Mk1 TT or Mk1 S3?

[Novacastle]

So, I'm "trading up" my 66-plate S3 Saloon to a new A6 Saloon 2.0 TFSI in a couple of weeks. Sad times.

With sad time come opportunity. I'd love to get a cheap £2K-£4K weekend fun mobile.

One that could be used on track days, nice sunny weekends. Something that with a bit of TLC will hold value and maybe become a future classic, although that's more desirable that a real requirement.

I love Audi's, hence the Mk1 TT and S3 options - they sit in that price bracket nicely.

Wondering if anyone has thoughts or experience on either car, or an alternative, I'm open to suggestions. Have looked at the E46 M3, but prices are a bit too high for my budget.

Cheers for reading.
K

[Baldchap]

Of those two I'd go for the S3. The original TT was more about looks than anything else. In fact, I recall a few earlier ones falling off the road due to crap suspension setup.

[mcpoot]

I'd suggest checking the cars out for yourself rather than basing any decision on the usual misconceptions trotted out by some on PH.

They're both based on the same platform so no major surprise that they are a similar drive. One is a design icon that has won numerous awards the other has run of the mill hatchback styling.

[Rewe]

Baldchap said:

Of those two I'd go for the S3. The original TT was more about looks than anything else. In fact, I recall a few earlier ones falling off the road due to crap suspension setup.

Good luck finding one that hadn't had a recall to fix that!

I'd go for the S3 because I've always liked them and never had one. I've had a MK1 TT (225 + remap) and, despite really enjoying driving it I could never get the idea that it was a bit girly out of my head!

[meehaja]

I'd go for the TT as it would be easier to find one that's not tired, harassed or broken. The bad reputation TT's have works in their favour as older cars.

If you can find one without the suspension upgrade, that's the one you want, but an insert from cookbots or defcon will bring it back to its proper handling.

bare in mind that these cars are getting old, and if you're used to a modern S3, you'll find them slow, cumbersome and not particularly sharp. I have a 3.2 TT, and a Cupra R 225 prior, and would say they are both quick but normal cars rather than a dedicated "fun" car. I bought my TT as a fun car/ track car and it is fun, and gets raced monthly, but it's a compromise, and when I have the funds, I'll probably get something more suited to the task I bestow upon it.

In your position I'd look for something a bit more lively, maybe Clio Sport, S2000, caterham type kit car etc

[Novacastle]

Thanks all - given me some food for thought. I am leaning towards the TT initially as I did suspect it shared the same platform / underpinnings as the S3. I’ve also thought of a Mk3 MR2 as an option as well.

I’ll check out the Clio although I have a phobia of French cars!