Audi tt as second car

[Keelanv]

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?

[Keelanv]

Silvanus 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?

Despite what many will tell you, Audi TTs are great cars, the early models weren't the best handling cars but that improved through the generations. However one thing they aren't (with the exception of the RS) is a sports car. They are Coupes, more of a hot hatch in a fancy frock, with a very well designed interior.

If you give an indication of your budget and what you want from the car, I'm sure PHers will offer up some advice.

My budgets about 5 grand. Thank you for helping, as much as the aren’t flat out sports cars I really like the look of them and was told they’re great cars to drive. I’m looking for a car that is great to drive and decent looking.

[Keelanv]

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

Quick enough for an 18 year old essentially. My first car is a 93 bhp 2009 mini one. Essentially what I’m asking for is cars that will feel like a big step up in terms of looks and ability for a decent price (5 grand give or take)

[Keelanv]

Silvanus said:

Keelanv said:

My budgets about 5 grand. Thank you for helping, as much as the aren’t flat out sports cars I really like the look of them and was told they’re great cars to drive. I’m looking for a car that is great to drive and decent looking.

Totally agree, the Mk1 TT is a great looking car and has a lovely interior. It's probably the least sporty of all the TTs and not particularly quick. It doesn't handle badly, but it's definitely no sports car, probably falls short of a hot hatch in the handling department.

If you want the feel of a sports car I'd look elsewhere, but if you want a good looking coupe or convertible that's quicker than a usual family car, then there's loads of options to chose from.

Well I’m currently looking at the mark 2 as it looks quite modern and I’m told they’re very reliable and are great to drive.

[Keelanv]

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

I love the look of the z4 but even for the 2.0 it’s group 37 insurance, I’d probably have to sell 2 limbs to insure it. Generally I’m just looking for a car which is a step up from 100hp hatch back. With more of a coupe/convertible style

[Keelanv]

TheOctaneAddict said:

TT ain't a sportscar, its a golf in a nice body, see also VW Scirocco.

Get an MX5, it should be cheap to buy, insure and run.

I love the look of the mx5 but it’s not the quickest, if I had the money at the time I would have taken it as my first car

[Keelanv]

hammo19 said:

Keelanv said:

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

Quick enough for an 18 year old essentially. My first car is a 93 bhp 2009 mini one. Essentially what I’m asking for is cars that will feel like a big step up in terms of looks and ability for a decent price (5 grand give or take)

Get a Mini Cooper S then…

I love the cooper s but I want a completely different experience.

[Keelanv]

Fermit said:

Keelanv said:

Quick enough for an 18 year old essentially. My first car is a 93 bhp 2009 mini one. Essentially what I’m asking for is cars that will feel like a big step up in terms of looks and ability for a decent price (5 grand give or take)

I think it's a good enough step up for now, will feel a fair bit quicker. For reference, my first car was a Saxo VTR with 100bhp (made before you were born) then my second car (also made before you were born ) was a Clio 172 Cup, with 172 bhp. It felt manic in comparison, although generally they're a bit of an angry little car (in a good way)

Thank you, that sounds quite similar to the step up from a mini one to a tt in terms of power. Hoping the tt feels manic in comparison to the mini

[Keelanv]

Silvanus said:

Keelanv said:

Well I’m currently looking at the mark 2 as it looks quite modern and I’m told they’re very reliable and are great to drive.

They are definitely better to drive than the Mk1, although £5k is going to be at the tatty end of the market.

I can't help but think this is one of those PH questions where the MX-5 is the answer.

If you keen on the TT, with also looking at the Peugeot RCZ and the Alfa Brera. Maybe even a Mazda RX-8 if you can find a good one.

I absolutely love the look of the newer mx5 however the tt has the 2 extra seats and seems like it has a lot of boot space. Whilst being quick and reliable. I know it’s the tatty end of the market but at 5k there’s over 200 up for sale which look to be good just high miles in general. Would you still buy one considering the low price which I guess is potentially dodgy

[Keelanv]

SAS Tom said:

Having an MX5 and a MK1 TT I’d say it depends on what you’re after. The MX5 is great fun on the right day, usually the sun is out and you have the roof down. The rest of the time it’s pretty miserable. Small, not much room to carry anything, only 2 seats etc. I wouldn’t want one as an only car. Especially as it will dissolve if you use it daily.

The TT isn’t an out and out sports car but that’s not always what people want. The TT does normal car stuff much better, it’s comfortable, has a reasonable amount of space, doesn’t leak, can carry another person if really necessary. As standard they can be a bit understeery but there’s plenty of options to tune that out.

If it’s got twice the power of your current car, I’m sure you’ll find it fast enough.

Thank you for the help, I think a lot of people on here got the idea that I was looking for an exotic sports car with an insane amount of power. I’m looking for something which would feel like a big step up from a mini one in terms of power and aesthetics. The mx5 is a cool car but like you said it’s quite small and not ideal everyday. I’m also only 18 and have plenty of time to upgrade to other cars in the future

[Keelanv]

said:

Mate you recommended that I wait and buy a bmw if I can’t buy a 3L bmw rn. Can you name me an 18 year old who can afford to insure a 3 litre engine without using daddy’s money. Now the other 2 cars you recommended was the mr2 and the mx5 which is almost fair enough considering I have said I was looking at the mx5 but the tt has 2 extra seats and a more reliable engine. I’m open to suggestions but if you’re just going to tell me wait and buy a bmw I’d rather wipe my arse with the money.

[Keelanv]

SAS Tom said:

I think some have only read part of the op’s post.

What 18 year old is going to be able to insure a 3 litre BMW or Porsche?

Also it’s his second ever car, not a second car. He will only have this to drive.

There’s also the matter of people thinking their opinion is the correct one. I’ve recently driven a 986 Boxster S and didn’t find it anything special at all. Certainly preferred the TT over it and the throw on the gear lever was like something out of a truck. I’m sure there’s plenty of people that disagree with me.

I wouldn’t have an MX5 as a daily driver either. It’s just annoying for the majority of the time.

Thank you I think you got a much better idea of the picture. A lot of people just telling me to buy these things with big engines or convertibles with no room.

[Keelanv]

ChrisH72 said:

I don't think OP means second car as in running 2 cars. Sounds like mini was first car and he's looking to move on to second car.

So it's your only car right? Just to clarify.

I really like the TT as a daily do it all and the mk3 s line quattro is still on my lost of possibilities. Plenty say it's a Golf in a frock but then the Golf is a very good car. If you don't need Golf like practicality and like the sleeker coupe looks then I can't see why not.

Yes thank you, it is my second car as in im selling my first car and buying this. So I will still only own 1 car. As well as you said a golf engine is one of the most reliable out there? I don’t understand why people are saying that as a bad thing

[Keelanv]

Pickle_Party_247 said:

Keelanv said:

Mate you recommended that I wait and buy a bmw if I can’t buy a 3L bmw rn. Can you name me an 18 year old who can afford to insure a 3 litre engine without using daddy’s money.

Assuming you're replying to me? Yes I suggested waiting until your insurance situation is more viable, that's what I did- I ran a Fiat Punto and then an Aygo until I was 22 and then bought my first 3.0 Z4 which I kept for a few years until I found my current one (better spec). It's daft trying to shop for interesting and moderately quick cars in this country as a young person with our awful insurance system, and it's worse now than when I was 18.
The daddy's money comment is ironic given nobody I knew when I was 18 had £5k to spend on flash wheels

Keelanv said:

Now the other 2 cars you recommended was the mr2 and the mx5 which is almost fair enough considering I have said I was looking at the mx5 but the tt has 2 extra seats and a more reliable engine.

Who told you they were more reliable than the Japanese? A used car salesman with some ratty TTs to offload like someone else suggested?

Keelanv said:

I’m open to suggestions but if you’re just going to tell me wait and buy a bmw I’d rather wipe my arse with the money.

Clearly not open to suggestions given your attitude in your replies! If the choice is a slothy understeery Audi TT or waiting until better 2+2 coupes are affordable, waiting is the thinking man's choice.

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. 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. I’m open to suggestions but realistic ones. If I wanted to wait 4 years I would and then I would post on here but I didn’t so I’m not.

[Keelanv]

Fermit said:

ChrisH72 said:

Plenty say it's a Golf in a frock

Yeah, Jeromy Clarkson most notably. It's a boring lazy rhetoric.

He also said a 911 is a sports car with the engine in the wrong side of the car
So don’t get one right?

[Keelanv]

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 made 3k this summer alone💀 your math is lacklustre to say the least. I didn’t need connections. I work at Lidl. What kind of connections do you think I’d need to work in a bog standard supermarket.💀 £10.80 an hour you can look it up buddy.

[Keelanv]

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.

Thank you I really appreciate it.🙏

[Keelanv]

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

[Keelanv]

Gad-Westy said:

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.

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

I’m not the biggest fan of hatches to be honest, the mr2 is pretty cool will run a few quotes, also looking at the mx5. I’ve done quotes for the tt some as low as 2k other sites as high as 6k I’m not sure if I should be concerned. Z4s are super cool but I almost instantly crossed them off cause even the 2.0 is group 37 but like you said it may not be indicative of the actual price so I may run some quotes on it