Audi tt as second car
Discussion
Pickle_Party_247 said:
Dingu said:
I don’t wanna subsidise your crap driving thanks.
Eh? you missing an S on the end of your username? What isn't objectively crap about an insurance system charging new drivers more than the price of the car for the privilege of driving a 1.2 Corsa?Thinking any claim is capped to the value of the car you drive is a bit naive.
parabolica said:
Keelanv said:
I’m coming up to 1 years no claims, and I’ve been saving my money for a sports car (boxster 986, mr2, z4, slk, etc). However after getting many opinions I was told that a tt would be the best one to go for (mark 2). I’m wondering if anyone would roughly be able to tell me about the car, reliability, insurance prices, speed, etc. I wanted quite a fast car but the tt only has 170-200 bhp. Is this quick enough?
Quick enough for what? What are you comparing it to? The TFSI and TDI engines are decent enough for what they are, but I wouldn't call them fast. Even the V6 gives a decent punch but I still wouldn't call it fast. For 'fast' I'd be looking at the TTS, TTRS etc. Compared to the 986 for example, the Porsche will feel faster than pretty much everything else in this class. I'd say the TT, Z4, SLK are much of a muchness, although with the Audi you get the option of 4wd, if that's important to you.ETA for reference I have a Z4 - a 3l convertible - and I looked at the TT and 986s before I made my choice; all 3 were decent but I always like the Z4 design so decided to scratch that itch.
Edited by parabolica on Tuesday 12th September 13:10
spec wise I found the TT didnt cover what I wanted - I was after a convertible first and must have cruise, finding a TT with cruise was like finding rocking horse s
t. Anyway I ended up opting for the SLK. 14 month later I changed that for a BMW 4 seat convertible cos I just couldnt get on with only 2 seats. The compromise of not being able to throw the shopping in the back, or your coat when its pissing down, just became too much.. I easily got my head round packing for weekends away with the wife, that wasn't a problem, even with the reduces space roof dpwn, just, like I said, that lack of a bit of room behind the seats was an issue. Now a happy owner of a 4 series, and a well stocked back seat :-).
Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 12th September 15:35
@ the OP. When you drive a TT you'll know if you like it and if it is what you want. A quick look on Autotrader suggests there are plenty to pick from, find one near to you (a dealership, to not waste a private sellers time) and take it for a drive. If it feels ropey, it maybe because it is, so try and find a better one to test. How well maintained and loved examples are will vary considerably at this price point. Look for a good service history/FSH, matching branded tyres all round. There is a wealth of knowledge on what you should be looking for on here, so I won't elaborate, but if you're in the position of getting in front of one I'm sure all will be happy to assist.
Fermit said:
@ the OP. When you drive a TT you'll know if you like it and if it is what you want. A quick look on Autotrader suggests there are plenty to pick from, find one near to you (a dealership, to not waste a private sellers time) and take it for a drive. If it feels ropey, it maybe because it is, so try and find a better one to test. How well maintained and loved examples are will vary considerably at this price point. Look for a good service history/FSH, matching branded tyres all round. There is a wealth of knowledge on what you should be looking for on here, so I won't elaborate, but if you're in the position of getting in front of one I'm sure all will be happy to assist.
Thanks a lot for you’re help. I will do this.Keelanv said:
I’m coming up to 1 years no claims, and I’ve been saving my money for a sports car (boxster 986, mr2, z4, slk, etc). However after getting many opinions I was told that a tt would be the best one to go for (mark 2). I’m wondering if anyone would roughly be able to tell me about the car, reliability, insurance prices, speed, etc. I wanted quite a fast car but the tt only has 170-200 bhp. Is this quick enough?
My 3.2 TT convertible had 240HP and was limited to 155mph.It would get there very quickly as it had the flappy paddle gearbox too
Keelanv said:
I’m assuming you didn’t work when you were 18 then. I’ve been working since I was 15 on about 10 quid an hour 10 hours a week doing full time during summer. The “flashy wheels” is a reflection of what I’ve done it’s an achievement. Considering it’s an achievement I don’t fancy waiting another 4 years to buy a z4.
Nobody I knew was fortunate enough to have the kind of connections that would get us a job nearly double the minimum wage for a teenager 
If you want to spend several grand per year on insurance it's your business I guess.
Keelanv said:
Furthermore I’m not going to argue about the reliability between Japanese and Germans. They’re both great, but a tt has 2 extra seats and a hell of a lot more space.
Japanese metal in the era your budget is stretching to will be far, far more reliable. And less prone to annoying electrical gremlins like the TT has. Celica VVTLI will do you just as well, looks better and has more space.Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 12th September 15:50
Left field choice, but try getting a quote on an old jag (x300 or X308). I managed to insure a 4L supercharged V8 at 20, a guy at uni had the 4L straight six too. Brilliant cars, still miss mine. Was a proper event to drive, especially when straight piped 
. Cost me less to insure than the fiesta I had before, lol
. Cost me less to insure than the fiesta I had before, lol Silvanus said:
Well this thread took a turn, good old PH.
In fairness, it's hardly going all 'company director'. £12k P/A is what I would expect an 18 y/o to be earning. If living at home he will have been able to easily save £5k (with more discipline than I held at this age) for a nicer car.If you want a TT go for it. Yes there are better drivers cars available but that’s not the point. If we all used cars just as transportation the right answer to every what car would be the cheapest automatic stbox we could find.
But if you’re in a position to buy something you want then you should. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of it. At 18 a TT will be plenty powerful and a lot more forgiving than some equivalent RWD sports cars might be if you get a bit enthusiastic. Plus because it’s a car with many shared mechanical bits it will be a little easier to fix than some other options.
tbox we could find. But if you’re in a position to buy something you want then you should. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of it. At 18 a TT will be plenty powerful and a lot more forgiving than some equivalent RWD sports cars might be if you get a bit enthusiastic. Plus because it’s a car with many shared mechanical bits it will be a little easier to fix than some other options.
RedAndy said:
historic/classic cars
is this something you'd entertain OP, or is image/ being modern important? Christ, my wife took some persuading that a 2008 E91 335i is not 'old', and no, you don't want one as an 18 year olds second car. I get, it, many just consider older cars as, well, old! You only know if there is any appeal in old/retro etc, but a lot on here are old farts on here who would no doubt provide suggestions.My 'retro' leftfield suggestions.
Why he didn't vacuum the inside, who knows, plus the steering wheel is an easy replace/restore
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305297...
Find some original wheels, very well regarded back in the day
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309031...
these could go up in value, where, for now at least, a £5k TT will depreciate.
Edited by Fermit on Tuesday 12th September 17:07
I've had a MK 2 TT (Roadster) for a couple of years.
I wouldn't call it fast - but I quite like the engine. It's pretty nippy and pulls well - revving it high doesn't really seem to make it go much faster but it does feel like it's quick enough at least for my use.
Not sure I'd call it a great drive but that's mostly because I'm not a fan of fwd.
I find the interior is decent quality and a nice place to be, although my seats don't have the greatest comfort.
When I bought it, I was a bit 'meh' about it. However it then became my main car for about 6 months and it grew on me. It's a decent car and mine has been very reliable.
If you like them, I can't think of a good reason not to buy one
I wouldn't call it fast - but I quite like the engine. It's pretty nippy and pulls well - revving it high doesn't really seem to make it go much faster but it does feel like it's quick enough at least for my use.
Not sure I'd call it a great drive but that's mostly because I'm not a fan of fwd.
I find the interior is decent quality and a nice place to be, although my seats don't have the greatest comfort.
When I bought it, I was a bit 'meh' about it. However it then became my main car for about 6 months and it grew on me. It's a decent car and mine has been very reliable.
If you like them, I can't think of a good reason not to buy one
davek_964 said:
I've had a MK 2 TT (Roadster) for a couple of years.
I wouldn't call it fast - but I quite like the engine. It's pretty nippy and pulls well - revving it high doesn't really seem to make it go much faster but it does feel like it's quick enough at least for my use.
Not sure I'd call it a great drive but that's mostly because I'm not a fan of fwd.
I find the interior is decent quality and a nice place to be, although my seats don't have the greatest comfort.
When I bought it, I was a bit 'meh' about it. However it then became my main car for about 6 months and it grew on me. It's a decent car and mine has been very reliable.
If you like them, I can't think of a good reason not to buy one
Thank you for the help, do you have any idea how insurance might be on one for a 2L diesel or 1.8L petrol? For 1 year ncd I wouldn't call it fast - but I quite like the engine. It's pretty nippy and pulls well - revving it high doesn't really seem to make it go much faster but it does feel like it's quick enough at least for my use.
Not sure I'd call it a great drive but that's mostly because I'm not a fan of fwd.
I find the interior is decent quality and a nice place to be, although my seats don't have the greatest comfort.
When I bought it, I was a bit 'meh' about it. However it then became my main car for about 6 months and it grew on me. It's a decent car and mine has been very reliable.
If you like them, I can't think of a good reason not to buy one
zarjaz1991 said:
People should stop having a go at the OP for wanting to use his own money to buy an Audi TT at 18.
Some of this smacks of envy.
Me, I say well done lad and enjoy it. Wish I’d been able to do that at that age.
Some of this smacks of envy.
Me, I say well done lad and enjoy it. Wish I’d been able to do that at that age.
Absolutely! And actually the TT really isn't a bad option for an only car at all with the OP's requirements. Much as I like Z4's etc, they're two seat only and don't have the hatch back that a TT has. The MK2 TT is pretty decent to drive and a big step on from the iconic but a bit disappointing mk1.
But on the insurance thing, have you run some quotes OP? I think this is critical as you're asking people about costs and you've mentioned things like insurance groups or engine sizes etc but this stuff can be a red herring and not necessarily that indicative of what you'll pay. Two identical people living two streets apart could pay drastically different premiums on the same car. Run some quotes through for your circumstances on the comparison sites of stuff you're interested and stick them into excel or something for reference. There may be some surprises there, good or bad!
It's also worth mentioning that Z4's also came in 2.0 flavour so if you like Z4's generally but were worried about costs associated with the 3l, that might be something to consider. MK3 MR2's are brilliant and your budget should get you a very good one. Drive them carefully though as they can catch people out. They also have almost no luggage space just in case that's important to you.
I presume hot hatches aren't floating your boat?
Edited by Gad-Westy on Tuesday 12th September 17:41
Dingu said:
Pickle_Party_247 said:
Dingu said:
I don’t wanna subsidise your crap driving thanks.
Eh? you missing an S on the end of your username? What isn't objectively crap about an insurance system charging new drivers more than the price of the car for the privilege of driving a 1.2 Corsa?Thinking any claim is capped to the value of the car you drive is a bit naive.
Gad-Westy said:
I presume hot hatches aren't floating your boat?
Would be my thoughts, historically I'm a hot hatch. The car for me which is 'the one which got away' is my 172 Cup. Only sold when in short term financial problems, I swore it was to be a forever car. They ARE a riot to drive, but don't suffer idiots. in 2002, it was the fastest car 0-60 for less than £20k (6.2 seconds) They are hardcore though, no ABS, no traction control, wider track and lower than a regular Sport. A useful 120kg less than a regular sport too (the later 'Cups' were only 30kg lighter)This is IMO the best on sale within budget - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186044461997?hash=item2... it has a good provenance, looks well loved (mint alloys, dodgy steering wheel rubbers sorted by a re-trim, all important 172 side badges - there were many '17' Cups out there as the badges could fall off, Michelin tyres all round)
Kept standard like this one I would guarantee my house on it being a future classic. I am positive that in 10 years time this will have doubled in value. I'd have one, but as it is my 335i is a pricey project, and I can't justify another toy. Sure I'll be kicking myself in 2033, they won't build other hot-hatches like this again.
Edited by Fermit on Tuesday 12th September 17:49
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