Audi TTS - will the gamble pay off?
Discussion
Preamble to a (small) gamble
About a year ago, I consolidated an RS3 and a Skoda Fabia, and in the end I settled on a Golf GTD as the combined replacement. I gave up my local lockup garage, and enjoyed a little more time. All the while we've still had our van, a T5 Transporter.
But I've come to revisit the decision. We do actually need two cars for work and family life - albeit, this car wouldn't be 100% necessary - and ideally the Bus would be retired to a nice big garage. But living in a Victorian terrace in a city centre makes a big garage an impossible ask, so over Christmas I managed to find another lockup... for a car.
A choice...
Being a standard UK garage does, however, limit the choices of what could fit in it. I've been through many hot hatches over the years and decided to start the hunt with VAG options for familiarity of controls, maintenance and a range of options. I wanted AWD, 250+hp, token room for 4 people and ideally something with more of a sense of occasion than the Golf GTD.
Having been looking at 3-door Golf Rs and R/S3s beforehand, I settled on a TTS Mk3. It seemed to make sense as a compact high performance option that's competitively-priced on the used market and better-equipped than the Golfs and R/S3s. The reviews are good, too, and performance is slightly stronger owing to lower weight. I didn't have a budget in mind, but wanted a good value car that wouldn't depreciate too much because I'm expecting to do 3,000 miles a year or so visiting parents and the odd work trip on sunny days.
...and a throw of the dice
I looked around the 2016-19 mark initially, before finally settling on this 2015 model. This car was priced towards the bottom end for what was listed as a vanilla spec car, and had been reduced six times since it was listed in October 2023.
A quick check of Audi's ErWin online history showed the first possible reason... it was missing some services online. It was also listed without some popular options that I suspected it did, in fact, have.
Being a 2-owner car with a history at Audi, I decided to take a punt. It's also in exactly the colourscheme I wanted, with clear glass and the lighter interior option. I decided to have it delivered sight unseen, which felt like a gamble to a degree but does offer the option of a quick rejection within 14 days if it's not to taste.
So, what's it got?
Options confirmed now that I have the car:
- Sepang Blue Pearl paint
- Technology pack (upgraded navigation and connectivity)
- Comfort & Sound pack (Bang & Olusen audio, climate with digital display in the rotary heater controls etc)
- Matrix LED lighting (very rare)
- Parking system plus pack with self-parking
The car also has adaptive dampers, digital display, leather interior and a bunch of other comforts as standard - which were a draw over hot hatch options.
History
The service history also turned out to be worth the gamble, with paper receipts covering services not listed online.
- PDI - Audi dealer (2015)
- 18,745 - Inspection & oil change - Audi dealer (2017)
- 33,164 - Inspection, oil change and rear brakes - VAG specialist (2018)
- 42,172 - Inspection, oil change, brake fluid, spark plugs - Audi dealer (2020)
- 47,981 - Oil change, DSG oil - Audi dealer (2022)
- 51,238 - Oil change - VAG specialist (2023)
I'd like to have seen more oil changes in the early years of its life, but that's VAG Longlife servicing for you. The car had two owners before me, the first for 3 years and the second for over 5.
First stop will be my local VAG specialist for an oil change, brake fluid and Haldex oil renewal.
Condition
Also something of a gamble on an unseen car and, again, it seems pretty good news. It wears 4 recent, matching Continental tyres and everything looks genuine, accident-free and without wear. But there are some points I will be sorting:
- Stone chips to front end, with evidence of one (older) repair to front bumper - I will probably paint the front end
- Wheels have had some spot paint repair recently; they're fine from a few feet away but I will want to get the diamond edges properly re-cut
- Sports seats have loose side trim - a common TT issue
- Stone chip to the windscreen
- Piece of centre console trim has broken off
- Remove magnetic phone holder
- A detail will sort a pleasingly low number of scratches, dirty engine bay and exhaust tips
As I'd assumed, it's unlikely to have been an enthusiast's car and has been subject to reconditioning by a non-specialist market car dealer. It'd be fine for most people already and has probably had mature owners.
Driving & overall first impressions
The colour hits you first and is very attractive in the flesh - not something I could photograph properly today. The car drives really well and is significantly faster than my mapped GTD and likely my old S3, with no turbo lag to speak of. These supposedly do 0-60 in a bit over 4s and 0-100 in 10.something out of the box... and I can believe it. I probably won't be looking to upgrade the speed anytime soon, but I've definitely missed AWD. It feels a bit wider than its dimensions, though side / rear views are good due to the shape. The burbles and noises aren't quite as good as my old RS3, but aren't far off.
So, I'll begin to work my way through some of the items about and in the meantime just enjoy the car. I'll keep the thread updated.
About a year ago, I consolidated an RS3 and a Skoda Fabia, and in the end I settled on a Golf GTD as the combined replacement. I gave up my local lockup garage, and enjoyed a little more time. All the while we've still had our van, a T5 Transporter.
But I've come to revisit the decision. We do actually need two cars for work and family life - albeit, this car wouldn't be 100% necessary - and ideally the Bus would be retired to a nice big garage. But living in a Victorian terrace in a city centre makes a big garage an impossible ask, so over Christmas I managed to find another lockup... for a car.
A choice...
Being a standard UK garage does, however, limit the choices of what could fit in it. I've been through many hot hatches over the years and decided to start the hunt with VAG options for familiarity of controls, maintenance and a range of options. I wanted AWD, 250+hp, token room for 4 people and ideally something with more of a sense of occasion than the Golf GTD.
Having been looking at 3-door Golf Rs and R/S3s beforehand, I settled on a TTS Mk3. It seemed to make sense as a compact high performance option that's competitively-priced on the used market and better-equipped than the Golfs and R/S3s. The reviews are good, too, and performance is slightly stronger owing to lower weight. I didn't have a budget in mind, but wanted a good value car that wouldn't depreciate too much because I'm expecting to do 3,000 miles a year or so visiting parents and the odd work trip on sunny days.
...and a throw of the dice
I looked around the 2016-19 mark initially, before finally settling on this 2015 model. This car was priced towards the bottom end for what was listed as a vanilla spec car, and had been reduced six times since it was listed in October 2023.
A quick check of Audi's ErWin online history showed the first possible reason... it was missing some services online. It was also listed without some popular options that I suspected it did, in fact, have.
Being a 2-owner car with a history at Audi, I decided to take a punt. It's also in exactly the colourscheme I wanted, with clear glass and the lighter interior option. I decided to have it delivered sight unseen, which felt like a gamble to a degree but does offer the option of a quick rejection within 14 days if it's not to taste.
So, what's it got?
Options confirmed now that I have the car:
- Sepang Blue Pearl paint
- Technology pack (upgraded navigation and connectivity)
- Comfort & Sound pack (Bang & Olusen audio, climate with digital display in the rotary heater controls etc)
- Matrix LED lighting (very rare)
- Parking system plus pack with self-parking
The car also has adaptive dampers, digital display, leather interior and a bunch of other comforts as standard - which were a draw over hot hatch options.
History
The service history also turned out to be worth the gamble, with paper receipts covering services not listed online.
- PDI - Audi dealer (2015)
- 18,745 - Inspection & oil change - Audi dealer (2017)
- 33,164 - Inspection, oil change and rear brakes - VAG specialist (2018)
- 42,172 - Inspection, oil change, brake fluid, spark plugs - Audi dealer (2020)
- 47,981 - Oil change, DSG oil - Audi dealer (2022)
- 51,238 - Oil change - VAG specialist (2023)
I'd like to have seen more oil changes in the early years of its life, but that's VAG Longlife servicing for you. The car had two owners before me, the first for 3 years and the second for over 5.
First stop will be my local VAG specialist for an oil change, brake fluid and Haldex oil renewal.
Condition
Also something of a gamble on an unseen car and, again, it seems pretty good news. It wears 4 recent, matching Continental tyres and everything looks genuine, accident-free and without wear. But there are some points I will be sorting:
- Stone chips to front end, with evidence of one (older) repair to front bumper - I will probably paint the front end
- Wheels have had some spot paint repair recently; they're fine from a few feet away but I will want to get the diamond edges properly re-cut
- Sports seats have loose side trim - a common TT issue
- Stone chip to the windscreen
- Piece of centre console trim has broken off
- Remove magnetic phone holder
- A detail will sort a pleasingly low number of scratches, dirty engine bay and exhaust tips
As I'd assumed, it's unlikely to have been an enthusiast's car and has been subject to reconditioning by a non-specialist market car dealer. It'd be fine for most people already and has probably had mature owners.
Driving & overall first impressions
The colour hits you first and is very attractive in the flesh - not something I could photograph properly today. The car drives really well and is significantly faster than my mapped GTD and likely my old S3, with no turbo lag to speak of. These supposedly do 0-60 in a bit over 4s and 0-100 in 10.something out of the box... and I can believe it. I probably won't be looking to upgrade the speed anytime soon, but I've definitely missed AWD. It feels a bit wider than its dimensions, though side / rear views are good due to the shape. The burbles and noises aren't quite as good as my old RS3, but aren't far off.
So, I'll begin to work my way through some of the items about and in the meantime just enjoy the car. I'll keep the thread updated.
Edited by The Cardinal on Wednesday 10th January 12:50
Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions.
I've managed to spend a little time on the bodywork, and despite looking exactly the same in this photo I promise it's been cleaned to within an inch of its life! The interior has scrubbed up nicely and I managed to remove the phone holder. It definitely has the classic TT sport seat fragility, but I will come to this later.
I'm on the fence now about whether to repaint the front end, and other than the engine bay and exhaust pipes I think the good condition of the paint means I wouldn't necessarily both with a detail. But even after an age with 000 wire wool and Autosol there's still some way to go on those pipes!
The wheels look fine at a casual glance, but I'll probably start the cosmetic renewal by having them properly refurbished as two of them look like this up close:
I'm using it in the next week unexpectedly, so I'll report back with some driving impressions.
I've managed to spend a little time on the bodywork, and despite looking exactly the same in this photo I promise it's been cleaned to within an inch of its life! The interior has scrubbed up nicely and I managed to remove the phone holder. It definitely has the classic TT sport seat fragility, but I will come to this later.
I'm on the fence now about whether to repaint the front end, and other than the engine bay and exhaust pipes I think the good condition of the paint means I wouldn't necessarily both with a detail. But even after an age with 000 wire wool and Autosol there's still some way to go on those pipes!
The wheels look fine at a casual glance, but I'll probably start the cosmetic renewal by having them properly refurbished as two of them look like this up close:
I'm using it in the next week unexpectedly, so I'll report back with some driving impressions.
I did a 100-mile run over to my parents' place this weekend, with the kids choosing this car over our van on account of it "looking cool". This meant squeezing two of them into the back for a short lift en route, which had a certain comedy value as they're basically mini adult-sized now. 
The first impression of this being a quick car stands - it feels only a fraction slower than my mapped RS3 despite being totally standard. Less brutal at full throttle than the RS3, but more responsive than my old mapped 2018 S3 (7sp DSG). I know the 6sp DSG generally gets the thumbs down compared to the later 7sp unit, but I think the top ratio puts it right in the power band at 2,500rpm at my preferred cruise of 65mph. This further adds to the punchy delivery, but it's a lot more noisy than I'd expected at these speeds and therefore loses out by some margin to my Golf GTD as a motorway muncher. 35mpg overall seems acceptable, but again won't make me want to take it on longer business drives while I have a quiet diesel at my disposal.
Done
- Booked car in for inspection, brake fluid and Haldex service
- Ordered some OEM replacement exhaust tips due to the irretrievable condition of the originals
Next
- Refurb wheels
Think about...
- Paint front end or not
- Detailing
- Brake discs and pads all round, or just paint disc centres for now
The first impression of this being a quick car stands - it feels only a fraction slower than my mapped RS3 despite being totally standard. Less brutal at full throttle than the RS3, but more responsive than my old mapped 2018 S3 (7sp DSG). I know the 6sp DSG generally gets the thumbs down compared to the later 7sp unit, but I think the top ratio puts it right in the power band at 2,500rpm at my preferred cruise of 65mph. This further adds to the punchy delivery, but it's a lot more noisy than I'd expected at these speeds and therefore loses out by some margin to my Golf GTD as a motorway muncher. 35mpg overall seems acceptable, but again won't make me want to take it on longer business drives while I have a quiet diesel at my disposal.
Done
- Booked car in for inspection, brake fluid and Haldex service
- Ordered some OEM replacement exhaust tips due to the irretrievable condition of the originals
Next
- Refurb wheels
Think about...
- Paint front end or not
- Detailing
- Brake discs and pads all round, or just paint disc centres for now
Does the TTS feel more sporty than the RS3? Perhaps for a moment when you sink into the seat, but all illusions are cast aside once you wake up the 5-cylinder lump in the RS3... certainly from what I recall of my old pre-facelift model with the Sports Exhaust option. The TT feels a fraction more responsive and less laggy, though as noted before definitely less brutal.
Sticks. said:
Very good. I think one thing I'd change about these is the silver bits, mirrors etc. If you're going to paint the front would you think to go them too, or leave it standard? Black Edition cars have them colour coded, even though they're not all black.
If you are using the main dealer for your upcoming service, maybe wait and see what offers are on. Last year a service pack including inspection and oil service was less than £20 more than just the inspection. I know it's not cheap but mine will have one more service before I p/x it for another one so it'd be worth keeping it as full dealer history.
Is it engine noise or tyres? Since changing to F1 ASY's I really noticed the road noise. I've had 40mpg regularly on an A road +-50mph amble.
You've probably noticed already but the fuel filler area gets very grubby and the drain blocks.
And of course you'll need to upgrade your down lighters
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be servicing at an independent VAG specialist that I trust - it already has two non-franchise services. If you are using the main dealer for your upcoming service, maybe wait and see what offers are on. Last year a service pack including inspection and oil service was less than £20 more than just the inspection. I know it's not cheap but mine will have one more service before I p/x it for another one so it'd be worth keeping it as full dealer history.
Is it engine noise or tyres? Since changing to F1 ASY's I really noticed the road noise. I've had 40mpg regularly on an A road +-50mph amble.
You've probably noticed already but the fuel filler area gets very grubby and the drain blocks.
And of course you'll need to upgrade your down lighters
I will probably keep the silver accents, though it's food for thought as I only avoided the Black Edition as I prefer the clear glass. The main external difference is the grille and rear bumper insert.
The tyres are noisy - Conti SportContact 6 - but I think the exhaust is the main source.
I unexpectedly got the chance to drive the car on a longer run this week. This is because my wife has decided that the Golf GTD is "her car" and she wanted it to do local errands while I was away.
So it seems I am to use this TTS on business. This is arguably the wrong way around, but it's not exactly a hardship...
This particular run is a 500-mile round trip and it's one I've done many times over the years. I normally like to have spent some time getting to know a car better and to have fixed everything to my standards beforehand, but life's gotten in the way.
I managed to top up the fuel early en route, leading to a classic PH photo opportunity - perhaps not ideally lit this time...
The trip did reveal a couple of niggles. Firstly, a familiar issue that this vintage of Audi won't stream audio when I'm charging my Apple phone via a cable... and an unfamiliar one in that the substitute of a good old CD inserted into the MMI slot wouldn't play for some reason either (I suspect due to data conventions). Neither does the car have cruise control, which, as noted before, is an inconvenience... and it's an unusually complicated (and therefore expensive) retrofit, should I look to fix it.
Fuel economy on these winter miles is an acceptable 40mpg. But on the same - cruise-controlled - summer run, the identically-powered but newer S3 attained 50mpg, and even my RS3 just cracked 40mpg too. Seems that the 7th gear in those cars makes a difference.
The GTD has the TTS comfortably beaten as a cruiser, then, and it has none of those issues. But happy wife = happy life!
More positively, this is a real "feelgood" car and I enjoy it a lot. The matrix LEDs are excellent and, as far as I can tell, everything is sound mechanically.
I've booked the car for paint to the front bumper and bonnet, and next on the list will be to sort a wheel refurb and then some detailing attention. I'll keep the thread updated.
So it seems I am to use this TTS on business. This is arguably the wrong way around, but it's not exactly a hardship...
This particular run is a 500-mile round trip and it's one I've done many times over the years. I normally like to have spent some time getting to know a car better and to have fixed everything to my standards beforehand, but life's gotten in the way.
I managed to top up the fuel early en route, leading to a classic PH photo opportunity - perhaps not ideally lit this time...
The trip did reveal a couple of niggles. Firstly, a familiar issue that this vintage of Audi won't stream audio when I'm charging my Apple phone via a cable... and an unfamiliar one in that the substitute of a good old CD inserted into the MMI slot wouldn't play for some reason either (I suspect due to data conventions). Neither does the car have cruise control, which, as noted before, is an inconvenience... and it's an unusually complicated (and therefore expensive) retrofit, should I look to fix it.
Fuel economy on these winter miles is an acceptable 40mpg. But on the same - cruise-controlled - summer run, the identically-powered but newer S3 attained 50mpg, and even my RS3 just cracked 40mpg too. Seems that the 7th gear in those cars makes a difference.
The GTD has the TTS comfortably beaten as a cruiser, then, and it has none of those issues. But happy wife = happy life!
More positively, this is a real "feelgood" car and I enjoy it a lot. The matrix LEDs are excellent and, as far as I can tell, everything is sound mechanically.
I've booked the car for paint to the front bumper and bonnet, and next on the list will be to sort a wheel refurb and then some detailing attention. I'll keep the thread updated.
macron said:
That's 12 days from "I'm on the fence now about whether to repaint the front end" to booking it in,
What swung it out of interest?!
More accurately the flow in my mind was: "needs paint > not sure now > book-in for paint". I'm surprised it took as long as 12 days. What swung it out of interest?!
Like many here I guess; buying, maintaining and upgrading cars serves as an outlet for the full range of my personal qualities (better & worse) - without being of consequence for the people who matter in my life.
Serviced today, comprising: inspection (VAG-speak for major) service, engine oil, air & pollen filters, brake fluid, Haldex oil change, air con re-gas and wheel alignment. The garage thought it was a very clean example with no issues, so that's a relief.
Tyres measure between 3mm (rear) and 5mm (front), and reflects experience that the rears tend to wear a touch quicker. Rear brake discs & pads were also noted as 50-60% worn, which wasn't expected given their prior replacement 25k miles ago, lack of cruise control and how the fronts look original.
I'm not planning to do big miles in this car, but will look at replacing these after its upcoming cosmetic refresh so that I get maximum benefit.
Oh, and I still haven't had the V5 through - which will enable me to put a cherished plate on!
Tyres measure between 3mm (rear) and 5mm (front), and reflects experience that the rears tend to wear a touch quicker. Rear brake discs & pads were also noted as 50-60% worn, which wasn't expected given their prior replacement 25k miles ago, lack of cruise control and how the fronts look original.
I'm not planning to do big miles in this car, but will look at replacing these after its upcoming cosmetic refresh so that I get maximum benefit.
Oh, and I still haven't had the V5 through - which will enable me to put a cherished plate on!
The new exhaust tips turned up the other day. Unfortunately they were the wrong size and for reference the TTS 8S part number for these is 8S0253825A (left) and 8S0253826A (right). The omission of "A" meant I got the standard round pieces:
I was a bit annoyed as the non-A parts are listed as fitting the TTS, and thanks to post-Brexit arrangements I will have to reclaim the import duty on the returned parts.
Given all the above plus the higher prices of the TTS-compatible items at £70 a pop, I decided to have a second and more intensive attempt at cleaning-up the originals:
With some Bar Keeper's Friend, 0000 wire wool and Radio 4 for company, I then spent (too many) hours getting the four to this state:
Second attempt fitted on right, in comparison to the first attempt on the left:
This will do me. It's an 8-year old car after all and, instead, I will use some of the funds towards new discs and pads. These will also need doing over the course of my ownership, so my logic is that I might as well do them now to maximise the benefit.
Hence I've ordered some of these with matching pads all round, and will get them fitted soon.
I was a bit annoyed as the non-A parts are listed as fitting the TTS, and thanks to post-Brexit arrangements I will have to reclaim the import duty on the returned parts.
Given all the above plus the higher prices of the TTS-compatible items at £70 a pop, I decided to have a second and more intensive attempt at cleaning-up the originals:
With some Bar Keeper's Friend, 0000 wire wool and Radio 4 for company, I then spent (too many) hours getting the four to this state:
Second attempt fitted on right, in comparison to the first attempt on the left:
This will do me. It's an 8-year old car after all and, instead, I will use some of the funds towards new discs and pads. These will also need doing over the course of my ownership, so my logic is that I might as well do them now to maximise the benefit.
Hence I've ordered some of these with matching pads all round, and will get them fitted soon.
The wheels were refinished this week:
...and the calipers. These seem to have come up nicely, though it looks like the older "TT" logo was used so I may source the newer decals to ensure a finish I'm 100% happy with.
I'll also fit these new centre caps. They seem to be exact and convincing copies of the original OEM parts, down to a made in "Italy" stamp on the back... though the price they're available for on eBay suggests they're Chinesium.
Interestingly, a slight drone from the rear of the car around 60+mph has now disappeared. I assume this is because the wheel people have mounted the tyres with more worn tread on the front instead of the rear, or because the wheels are now balanced.
Next week the car goes to the paint shop for a front end re-spray, after which I'll have the Brembo X discs and pads fitted.
Once those are done it'll be getting close to finished. Final things to do include fixing the seat side trims and cleaning the engine bay a little.
...and the calipers. These seem to have come up nicely, though it looks like the older "TT" logo was used so I may source the newer decals to ensure a finish I'm 100% happy with.
I'll also fit these new centre caps. They seem to be exact and convincing copies of the original OEM parts, down to a made in "Italy" stamp on the back... though the price they're available for on eBay suggests they're Chinesium.
Interestingly, a slight drone from the rear of the car around 60+mph has now disappeared. I assume this is because the wheel people have mounted the tyres with more worn tread on the front instead of the rear, or because the wheels are now balanced.
Next week the car goes to the paint shop for a front end re-spray, after which I'll have the Brembo X discs and pads fitted.
Once those are done it'll be getting close to finished. Final things to do include fixing the seat side trims and cleaning the engine bay a little.
The TTS was in the paint booth this week...
Following which, I feel like we're getting there with my build:
It looks like a really good job and the paint man went to some extensive lengths to refinish that poor previous job I mentioned before. I think this has tidied the looks of the car up a lot:
I've also fitted replica plates for that original look:
I'm happy with the brake calipers' new matching colour. The incorrect (old style) TTS decals will be replaced by these correct ones:
I'm having those Brembo discs & pads fitted this week, and I've caved-in by buying some overpriced OEM tailpipes following my efforts to re-finish the originals, which wasn't proving durable. This should bring the preparations for my ownership towards a close now.
Sadly my dad passed away during the week, which was a hectic one and involved nearly a thousand miles of too-ing and fro-ing in my Golf GTD (which I'll cover separately).
The TTS was partly bought with visiting my dad in mind, so I'll have to see how I now end up using it as the year progresses. My Mum likes the car a lot and so I took her out today in it to look at a natural burial ground.
I'll keep the thread updated.
Following which, I feel like we're getting there with my build:
It looks like a really good job and the paint man went to some extensive lengths to refinish that poor previous job I mentioned before. I think this has tidied the looks of the car up a lot:
I've also fitted replica plates for that original look:
I'm happy with the brake calipers' new matching colour. The incorrect (old style) TTS decals will be replaced by these correct ones:
I'm having those Brembo discs & pads fitted this week, and I've caved-in by buying some overpriced OEM tailpipes following my efforts to re-finish the originals, which wasn't proving durable. This should bring the preparations for my ownership towards a close now.
Sadly my dad passed away during the week, which was a hectic one and involved nearly a thousand miles of too-ing and fro-ing in my Golf GTD (which I'll cover separately).
The TTS was partly bought with visiting my dad in mind, so I'll have to see how I now end up using it as the year progresses. My Mum likes the car a lot and so I took her out today in it to look at a natural burial ground.
I'll keep the thread updated.
Thanks everyone.
Those Brembo Xtra discs and pads were fitted last week, following which I took the car over to see my Mum and catch up with friends where I grew up.
On these familiar Welsh roads the TTS makes everything seem too easy, and it confirmed again that it's feels closer to my old RS3 than S3 in pace - despite not being remapped like those two were.
Also reminiscent of the RS3 is the distant but controlled thumping of bigger wheels on magnetic shocks, never bottoming out and giving amazing grip but missing a touch of lightness in its steering. Overall, though, it feels more nimble and slightly more usable than the RS on tighter roads - only missing out on the soundtrack, though even that is quite decent with exhaust valves open.
The incorrect TTS decals will have to stay on the front calipers after all, as it seems that they've been lacquered over. Not a big deal really!
Visiting my Dad was one of the main reasons for having this car, as he was mainly cared for at home by my Mum. The car's now finished just after he's left us, so I'll have to see what that means for how I use it because my Mum will be much more independent.
Those Brembo Xtra discs and pads were fitted last week, following which I took the car over to see my Mum and catch up with friends where I grew up.
On these familiar Welsh roads the TTS makes everything seem too easy, and it confirmed again that it's feels closer to my old RS3 than S3 in pace - despite not being remapped like those two were.
Also reminiscent of the RS3 is the distant but controlled thumping of bigger wheels on magnetic shocks, never bottoming out and giving amazing grip but missing a touch of lightness in its steering. Overall, though, it feels more nimble and slightly more usable than the RS on tighter roads - only missing out on the soundtrack, though even that is quite decent with exhaust valves open.
The incorrect TTS decals will have to stay on the front calipers after all, as it seems that they've been lacquered over. Not a big deal really!
Visiting my Dad was one of the main reasons for having this car, as he was mainly cared for at home by my Mum. The car's now finished just after he's left us, so I'll have to see what that means for how I use it because my Mum will be much more independent.
I've now had 4 complete months with the car, doing around 1,600 miles in that time. Only a few hundred of those have been done recently, related to my Dad's passing away, lower business miles and a well-needed holiday.
Some more pics now that it's brightened-up a bit:
And some close-ups of bits that I've improved recently:
I'm tending to use it once or twice a week, often doing something with one of the kids while my wife has the other.
The next and final renewal should be a new windscreen because of all the small stone chips. I'm procrastinating a bit as this version has a camera (due to matrix LEDs) and that means a fairly steep cost.
As I said earlier, I'm going to suck it and see with this car for the year given the amount I've invested upfront in its renovation. It's clearly not doing essential miles, but they're always enjoyable - this is definitely a good times / feelgood car and it's nice to be able to have something like this ready to go.
In the longer run it would make sense for this car to become a 5-door again (maybe another RS3?), while the current Golf GTD stablemate would become something insurance-friendly for our kids as they come up to Learner age.
Some more pics now that it's brightened-up a bit:
And some close-ups of bits that I've improved recently:
I'm tending to use it once or twice a week, often doing something with one of the kids while my wife has the other.
The next and final renewal should be a new windscreen because of all the small stone chips. I'm procrastinating a bit as this version has a camera (due to matrix LEDs) and that means a fairly steep cost.
As I said earlier, I'm going to suck it and see with this car for the year given the amount I've invested upfront in its renovation. It's clearly not doing essential miles, but they're always enjoyable - this is definitely a good times / feelgood car and it's nice to be able to have something like this ready to go.
In the longer run it would make sense for this car to become a 5-door again (maybe another RS3?), while the current Golf GTD stablemate would become something insurance-friendly for our kids as they come up to Learner age.
Edited by The Cardinal on Friday 26th April 13:08
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