£20k - Audi S1 or older TTRS?

[Daggerpie]

Since moving out into the county the missues really could do with a new car, her little Smart Brabus was great when we lived near town but is just plane scary now the cold/damp is setting in.

I've been keeping an eye on the used S1 market for several months now, finding one in the right spec (IE -right miles, heated supersport seats, quattro interior & exterior packs, flat bottom wheel etc) is proving impossible.

TTRS came roaring past me the other day and has just got me looking into them now (her dream everyday car is new shape RS3 but well out of our budget). From when I've read the TTRS seem like an awesome car BUT £20k only buys quite an early one with quite a few miles on the clock. Question is , what are they like, do they really justify the price or is a newer, low miles, more toys TTS 90% of the car plus obviously quite a lot cheaper.

Also considering new 595 Abarth competizione (reliability and dealer network a major concern tho) and also new Fiesta ST. Both great cars with the bonus of 3yr warranty on new, but obviously lacking the build quality and obvious benefits of the AWD that Audi's offer. (The quattro for her 10 mile cross country blast to work would be a big benefit).

Any thoughts?

[jakesmith]

Chalk and cheese really comparing a fiesta / fiat 500 with an S1 and then a TTRS
TTRS is a beast but an older one with high miles on is likely to cost a bit to run
S1 is a nice car as long as you like the image
Fiesta and Abarth are not in the same league for quality, performance, interior, brand
It seems though like reliability is important and if so the newer the better however you will lose a fortune in depreciation
Really you need to go and drive a few you'll soon know which one you want
Out of that selection I'd personally go TTRS with a remap

[RaineyDays]

My vote would be for the TTRS

I have considered both the TT and S1 should my circumstances change and I have to get the train to work every day.

Love that 5pot noise and think that would sway my decision

[Daggerpie]

jakesmith said:

Chalk and cheese really comparing a fiesta / fiat 500 with an S1 and then a TTRS

Out of that selection I'd personally go TTRS with a remap

Me to if it were my car but even a standard TTRS (even a TTS for that matter) would be more than enough for her. The thing with the TTS though is obviously not got the character & noise of the 5pot (which the missues loves), is the RS really worth paying that much extra tho and is £20k just gonna buy a leggy version?

Fiesta ST & Abarth are just the semi sensible new car options as would be keeping the car for at least 2-3yrs anyway so just "warranty friendly" cars. I think we all know that warranty would no doubt be exhausted if bought an Abarth tho..

I personally think the S1 in the right spec is a really cool car. Despite the reviews, it's the Fiesta ST I've got a bit of a problem with as gone are the "cheeky nandos" days.

Edited by Daggerpie on Thursday 1st November 17:24

[jakesmith]

Daggerpie said:

Me to if it were my car but even a standard TTRS (even a TTS for that matter) would be more than enough for her. The thing with the TTS though is obviously not got the character & noise of the 5pot (which the missues loves), is the RS really worth paying that much extra tho and is £20k just gonna buy a leggy version?

Fiesta ST & Abarth are just the semi sensible new car options as would be keeping the car for at least 2-3yrs anyway so just "warranty friendly" cars. I think we all know that warranty would no doubt be exhausted if bought an Abarth tho..

I personally think the S1 in the right spec is a really cool car. Despite the reviews, it's the Fiesta ST I've got a bit of a problem with as gone are the "cheeky nandos" days.

Edited by Daggerpie on Thursday 1st November 17:24

I'd just get the RS, you blatantly both want it. Wait and find a good well looked after one from an enthusiast, find out what the big bills / service items are and make sure they have been adressed, or just go and buy the first one you see which is my strategy!
If it isn't going to leave you short of cash for something like a house and you can afford the odd £1k bill here and there, YOLO as they say

[the-photographer]

That's a big range of cars you are considering, how about a bog standard S3?

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[Daggerpie]

the-photographer said:

That's a big range of cars you are considering, how about a bog standard S3?

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I know it sounds daft but S3 probably bit to big at the mo. 95% of the cars life will just be the wife to & from work/gym via some very fun country roads on a daily basis. The back seats won't be used except maybe in emergencys, hence why considering the other "querky" cars but they all have the back seats just in case also.

I know in reality a couple of year old, good spec, 3 door S1 would be the perfect little car for her BUT, when we know the TTRS is similar money (albeit slightly older/more miles) that's what throws a spanner in the works. Plus the fact "that" perfect spec S1 hasn't cropped up over the last 3 months of looking does make me question wheather its actually out there. Plus those little S1's are a LOT of money for what they are, £20k and its still 2-3yrs old car that looks like an A1 S-line Diesel with fancy exhausts lol

[va1o]

TT RS between those two. They're both the same generation really so you're not losing out on much, just a slightly older car.

However I would agree with the S3 8v suggestions, that is a newer generation car and will feel more updated. Give a 3dr example a try for size. It's particularly good when paired with the S-Tronic gearbox, something which was never offered on the S1.

[Uggers]

That is quite a spread of potential cars and depends on what your other half wants. Driving a Brabus Smart I assume she likes something a bit different?

If it's a ten minute blast along country roads to work I'd go with the Abarth anyday. You'll get out at the end with a smile on your face.If it's new I wouldn't worry too much about reliability, the engines especially are very strong. You and your partner will either love them or hate them, it's that type of car.

Don't get me wrong I love my Audis, but the Abarth in the right environment is everything an Audi isn't.

[Yertis]

My wife has an S1. She loves it. It's a terrific little car, and I love it too. Very quick and you can put all the power available down whenever you want to. Not great on a really long journey because it's quite a sporty ride.

[cpfcfan]

TT RS for me as well. I might be biased but I own one as well. It doesn't cost a lot to run and the engines are pretty bullet proof. Potential engine tuning too to bring it to 400+bhp. I guess you need to ask yourself if you want the stronic or a manual? Special mention to the engine noise..... epic!

[Gio G]

Daggerpie said:

Since moving out into the county the missues really could do with a new car, her little Smart Brabus was great when we lived near town but is just plane scary now the cold/damp is setting in.

I've been keeping an eye on the used S1 market for several months now, finding one in the right spec (IE -right miles, heated supersport seats, quattro interior & exterior packs, flat bottom wheel etc) is proving impossible.

TTRS came roaring past me the other day and has just got me looking into them now (her dream everyday car is new shape RS3 but well out of our budget). From when I've read the TTRS seem like an awesome car BUT £20k only buys quite an early one with quite a few miles on the clock. Question is , what are they like, do they really justify the price or is a newer, low miles, more toys TTS 90% of the car plus obviously quite a lot cheaper.

Also considering new 595 Abarth competizione (reliability and dealer network a major concern tho) and also new Fiesta ST. Both great cars with the bonus of 3yr warranty on new, but obviously lacking the build quality and obvious benefits of the AWD that Audi's offer. (The quattro for her 10 mile cross country blast to work would be a big benefit).

Any thoughts?

I would not completely discount the 595 Abarth as an option, however would not go for comp version, far too harsh a drive and exhaust will do your head in. The Turismo version is nice, the engine can easily map to a 200bhp (forged engine) build quality is not bad either, much better than the older cars. Have had ours for over 1 year now, going really nicely and bags of fun. Also these are probably better from a total cost of ownership vs an RS3 or TTRS. I also like the S1, we have an manual A1 1.4 TSFI as a DD, great little cars, so I bet the S1 is a real hoot..

G

[anonymous-user]

Live in the country? Twisting narrow B roads? I'd take the Arbarth or ST every day over either of the Audi's (and I'm a big Audi fan and drive an RS6). Both of these will be far more nimble and much more fun on country roads than either of the Audi's and if you get one that's a couple of years old then you wont be as bothered about any little scratches you pick up.

S1 might be a little different but the regular A1 is one of the least inspiring cars I've ever driven. TTRS won't even get into it's stride until license loosing speeds - difficult to achieve on a twisting country road.

Have you see the reliability surveys too? Fiat and Ford are well ahead of Audi these days in reliability terms. Audi build quality and reliability is not what it once used to be. Forget the badge and just buy the car you'll have the most fun in.

[Daggerpie]

Some great replies so far and definately food for thought.

No surprises the TTRS seems to get the love, surprised the normal TTS hasn't had a mention as yet tho as a cheaper (and newer) alternative to the RS.

I really do get the appeal of the Abarth (and wife loves the quirkiness and the fact u don't see many around), the newer series 4 look and sound great but on a cold, wet winter's evening are they still as much fun as the surefooted, cosy Audi's? Maybe they are and it's just that whole "reliability" thing playing in my head.

We've not test driven any of them yet so I think that needs to be the next step..

[the-photographer]

Daggerpie said:

the-photographer said:

That's a big range of cars you are considering, how about a bog standard S3?

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I know it sounds daft but S3 probably bit to big at the mo. 95% of the cars life will just be the wife to & from work/gym via some very fun country roads on a daily basis. The back seats won't be used except maybe in emergencys, hence why considering the other "querky" cars but they all have the back seats just in case also.

I know in reality a couple of year old, good spec, 3 door S1 would be the perfect little car for her BUT, when we know the TTRS is similar money (albeit slightly older/more miles) that's what throws a spanner in the works. Plus the fact "that" perfect spec S1 hasn't cropped up over the last 3 months of looking does make me question wheather its actually out there. Plus those little S1's are a LOT of money for what they are, £20k and its still 2-3yrs old car that looks like an A1 S-line Diesel with fancy exhausts lol

OK.... choosing paint colour in your house hold sounds like fun

Here is a "compact" version of the S3, it even has emergency seats for a dwarf

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[Ahbefive]

I'd get the fiesta ST. You can get it with 5year warranty and these days with modern tyres fwd cars are very surefooted.

[Daggerpie]

Ahbefive said:

I'd get the fiesta ST. You can get it with 5year warranty and these days with modern tyres fwd cars are very surefooted.

Damn you for mentioning the F word....that option was almost crossed off the list!!

[dc2rr07]

Another vote for the TTRS, a lot more sure footed in bad conditions than the other cars mentioned, have you tried a JCW as they are a blast on country roads but I would still go back to the TTRS.

[Driver101]

£20k and you've come up with an old Audi coupe and a more modern Audi hatch.

If came down to the two I would go for the TTRS.

I can't really see the point of the S1 when the Golf R is similar money. It does everything better, but still isn't a great car.

[Peanus]

You could get an average mileage M235i for £20k.