of my recent Audis were bought new in CO, and have the cold weather package. That’s what you probably have with your TT. Just make sure, if you buy a new one, that you get it for the new one. I almost made that mistake, and bought a used Q7 (TDI - which they can’t import anymore) with a cold weather package for here in AZ.
The car world is funny. My wife had a Volkswagen Passat. In my view it was a lovely looking, great driving, affordable sedan. Volkswagen just flat out stopped making them. Such a nice spot to be in in the auto brand world, and they just gave up on it.
On the other hand, Corvette as I understand it, is becoming a brand, not a model - great looking model. However, as a brand it makes no sense at all.
I can’t help but agree with what Wa St Blogger said. I expect to give up caring about camping in 10 years, driving in 15 years, mt biking in 20 years and caring at all about anything in the world in 25 years.
Except you. I expect I’ll never stop caring about you.
“I've had two Audis. loved them both - nothing rides like an Audi (just like nothing drives like a BMW). However each Audi I owned developed a very expensive-to-fix oil leak just past a 100k of milage.”
The 2.0 T engine burns oil. I have to add a quart every maybe 500 miles. Just something they do. We have had maybe 4-5 of them in the family (except next brother had a double turbo in his S4). When my A4 goes in for service next week, I am having them look for gasoline and cooling system leaks. Found fluid in both locations on the mat when I took it out of the garage a couple weeks ago. Service guy wondered if it could be an oil leak. I don’t think so, given the location. We shall see.
Ann (Althouse!), glad that you posted a blog article on cars, I really didn't understand the new two.
Thanks!
Carol - trade him in for the new, shiny 2023 model!
I'm too old for that now tbh
I made the mistake of replacing a car I liked with a new one. I hate it. Buttons and switches are gone, and everything is controlled via the big electronic screen. The electronics are maddeningly unreliable. The 'voice-activated' navigation doesn't understand English. The transmission has been replaced by a rubber-band-like thing that exists to suck all the fun out of the engine. I have been looking, in vain, for a new car that operates like an older one.
Now I hear that new cars will have a device that allows the government to determine if I should be allowed to drive it. Damn. Does anyone have a 2007 Explorer for sale?
“I can’t help but agree with what Wa St Blogger said. I expect to give up caring about camping in 10 years, driving in 15 years, mt biking in 20 years and caring at all about anything in the world in 25 years.”
I was thinking about that earlier in this thread. In another 18 years, Ann is going to have just turned 90. It used to seem so far away. Now it is just around the corner. My A4 was bought by my father when he was 90, but mostly driven by my 4th brother, chauffeuring him around. I bought it from his estate. Few people drive much at that age, even here in PHX. And those who do, probably shouldn’t. Expect that if we are still around, either my partner’s daughter, or one of our 5 grandsons will do the driving. Granddaughters would be easier, but all we have in that generation, so far, are boys.
Many good insights from others in the comments. From my perspective, the place to start is to ask yourself how much you want a TT with features added since 2005. Bluetooth, rear camera, parking sensors, improved ergonomics, better sound systems, satellite navigation, and others are all there in more recent models, but that doesn't mean you have to spring for showroom new. If you go with, say, a 2018 model, you can probably find most of those features for a price reflecting 5 years of depreciation. The price gap between sale of a 2005 and purchase of a 2018 isn't too bad. It's probably $70K or more out the door for the Final Edition (creepy name, that).
There is a purity to driving a car with a minimum of shiny gimmicks and gewgaws of course. I loved my first car, a 67 Chevelle with a straight six 250, 3 speed manual on the column, no anti-pollution equipment, no electronic ignition system, hand crank windows, no power seats, and a vast cavern under the hood allowing easy access to points, plugs, battery, radiator and water pump. Eventually, the siren songs of comfort, convenience, and luxury got me into better machines that turned out to be more durably constructed. In most senses, cars have gotten better over the years. But, sadly, the era of the tree shade mechanic is gone. Lots of semiconductors and error codes these days. The left turn into BMW service is the most expensive driving maneuver in town.
hawkeydjb said, "Buttons and switches are gone, and everything is controlled via the big electronic screen. The electronics are maddeningly unreliable"
This is a stumper for me, I've kind of gotten used to it, BUT in a prescreen car, you could (and I have) adjust the HVAC and the radio with your right hand without ever moving your eyes off the road. You could just feel what you need to do - pretty damn easily. This was way easier and way saver than dealing with a screen. And, you got 99% of what you wanted to do done without even thinking about it.
Oh . . . . . and you could smoke cigarettes too.
Bruce Hayden, I had naturally aspirated V6s, drops of oils showed up on the garage floor. No question about what it was.
I do love the way Audis drive. It’s been 37 years now since someone in our family bought one. By 1987, four of us had 4000Qs, which, at the time, was probably the best snow car made. Most of us lived in the mountains west of Denver, while the one ended up in VT. The Audi Quattros, with full time four wheel drive, have continued to be excellent in the snow, except for the early nose heavy (with a 3 liter V6) 90s. For quite awhile, we had 6 of them, for the four boys and our two parents. Now, with them gone, we kinda still have four of them for the four boys. Kinda, because my youngest brother accidentally bought a BMW, and his Audi has been in for repairs for over a year now. If I buy the Q7 (or Q5) this year, we will be back over 4 of them for the 4 of us, since I see no reason to get rid of my A4. It still very comfortably does 100. I like having a backup, and the Tahoe is going back up to MT, where it belongs, this spring. It is just too big for the garage and lanes by the house here in AZ.
She's still good. #TheCar #YouToo
They don't make 'em like they used to.
Keep the 2005
“ Some of the differences are obvious -heated seats and mirrors for the cold weather package, and air conditioned seats for the hot weather package.”
Don’t know if you find these in American cars, but German automobile companies all tend to put heated seats in their cars, with cold weather packages. To stereotype, women love them. I think that the first one we had with such was my mother’s 90Q. My partner loves that feature in my A4. I rarely use it. When I do, it is because the heater, depending on engine heat, takes a little bit of time to heat up (except that the Q7 cold weather package has an additional electric heater for just that situation).
One reason that I am seriously considering buying a new Audi this year, is that they have committed to going full EVs, in maybe 3 years (I think that it is 2026). Idiotic virtue signaling, but you do, at least, get blue cloud license plates here in AZ. We are one of the few houses on the block without such a vehicle.
Someone upthread mentioned difficulty in finding parts. I use car-part.com when scouting for used parts. You can localize your search by distance from your zip code. I find the part, call them to make sure it's still available and then travel to buy it. Or use UPS if it's too far.
Ann, move to somewhere you don't need a car and can run everyday. Spend your car money on a place to lease/buy with a pool, a pleasant view, and always clement weather.
He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's got everything inside of him
That you want him to have
He makes all the right turns
At exactly the right time
But he's nothing now to Audi
And you don't know why
I've never understood why people make a big deal about "depreciation costs" of a new car. I'm not saying it's not real, I'm saying I don't care. I'm buying an object, not a stock. I don't care what its resale value is. I bought the car to use it, not sell it.
SteveWe.
The point is that driving it brings her joy.
Meh. The car you have will likely outlive you. Keep it and enjoy it, hopefully for a long time to come...
I kept a Saab well past their bankruptcy and dissolution. I never had a problem with unavailable parts.
We bought a VW Alltrack in their last model year. Had been thinking about it for a couple of years and when it came out they wouldn't be making them anymore decided it was time to move. It did mean we couldn't do a factory order to get exactly what we wanted so we scoured the country to find one. Flew to Connecticut to pick it up.
Keep the TT and learn how to fly ...
Brief Description: A license that permits the holder to act as the pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft during visual day and night conditions.
Basic Requirements:
Be at least 17 years of age.
Be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.
Obtain at least a current third-class medical certificate.
Receive a minimum of 40 hours of training.
Pass a knowledge test as well as the practical test.
Estimated Total Cost: $8,022
Cheap!
Wisconsin Aviation
Autoblog reports ...
"The TT is one of the iconic Audi models that defined a design era,” the representative said. “It is one of the most unique cars of the modern era that combined the simplicity of a holistic Bauhaus design inside and out with an unmistakable stance and silhouette."
If the TT name is resurrected, most likely the car that would emerge would be electrified. The major concern, the brand’s designers have said, is that any follow-up version must stay true to the TT’s sexy, curvaceous, hunkered-down DNA.
autoblog
Electric? Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.
I always loved German autos. They once had auster body lines and dashes. Now the all resembile Japanese autos.
Keep it, and use the money saved to hire a professional painter.
Announcing they will stop making a line of cars is like announcing they will no longer make parts for that line of cars. I wouldn't buy one because it won't be too many years before fixing it becomes a problem.
"My 18-year-old Audi TT is still the only car I want..."
Keep it, obviously. If and when it wears out, buy something equally playful.
Guy on tv restoration car show said some people consider their cars as pets.
Kinda true, not that there is anything wrong with it.
" Andrew said...
I always loved German autos"
Finally, bought a used (2004) Mercedes SL500.
Naturally, battery goes dead if parked for several days. Jumped on internet, found decent Mercedes owners forum.
Thousands of references to this problem, some from 2011 regarding cars only five years old.
Sort of disappointing for a $100,000.00 vehicle.
Humorously, these cars have 2 batteries, one for starting, one for electronics. Did not solve the problem.
Keep your current Audi and also buy the new (last) one. Drive the new car to your heart's content and when you are finally too old to drive (Meade may have to be the one to take your license away) sell the newer Audi. The old one could be used as a public monument to you and Meade (as most of Madison has likely seen you driving around). The monument of course should be near the state capital where you cemented your reputation. You're famous! Life size pictures of you and Meade could be placed in the respective seats of the car. I was going to suggest that you could be buried in the old Audi (see Willie Stokes Jr.) but that's probably going too far.
BLOGGING HEADS WITH SCOTTY KILMER! BLOGGING HEADS WITH SCOTTY KILMER!
You should join a TT owners forum if you haven't already. Parts availability could become an issue, particularly for TT-exclusive bits. How are your seat covers and armrests?
re: "Final" There used to be a boutique bakery on the way to my brother's called "The Ovens of France." Always gave me the creeps.
I want to see a photo of rhhardin riding a bike with a Dobermann around his neck.
The new ones will be instant collectors items and bought up by millionaires before they ever reach a dealer.
Just got rid of an 18 year old Honda Civic. Still ran perfectly. Probably the last stick shift I will ever drive. :(
Get the Final! Why not have fun for another 18 years. I swear, it's the solution.
Oh . . . . . and you could smoke cigarettes too.
--
USB to ciggy lighter adapter ;)
Speaking as a former owner of an old car, the parts get hard to get once the car goes out of production. But if you're not putting on a lot of mileage and you like the car, keep it until it can't be repaired.
Fullmoon
The expense of owning a Mercedes only starts after you buy it.
Keep the TT.
The parts will always be there. They'll just be more expensive.
Seems like the TT lived outdoors in WI. How's the frame? Gas lines etc
Cars are a personal choice. The TT is a compact sporty car. Not a lot of options out there. The new ones have a lot more tech than even a few years ago (permanently connected via wireless, overly complex entertainment systems and ‘environmental controls’, and so on).
I believe what you have will last longer than a new one based on the tech alone.
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