Discussion
Slight change of personal circumstances has prompted the man-maths type thoughts, and I'd value opinions. Obviously I expect something slightly biased on the basis of my posting direct into the Audi forum, but hey ho.
So, currently I drive a Lexus ISF (2010). It is awesome. Supposedly reliable with relatively cheap maintenance costs and good dealer attitudes. Can't really comment as I've only had it since the middle of last year, when I bought it off a friend as a replacement for a potentially ruinous B8 S4 S-Tronic (clue to ruinous is that last term). However, we also run a Disco 4 as the family wagon, so that's two cars that are £500+ tax, and mine gets 65miles a day so isn't exactly cheap on fuel. But, I'm not in the mood / mentality for a diesel, and my history (Lexus ISF, Audi S4, Lotus Elise S, Defender 90) suggest choices that are slightly left field.
I went from the Elise S to the S4 on the basis that we have 2 kids at school and my wife was venturing back to work full time and there was the potential for me to be collecting 2 kids at once, which clearly doesn't fit with the Lotus. So 4-seats and a boot was required. Unfortunately the S-Tronic started to fail so I got rid. Now however my wife has decided that she needs a break from work (all valid reasons and not up for debate), so my need for 4-seats is somewhat diminished, but a change in income situations has made me think, which brings me to the point...
Would I be completely insane to change the ISF for an APR Stage II TT-RS Coupe?
From where I see it, I technically still have 4 seats, but I have 4WD, similar / same power, smaller chassis, cheaper tax, fuel costs reduced (probably). I know the service costs may not be as cheap as the Lexus, but I'll cope with that by way of using specialists.
Thoughts?
So, currently I drive a Lexus ISF (2010). It is awesome. Supposedly reliable with relatively cheap maintenance costs and good dealer attitudes. Can't really comment as I've only had it since the middle of last year, when I bought it off a friend as a replacement for a potentially ruinous B8 S4 S-Tronic (clue to ruinous is that last term). However, we also run a Disco 4 as the family wagon, so that's two cars that are £500+ tax, and mine gets 65miles a day so isn't exactly cheap on fuel. But, I'm not in the mood / mentality for a diesel, and my history (Lexus ISF, Audi S4, Lotus Elise S, Defender 90) suggest choices that are slightly left field.
I went from the Elise S to the S4 on the basis that we have 2 kids at school and my wife was venturing back to work full time and there was the potential for me to be collecting 2 kids at once, which clearly doesn't fit with the Lotus. So 4-seats and a boot was required. Unfortunately the S-Tronic started to fail so I got rid. Now however my wife has decided that she needs a break from work (all valid reasons and not up for debate), so my need for 4-seats is somewhat diminished, but a change in income situations has made me think, which brings me to the point...
Would I be completely insane to change the ISF for an APR Stage II TT-RS Coupe?
From where I see it, I technically still have 4 seats, but I have 4WD, similar / same power, smaller chassis, cheaper tax, fuel costs reduced (probably). I know the service costs may not be as cheap as the Lexus, but I'll cope with that by way of using specialists.
Thoughts?
Do it. Not sure I'd get a non-standard one though. And they are bonkers fast already.
They are small in the back but the boot is still a decent enough size for what it is. Adults sit sideways if they are in the back but kids are fine if they don't need a booster seat.
And they look and sound great!
They are small in the back but the boot is still a decent enough size for what it is. Adults sit sideways if they are in the back but kids are fine if they don't need a booster seat.
And they look and sound great!
Edited by Duke of Kidderminster on Friday 17th February 12:02
Edited by Duke of Kidderminster on Friday 17th February 12:02
Thanks for that.
Under normal operation, say other than a couple of days a month, it's me in the car on my own. Kids a 7 and 4, so size isn't an issue yet.
Main thing is enjoying the driving experience, and that doesn't even have to revolve around absolute top speed capability. Example being the Lotus. Now I know neither the ISF nor the TT-RS have the handling skills of the Lotus, but, they're not A8 levels of handling. I operate on a Smiles-per-Mile basis, and a run last year with the ISF was good fun as the noise from the valved exhaust and 400bhp+ deliver, even without the incisive handling of the Elise S. I'm wondering whether the TT-RS can deliver a compromise of better handling of the smaller 4-square chassis with a degree of power. I take the point of the modded vs non-modded.
Under normal operation, say other than a couple of days a month, it's me in the car on my own. Kids a 7 and 4, so size isn't an issue yet.
Main thing is enjoying the driving experience, and that doesn't even have to revolve around absolute top speed capability. Example being the Lotus. Now I know neither the ISF nor the TT-RS have the handling skills of the Lotus, but, they're not A8 levels of handling. I operate on a Smiles-per-Mile basis, and a run last year with the ISF was good fun as the noise from the valved exhaust and 400bhp+ deliver, even without the incisive handling of the Elise S. I'm wondering whether the TT-RS can deliver a compromise of better handling of the smaller 4-square chassis with a degree of power. I take the point of the modded vs non-modded.
Dr_Rick said:
Thanks for that.
Under normal operation, say other than a couple of days a month, it's me in the car on my own. Kids a 7 and 4, so size isn't an issue yet.
Main thing is enjoying the driving experience, and that doesn't even have to revolve around absolute top speed capability. Example being the Lotus. Now I know neither the ISF nor the TT-RS have the handling skills of the Lotus, but, they're not A8 levels of handling. I operate on a Smiles-per-Mile basis, and a run last year with the ISF was good fun as the noise from the valved exhaust and 400bhp+ deliver, even without the incisive handling of the Elise S. I'm wondering whether the TT-RS can deliver a compromise of better handling of the smaller 4-square chassis with a degree of power. I take the point of the modded vs non-modded.
The TT drives lovely, I always had a smile. Sure it doesn't handle like a Caterham or a Lotus but that's not what it's about. Also, that 5-cyl engine sounds incredible, and if you get one that had the sports exhaust fitted in the factory then it's even better. Sounds just as great as a Lotus IMHOUnder normal operation, say other than a couple of days a month, it's me in the car on my own. Kids a 7 and 4, so size isn't an issue yet.
Main thing is enjoying the driving experience, and that doesn't even have to revolve around absolute top speed capability. Example being the Lotus. Now I know neither the ISF nor the TT-RS have the handling skills of the Lotus, but, they're not A8 levels of handling. I operate on a Smiles-per-Mile basis, and a run last year with the ISF was good fun as the noise from the valved exhaust and 400bhp+ deliver, even without the incisive handling of the Elise S. I'm wondering whether the TT-RS can deliver a compromise of better handling of the smaller 4-square chassis with a degree of power. I take the point of the modded vs non-modded.
I think I might get buried if I suggest changing my car again so soon. From my parents it's a standing question each weekend when they phone; 'Have you changed your car again this week?'. From my wife, it's under the breath swearing and raised eyebrows.
The one I'm looking at has a Revo tune and possibly an exhaust and intake.
The one I'm looking at has a Revo tune and possibly an exhaust and intake.
Dr_Rick said:
See the ISF will get mid 20s on the mostly motorway commute. Say 25miles motorway, 10 urban. 23-25 avg for the tank, which is about 220 on a 3/4 tank
Similar mpg then but a lot cheaper to tax, you might be surprised how quick the standard was is, worth looking to see if a local garage has one for a test drive and IMHO one of the best interiors to be sat in 
Dr_Rick said:
paul789 said:
Ha ha! Are you me?
If I am, how did you survive?Lotus = 1yr
S4 = <1yr
ISF = <1yr so far
Then there's the D90, the RRS, the XC70, the Freelander 2, the Impreza GB270.
Could be more, I forget
Edited by Dr_Rick on Saturday 18th February 09:13
Audi B8 RS4 - 10 months
Audi SQ5 - 8 months
Audi S4 - 10 months
The money I set aside for cars, is my money. The vast majority of my income is spent on wife and kids or is saved up. You are actually allowed to have some fun in this world, even with vag cars. Life isn't a rehearsal etc...
TBH a lot of people here swap cars frequently, I sense.
Dr_Rick said:
So, would people go APR TTRS from 2010 and 50k miles, or Gold R from 2015 and 10k?
(Think I know what the answer is)
I assume you mean "Golf R" not "Gold R".(Think I know what the answer is)
TT - EVERY time. It's a lot of fun to drive. I found the Golf R to be not very entertaining, and the interior is horrid.
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