Mk1 Audi TT 1.8/3.2 and others
Discussion
Yes its a what car of sorts, sorry
I have 5k to spend in Jan
I've had a Subaru impreza in the past and currently have an E30 325i, these are the only steers of note I have had
If I'm honest I loved the impreza more than I love the 3 but I have been more than impressed with the 3's ability and it's been a great introduction in RWD
I now want something more modern again, I was looking at a 330ci as it seems to tick every box, but they just look so dull at times and I'd always looks at E46 M3's with envy
I don't want a 2 seater convertible for practicality/lifestyle reasons
So after much umming and arring I've been looking at TT's on here, I've always liked the looks and have always hammered after one, I know the handling can be a bit vague by all accounts but have seen how this can be improved
So for day to day use, the odd PH run and B road blast and various trips down to Somerset and Ooop north cruising on the Mway is this the right choice? Are they actually quite a good all rounder just suffer from the hairdresser image?
1.8 or 3.2? I know the 1.8 is easily mappable to 260 ish, do both have haldex?
Any info and other suggestions welcome
I have 5k to spend in Jan
I've had a Subaru impreza in the past and currently have an E30 325i, these are the only steers of note I have had
If I'm honest I loved the impreza more than I love the 3 but I have been more than impressed with the 3's ability and it's been a great introduction in RWD
I now want something more modern again, I was looking at a 330ci as it seems to tick every box, but they just look so dull at times and I'd always looks at E46 M3's with envy
I don't want a 2 seater convertible for practicality/lifestyle reasons
So after much umming and arring I've been looking at TT's on here, I've always liked the looks and have always hammered after one, I know the handling can be a bit vague by all accounts but have seen how this can be improved
So for day to day use, the odd PH run and B road blast and various trips down to Somerset and Ooop north cruising on the Mway is this the right choice? Are they actually quite a good all rounder just suffer from the hairdresser image?
1.8 or 3.2? I know the 1.8 is easily mappable to 260 ish, do both have haldex?
Any info and other suggestions welcome
TT's drive like a block of lard, really dull and unresponsive.
for 5k you can get a number of more involving cars, such as the seat leon cupra, ALfa 156 GTA (just) or a really awesome Fiat 20v turbo coupe and a lot of change.
by comparison to the TT, the fiat will absolutely blow your mind, they are really under rated, and very very fast. A little old now, but depends on what you're after.
reliability on the TT isn't quite bomb proof either.
for 5k you can get a number of more involving cars, such as the seat leon cupra, ALfa 156 GTA (just) or a really awesome Fiat 20v turbo coupe and a lot of change.
by comparison to the TT, the fiat will absolutely blow your mind, they are really under rated, and very very fast. A little old now, but depends on what you're after.
reliability on the TT isn't quite bomb proof either.
Edited by philoldsmobile on Sunday 26th December 23:31
You won't find much love for the TT on here i'm afraid, even though I think they're cracking cars.
As for wanting 4 seats though, the TT rear seats are very small, if you regularly need back seats it is not the car for you, young children are uncomfortable back there.
Apart from that, i'd have the 1.8 over the 3.2 but then I love turbo'ed engines and the tunability that comes with them, The 3.2 is a thirsty engine.
People recommending fiat coupe's is worrying, they're not a reliable hatch at all i've seen tonnes of stories about them and I know a couple of people who have had them and they've always been off the road.
As for wanting 4 seats though, the TT rear seats are very small, if you regularly need back seats it is not the car for you, young children are uncomfortable back there.
Apart from that, i'd have the 1.8 over the 3.2 but then I love turbo'ed engines and the tunability that comes with them, The 3.2 is a thirsty engine.
People recommending fiat coupe's is worrying, they're not a reliable hatch at all i've seen tonnes of stories about them and I know a couple of people who have had them and they've always been off the road.
Edited by tyranical on Sunday 26th December 23:35
I don't really want to go FWD again, either 4WD or RWD, I know the TT apparently is a little bit like. FWD but I've read that this can be resolved with a Haldex controller
The Fiat is too old, don't fancy the Leon or Alfa, I want a coupe
Are they really THAT awful to drive?
ETA, Tyranical, I don't really need 4 seats as such, it's just that we go to festivals and camping quite a lot so I'd like a useable boot, I understand the rear seats in the TT fold allowing quite a useable space, it would be operating as a 2 seater 80% of the time tbh
The Fiat is too old, don't fancy the Leon or Alfa, I want a coupe
Are they really THAT awful to drive?
ETA, Tyranical, I don't really need 4 seats as such, it's just that we go to festivals and camping quite a lot so I'd like a useable boot, I understand the rear seats in the TT fold allowing quite a useable space, it would be operating as a 2 seater 80% of the time tbh
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 26th December 23:38
You'll not manage a 3.2 for £5k. You're in 180 and leggy 225 territory with that budget.
For what its worth, I love mine. Had it about 6 months now and have covered some sizeable distances in that time. Its a very pleasant place to be for long runs. Comfy seats, great stereo, well put together with only one rattle (bloody parcel shelf) after 70k miles. Very good. Its pretty economical on long runs too.
Equally when you feel like it, pressing the loud pedal will have the desired effect and you can push it along very nicely. As you have alluded to, the steering can leave you a little in the dark at times but there's no shortage of grip and grunt and there are ways to sort out the deficiencies.
People will take the piss (hairdresser or 's
t steering') but sod them if you like it.
I've driven a 20vT Fiat Coupe and it was fking crazy fast and a right laugh to drive but if I were choosing a car based on it turning over every time I got in it and all the electrics working all the time, I wouldn't pick one.
For what its worth, I love mine. Had it about 6 months now and have covered some sizeable distances in that time. Its a very pleasant place to be for long runs. Comfy seats, great stereo, well put together with only one rattle (bloody parcel shelf) after 70k miles. Very good. Its pretty economical on long runs too.
Equally when you feel like it, pressing the loud pedal will have the desired effect and you can push it along very nicely. As you have alluded to, the steering can leave you a little in the dark at times but there's no shortage of grip and grunt and there are ways to sort out the deficiencies.
People will take the piss (hairdresser or 's
t steering') but sod them if you like it.I've driven a 20vT Fiat Coupe and it was f
king crazy fast and a right laugh to drive but if I were choosing a car based on it turning over every time I got in it and all the electrics working all the time, I wouldn't pick one.80-90k probably isn't an issue as long as all the servicing has been done properly, particularly the cambelt (at 50k) and the Haldex oil changes. Worth bearing in mind the extra stresses on the rest of the car that re-mapping can do if you;re looking at one thats had a bit of tinkering.
The R32 arb mods make a difference so if you can find one which has had that done then fill your boots.
I had a budget of around £6k when I started looking and found that most cars I saw were a little tatty around the edges - interiors worn, chips and scratches, electrical glitches, non-continuous service books etc. I upped the budget a bit and found mine for £7.8k with 65k on it and in top nick with full FMSH and in near perfect condition.
The R32 arb mods make a difference so if you can find one which has had that done then fill your boots.
I had a budget of around £6k when I started looking and found that most cars I saw were a little tatty around the edges - interiors worn, chips and scratches, electrical glitches, non-continuous service books etc. I upped the budget a bit and found mine for £7.8k with 65k on it and in top nick with full FMSH and in near perfect condition.
I had mine for nearly 4 years and it was very good.
It had done 80k when I bought it and abut 120k when I sold it.
Yes, they do understeer, they do sit high (pre-2003 cars) and yes the steering is vague and uninvolving but they are a very solid and well built car and traction is superb (great in snow too with decent tyres fitted). They have better grip than the confidence they inspire in how they handle; they hang on superbly but they feel like you are on the edge of the handling long before they actually lose grip. This is the main complaint with a standard TT.
Go for a 225, look on the TT Forum for one where money has been spent.
A VAGCHECK stage 2 remap is excellent and good for around 270bhp with a sports exhaust alone. This will get you to 60 in a fraction over 5 secs and over 155mph. Not too shabby IMHO!
The negative aspects I mention can all largely be resolved by some after market coliover suspension, R32 Anti Roll Bars and DEFCON re-bush kit for the front wishbones.
Cars with all of this done are readily available and you won't pay anymore for these upgrades over the price of a standard car.
Check that the electric windows work OK as they can be a pain (they should drop 25mm as you open the door and raise after it is closed); new door catch assembly fixes the window drop problems and is around £140 fitted.
Clutch pedals can break but not too common.
Standard suspension springs can break on the rear.
Coil packs can fail too but there are better later ones you can fit (check out Waks site for the TT).
The roof rail trim can corrode on the coupe.
These are only possible things to look for, generally they are a very reliable car and a bit of a bargain now.
I'd have another if I wanted a good GT again.
It had done 80k when I bought it and abut 120k when I sold it.
Yes, they do understeer, they do sit high (pre-2003 cars) and yes the steering is vague and uninvolving but they are a very solid and well built car and traction is superb (great in snow too with decent tyres fitted). They have better grip than the confidence they inspire in how they handle; they hang on superbly but they feel like you are on the edge of the handling long before they actually lose grip. This is the main complaint with a standard TT.
Go for a 225, look on the TT Forum for one where money has been spent.
A VAGCHECK stage 2 remap is excellent and good for around 270bhp with a sports exhaust alone. This will get you to 60 in a fraction over 5 secs and over 155mph. Not too shabby IMHO!
The negative aspects I mention can all largely be resolved by some after market coliover suspension, R32 Anti Roll Bars and DEFCON re-bush kit for the front wishbones.
Cars with all of this done are readily available and you won't pay anymore for these upgrades over the price of a standard car.
Check that the electric windows work OK as they can be a pain (they should drop 25mm as you open the door and raise after it is closed); new door catch assembly fixes the window drop problems and is around £140 fitted.
Clutch pedals can break but not too common.
Standard suspension springs can break on the rear.
Coil packs can fail too but there are better later ones you can fit (check out Waks site for the TT).
The roof rail trim can corrode on the coupe.
These are only possible things to look for, generally they are a very reliable car and a bit of a bargain now.
I'd have another if I wanted a good GT again.
Cheers Kentish, I was hoping you would post as IIRC you had a gorgeous TT that you had spent some time and money on
I would ideally go for exactly what you have described, if anything the map is lowest on my list as I could live with 225 for a few months but having the ARB's sorted would be nice
Cheers for the useful info
I would ideally go for exactly what you have described, if anything the map is lowest on my list as I could live with 225 for a few months but having the ARB's sorted would be nice
Cheers for the useful info
[quote=tractor 2990]if you like e46 m3s but cant afford it the answer is simply get a e36 evo you will get a very good one for 5k look into it [/quote
Except the part where I want a more modern car, e36 only goes to '99 and although I was tempted it's not for me, E46 or nothing I'm afraid
Except the part where I want a more modern car, e36 only goes to '99 and although I was tempted it's not for me, E46 or nothing I'm afraid
anonymous said:
[redacted]
No problem!They are a bit unloved on here but a lot of that is to do with Clarkson type hairdresser comments and the fact that the handling is not as good as it could be out of the box. It always makes me smile when people recommend one of VAG alternatives instead which actually use the same chassis and suspension components and therefore are pretty much the same to drive
The likely reason for most people looking at TT's is probably because they are not interested in a hatchback with "shopping car" looks. The TT is a stylish GT and a lovely design.
Sure, they are no 911 but a 911 isn't £5k.
The TT is a quick car for the price you pay. It is a future classic - still looks great today (better than the MkII IMHO).
With a little money spent on the handling they can be made a very capable car indeed. Buy wisely and hold out for the right car and you needn't spend that money yourself
Hark who is on here is a good guy to also speak with as he owned a lovely TT for a few years.
My mum previously had a 225 TT so I drove that quite alot and have also driven a 3.2.
My advice, dont buy one.
They are simply horrible to drive.
Awkward seating position, A pillars get in the way, no rear seats, pick thier feet up pretty well but understeer so bad, very hard to tell they are 4wd.
So many better driving cars can be bought for the same money.
My advice, dont buy one.
They are simply horrible to drive.
Awkward seating position, A pillars get in the way, no rear seats, pick thier feet up pretty well but understeer so bad, very hard to tell they are 4wd.
So many better driving cars can be bought for the same money.
tractor 2990 said:
sorry for the last post i didnt see that you wanted something more modern e36 m3s are not modern but not dull as you say the 330i is
Yeah that's the thing, I did look and contemplate one quite seriously, but I don't know, they don't quite do it for means much as the E46Adz The Rat said:
My mum previously had a 225 TT so I drove that quite alot and have also driven a 3.2.
My advice, dont buy one.
They are simply horrible to drive.
Awkward seating position, A pillars get in the way, no rear seats, pick thier feet up pretty well but understeer so bad, very hard to tell they are 4wd.
So many better driving cars can be bought for the same money.
Seating position is pretty good except for those who are very short.My advice, dont buy one.
They are simply horrible to drive.
Awkward seating position, A pillars get in the way, no rear seats, pick thier feet up pretty well but understeer so bad, very hard to tell they are 4wd.
So many better driving cars can be bought for the same money.
Handling is not dire as standard but not the best - easily sorted (as mentioned above).
Not many other cars offer the performance, quality and the nice design for such little money.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I personally like the e46 330Ci and would definitely have a drive of one and a good TT to compare both.I think you'll prefer the looks of the TT and the grip but probably prefer the overall feel of the BMW if you like good handling.
They also have their issues, cracked chassis members being a more major one.
I had one for four years and loved it. Yes they understeer and aren't 'that' quick as standard, but they are fairly cheap to tune and improve.
Mine was remapped, full exhaust, coilovers and slightly thicker rear arb. It was no elise but it handled really well on twisty B roads. It gets alot of abuse on here due to the understeer and being predictble to drive. The plus side is it's all usable power, you shouldn't end up backwards in a hedge.
My advice would be go and testdrive one and make your own mind up.
Mine was remapped, full exhaust, coilovers and slightly thicker rear arb. It was no elise but it handled really well on twisty B roads. It gets alot of abuse on here due to the understeer and being predictble to drive. The plus side is it's all usable power, you shouldn't end up backwards in a hedge.
My advice would be go and testdrive one and make your own mind up.
I went from TT 3.2 to Impreza STi and found the latter to be a much better car. While the TT was brilliant to drive and be in, it wasn't much of a driver's car - personally I never felt truly a part of the drive, more just a bloke who inputs commands and lets the car get on with it. The Impreza was a lot more focused, and the power delivery of the STi made it feel much, much faster than the TT. Putting my foot down in the Impreza threw my head back and gave me a primeval surge of adrenaline. In the TT it'd gain speed and sing (quietly), but it never felt as raw or fast as the Impreza.
Perhaps it's horses for courses. But I never gelled with my TT. I loved my Impreza.
Perhaps it's horses for courses. But I never gelled with my TT. I loved my Impreza.
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