Mk2 TT

[Mcflurry1992]

Before we begin - I’m not after driving nirvana, just a car to share with the wife! I have an abarth 595 Trofeo which I adore but it’s just a little too compromising on longer journeys. Ride is super firm, no 6th gear etc. I also have a motorbike so don’t need Uber speed as I get that there. I’ve driven a few TT’s now and have been pleasantly surprised by the smoothness and they’re fairly nice places to be. I tend to change cars every 18 months so I’m willing to try it for a bit. I had a Z4 for a while and although I loved it, it wasn’t the most reliable thing, and I’m keen to Try some other marques. And I need back seats for a cat box (don’t ask).

Nowadays, 4-5k seems to get you a mk2 2006-2010 with around 80k miles. I’m fairly picky on visual spec, so I’d be after a car with the 18inch turbine or 19 inch rs4 alloys. Is there any great reason to avoid the 19s? Does the ride suffer a lot?

I’ve got my eye on a 2009 s line, which as far as I can see has the facelift front bumper, and lowered suspension. Was there any other major upgrade in 2009 or did that come in in 2010 when they updated the engine lineup?

They tend to come with an iPod input, does this Work with modern phones through a 3.5mm jack? And can you skip songs via the wheel etc?

Finally, the cars on the market seem to be due a second cam belt, at least on age. Is there anything in particular to be careful about there?

I’m not after alternatives, just some good honest feedback on living with a mk2 TT. Much appreciated!

[mikey P 500]

Would also like similar feedback as have noticed how good value the MK2 TT is currently, must be out of fashion. I was looking at the price of Mk6 golf R or Scirocco R still £10k plus but a TTS with same engine and performance in what was once a more expensive car is now about £8k, so how in practical are they (can back seats fit children for example).