Audi TTS (8S/Mk3) - is it actually good & worth the money?

[FakeCarGuy]

Especially when compared to the S3 8V? To get a decent spec and a good relatively low mileage example, you’re looking at the earliest models released 2015/2016 for approximately £20k. So, around £5k cheaper than a similar condition and level of spec M2 or Cayman from the same time period - but about £4k more expensive than a similar condition S3 or Golf R.

I can’t get insured on the Golf R or S3 anyway (due to theft rates in my area), so i’m just wondering if i’m gaining anything significant from being forced into a less practical choice.

Is it just a Golf R in fancy dress? Or is it a good car in its own right?

I’ve seen a few reviews praise it’s handling compared to the S3 - and they’ve said that it’s noticeably more neutral and a better chassis - but i’m just wondering if anyone could share their own experiences of how different they may be.

I test drove one yesterday, but obviously I couldn’t tell much (handling wise) from a relatively restrained 40 minute test drive in light-traffic up Sheffield town center with a car salesman sat next to me. My initial impression is that it did seem proper stable and capable though.

[Belle427]

I cant help much other than saying if it felt good on the test drive and you enjoyed it then go for it.
We spend far too much time reading online reviews tbh and that sometimes puts you off cars before you try them.
I quite fancy one myself as they seem very good value and a nice alternative to the S3/R.

[Dr G]

They drive quite sweetly; ride is a little bit on the bumpy side but they feel lighter and more agile than an R/S3 does.

If the practicality side suits you then go for it. A better car than a lot of people realise.

[Sticks.]

I'm on my second TT and have had the TTS for nearly 7 years. I'll get another one at some point I suspect.

It's a good all rounder, a two seater hot hatch. I don't doubt a Cayman is a better car, probably by quite a bit, but buying and running costs reflect that. Yes the ride is a bit stiff and it's a bit big for pure fun imho, but there's not much else to dislike about it, it's not caused me any issues or unexpected bills. It's a bit noisy on the M Way.

Worth noting though that tyres cost me £750 for a set and last about 15k. Which is 3 years for me, but if you do a lot of miles.....

Get the best spec one you can, mines' Black Edition, which come with B&O and other extras.

[rottenegg]

FakeCarGuy said:

Especially when compared to the S3 8V? To get a decent spec and a good relatively low mileage example, you’re looking at the earliest models released 2015/2016 for approximately £20k. So, around £5k cheaper than a similar condition and level of spec M2 or Cayman from the same time period - but about £4k more expensive than a similar condition S3 or Golf R.

I can’t get insured on the Golf R or S3 anyway (due to theft rates in my area), so i’m just wondering if i’m gaining anything significant from being forced into a less practical choice.

Is it just a Golf R in fancy dress? Or is it a good car in its own right?

I’ve seen a few reviews praise it’s handling compared to the S3 - and they’ve said that it’s noticeably more neutral and a better chassis - but i’m just wondering if anyone could share their own experiences of how different they may be.

I test drove one yesterday, but obviously I couldn’t tell much (handling wise) from a relatively restrained 40 minute test drive in light-traffic up Sheffield town center with a car salesman sat next to me. My initial impression is that it did seem proper stable and capable though.

£20K! That's a bit punchy for a 2015/16 car tbh, but the market is what it is I suppose.

It's a much better handling car than the 8V S3, but whether it's the better overall ownership proposition is subjective...i.e. image and cabin/luggage space etc. You won't notice anything ground breaking at urban speeds. It needs more challenging and faster roads to appreciate the differences.

The MK1 TT was a Golf in fancy dress, but MK2 TT onwards are quite the opposite. Partial aluminium bodyshell, completely different hubs (50mm roll center correction) and all alloy, wider track, lower centre of gravity etc etc. Definitely more than cosmetic changes.

I'd stump up the £5k extra for the M2 instead if I were in that position as it's a far better car than the S3 and the TT. Can you get insured on an M2 or Cayman if you can't an R or S3 though? M steering wheels are a popular theft target at the moment.

[The Cardinal]

I'm running a Readers Cars thread on my 2015 TTS, bought out of season as 2023 ticked over into 2024. This timing, and some dealer spec and history oversights, might explain why mine was priced under the going rate at the time - and I note that trade prices have risen a bit this spring.

I've had several R/S3s in the past, and as others say it's quite different. Press reviews are all pretty glowing and I concur that it's a pretty good steer that has been targeted well by Audi at a realistic / real life user market, if not being a full-on sports car. The sense of occasion factor is higher than a hot hatch, while the pace, feel and general get-up-and-go are closer to the RS3 in some respects than S3 in my view.

Quite a lot has been done to mine in its 4 months with me: full servicing, refurbished wheels, front end paint to remove all stone chips, upgraded brakes and some other cosmetics. Nothing essential really, but it makes the car mint. It now owes me £22k, which is a touch more than retail prices for cars of this age but good value in a wider context I think.