TTS mk3 or alternative
Discussion
Hi guys 
English is not my first language, but I hope it will be good enough.
I am considering the above-mentioned car, but would like a second opinion before pulling the trigger.
I am looking for a sport...ish everyday car.
Limited garage space (1 for me, one for the wife) and can't have a dedicated weekend car. So it has to be fun to drive on backroads for fun, but also do everything a daily has to do - from town runs to short 1-2hrs highway sessions to occasional longer trips 1-2x per year, and has to be a bearable enough ride for non-petrolhead passengers when in comfort mode.
- no kids or dogs, so rear seats are not needed as such, but I do need to be able to take the backrest down when waiting for the mrs. or taking a break on a longer drive, which can be an issue with some small mid engine sport coupes.
- I do need at least decent boot space, where the TT again often has an advantage over rivals.
- I like that it is shorter compared to something like an m240i, again being a daily that is often driven in a town with limited parking space
- I like the aesthetic of a coupe over hot hatches
So while I can think of cars with better performance, I'm not sure there is one with a better overall balance of what is required. The biggest drawback is not having adaptive cruise control, but I am not on the highway or congested traffic on regular, so not a deal breaker.
Than there is also the tts vs ttrs question, which is more difficult.
TTRS is a better performance car, certainly in a straight line..
But as a daily I am not sure there realy is a need for that - even the regular TT probably has more than enough acceleration. Also, with no track days, no German Autobahn and with cameras everywhere...
How is handling between the two? Even if TTS tends to be a bit softer that might ultimately be a + for a daily, as long as it is still good enough on the twisties under speed limits (or a bit over
).
Is weight distribution the same, or does TTS have the engine further back and possibly a better balance?
Do both come with adaptive (magnetic?) suspension as standard?
Sure, the TTRS has that engine, but the price difference is significant - 45k vs 70k EUR (last gen under 40k km within the "Audi guarantee" scheme), there is a 6k difference only on "taxes" or whatever levies (eco and what not, even if it is all within EU).
I'm 50, "road stupid" days are far behind, irritating neighbors with bangs and crackles not appealing, just still like to feel some life in a car, get a smile from it and not have to crawl through every corner on a backroad.
All things considered TTS seems like the sweet spot in the TT line, and the TT seems a sweet spot between daily practicality and sportiness.
No local options to try them, will have to take a long trip for that and would like to have a good idea about what I'm going for before making it.
English is not my first language, but I hope it will be good enough.
I am considering the above-mentioned car, but would like a second opinion before pulling the trigger.
I am looking for a sport...ish everyday car.
Limited garage space (1 for me, one for the wife) and can't have a dedicated weekend car. So it has to be fun to drive on backroads for fun, but also do everything a daily has to do - from town runs to short 1-2hrs highway sessions to occasional longer trips 1-2x per year, and has to be a bearable enough ride for non-petrolhead passengers when in comfort mode.
- no kids or dogs, so rear seats are not needed as such, but I do need to be able to take the backrest down when waiting for the mrs. or taking a break on a longer drive, which can be an issue with some small mid engine sport coupes.
- I do need at least decent boot space, where the TT again often has an advantage over rivals.
- I like that it is shorter compared to something like an m240i, again being a daily that is often driven in a town with limited parking space
- I like the aesthetic of a coupe over hot hatches
So while I can think of cars with better performance, I'm not sure there is one with a better overall balance of what is required. The biggest drawback is not having adaptive cruise control, but I am not on the highway or congested traffic on regular, so not a deal breaker.
Than there is also the tts vs ttrs question, which is more difficult.
TTRS is a better performance car, certainly in a straight line..
But as a daily I am not sure there realy is a need for that - even the regular TT probably has more than enough acceleration. Also, with no track days, no German Autobahn and with cameras everywhere...
How is handling between the two? Even if TTS tends to be a bit softer that might ultimately be a + for a daily, as long as it is still good enough on the twisties under speed limits (or a bit over
). Is weight distribution the same, or does TTS have the engine further back and possibly a better balance?
Do both come with adaptive (magnetic?) suspension as standard?
Sure, the TTRS has that engine, but the price difference is significant - 45k vs 70k EUR (last gen under 40k km within the "Audi guarantee" scheme), there is a 6k difference only on "taxes" or whatever levies (eco and what not, even if it is all within EU).
I'm 50, "road stupid" days are far behind, irritating neighbors with bangs and crackles not appealing, just still like to feel some life in a car, get a smile from it and not have to crawl through every corner on a backroad.
All things considered TTS seems like the sweet spot in the TT line, and the TT seems a sweet spot between daily practicality and sportiness.
No local options to try them, will have to take a long trip for that and would like to have a good idea about what I'm going for before making it.
Your English is better than many people who live in England!
I personally think the TTS is a great all rounder and would suit your requirements.
The only alternative, and it may be too long, would be another coupé, the Lexus RC, which in F trim is... A nice place to be.
Otherwise maybe an Abarth 695, but comfort on 1-2 hour trips may be an issue, it may depend on how often you do them.
I personally think the TTS is a great all rounder and would suit your requirements.
The only alternative, and it may be too long, would be another coupé, the Lexus RC, which in F trim is... A nice place to be.
Otherwise maybe an Abarth 695, but comfort on 1-2 hour trips may be an issue, it may depend on how often you do them.
I’m a big fan of the Audi TTS!
I think it’s bang on for your brief.
I do think the TTS suits the DSG gearbox better than the manual.
The TTRS is a more special car. It doesn’t get anywhere near the recognition it deserves. If it is worth €25,000 Euro more I think only you can answer that. It will also have higher running costs unfortunately. I’d maybe say have a nosey at a Revo remap for the TTS instead.
I think it’s bang on for your brief.
I do think the TTS suits the DSG gearbox better than the manual.
The TTRS is a more special car. It doesn’t get anywhere near the recognition it deserves. If it is worth €25,000 Euro more I think only you can answer that. It will also have higher running costs unfortunately. I’d maybe say have a nosey at a Revo remap for the TTS instead.
I look at these a lot and have read several reviews. Never driven one but I've sat in a few and the interior is absolutely lovely. For your requirements it would seem pretty ideal, think of it as a 2 seater with decent boot space. I'm only 5 foot 9 but I can't sit in the back as my head is on the rear screen. Zero legroom either.
Lots of people say the TT is boring to drive and is just basically a tarted up Golf. I never really got that because the Golf is meant to be a great drivers car and all the reviews of the mk3 TT are extremely positive.
The TTS seems to be very quick. 60 in 4.6 secs which compares very well with other cars of its type as well as hot hatches. I have read that the ride is very hard and that the sweet spot is actually the 2.0 S line quattro with the DSG box. These get to 60 on 5.3 which to me seems more than enough.
TTS
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023090214...
S line
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023100326...
There's a fair price difference. I'd probably try both to check if the TTS is worth the extra.
Not too many alternatives really. The 2 series which you mentioned is one. Then there's the GT86 which is said to be a fabulous drive but nowhere near as quick as the TTS.
Lots of people say the TT is boring to drive and is just basically a tarted up Golf. I never really got that because the Golf is meant to be a great drivers car and all the reviews of the mk3 TT are extremely positive.
The TTS seems to be very quick. 60 in 4.6 secs which compares very well with other cars of its type as well as hot hatches. I have read that the ride is very hard and that the sweet spot is actually the 2.0 S line quattro with the DSG box. These get to 60 on 5.3 which to me seems more than enough.
TTS
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023090214...
S line
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023100326...
There's a fair price difference. I'd probably try both to check if the TTS is worth the extra.
Not too many alternatives really. The 2 series which you mentioned is one. Then there's the GT86 which is said to be a fabulous drive but nowhere near as quick as the TTS.
I recently sold my mk3 TTS having owned it for a few months - it was a roadster bought to enjoy over the summer.
I found it to be a really, really good car - with the proviso that it's not a great choice if you want the sort of driving dynamics that you need on a race track. However, for everyday road use, it's plenty fast enough (306 hp and four wheel drive), beautifully built (especially the cabin), OK on fuel (average 30 mpg), fairly comfortable and quite practical if you get the coupe. The S Tronic is a really good transmission IMO. Looks are subjective of course, but I think they look great. Pretty reliable too - the water pump/thermostat fails and that's a £1000 fix but might already have been done.
The TTRS is even better and offers huge performance, but it's another £10k+ and I feel the TTS is the sweet spot in terms of value.
They tend to attract sneering comments from some - you know, "hairdresser's car", "Golf in a frock", "dull as dishwater" sort of things - but I reckon the TTS is underrated and pretty good value. Ignore the haters! £22k should buy a good example.
I found it to be a really, really good car - with the proviso that it's not a great choice if you want the sort of driving dynamics that you need on a race track. However, for everyday road use, it's plenty fast enough (306 hp and four wheel drive), beautifully built (especially the cabin), OK on fuel (average 30 mpg), fairly comfortable and quite practical if you get the coupe. The S Tronic is a really good transmission IMO. Looks are subjective of course, but I think they look great. Pretty reliable too - the water pump/thermostat fails and that's a £1000 fix but might already have been done.
The TTRS is even better and offers huge performance, but it's another £10k+ and I feel the TTS is the sweet spot in terms of value.
They tend to attract sneering comments from some - you know, "hairdresser's car", "Golf in a frock", "dull as dishwater" sort of things - but I reckon the TTS is underrated and pretty good value. Ignore the haters! £22k should buy a good example.
Thnx guys for a lot of great feedback
It is not that the size is a must, just a benefit for city driving. Managed to do it with much bigger estate cars, but if all that space is not needed it is certainly a benefit to be shorter.
Not a fan of Abarth aesthetically, though on the smaller side (compared to even TT) I did consider the Mini. Lovely cars to drive and I like the outgoing gen (not the incoming one though, too modern and for me). If we steer away from coupes than there are a lot of hatches on offer, specially if willing to omit AWD. But the coupe form is what I like the most aesthetically, and can finally use them without being worried about the lack of space as it is either just for myself or myself and the wife, and have no more "ikea runs", moving homes and the like either.
I don't have a problem with firm rides myself, if anything better a bit stiffer than mushy. Tried to drive a number of comfort oriented cars (like the french DS) and fund it very irritating in anything but the firmest setting, which should instead be the softest one if done to my taste.
The problem is that I want to be able to drive my wife in it, it would otherwise be limited to just a personal fun car, defying the purpose of an all-rounder.
But the lexus is a good contender for sure.
macron said:
The only alternative, and it may be too long, would be another coupé, the Lexus RC, which in F trim is... A nice place to be.
Otherwise maybe an Abarth 695, but comfort on 1-2 hour trips may be an issue, it may depend on how often you do them.
I do have RC on the list. Wel, if it was LC it would be a no brainer, but RC does not feel that much of a step up inside, while being a bit down on performance. I'm sure reliability and sound insulation are better though. Worth considering.Otherwise maybe an Abarth 695, but comfort on 1-2 hour trips may be an issue, it may depend on how often you do them.
It is not that the size is a must, just a benefit for city driving. Managed to do it with much bigger estate cars, but if all that space is not needed it is certainly a benefit to be shorter.
Not a fan of Abarth aesthetically, though on the smaller side (compared to even TT) I did consider the Mini. Lovely cars to drive and I like the outgoing gen (not the incoming one though, too modern and for me). If we steer away from coupes than there are a lot of hatches on offer, specially if willing to omit AWD. But the coupe form is what I like the most aesthetically, and can finally use them without being worried about the lack of space as it is either just for myself or myself and the wife, and have no more "ikea runs", moving homes and the like either.
I don't have a problem with firm rides myself, if anything better a bit stiffer than mushy. Tried to drive a number of comfort oriented cars (like the french DS) and fund it very irritating in anything but the firmest setting, which should instead be the softest one if done to my taste.
The problem is that I want to be able to drive my wife in it, it would otherwise be limited to just a personal fun car, defying the purpose of an all-rounder.
But the lexus is a good contender for sure.
CG2020UK said:
The TTRS is a more special car. It doesn’t get anywhere near the recognition it deserves. If it is worth €25,000 Euro more I think only you can answer that. It will also have higher running costs unfortunately. I’d maybe say have a nosey at a Revo remap for the TTS instead.
I will probably consider a remap, but not immediately as cars with such low mileage usually still have some varanity left. Also need to see if it is actually needed, no reason to put more strain on the car otherwise. I don't know if the manual can be changed to full manual without the whole gearbox remap though?That is one of the few downsides in the car I'd certainly like to change.
ChrisH72 said:
Lots of people say the TT is boring to drive and is just basically a tarted up Golf. I never really got that because the Golf is meant to be a great drivers car and all the reviews of the mk3 TT are extremely positive.
The TTS seems to be very quick. 60 in 4.6 secs which compares very well with other cars of its type as well as hot hatches. I have read that the ride is very hard and that the sweet spot is actually the 2.0 S line quattro with the DSG box. These get to 60 on 5.3 which to me seems more than enough.
Yeah, but that is a bit nonsensical this days when fewer and fewer cars have bespoke platforms. Outside supercars most share a lot of sThe TTS seems to be very quick. 60 in 4.6 secs which compares very well with other cars of its type as well as hot hatches. I have read that the ride is very hard and that the sweet spot is actually the 2.0 S line quattro with the DSG box. These get to 60 on 5.3 which to me seems more than enough.
t, but also platforms offer enough adjustability to make cars different enough. Firmness might be an issue for the wife if too much.
This cars are extremely rare in my area for some reason though, and those that I have seen are usually heavily modded like one RS variant with everything possible done to it, including reinforced engine to take high ethanol fuel for drag races.
Finding sme to try will require some planning and travel.
I will try to find a specialised dealer, probably in Germany, that has a big enough selection of different models on offer to be able to try and buy on the spot.
Experiences and reviews don't help much in that regard as people have very different sensitivities, same cars get rated as both too firm and rather soft by different people.
Hants PHer said:
I found it to be a really, really good car - with the proviso that it's not a great choice if you want the sort of driving dynamics that you need on a race track. However, for everyday road use, it's plenty fast enough (306 hp and four wheel drive), beautifully built (especially the cabin), OK on fuel (average 30 mpg), fairly comfortable and quite practical if you get the coupe. The S Tronic is a really good transmission IMO. Looks are subjective of course, but I think they look great. Pretty reliable too - the water pump/thermostat fails and that's a £1000 fix but might already have been done.
The TTRS is even better and offers huge performance, but it's another £10k+ and I feel the TTS is the sweet spot in terms of value.
For a street car I actually like the audi "boring and predictable syndrome". Which is overstated anyway. It is certainly not a sports car company, not even a BMW, but it is not a comfort and dullness one either, a good middle ground for a practical street car.The TTRS is even better and offers huge performance, but it's another £10k+ and I feel the TTS is the sweet spot in terms of value.
I do tend to like audi cars in general, including the understated but elegant exteriors and interiors.
Don't expect it would have any immediate repairs needed as it will be purchased by Audi aproved dealers within their program of Audi-checked cars that come with a 1yr warranty post-checkup, besides the initial warranty that many with sub 40km still have.
The price difference for RS is double that though for cars under described conditions and that have to be imported from out of country (£ 5000 difference just in what goes to the state on import). I do tend to keep cars for very long when I like them, so prefer to err on the side of caution when buying and go just past the first big depreciation and low mileage.
I think I'd rather spend that money for some trips with that car than the relatively small gain besides the sound in the RS. At least for a daily in stock form, if it was a racing vehicle than the RS would be worth it, seen people modding those to ridiculous levels of performance competing with much more expensive cars, specially in a straight line.
But for a fun daily even the basc TT might have acceptable acceleration, so I wander what is better and handling? I am wandering if the TTS might not even be the best there due to a smaller engine - certainly lighter, but possibly even positioned closer to the axle?
Hants PHer said:
They tend to attract sneering comments from some - you know, "hairdresser's car", "Golf in a frock", "dull as dishwater" sort of things - but I reckon the TTS is underrated and pretty good value. Ignore the haters! £22k should buy a good example.
As someone who loves minis TT is probably an upgrade regarding "hairdresser" comments Don't care a bit, I want to drive what I enjoy driving, too old to need or care to impress anyone. And there are very few small coupes remaining, let alone those that can fit some luggage and taller people (I'm no giant, but at 6'1 and something some sports cars can already be a bit tight).
Edited by Dolgyal on Thursday 23 November 16:40
Harsh ride bugs me. Actually find it tiresome. I run it in comfort mode as sport suspension is too much.
Very short wheel base can cause it to be a bit bouncy on the British roads, I bet on German roads it feels great.
Fast, very well built. Very sure footed and brilliant acceleration. Interior is nice but has a few minor design niggles. Very much form over function for some controls, which look superb but don’t in real terms work as well as normal designs. Quite economical for so much performance.
Rear seats for small children only.
If you live somewhere with really nice, smooth roads, it would be excellent.
Very short wheel base can cause it to be a bit bouncy on the British roads, I bet on German roads it feels great.
Fast, very well built. Very sure footed and brilliant acceleration. Interior is nice but has a few minor design niggles. Very much form over function for some controls, which look superb but don’t in real terms work as well as normal designs. Quite economical for so much performance.
Rear seats for small children only.
If you live somewhere with really nice, smooth roads, it would be excellent.
TTmonkey said:
Harsh ride bugs me. Actually find it tiresome. I run it in comfort mode as sport suspension is too much.
Very short wheel base can cause it to be a bit bouncy on the British roads, I bet on German roads it feels great.
Fast, very well built. Very sure footed and brilliant acceleration. Interior is nice but has a few minor design niggles. Very much form over function for some controls, which look superb but don’t in real terms work as well as normal designs. Quite economical for so much performance.
Rear seats for small children only.
If you live somewhere with really nice, smooth roads, it would be excellent.
Are you on 20" or 19" wheels? Any complaints by passengers when in comfort? Very short wheel base can cause it to be a bit bouncy on the British roads, I bet on German roads it feels great.
Fast, very well built. Very sure footed and brilliant acceleration. Interior is nice but has a few minor design niggles. Very much form over function for some controls, which look superb but don’t in real terms work as well as normal designs. Quite economical for so much performance.
Rear seats for small children only.
If you live somewhere with really nice, smooth roads, it would be excellent.
I need 2+2 only to be able to recline the seat when resting or as an additional storage space, not planning to put anyone back, so it seems as a great option that is not wasting space for real seats but also not overly limiting reclining like firewalls on mid engine sport coupes tend to do, and gives a lot of storage when folded.
Roads are a mixed bag. Highways are good, new and smooth. Local roads are 50:50. But long trips are mostly on highways, and not that often, so it should be OK.
Dolgyal said:
Are you on 20" or 19" wheels? Any complaints by passengers when in comfort?
I need 2+2 only to be able to recline the seat when resting or as an additional storage space, not planning to put anyone back, so it seems as a great option that is not wasting space for real seats but also not overly limiting reclining like firewalls on mid engine sport coupes tend to do, and gives a lot of storage when folded.
Roads are a mixed bag. Highways are good, new and smooth. Local roads are 50:50. But long trips are mostly on highways, and not that often, so it should be OK.
20s and it’s harsh. The Porsche is also on 20s but the ride is miles different, much better. Usually as the driver you feel the ride as less harsh, but actually in this car I feel it’s close to being unacceptably crash and bouncy. British roads are in a right state though. I can’t stand being passenger in it for long drives but my wife doesn’t complain about it (it is her car though so maybe she is more forgiving). I need 2+2 only to be able to recline the seat when resting or as an additional storage space, not planning to put anyone back, so it seems as a great option that is not wasting space for real seats but also not overly limiting reclining like firewalls on mid engine sport coupes tend to do, and gives a lot of storage when folded.
Roads are a mixed bag. Highways are good, new and smooth. Local roads are 50:50. But long trips are mostly on highways, and not that often, so it should be OK.
It swallows a lot of luggage with the rears folded. Also, fairly decent size dog cage just about fits.
Agree about the reclining, I’d love to put the Boxsters seats back a little bit but can’t.
TTmonkey said:
20s and it’s harsh. The Porsche is also on 20s but the ride is miles different, much better. Usually as the driver you feel the ride as less harsh, but actually in this car I feel it’s close to being unacceptably crash and bouncy. British roads are in a right state though. I can’t stand being passenger in it for long drives but my wife doesn’t complain about it (it is her car though so maybe she is more forgiving).
It swallows a lot of luggage with the rears folded. Also, fairly decent size dog cage just about fits.
Agree about the reclining, I’d love to put the Boxsters seats back a little bit but can’t.
I would definitely go for 19s for a daily, maybe even 18 if still finding it too hard.It swallows a lot of luggage with the rears folded. Also, fairly decent size dog cage just about fits.
Agree about the reclining, I’d love to put the Boxsters seats back a little bit but can’t.
That makes TT such a rare prospect. For two people does not realy sacrifice anything against regular cars. Porsche is beautiful to look at, has that mid engine and handles great, but not sure I could use it as a daily and not just a weekend car. Better enthusiast's car, bit not an all-rounder.
Such a pity it is getting discontinued and everyone is so obsessed with SUV and crossover vehicles even if never taking them off road, or at least not anywhere where you could not take a normal car too. Not a hater, everything has a place, but between SUV trends and EVs it seems that fun to drive sporty cars tend to be going away and every couple of years something gets discontinued.
Dolgyal said:
I would definitely go for 19s for a daily, maybe even 18 if still finding it too hard.
That makes TT such a rare prospect. For two people does not realy sacrifice anything against regular cars. Porsche is beautiful to look at, has that mid engine and handles great, but not sure I could use it as a daily and not just a weekend car. Better enthusiast's car, bit not an all-rounder.
Such a pity it is getting discontinued and everyone is so obsessed with SUV and crossover vehicles even if never taking them off road, or at least not anywhere where you could not take a normal car too. Not a hater, everything has a place, but between SUV trends and EVs it seems that fun to drive sporty cars tend to be going away and every couple of years something gets discontinued.
Agreed the TTS is a great car for two. Fast, sure footed, stylish, well built. Dam practical too, and 4wd makes it an all year round car., That makes TT such a rare prospect. For two people does not realy sacrifice anything against regular cars. Porsche is beautiful to look at, has that mid engine and handles great, but not sure I could use it as a daily and not just a weekend car. Better enthusiast's car, bit not an all-rounder.
Such a pity it is getting discontinued and everyone is so obsessed with SUV and crossover vehicles even if never taking them off road, or at least not anywhere where you could not take a normal car too. Not a hater, everything has a place, but between SUV trends and EVs it seems that fun to drive sporty cars tend to be going away and every couple of years something gets discontinued.
Unlike my Porsche:-
JaredVannett said:
TTmonkey said:
Does the mk3 tt-s ride softer than the RS (more comfortable)? - I know they have the magnetic ride option.JaredVannett said:
Does the mk3 tt-s ride softer than the RS (more comfortable)? - I know they have the magnetic ride option.
Magnetic ride is standard on the mk3 TTS and was, IIRC, an option on the TTRS. The mag ride allows a choice of damper settings including Sport and Comfort. You can also create an Individual setting where you can mix and match the various settings (suspension, engine etc.).I owned a TTS with 19 inch wheels and tended to use Individual with ride set to Comfort. The ride was firm but not harsh and was, I think, a very good compromise for everyday driving on British roads - at least, those in leafy Hampshire.
I test drove a TTRS without mag ride but with 20 inch wheels and it was too harsh for me and my ageing spine! Very fast car and sounded great though, but too stiff for me. And anyway the performance is nigh on unusable on the busy roads where I live.
TLDR: yes, it does (ride softer, that is).
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