Discussion
Has anyone here ever done a back-to-back test of a 180 and 225 ps 1.8T?
On paper the 225 is quicker and the 180 better on fuel how do they compare in real world driving?
The reason I ask is that there are a few 180s around locally that seem to be in better nick than 225s. Or should I go for the 3.2?
Also, how easy can cruise be fitted to a 1.8T?
On paper the 225 is quicker and the 180 better on fuel how do they compare in real world driving?
The reason I ask is that there are a few 180s around locally that seem to be in better nick than 225s. Or should I go for the 3.2?
Also, how easy can cruise be fitted to a 1.8T?
pbarlow0032 said:
Personally, for the trade off between mpg and "go" I'd opt for a nice v6 DSG coupe. The DSG really suits the engine IMO, and it makes it a nice small gt, whereas the 1.8t always felt a bit hot hatch (if that makes any sense?).
I really hanker for a manual this time so what about the V6 with a manual box. Any good?pbarlow0032 said:
I guess it depends what you are wanting from the car and what the budget is? I loved the roadster for the sound and the open top, I still think the TT is a special place to sit (compared to most mainstream cars) but if I was buying now and I could live with 2 seats I'd go for a boxster s,
Happy to answer any other questions if I can help
Budget is £7K max and it must be a coupe. What I want is a car which is a bit fun to drive and makes me feel like a hero after a back road hoon without having to give it 100%, something that isn't going to turn around and bite me on the arse if I get it a bit wrong and something to look at and think "mine! all mine!" and doesn't hurt my back after a 200 mile drive (like a Boxster does).Happy to answer any other questions if I can help
pbarlow0032 said:
TT v6 DSG coupe then - job jobbed 
Not sure what price they've dropped to, but I would guess you'd get one for this money now, after all, anything other than diesel or bigger than a 1.0 is the work of the devil nowadays!
Advantage of getting an early one is lower tax. Mine was an 04 so that should be do-able.
Back seats are occasional use really, but the boot's not bad. Try and get a nice avus silver with red leather. They were well specced anyway, xenons, heated seats etc as standard.
Also worth looking at might be an Alfa gt coupe. Test driven the 1.9 Tdi a couple of times, and they're surprisingly nice to drive. Bigger back seats, bigger boot, and look stunning (IMO). Might seem a left field choice, but don't buy the TT without at least looking at the GT. These were also available with the 3.2 v6, and being the old busso v6 apparently sound amazing. Pretty juicy though from what I've read, and I've never driven the petrol GT so can't give first hand account of it.
The TT definitely ticks your box on safety, being Quattro and understeery you'll never end up backwards through a hedge.
Have you considered a 350z. Test drove one of those a few years ago too, but a very different prospect to the Tt. Not a great interior, and less relaxing. Sounds like the TT is more what you're after?
Again, thanks for your thoughts. Not sure what price they've dropped to, but I would guess you'd get one for this money now, after all, anything other than diesel or bigger than a 1.0 is the work of the devil nowadays!
Advantage of getting an early one is lower tax. Mine was an 04 so that should be do-able.
Back seats are occasional use really, but the boot's not bad. Try and get a nice avus silver with red leather. They were well specced anyway, xenons, heated seats etc as standard.
Also worth looking at might be an Alfa gt coupe. Test driven the 1.9 Tdi a couple of times, and they're surprisingly nice to drive. Bigger back seats, bigger boot, and look stunning (IMO). Might seem a left field choice, but don't buy the TT without at least looking at the GT. These were also available with the 3.2 v6, and being the old busso v6 apparently sound amazing. Pretty juicy though from what I've read, and I've never driven the petrol GT so can't give first hand account of it.
The TT definitely ticks your box on safety, being Quattro and understeery you'll never end up backwards through a hedge.
Have you considered a 350z. Test drove one of those a few years ago too, but a very different prospect to the Tt. Not a great interior, and less relaxing. Sounds like the TT is more what you're after?
I have looked at an Alfa GT 1.9TDi - I like the engine in that as I ran a diesel Saab9-3 and found that the perfomance on paper just didn't convbey how good it was. A 3.2 is not an option as it is extremely thirsty and was one of the reasons I never bought a 166 despite it being one of the best cars I've ever test driven. The only problem with the GT is the Brera which IMHO is a much nicer looking car but just out of budget ATM - if I bought a GT, I'd end up wishing I'd held out for a bit.
350z? I've looked at them too but I just don't like the interiors in them - they feel too cheap and I do like to have a bit of luxury behind the wheel. And thirsty too AIUI - If I was spending £7K and bugger the fuel consumption, it would be an XK or best 840ci I could get.
I didn't mention fuel consumption in my list of requirments. Doing my sums, any car I have must give me 40mpg (or near as dammit) on a run to ensure my expenses can cover fuel costs when I travel for work.
I've started looking at Audi again as I've realised that (at my budget) Audi is one of the few marques I feel comfortable in. Of 3 three I've had though, 2 have had major problems andin the case of the 2.5TDI, almost ruinously expensive. And that brings me onto reliability. I know about coil packs in the 1.8T but are there any other problems common across the range or specific to either model. ISTR the Corrado VR6 suffered from timing chain stretching does the 3.2 have a similar problem?
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