Another to add to my collection..x2

Wanting to buy something that was on the verge of becoming a classic before the prices start to go up or nice original cars disappear I have been on the hunt all year.

Originally wanting a Mk2 or a Corrado decided I had missed the boat on original mint cars without paying high prices and started to looking for very original Mk5 GTI's but amazed at all the stories of rusting cars and as it would have to be a very long term purchase and stand outside started to put me off

So I have now found a 2003 Audi TT 180 quattro with one owner and only 51k miles.  Looks good enough to hold its own in a show now, but with plenty of work and a few bits I think it's a Concours entrant which is what I want, either to take to shows along with the Golf or do some on its own a bit further away. Got to wait a Wek or so before picking it up whilst they do the cambelt and haldex service and replace a couple of bits I was fussy about.

First time I had driven a 20v Audi and a lovely engine, can only imagine what it's like in a Mk1 Golf

A Gucci Golf in de rigueur silver.

Does look a very tidy example, got me thinking now…

I've been thinking about these. Nimbus grey, baseball leather and 17" competition wheels would be my choice…….

Nice buy Rich, looks tidy. A lot of car for the money still

It's funny, I've been tempted to get one of these recently too. Great value for money.

Nice! My accountant had one when they were new. Great car.

I saw one a while back wiith 11K on the clock and was very tempted. It was a 3.2 though if I remember rightly.

My lads just bought this with 60K on the clock with 2 previous lady owners…..



2001 A3 180 quattro with fsh, factory leather and sunroof. Hell of a car for £1250!!

That looks a really tidy A3 and what a bargain.  The seats look like the same leather as mine, I have returned them to an original satin look finish by doing this-

You really need to warm the leather and hydrate it to release the dirt. Here is what I did

1. Get a hand towel, preferably a plush one (White is great as you can see the dirt lift off)
2. soak in water then wring it out by hand so just damp.
3. Put it in the microwave for about 2 1/2 mins on full power. It will be vey hot to the touch so you may need to use gloves.
4. Lay the towel on a section of the seat (I split the base and back rest into two equal areas and then each of the side and base bolsters so had in effect 8 seperated sections to work on, one at a time
5. after 2 mins, lift towel off, then apply your leather cleaner ideally with a soft brush (I bought a new shoe brush), gently scrubbing for about 30 secs, I really recommend Dr Leather cleaner.
6. Then take the now warm towel and rub accross the area and be amazed at all the dirt comming away.
7. Move onto all the other areas.
8. Then I did one more coat of the leather cleaner and buffed off with a clean microfibre.

Not only should your seats be really clean and a nice satin finish, you will also hopefully see some of the creases and wrinkles disappear as the leather has rehydrated its self.

picture hasn't quite captured how good they now look but you get the idea
 

Good tip Rich

Flash Magic Erasers work well too. I've only used on on a steering wheel but it's amazing how easily they remove a lot of dirt.

I used to be under the misconception that shiny leather was due to wear making it smooth and shiny, but cleaning my steering wheel realised it was years of polished dirt!! lol  

With the bodywork being pretty perfect started work on getting the underneath cleaned up.

A couple of hours with some APC an old toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies and a steam cleaner and it's not come up too bad.

Given it a couple of coats of Collinite 845 Wax to help,the dirt rinse off.  Need to finish off polishing the exhaust centre pipe, only got the back box done so far.



 

Now that's OCD to the max!! Not many people wax the underside of their cars!!

Good call though

Deciding that the TT is too good for daily use found another to add to the stable, have had to promise that this one  won't turn into a show queen!

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Use and abuse this one then!! lol

It's been a while since I've been to Mark's unit (Classic-VW) but he had two of these for breaking, so if you need any bits he may well have them.