Discussion
Hi all, Hope some of you can shed some light. I’m in the market for a nice used sporty/semi sporty weekend toy. (4 to 5 years old...no older) Always bought Japanese never German and they’ve been amazingly reliable, cheap to run and own, and largely problem free.
Japanese wise; Lexus RC300H, great, reliable, cheap tax, beautiful, etc, just way too big, and heavy. GT86, kinda like a follow on from the great MR2 which has been my weekend toy, but it’s light on tech and modern toys and I’m no petrol head so modding it isn’t gonna be my thing. Also great for twisty roads but not great for a 3 hour cruise somewhere on Motorway, cheap to run and reliable though. Nissan 370Z is just too expensive tax wise etc.
So German, Z4 no, too small inside, as is Merc SLK. (I’m 6ft 5). So left as a credible option seems to be MK3 TT. Reasonable prices, spec, comfort, and good combo of sportiness and cruising capacity etc; seemingly the perfect all rounder.
BUT, seems Iike I don’t have to read or study about em for long before question marks regularly arise over reliability! Dash pod electric probs, windows, water pumps and cambelts, poor sagging leather seats, poor and expensive Audi customer service etc. YET they sell so well and seemingly are capable of racking up the miles. So....
What’s the score here...
Are they as problematic as they seem to be but buyers just absorb it all?
Are they great cars as long as yre prepared to have deep pockets?
Do folks buy em for how they look, run em, get financially stung and don’t buy another one...?
Are they only a good used buy if you are prepared to take out a warranty?
What’s the truth about this car ppl? Coz it’s compact, looks great and seem to continue to sell well???
Or for an easy life should I just forget it and continue to buy Japanese? Lol.
Japanese wise; Lexus RC300H, great, reliable, cheap tax, beautiful, etc, just way too big, and heavy. GT86, kinda like a follow on from the great MR2 which has been my weekend toy, but it’s light on tech and modern toys and I’m no petrol head so modding it isn’t gonna be my thing. Also great for twisty roads but not great for a 3 hour cruise somewhere on Motorway, cheap to run and reliable though. Nissan 370Z is just too expensive tax wise etc.
So German, Z4 no, too small inside, as is Merc SLK. (I’m 6ft 5). So left as a credible option seems to be MK3 TT. Reasonable prices, spec, comfort, and good combo of sportiness and cruising capacity etc; seemingly the perfect all rounder.
BUT, seems Iike I don’t have to read or study about em for long before question marks regularly arise over reliability! Dash pod electric probs, windows, water pumps and cambelts, poor sagging leather seats, poor and expensive Audi customer service etc. YET they sell so well and seemingly are capable of racking up the miles. So....
What’s the score here...
Are they as problematic as they seem to be but buyers just absorb it all?
Are they great cars as long as yre prepared to have deep pockets?
Do folks buy em for how they look, run em, get financially stung and don’t buy another one...?
Are they only a good used buy if you are prepared to take out a warranty?
What’s the truth about this car ppl? Coz it’s compact, looks great and seem to continue to sell well???
Or for an easy life should I just forget it and continue to buy Japanese? Lol.
They are ok as a daily. Hardly call them fun though
My TTS has had coolant tank replaced (common), top mounts replaced (common on early TTS) and the Supersport seats fixed as they came away from the base, again common on early cars.
My car is garaged but the windows can freeze in cold temperatures.
The petrol cars have a chain and I’ve not heard anyone complain about saggy seats, think that was the mk2.
As for the Audi dealership network, hit and miss I’ve found. I won’t be using them out of warranty
My TTS has had coolant tank replaced (common), top mounts replaced (common on early TTS) and the Supersport seats fixed as they came away from the base, again common on early cars.
My car is garaged but the windows can freeze in cold temperatures.
The petrol cars have a chain and I’ve not heard anyone complain about saggy seats, think that was the mk2.
As for the Audi dealership network, hit and miss I’ve found. I won’t be using them out of warranty
I also had an TTS for a few years before I sold it 3 weeks ago.
Gave me no problems whatsoever and was very fun to drive.
Only issue I had was going over a deep pothole and that seemingly messed with a sensor that made the esp overly interfering. That pothole also shredded my tyre.
But overall a very fun good daily driver. It was garaged at first then I moved and had it on the drive throughout winter but didn't experience the frozen windows or anything.
Part exd it for an E53 AMG coupe, so getting use to the size and power delivery now currently.
Gave me no problems whatsoever and was very fun to drive.
Only issue I had was going over a deep pothole and that seemingly messed with a sensor that made the esp overly interfering. That pothole also shredded my tyre.
But overall a very fun good daily driver. It was garaged at first then I moved and had it on the drive throughout winter but didn't experience the frozen windows or anything.
Part exd it for an E53 AMG coupe, so getting use to the size and power delivery now currently.
In terms of Audi customer service etc. I never had an issue but that may be down to individual dealers.
I thought the leather was pretty tough too, didn't really experience any sagging. I think TTS is a very good middle ground. Very quick when it needs to be. I personally think it's a little quicker than the S3 and Golf Rs of the time.
I thought the leather was pretty tough too, didn't really experience any sagging. I think TTS is a very good middle ground. Very quick when it needs to be. I personally think it's a little quicker than the S3 and Golf Rs of the time.
I have the 'normal' TT mk3 2ltr quattro.
Its been a preety good car and not had any huge issues.
The door glass freezes in place on frosty morns and won't let you close the door until its defrosted.
Its also not the most watertight car i've ever owned. Mines been back to the dealer twice for water ingress problems. One dodgy door seal and a glass void both now fixed.
Looks and drives nice though. It gave a good account of itself on a trackday, plenty of grip & power but the brakes wern't up to track use (same as most road based cars).
My experience of my local Audi dealer has been mixed. Their service prices are high but they will haggle a bit between different dealers.
As a rule most of them are less helpfull once they have your money.
Its been a preety good car and not had any huge issues.
The door glass freezes in place on frosty morns and won't let you close the door until its defrosted.
Its also not the most watertight car i've ever owned. Mines been back to the dealer twice for water ingress problems. One dodgy door seal and a glass void both now fixed.
Looks and drives nice though. It gave a good account of itself on a trackday, plenty of grip & power but the brakes wern't up to track use (same as most road based cars).
My experience of my local Audi dealer has been mixed. Their service prices are high but they will haggle a bit between different dealers.
As a rule most of them are less helpfull once they have your money.
Yeah Mike I’m gathering that it seems to be luck of the draw with the dealerships. Did you have any experience re Audi Warranty? Right now Audi seem to be offering a 2 year warranty with any Used Approved TT (and other models) they have. That being the case, the higher cost of buying from the main dealer would be offset by the savings on anything which went wrong for a couple of years and beyond that to maybe consider an extended warranty. Since usage would be low.....weekends/summer etc, I would like to think I could keep it for a few years rather than quickly move it on. My MR2 has been amazing in that respect and I’d be looking for a similar experience from the TT. Just never dipped my toes in the ‘German Pool’ thus far lol.
Zooks, cheers for that. Yeah that windows/frosty morning thing seems common. The general vibe I’m gettin seems to be that Audi dealerships are a pretty indifferent/ disinterested bunch once they’ve sold you the car. Looks like their view is that ppl will continue to buy their stuff whether they offer good service or not. I guess their sales figures on some models would bear that out.
Owned my last one for a year, 4,300 miles.
Only real issue I had was the DSG gearbox.
It was great when you're on the power going up the box, but they can get confused at low speeds approaching a roundabout, and then give you a delay right when you need the power.
Also the delay in giving you the power when you put your foot down at 50mph to overtake. The box has to change down a couple, or three. I could count 3 seconds before the car actually went.
Audi dealer initially said a software update would cure this, but after a year then changed their mind and said it was how they are. I was so annoyed the car had to go.
You can adapt to it by just manually changing down for your overtake.
So my advice is to get the manual.
The windows sticking in a hard frost is a well known problem.
I loved the car, and am still annoyed to this day that I felt it had to go. I bought new and intended it to be a long term ownership.
But the arrogance of the dealer spoilt the whole experience.
Sadly the model I had was DSG only otherwise I'd have another.
And also OP, I've recently owned a Lexus RC also.
You'll miss the build quality of the RC.
Only real issue I had was the DSG gearbox.
It was great when you're on the power going up the box, but they can get confused at low speeds approaching a roundabout, and then give you a delay right when you need the power.
Also the delay in giving you the power when you put your foot down at 50mph to overtake. The box has to change down a couple, or three. I could count 3 seconds before the car actually went.
Audi dealer initially said a software update would cure this, but after a year then changed their mind and said it was how they are. I was so annoyed the car had to go.
You can adapt to it by just manually changing down for your overtake.
So my advice is to get the manual.
The windows sticking in a hard frost is a well known problem.
I loved the car, and am still annoyed to this day that I felt it had to go. I bought new and intended it to be a long term ownership.
But the arrogance of the dealer spoilt the whole experience.
Sadly the model I had was DSG only otherwise I'd have another.
And also OP, I've recently owned a Lexus RC also.
You'll miss the build quality of the RC.
Hi Trevor, yes I had already decided the DSG was off my list. I’ve only been looking at manuals. I’ve never actually owned an RC; it was one of the cars on my ‘hit list’ coz I’ve always bought Japanese and love Toyota reliability. My daily driver is a 10 year old Yaris.....Bomb proof; in all that time tyres only! Same with my weekend toy...15 year old MK3 MR2......fabulous car, just no room for luggage etc for weekends away etc. RC seems spectacular value for money to me, plus cheap to run....tax wise etc. Reliability should be top notch, and for long term ownership it would be my top choice. What holds me back from buying one is that it looks like a very heavy (and long) car. Notwithstanding the ‘F Sport’ tag, I’m thinkin it’s more tourer than sport. TT is compact and seems to be elements of both. Although a 2016’ish RC would be more expensive than the TT, I have a nagging suspicion that all things considered the RC would be a better (and cheaper?) bet for long term ownership. I’m 63 (yesterday lol) and would like to think I could buy something quality for low annual mileage (5000’ish) weekend fun and basically keep it til it’s worth pocket change and the DVLA say I’m too old/blind to drive anymore lol. What I’d want for the years in between is not for said toy to be a ‘money pit’ (to quote Toyota-loving Scotty Kilmer lol.
EshAsh said:
Hi Trevor, yes I had already decided the DSG was off my list. I’ve only been looking at manuals. I’ve never actually owned an RC; it was one of the cars on my ‘hit list’ coz I’ve always bought Japanese and love Toyota reliability. My daily driver is a 10 year old Yaris.....Bomb proof; in all that time tyres only! Same with my weekend toy...15 year old MK3 MR2......fabulous car, just no room for luggage etc for weekends away etc. RC seems spectacular value for money to me, plus cheap to run....tax wise etc. Reliability should be top notch, and for long term ownership it would be my top choice. What holds me back from buying one is that it looks like a very heavy (and long) car. Notwithstanding the ‘F Sport’ tag, I’m thinkin it’s more tourer than sport. TT is compact and seems to be elements of both. Although a 2016’ish RC would be more expensive than the TT, I have a nagging suspicion that all things considered the RC would be a better (and cheaper?) bet for long term ownership. I’m 63 (yesterday lol) and would like to think I could buy something quality for low annual mileage (5000’ish) weekend fun and basically keep it til it’s worth pocket change and the DVLA say I’m too old/blind to drive anymore lol. What I’d want for the years in between is not for said toy to be a ‘money pit’ (to quote Toyota-loving Scotty Kilmer lol.
Have a peek at the new GR4 Yaris coming soon.I can't decide between white or red.
Yes, the RC does feel heavy. I had the V8 and managed 16mpg which along with the high road tax, started to grate on me a bit. Lovely machine though.
The TT is a nice car, despite what many people will tell you.
I recently collected a manual diesel one for a dealer, and it was lovely. I nearly got the Cheque book out.
I reckon the TTS manual would be my first choice now.
Edited by Trevor555 on Monday 8th June 12:58
Yeah Trevor, seen it on YouTube etc. Really does look the business. Great looking hot hatch. Bout time Toyat added good looks to reliability. Their cars have awesome reliability but boring looks (Prius etc), other than GT86 which looks nice, but is basically Subaru’s I guess, more than theirs.
That Yaris will be out of my ball park and id prefer someone else soak up the depreciation for 3 or 4 years first lol.
Having owned TT and RC, if you had to recommend one (used.....2015/16) what would you be saying? (Ownership experience, reliability, quality, etc etc?)
That Yaris will be out of my ball park and id prefer someone else soak up the depreciation for 3 or 4 years first lol.
Having owned TT and RC, if you had to recommend one (used.....2015/16) what would you be saying? (Ownership experience, reliability, quality, etc etc?)
EshAsh said:
Yeah Trevor, seen it on YouTube etc. Really does look the business. Great looking hot hatch. Bout time Toyat added good looks to reliability. Their cars have awesome reliability but boring looks (Prius etc), other than GT86 which looks nice, but is basically Subaru’s I guess, more than theirs.
That Yaris will be out of my ball park and id prefer someone else soak up the depreciation for 3 or 4 years first lol.
Having owned TT and RC, if you had to recommend one (used.....2015/16) what would you be saying? (Ownership experience, reliability, quality, etc etc?)
I haven't driven an RC 300h, but I've read that the gearbox isn't nice, and they're underpowered. But I stress, that's only what I've read.That Yaris will be out of my ball park and id prefer someone else soak up the depreciation for 3 or 4 years first lol.
Having owned TT and RC, if you had to recommend one (used.....2015/16) what would you be saying? (Ownership experience, reliability, quality, etc etc?)
The RCF V8 is a lovely car, and feels special. It is big though, feels big around town. The power is high up the rev range and it's disappointing at low revs.
In fact, increase the throttle at low speeds and it actually slows down whilst the gearbox is changing gear. This added to why I didn't keep it very long.
But for 25 to 30k it's a very nice car that would be the most reliable proposition in my opinion. Just don't bend the wheels, they are £1800 each from Lexus.
I'd recommend a lenghy test drive before buying one. I think if I'd have had a half hour drive when I bought it, I'd have probably decided no.
I've driven a few MK3 TT's and I like them.
Sadly the dealers I encountered spoilt the whole experience, their arrogance, and their zero interest to listen about problems with the cars, was just awful. I'm sure there must be a good Audi dealer out there somewhere.
I love the driving position of the TT, and the dash layout is very nice. The infotainment system is a novelty at first, but soon wears off.
The seats do feel cheap, and fragile. Mine was showing crease marks at 4,300 miles, and I'm a little guy.
The rear seats, as I'm sure you're aware, are for short trips only. My kids were both small at the time and they didn't like being in the back.
As for my recommendation, I liked both cars, in spite of the few negatives.
If the RCF's drop to 20k then I might have another one.
I've also considered a 370z Nismo. I think they are due a price correction soon.
I'd have another MK3 TT, I'd have a TTS manual out of warranty so I didn't have to visit another Audi main dealer.
My TT was the 5 pot RS and that was actually quite good on fuel when not squirting it. I saw 35mpg on a few long runs. I'd imagine the TTS would be a little better.
The RCF did 16mpg around town, and 22 on a longer run.
Go and have a few test drives and let us know how you get on. Happy to PM you my phone number if you want to chat.
Sorry to hijack a thread but it seems I am in a similar situation of looking for a Mk3 TT.
I notice online there are quite a few people ‘against’ the diesel version. I do roughly 12k per year, so would argue on the tipping point of petrol/diesel. It seems the petrol 2.0 is the favoured engine, and the tech/comfort packs are on many examples.
I notice a few have said to stretch to the TTS, which start at roughly £21/22k so out of my budget of around £16k. For that money I can get an S-Line petrol/diesel with a few options and around 40k miles which I think is reasonable.
Are there any common faults to look for when buying a used one? Thank you.
I notice online there are quite a few people ‘against’ the diesel version. I do roughly 12k per year, so would argue on the tipping point of petrol/diesel. It seems the petrol 2.0 is the favoured engine, and the tech/comfort packs are on many examples.
I notice a few have said to stretch to the TTS, which start at roughly £21/22k so out of my budget of around £16k. For that money I can get an S-Line petrol/diesel with a few options and around 40k miles which I think is reasonable.
Are there any common faults to look for when buying a used one? Thank you.
My Mk3 TTS is my daily and second TT, having had a Mk2 3.2 for 8 years. The Mk3 is a nice car, good interior, and tech is a generation ahead of the Mk2, and easy to use.
Of all the cars I've had it's one of the hardest to fault and in nearly 3 years I've had no problems. It's a much stiffer car than the Mk2 and with the roads near me not being great I wouldn't drive it just for the fun of it. Or maybe because it's a 4 pot. It feels quite wide but you can sit quite low..
I quite like the DSG and is it a common problem like it once was?
Of all the cars I've had it's one of the hardest to fault and in nearly 3 years I've had no problems. It's a much stiffer car than the Mk2 and with the roads near me not being great I wouldn't drive it just for the fun of it. Or maybe because it's a 4 pot. It feels quite wide but you can sit quite low..
I quite like the DSG and is it a common problem like it once was?
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