Definitely worth considering, some drawbacks, but workable. Read on

I have owned my 2003 Audi TT Roadster (225TTQR) for just over 2 years now. I absolutely LOVE the way it looks, both exterior and interior. The handling is SUPERB and the Quattro all-wheel drive is a marvel. I will NEVER go back to rear-wheel drive, unless I become so wealthy that my fleet of vehicles has to include a Ferrari or Porsche 911 Turbo.

The fit and finish is top notch. You really feel that this car competes with the likes of the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4. The controls are very logical. The climate control system is not multi-zoned (does it need to be in a car this small? BMW is nuts), but the control design is outstanding. You really can very easily control where the air is directed. The heated seats are INCREDIBLE (even the controls are so cool--push to extend, rotate, then push to retract--red LED dots indicate the heating level).

I have the 225HP engine, which is a spirited engine that performs well once you get used to how the turbo works. The whole idea of a turbo is to boost power "when you need it", rather than guzzling gas all the time when power really isn't required. It works well on this Audi. I would avoid the 180HP engine, although if you're inclined to do it there are plenty of aftermarket parts and techniques to boost the engine quite a bit. Why do people think they need gargantuan horsepower? 265, 300, 350, 400... Yes, it's sexy at first, but then fuel mileage goes out the window. I don't care if you can afford it--it's the environment that matters. DON'T GUZZLE GAS JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN... we all live together on this planet. CONSERVE RESOURCES. The Audi TT does a respectable job of conserving. Fuel mileage is quite decent, considering the weight of the car and the quattro drive. I get 25mpg average and can squeeze out 30mpg highway cruising at a steady 70mph.

Handling is one of the strong points of this car. The turning radius is really small and tight. The handling adjusts nicely from low to high speeds. I find I have razor sharp control on taking tight curves. Also, the car does VERY well in rain and snow. Most sports cars require very cautious driving in the rain. Of course, you should always be cautious, but the quattro drive gives you a strong sense of security. Even with performance tires, the grip is amazing. The TT comes with ESP (no, it can't read your mind--yet!), which is a stability control program. It has rarely kicked in for me, only in snowy conditions. It works, and does the job smartly.

Storage is not fantastic, but better than most. The trunk is roomier than it looks, as the space does extend back into the car quite far. Unfortunately, the glove box is rather useless, but there are numerous cubby holes even behind the seats. Also, when the top is up you can use the rear shelf for lots of storage. Just make sure to REMOVE everything before lowering the top, as the glass will break and cost you dearly (yes, it happened to me). Note that although glass rear windows on convertibles afford superiour visibility to plastic windows, they are bonded into the soft-top; this means the whole canvas top must be replaced if the window breaks!

Visibility is good overall. The rear window is tall and wide enough to see most everything. Naturally with the Roadster there are some blind spots in the corners, but the mirrors can be positioned well to deal with them. Backing up requires a bit of extra caution. The front windshield is rather short, so it can be difficult to see overhead traffic lights when first in line. However, "LightInSight.com" sells a fantastic windshield mounted wide-angle lens that gives you that needed sight of the light. I have one and it works perfectly!

Comfort is quite good. Despite the seats not being able to recline much when positioned far back, they are comfortable and grip nicely (especially for tight cornering). I am 6' tall and my head does not touch the roof (which did happen in the Miata). I have driven this car on 14 hour (round trip) road trips and it was quite comfortable. Keep in mind that sports cars are not known for ride comfort. When you do step up to ones that ride like luxury cars (like the Lexus SC 430), you lose the sports car feel. This car balances both admirably. Where other sports cars feel like a vibrating bed on mildly uneven roads, the TT holds its course well.

And now the drawbacks... My only wish is for this car to have the reliability of Japanese automobiles. Prior to this car, I was strictly a Honda and Nissan owner. My Nissan was impeccably reliable. The Audi, unfortunately, is not maintenance free. I must stress that I have NEVER been stranded, nor had a problem that prevented the car from operating. BUT I've had many annoyances... trips to the dealer to correct annoying flaws. Thankfully all of mine have been covered under warranty. Some of them are "one shot deals"--I shouldn't have to face them again for many many years to come. Still... going to the dealer every couple of months gets tiring after a while. Thankfully the Audi service people are friendly and accommodating. I know a few folks on a first name basis, but not so well that I'll go out to dinner with them. Hey, they're just doing a job. But frankly, Audi/VW must continue making progress. I should only see these folks briefly for oil changes.

Suspension: The bushings somehow dried out, started causing embarrassing creaking noises. Dealer fixed it perfectly, though.
Soft top sensor: It kept thinking that the top was open, so the windows would stay open 1/3". The problem turned out to be faulty sensor switches, but I later learned that they get "bent"... there is a DIY technique to adjust it yourself.
Check engine light: Came on for no real reason. Dealer reset it. Happened twice so far.
Burning oil: Gradually, the car began to use more oil than expected. I'd be down to the minimum level just prior to an oil change. Change? What about complete refill? Turns out PCV valve was causing it.
Headlight jiggle: My headlights "jiggle" over very bumpy roads. It's an annoyance only. But still... you feel like they might just shake apart. Dealer can't see any problem. Oh well...
Instrumentation failure: My gas gauge and temperature gauge started showing incorrect levels. Turns out this was a known defect--Audi replaced the whole instrument cluster under warranty.

I have been a participating member in AudiWorld forums, where I've gotten to know a number of folks there. Very friendly and helpful people that absolutely love this car. So, you can get a lot of information to help you with the assortment of annoyances the TT brings. But the key is, you can solve them and enjoy the car for what it has to offer.

There is a strong aftermarket presence for the TT, so you really can put it through some significant performance and cosmetic changes. Some people have significantly transformed their TT's into something either amazing or ghastly (shocking, really). It's nice to know that you have some options, though.

For some bizarre reason, the resale value of the Audi TT has not been very good... so, you can snag a used one for a fantastic price. If you do happen to find a bargain, do keep in mind the maintenance factor, especially if dealing with 2002 and earlier models. 2003+ have been an improvement. Like I said, my TT has never stranded me.

The new TT has a very interesting look. I'm not sure I really like it yet and I'm expecting that the new style will not look as great as the current style for the Roadster configuration.