TT, RCZ, or Cooper SD

[Checkmate]

Looking for advice.
Those in title are what I'm looking at.
TT will be older (quattro TDi), RCZ will be great (GT, facelift), and the Mini (Cooper SD, with options) will be cool too.
All going to be diesel I think.
It's for going to work and back, often 80 miles a day. Hence diesel.
£3500 budget.
I want something slightly more interesting than my very uninteresting DS3 (I cant currently drive - recall).
I'd welcome opinions, and be pleased to hear them.
Thanks!

[stevemcs]

Go for the RCZ, a Mini at that age could be faultless or could ruin you. TT is just dull and an EGR will run you close to a grand.

[WhiskyDisco]

I would go for the RCZ. Consider a Renault Wind too.

[ozzuk]

I remember the first time I saw the RCZ on a billboard, I thought it was one of the most innovative and beautiful car designs I'd seen in a long time! Then I saw the price (cheap) and admit was a little gutted as you knew the components/performance wouldn't match the looks.

That said, with the price they are now I'd have one in a second if I was after that type of car, still one of the nicest looking motors on the road - reminds me of the original batmobile!

[996_3.4]

The RCZ is surprisingly quiet and compliant. A good friend has one and it was a limo compared to my 86.

[Chris_i8]

Given the budget I too would go with an RCZ out of those 3.

The likelihood of finding a properly cared for TT at that price point is very slim I would suggest.

[xstian]

Have you considered a Honda CRZ?

To be honest I don’t know much about them, but they sound more interesting than diesel versions of the above.

[ZX10R NIN]

The RCZ is the pick the drivetrain is nigh on bulletpfoof.

[ChrisH72]

RCZ is a nice interesting choice, you don't see many around.

You could also consider..

Volvo C30
Astra GTC
E92 320d

But if you fancy an RCZ then I can't see why not.

[ZX10R NIN]

GTC is another good shout, you'll get a nice one for your budget but it's not (imo) as good looking as the RCZ.

BiTurbo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507094...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507094...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506023...

RCZ GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507044...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505072...

[Frimley111R]

I'd avoid the TT. I have the Mk3 and it feels like a cheap car with a nice interior. Very much a budget VW with a dress on.

MINI might not be ideal for 80 mile round trip

RCZ will be good to drive and comfortable and interesting.

[Frimley111R]

ZX10R NIN said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505072...

That's nice.