£9k Audi TT RS | Spotted
The most affordable way into that fabulous engine - with a manual gearbox as well
The Audi TT RS always had a tough time of it. It was never anybody’s favourite sports car, because it didn’t skid like a Cayman or a Z4. It was never even anybody’s favourite five-cylinder Audi, because the Quattro and RS2 had preceded it - then the RS3 came soon after. Vaguely practical with an epic engine will always be cooler and more interesting than an actual two-door coupe with an epic engine.
Nevertheless, it’s easy - as with so many TTs now they’re gone - to be charmed all these years later. See not only does the second generation actually still look pretty smart (especially for now being 20 years old), this was the only instance from the factory where the 2.5-litre turbo five was mated to a six-speed manual. The final layer of interaction that would probably elevate the RS3 to true icon status, nestled in a TT for just a couple of years. No prizes for guessing what we’ve found here…
The six-speed TT RS was one of those strange driver-focused concessions that Audi conjures up every now and then. Like the rear-wheel drive R8s, RS4s with coilovers and an RS6 dressed up like an old IMSA car, they do have form. Precious few are sold, but they always act as nice reminders that Audi does actually care about the experience.
Obviously, there weren’t many TTs sold with a five-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox. The DSG played better to the car’s point and squirt nature, as well as offering up slightly better MPG; the involvement of a stick and pedals suited a more involving kind of sports car. Only now, without many sports cars, manuals or weeks left with the five-cyl, it’s hard not to be intrigued.
It won’t be a Porsche-rivalling gearbox, but it will offer up total control of a fabulous engine to the driver. And that sounds like a very enjoyable experience. Now, a 17-year-old four-wheel drive TT with that 2.5 (and 125,000 miles) will need proper maintenance, and certainly won’t be immune to a sizeable bill or two. But the same could be said for so much of this ilk. Exciting powertrains seldom come without, um, exciting running costs.
There are encouraging signs here, at least. The dealer promises a full history, it’s only changed hands on average every four years, and look at those wheels: good as new, with a fresh Michelin Pilot Sport 5 on each corner, and what look like EBC Yellowstuff pads. All without that sort of thing being mentioned on the MOT. Almost like someone just wanted their TT RS to be as good as it could be…
The interior also looks smart in every sense: still stylish and without any obvious imperfections, which is some achievement given the upholstery colour. Swap the screen for something that speaks smartphone and you’d have a nicer cabin, surely, than many a new car. Many a new Audi, that’s for sure.
And it’s the cheapest TT RS out there, at just £8,995. There aren’t very many cheaper five-cylinder cars, really, certainly not petrols: the odd VR5, some Volvos, and Fords with a Volvo engine in. If all that’s not enough for the TT RS to gain a few places in the five-pot favourites league table, nothing will be.
SPECIFICATION | AUDI TT RS
Engine: 2,480cc, five-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 340@5,400-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@1,600rpm-5,300rpm
CO2: 214g/km
MPG: 30.7
Year registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 125,070
Price new: £42,985 (2009)
Yours for: £8,995
The only thing that puts me off is that I use my cars on track, and I cant see any reviews that dont mention a lot of understeer when pushed on, which I feel would be a real blow and reason enough to keep hold of my boxster, even though its considerably less powerful.
In 2009 and at 29 I could have 3, four day test drives of my company car choices. I already settled on a mk6 gti, so used this was one of my slots. Fun times. (last slot was an Rx8 - hated it)
Not sure about the MOT history on this one! It’s got lots of references to: non standard exhaust, no catalyst and lots of emission test fails. It’s clearly been buggered about with for quite a lot of its life. Interesting
Not sure about the MOT history on this one! It s got lots of references to: non standard exhaust, no catalyst and lots of emission test fails. It s clearly been buggered about with for quite a lot of its life. Interesting
If anything I'm more concerned about when they suddenly go back to being 'standard' as this is sometimes done as a bodge job in order to get shot of the car, and quite often the motivating factor is an expensive issue cropping up which has either been covered up or also bodged... interestingly the ad for this one makes no mention of any modifications.
If I was looking for a small Coupe with a bit of go and not much cash, this would be very near the top of the list. Great colour combo too, which is rare for an Audi.
I actually really like the lack of spoiler and comfort seats, this'd be a decent daily in theory, alongside the added peace of mind as it'll fly under the radar a lot more than the RS3 mentioned here - a different proposition (engine aside) and highly sought after by ne'er-do-wells.
Even these early ones respond well to tuning, and we've plenty of specialists who can advise on gains and add-ons to accentuate what this car already has.
For the money, this seems a solid deal. Presents well enough, too.
TT RS Spoiler could be optioned on this and TT S for the wannabe look, not having it makes it a tad more discreet and understated,
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