Greetings,

I'm planning on purchasing a 2001 TT in the coming future to replace an aging 1990 ford probe as a daily driver. I live in the Chicago, IL area, and as such, am subject to some often harsh winters as far as snow goes. I'm wondering if the TT is really a good car for winter driving, from anyone out there who got their 2000 before this past winter.

I want a car that is nice, and is going to last me a long time. Obviously, Audi was the brand choice. But I'm somewhat concerned that I'm buying a Boxter-type car, and will drive the thing in the snow. I would never take a Boxter (or either of my Porsches) in the snow, not only because of how they handle in snow, but just because they're too nice for that kind of weather (ie, salt).

I am planning on getting the TT with Quattro of course, which should make all weather driving nice, but I'm curious as to whether I'm really making a sound judgement or not. Perhaps I should go with an A4? What are your thoughts, especially those who have owned a TT through this past winter, and live in snow-harsh environments such as northern Illinois.

Thanks!<p>Chris Lawrence
chris@nrsys.org
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera
1985.5 Porsche 944

The TT comes with summer performance tires. These work horribly in the snow. If you get a spare set of wheels and snow tires, you'll cruise thru the snow (laughing at all the stuck suv owners). I'm speaking from my knowledge gained thru this forum (my TT arrives in 2 weeks). Many drivers cited a tremendous difference after switching to snow tires for the winter. I also live in the Chicago area.

Any suggestions on what type of tires/wheels to get for winter?<p>Chris Lawrence
chris@nrsys.org
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera
1985.5 Porsche 944

As Steve mentioned below, the TT is great in the snow but you will need to get dedicated snow tires. I mounted Dunlop Wintersport M2s and they were great.

My first choice would be to not drive the TT at all in the snow but having only one car, sometimes snow driving is unavoidable. (I live in the city so luckily I don't have to drive too much.)

Hopefully that eases any of your concerns. The TT is an extremely practical car.

-Brent

Or search the archives here. Lots of good opinions on snow tires. Order well in advance of winter, though.

The TTQ is actually MORE fun in the snow than my old SUV. Just wash the salt off whenever you get a chance.<p><B>Pat R</B> -- Arlington, Virginia<i>
<img SRC=" http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/pattsig.JPG" BORDER=0>
<I>‘00 180Q TT Coupe Grey/Grey</I>
Guess Her Name

I will include a few 4WD's in that. Drove it throughout the winter but only at temps down to about -10 degrees F because I did not want to cold soak it outside while at work. Although on a trip to Anchorage we got below -40 degrees F, you probably don't have to deal with that in Chitown. Snow tires are a must.<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/akracttq.jpg" border="0">

You should repost that picture of the post-road-trip TT where you couldn't see anything but mud below the doorhandles. :)

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/badttq.jpg"></center><p><p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/akracttq.jpg" border="0">

I had a passenger try to knock the snow off his shoes on the door sill prior to entering and I noticed two small creases in the same spot this spring. I'm not sure how to repair...As far as winter driving I mounted four Pirelli W210A's on sixteen inch VW New Beetle alloys from Ronal Wheels.

Will be moving in 3rd week of May.

Although this package was excellent for the winter, I am moving to San Fran and will no longer need them. I have 2200 miles on them.

205/55HR16, 16x7.5 ==> winter setup

Original price was $1000, will sell for $700/obo.
Will deliver in the Chicago area. Please email or call.

- TT Tom
tomgunn711@hotmail.com
773-929-9106

I also live in Chicago. Driving my 180 fwd on summer tires definitely demanded more attention in the snow than the A4Q it replaced. My 225RQ arrives next month. With winter tires, I expect to have fewer traction issues in the snow.

Live north of Toronto- used pirelli winter on performance wheels that came with car. Will look for dedicated wheels this year. Traction was great
barry<p>bwiseman