Is an Audi TTS the best package for me? Alternatives?

[AlexNJ89]

Since discovering the Audi TTS I'm having a hard time finding a car that fits my needs best.

It will be my daily driver. My drives are pretty boring most of the time but I do like enjoying the odd twisty road when I get a chance. My budget is £25k - £28k

Just a 2.0l engine so not bad mpg
Decent performance with 310bhp
Smooth gearbox for London driving which I do a few times per month.
Comfortable.
Looks good
Engine sits further back so has better weight distribution than an S3.
Can pick up a really nice, well specced one for £25k
Good tech with B&O sound system.
Occasional rear seats if I need to give someone a quick lift.
They seem reliable.
Plenty storage space.

Are there any cars that fit all of this that I'm missing?

[DoubleD]

What about a boxster/cayman? No rear seats but they drive better.

But if you want a TT my money would go on a TT RS

[AlexNJ89]

DoubleD said:

What about a boxster/cayman? No rear seats but they drive better.

But if you want a TT my money would go on a TT RS

I really like the 981 Cayman but it would have to be the Cayman S as I've heard the 2.7L just isn't a nice drive with the auto box as it revs so high. They also start at £35k for a very similar package.

There are a view TTRS's that pop up for around £33k - £35k. I'd happily pay that if it could achieve 35mpg on a run and also could hold money better than a TTS as there's less of them.

Most are around £39k, in which case I'd rather stretch and get a new RS5 which start at £42k .... which I'm sure the bailiffs would really enjoy driving to the compound...

[DoubleD]

The cost in fuel for an extra 5mpg isnt worth worrying about. You can also spend a lot less on a TTRS than that. £20k should get you a good one.

[ZX10R NIN]

The TT RS would be my pick at that price point it's the better car performance is on another level fuel wise you're looking at 38+mpg on a run & much slower depreciation compared to a TTS.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008142...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010034...

Or go for a lightly used S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006300...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006300...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010074...

[AlexNJ89]

Those S5s are really nice. Wish they gave them the bigger wheels.

I don't like the TTRS's because I think Audi really stepped up the interior in the next generation

[DoubleD]

I would go for that engine over a newer interior.

[TameRacingDriver]

DoubleD said:

I would go for that engine over a newer interior.

and there's nothing wrong with the interior on the RS. Probably one of the few Audi's I would actually consider owning.

[AlexNJ89]

Think I'd prefer to stretch to something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009284...

[DoubleD]

TameRacingDriver said:

DoubleD said:

I would go for that engine over a newer interior.

and there's nothing wrong with the interior on the RS. Probably one of the few Audi's I would actually consider owning.

The 2.0 engine would be fairly forgettable after a short while, but I don't think you could ever get bored of the 2.5!

[Gerradi]

Must admit I have never tried to get top MPG in my TTRS but the best I have ever seen is 33.6 @ a steady 70/75mph on cruise from Bristol to Taunton about 46-50 miles , 24/28 around town , S tronic But mine is a 2012 MRC 420bhp/ 693 Nm, not the latest , I think they are a bit better on fuel ?

[nickfrog]

Could you stretch to around £30k and get a M2?

[AlexNJ89]

nickfrog said:

Could you stretch to around £30k and get a M2?

I could stretch, I went to test drive one. As a package I think the M2 is probably the best in category as it has 4 useable seats, insane speed, handling and it actually gets decent fuel economy. But for me I didn't feel like the driving experience was worth the stretch, people say Audi's are numb but I felt the M2 was just as numb with added false steering feedback. Difficult to explain but the electric steering just didn't do it for me. I also felt the suspension was a bit hard for daily driving, it made me wonder if this contributed towards the back ache some people complain about.

[BlueEyedBoy]

The Mrs had a m235i and now a Audi TTS, both rag tops.

I've a 340i.

The 235i and TTs are both 2016 models, the beemer walks all over the Audi with the tech, softer suspension when you need it and with the roof down you could do well over a ton without any wind buffeting with the wind deflector in place.

My car in terms of comfort, tech etc are so so much better.

This is where it gets interesting, at first I hated the TT, loads of wind with the roof down, feels like a coffin with it up, hard as rock ride which is really crap round London.

However, during lock down I discovered on some great A and B roads another side to it. You can pin the throttle and not lose traction. It makes a decent noise and once you get used to the interior design quite a nice place to sit. Sat nav is pants even with the newer led dash.

Now strangely, when I have a drive I know I can have a bit of fun as not wall to wall traffic or speed cameras, I would take the TT.. it just feels rawer, bit more fun and when using the manual paddles a very smooth nippy fun car.

[nickfrog]

AlexNJ89 said:

nickfrog said:

Could you stretch to around £30k and get a M2?

I could stretch, I went to test drive one. As a package I think the M2 is probably the best in category as it has 4 useable seats, insane speed, handling and it actually gets decent fuel economy. But for me I didn't feel like the driving experience was worth the stretch, people say Audi's are numb but I felt the M2 was just as numb with added false steering feedback. Difficult to explain but the electric steering just didn't do it for me. I also felt the suspension was a bit hard for daily driving, it made me wonder if this contributed towards the back ache some people complain about.

The steering is the car's weak point you're right. It's slightly less bad in Sport but still.

[AlexNJ89]

nickfrog said:

The steering is the car's weak point you're right. It's slightly less bad in Sport but still.

It made so much sense why so many reviewers of M cars say to put everything in sport but leave the steering in comfort.

[AlexNJ89]

BlueEyedBoy said:

The Mrs had a m235i and now a Audi TTS, both rag tops.

I've a 340i.

The 235i and TTs are both 2016 models, the beemer walks all over the Audi with the tech, softer suspension when you need it and with the roof down you could do well over a ton without any wind buffeting with the wind deflector in place.

My car in terms of comfort, tech etc are so so much better.

This is where it gets interesting, at first I hated the TT, loads of wind with the roof down, feels like a coffin with it up, hard as rock ride which is really crap round London.

However, during lock down I discovered on some great A and B roads another side to it. You can pin the throttle and not lose traction. It makes a decent noise and once you get used to the interior design quite a nice place to sit. Sat nav is pants even with the newer led dash.

Now strangely, when I have a drive I know I can have a bit of fun as not wall to wall traffic or speed cameras, I would take the TT.. it just feels rawer, bit more fun and when using the manual paddles a very smooth nippy fun car.

235i's and 240i's are probably the best car for me.

The reason I'm not a fan is that there are just so many on the road and they have nothing that distinguishes them from the million 218d's we see out there.

I'd like a car which looks unique when I'm walking up to it in a car park

[DoubleD]

Well that rules out the Audi then!

[AlexNJ89]

DoubleD said:

Well that rules out the Audi then!

I think the TTS with the nicer wheels and quad exhausts make it look a bit more special.

Ironically it probably only needs one tiny exhaust

[DoubleD]

Its hardly unique though!