Audi Owners - Input/Guidance

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:27

So I've been running my 2.5T Mondeo for about 2.5 years now and since I live on my own, and 99% of the time it's only ever me in the car, I'm looking to get a smaller car with the same (ish) power.

I'm looking at the TTS but would like some input from Audi owners with mileage over 60k. Specifically issues which should be addressed at this point and things to look out for. I'd be looking at a 2008-2010 model but this is dependant on funds/mileage - I would comfortably say about the £10k mark.

Input/advise welcome

Jamesyboyjim · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:44

If its an auto make sure the dsg gearbox has been looked after but that's more a vag thing than just Audi.

I cant imagine how claustrophobic a TT will feel after being used to a Mondeo!

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:48

Jamesyboyjim said:
If its an auto make sure the dsg gearbox has been looked after but that's more a vag thing than just Audi.

I cant imagine how claustrophobic a TT will feel after being used to a Mondeo!

Yeah I know mate lol. It's going to be a big change that's for sure but I simply don't need a car this size anymore. Auto will be my preference.

LiE · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:56

Have you looked at BMW Z4 3.0?

slick rick · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:57

I am not an Audi owner but things to look out for on the MK2 TT AFAIK are window regulators failing, centre brake lights not fully illuminating, rear lights can have grounding issues, Bose amp's can die, glove box hinges can break, the leather on the seats can stretch and sag.

Try and find one where the cambelt has been done too.

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 11:57

LiE said:
Have you looked at BMW Z4 3.0?

ooo...i have not actually! Will have a quick gander now but I do like the Z4s

Which year would you suggest I look at?

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 12:47

Actually, I think I would prefer the TTS due to the additional useless seats in the back, encase I ever actually need them.

Bunka · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:27

I'm looking at a MK3 TT at the moment. Main factor in this is that I want something small and fun but still has a reasonable amount of space when needed. All the other hairdressers cars such as Boxster, Z4, SLK etc. don't offer anywhere near the same practicality.

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:29

Bunka said:
I'm looking at a MK3 TT at the moment. Main factor in this is that I want something small and fun but still has a reasonable amount of space when needed. All the other hairdressers cars such as Boxster, Z4, SLK etc. don't offer anywhere near the same practicality.

Nice to see someone else looking at it for the same reason. Realistically it'll be 6+ months before I can get one but it's my priority at the moment now I've moved house. New house, new car, new start! SLK looks nice but I'm from a family of 6, 10 if you include the step brothers, so I need the additional 2 seats really.

[TW]Fox · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:36

Bunka said:
I'm looking at a MK3 TT at the moment. Main factor in this is that I want something small and fun but still has a reasonable amount of space when needed. All the other hairdressers cars such as Boxster, Z4, SLK etc. don't offer anywhere near the same practicality.

Hardly surprising though, the TT is a hatchback and the others are sports cars.

Bunka · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:43

[TW]Fox said:
Hardly surprising though, the TT is a hatchback and the others are sports cars.

True, however they largely offer the same thing otherwise. 0-60 of roughly 6 seconds, decent handling etc. Even if the TT is a hatchback, I'd still consider it in the same "bracket" as the others.

[TW]Fox · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:45

I would strongly disagree that an Audi TT offers the same thing as a Porsche Boxster! The Porsche is a ground up mid engined sports car, the Audi TT is a front wheel drive hatchback with a powerful engine. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent car, but it isn't a sports car any more than a Golf is.

I'd have a TT over a Boxster but precisely because they are different.

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:51

I wouldn't put the TT in the same league but the TTS/TTRS certainly would match well if you're looking at size/power.

Bunka · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:57

[TW]Fox said:
I would strongly disagree that an Audi TT offers the same thing as a Porsche Boxster! The Porsche is a ground up mid engined sports car, the Audi TT is a front wheel drive hatchback with a powerful engine. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent car, but it isn't a sports car any more than a Golf is.

I'd have a TT over a Boxster but precisely because they are different.

Fair point, my definition of bracket was considerably looser than yours.

As I'm London based, a true RWD mid engined sports car is largely pointless for me, as much as I'd love something like a Cayman S, the disadvantages of practicality far outweigh the advantages of true driving enjoyment. Don't get me wrong, a RWD TT would be perfect, however it still ticks the right boxes for me in its current guise.

snips86x · 7 Apr 2017 at 13:58

Bunka said:
Fair point, my definition of bracket was considerably looser than yours. As I'm London based, a true RWD mid engined sports car is largely pointless for me, as much as I'd love something like a Cayman S, the disadvantages of practicality far outweigh the advantages of true driving enjoyment. Don't get me wrong, a RWD TT would be perfect, however it still ticks the right boxes for me in its current guise.

Mk3 does look nice but it's way out my price range. I'm looking at the MK2

Chris1712 · 7 Apr 2017 at 14:01

Make sure you at least try the alternatives. In 2013 I was trying TTs & Z4s and honestly the TT is so boring. It really really feels like an A3 with a roof chop, you can't tell you're in a sports car in any way. Super quick and capable for sure, but dull as dishwater.

Bunka · 7 Apr 2017 at 14:03

Just a heads up if you haven't noticed already. You'll likely never put a passenger or two in the back of a TT. I'm 6'3" and somehow managed to sit in the back briefly during a test drive whilst the Mrs had a go. You'd need to be a 4ft amputee to comfortably fit in it.

Xez · 9 Apr 2017 at 09:02

I can't comment on the TTS but my S3 is very similar, engine wise they suffer from coking issues and sometimes but rarely injector issues. My engine has been fine and I'm on over 100k, 30k of that has been remapped with modifications.

Suspension is rather harsh and crashy as with most Audi's of that age with relatively short wheel bases.

Rear springs tend to snap well mine did on my previous S3 and my current 09 S3 at around the 70k. Depending on the age of you Mondeo you may find the ride and technology if you have a titanium x a little lacking.

snips86x · 10 Apr 2017 at 08:59

So I test drove a TTS Roadster yesterday and oh my...it was glorious. My only concern at the moment is the lack of rear seats. My brothers Mrs said "but what if you meet someone?". Well, there is some truth in that but should I be worrying about that now? I mean, the car I drove I fell in love with and would take it in a heart beat had she not mentioned "a future partner". Now I'm looking at the Coupé version but still undecided.

All in all, it was a superb drive but the Headunit was a Pioneer and sounded awful (would prefer BOSS). I also cannot find a nice local example of the coupé, which would help me change my mind. The convertible I drove, I think, was a superb example. 2010 plate with 36k for £17k.

LiE · 10 Apr 2017 at 09:13

£17,000?