Audi TT RS | PH Fleet
Ben's bought an Audi TT. What could go wrong?
I can explain. Before I started working at PH and was properly educated about cars, I'll admit that I was an Audi fanboy and a bit of a badge snob. If you'd told me ten years ago that I would have owned six Renaultsports by now, I would have laughed at you.
Going back a decade to 2009, when I'd just bought my first Audi TT (a 2003 1.8T 225) the TT RS emerged with its 2.5-litre five-cylinder rally-inspired lump and I made it my mission to own one before I turned 35. At the time it was seen as a brave move from Audi, re-imagining the motor from the heroic Quattro of the 80s, which set a very high benchmark not only for the engine but for the rest of the car too.
Growing up as a teen in Herefordshire and from a family of Audi owners, I would take any excuse for a trip to Hereford Audi. When the new S3 came out in 2006, I was at university studying photography and plucked up the courage to ask them if I could borrow their demo car to take some photos. Like a young lad asking his crush for a dance at the school disco, I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a hand.
The team's kindness there led to me returning for the release of the TT RS and the V10 R8 to be given the keys both times. Not for a drive sadly, but even to sit in these cars allows a boy to dream. So, unsurprisingly, it was Hereford Audi that got my business when I bought my first TT. My last was the run out Mk1 TT quattro Sport; I loved the timeless interior, the Recaro Pole Position seats, the look of it and as an inexperienced sports car owner, I was fairly happy with how it drove too. In hindsight and with exposure and the opportunity to drive much better cars since, the brakes were woeful and the handling and steering feedback left a lot to be desired. As a result my expectations for the RS were already set at a lower bar.
I test drove a Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy back to back with the TT RS, but decided it was time for a break from hot hatches. I wanted a sports car. With my Impreza and Clio both sold, I also opted for the first time in six years to go back down to one car. And yes, I know for the money there are better sports cars I could have bought. A Porsche Cayman, a prime example. Or perhaps an E92 M3 or a C63 AMG would have been a good solution to downsizing the garage, all of the above cars on my wish list, but in reality to get the example I'd want, I'd have to spend considerably more. Let's see how I'm feeling in six month's time and after I've had a drive in James' M3. And Mike's Cayman. Now that would be a good group test.
So what exactly have I bought? It's one of the first from 2009 and a manual, given that S-Tronic wasn't introduced until 2011. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine produces 335hp and 332lb ft, the latter seemingly available anywhere in the rev range. 0-62mph happens in 4.6 seconds for the traffic light racers and it'll go on to a limited 155mph. The engine alone makes the car worth buying and it's no surprise that the 2.5 TFSI has won the International Engine Of The Year award nine years running.
It came with a huge amount of paperwork, full Audi service history, and has spent its last two years as a garage queen. I've already driven more miles in the past month than the previous owner covered in the last year. Must haves for me were the 19" five-spoke alloy wheels and Lunar Silver leather. The bucket seats look great, but wear badly and have a reputation for being uncomfortable on a long journey.
All that aside, I'm besotted. Of course there's room for improvement, but more on that next time. Best get back to the salon.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2009 Audi TT RS
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: September 2019
Mileage: 49,659
Last month at a glance: Ben falls for five-cylinders
Click here to find an Audi TT RS.
that's the issue today. most cars esp of an age and when BIG gains are so cheap have had remaps.
back when I had mine new in 2010, it was the fastest car you could buy sub 100k.
ps I have a decat mid pipe for one if you want it, free if you can collect.
https://youtu.be/E-d5B-Ht7hM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2o-14GQCCM
But - really fast, really comfortable. Kept up with the Caterhams at Cadwell Park (although the guy in charge of the trackday asked me if I had radio 4 on while overtaking everyone else).
Yes, it wasn't as communicative as my later R8 or my later Aston martin, but it is really not as bad as the journalists (and their followers who don't feel the need to drive cars as they can read all about them) make out.
I thoroughly enjoyed every mile. It definitely is a sports car and puts a huge smile on your face
some cars had magride though which imo was not as good.
Are these generally pretty reliable ?
One thing I noticed with a lot of older ones, being sold by sketchy looking traders and a lot have a torrid story to tell, there was a purple TTRS "Replica" for sale when I bought my car 18 months ago, still for sale now !
with the current GPF version.The MK3 thankfully solves the understeer on the same a-roads.
I’m not o keen on this generation TT as I am the others; the original is a classic design and the latest one looks a bit sharper to my eyes....but I could get over that for this engine!
The day you stop looking back is the day you need to find yourself a new car in my opinion.Following and then being chased by a GT40 replica.
Great fun until a biblical rain storm hit us. Then I was on my own.
As an all round ownership proposition these are very good cars.
Obviously the engine is the highlight but the ARB and camber bushes mentioned by a previous poster make a big difference to reduce understeer and make the car feel more playful - without ever feeling dangerous.
When you factor in the emergency rear seats, a decent boot and sensational wet weather traction they are hard to beat.
My only advice would be don’t take it on track - it will shatter your belief in the car.
On the road it never disappointed but sadly a day on the Silverstone GP circuit brutally showed it’s limitations.
Keep it on the road and you will rightly love it!
I'm not sure I would ever buy one of these, but I do quite like them I must say. It may not be the last word in dynamics by all accounts, but it is still a lovely thing. Nice looking, nice interior, lots of pace and a nice soundtrack. I can see why that appeals to many.
that's the issue today. most cars esp of an age and when BIG gains are so cheap have had remaps.
back when I had mine new in 2010, it was the fastest car you could buy sub 100k.
ps I have a decat mid pipe for one if you want it, free if you can collect.
https://youtu.be/E-d5B-Ht7hM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2o-14GQCCM
I fitted adjustable coilovers, 17x9 light alloy wheels, semi slicks, uprated ARBs, adjustable rose jointed components front and rear so i could alter camber, castor, toe etc and dropped it about 50mm (could go more but that was enough for me) and also fitted "taller joints" as they are called so the lowering did not cause other alignment issues, and then had it setup by a well known specialist and it transformed the car.
Only mistakes I made where the spring rates on the coilovers I chose where 10/8 front rear as I was advised these would work better on track with the semi slicks and rose jointed arms, it made it a little harsh for a road car, if you choose 6/5 maybe or 5/4 front rear spring rates and don't rose joint the arms it makes it a nicer road car.
Is great fun to do the changes and make adjustments and feel the effects each has
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2kupDQ-vKM
Fond memories of my Fiat Coupe's in that soundtrack.
The understeer on track would put me off the TT a bit, other than that the noise, all weather performance and dimensions have a lot of appeal, I can see why you chose one.
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