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?
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.
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.
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