TT or alternatives
Discussion
I currently have a 70 plate Volvo S60T5 inscription. Lovely car, comfy, quiet, enough tech for my needs but it's a bit dull (I have a Merc AMG GT for excitement). Mainly purchased as we needed a 4 door and I wanted something to relax in.
However, I'm bored and my wife now has a 24 plate XC90 which more than fulfills any requirements for large carrying/wafting.
I'm considering changing my Volvo to a TT, 2021 onwards with a budget from 22-33k (ideally lower end but can go to max for the right one. However, what are they like? Any must haves on them (For my heated electric seats, LED lights with adaptive beam, Android Auto). I know Audi liked to offer god knows how many individual options but what were standard?
Power wise, whats best (ignore the RS), there seems to be 2 options - a 190bhp and a 241 bhp - aside from the obvious are there any major differences? What are they like in terms of reliability?
My other choice is a 3 series estate (21 on) but I think I want a smaller car for now. Any other options I'm missing? Must be hard top, I do a lot of cycling so ability to fit a bike is key (will be sea sucker on the TT, in the boot on the 3 series), must be RWD or in the TT 4WD - the Volvo doesn't really like fast bends.
However, I'm bored and my wife now has a 24 plate XC90 which more than fulfills any requirements for large carrying/wafting.
I'm considering changing my Volvo to a TT, 2021 onwards with a budget from 22-33k (ideally lower end but can go to max for the right one. However, what are they like? Any must haves on them (For my heated electric seats, LED lights with adaptive beam, Android Auto). I know Audi liked to offer god knows how many individual options but what were standard?
Power wise, whats best (ignore the RS), there seems to be 2 options - a 190bhp and a 241 bhp - aside from the obvious are there any major differences? What are they like in terms of reliability?
My other choice is a 3 series estate (21 on) but I think I want a smaller car for now. Any other options I'm missing? Must be hard top, I do a lot of cycling so ability to fit a bike is key (will be sea sucker on the TT, in the boot on the 3 series), must be RWD or in the TT 4WD - the Volvo doesn't really like fast bends.
It's a different era, so maybe the modern ones are better - but :
I have a 2010 TT S-Line Roadster. I've had it for about 3.5 years I think - I test drove it, and was concerned it was a tad dull to drive. My view hasn't really changed during my ownership.
It has positives :
The engine is pretty good - it pulls well (without being thrashed to death) and is a big plus for the car. The interior is a nice place to be, even though mine is 15 years old (the S-Line has nice leather / alcantara seats).
But it has negatives too :
It's fwd, which I'm not a big fan of - but obviously I knew that when I bought it.
I have never managed to get the seat comfortable (mine is manual seats). It never feels quite right despite numerous attempts.
The main thing for me is that it's just not very good at being a sports car - or a non sports car. For me, it's in between and not very good at either - it's not a particularly relaxing car to trundle around in - and if you want fun, it doesn't really seem to do that very well either.
Mine is old, and worth very little - but I'd want to be very sure that the newer ones are better before spending the kind of money you're talking about on one.
I have a 2010 TT S-Line Roadster. I've had it for about 3.5 years I think - I test drove it, and was concerned it was a tad dull to drive. My view hasn't really changed during my ownership.
It has positives :
The engine is pretty good - it pulls well (without being thrashed to death) and is a big plus for the car. The interior is a nice place to be, even though mine is 15 years old (the S-Line has nice leather / alcantara seats).
But it has negatives too :
It's fwd, which I'm not a big fan of - but obviously I knew that when I bought it.
I have never managed to get the seat comfortable (mine is manual seats). It never feels quite right despite numerous attempts.
The main thing for me is that it's just not very good at being a sports car - or a non sports car. For me, it's in between and not very good at either - it's not a particularly relaxing car to trundle around in - and if you want fun, it doesn't really seem to do that very well either.
Mine is old, and worth very little - but I'd want to be very sure that the newer ones are better before spending the kind of money you're talking about on one.
macron said:
Audi TT or 3 series estate. Yeah, they're competitors.
Budget? Actual needs?
Never said they were Budget? Actual needs?
I just want something a little more fun to drive day to day. A bit of space for 'stuff' but not essential. I know nothing really of the TT hence wanting to find out a little more.
Requirements are good handling, comfy and relaxing when needed, decent turn of speed and fun when I want it.
I like the drive of a 3 series hence the suggestion but it's not a must have and budget is as per my post.
I'm also musing over a 230i such as this - https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18388700
I had a high spec TT-S (310hp, S3 / Golf R drivetrain) for the best part of a year - thought I'd mention it as it slots between the lower output 2.0Ts and TT-RS you'd already mentioned above.
I'm assuming you'd be looking at a late model (2019-23), meaning the specs are pretty high as it was the end of life for a model first introduced in 2014. These were thought of at the time as being the last bastions of classic Audi styling and especially interior, and I'd concur that the quality / usability / wow factor ratio is a real standout when compared to more recent cars.
Given that you already have a the practical (Volvo) and more occasional cars covered, I think a mid-spec TT is a good shout. Mine took a Medium size MTB and 56cm framed road bike, subject to a little fettling and front wheel removal.
I'm assuming you'd be looking at a late model (2019-23), meaning the specs are pretty high as it was the end of life for a model first introduced in 2014. These were thought of at the time as being the last bastions of classic Audi styling and especially interior, and I'd concur that the quality / usability / wow factor ratio is a real standout when compared to more recent cars.
Given that you already have a the practical (Volvo) and more occasional cars covered, I think a mid-spec TT is a good shout. Mine took a Medium size MTB and 56cm framed road bike, subject to a little fettling and front wheel removal.
370Z:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
Evora:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507214...
At the top end the M3 Competition would be my (personally feel these look so much better than the M4) pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507074...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507044...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...
Mustang:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506273...
Leftfield
RC-F:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507094...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
Evora:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507214...
At the top end the M3 Competition would be my (personally feel these look so much better than the M4) pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507074...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507044...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...
Mustang:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506273...
Leftfield
RC-F:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507094...
Thanks for those.
Aside from potentially looking further at the Lexus none of the others really appeal.
The M3/M4 are a bit too hardcore for what I want. I'm after a comfortable daily, with reasonable running costs that can be fun and playful at the same time.
370 I've just never really liked.
Evora - not a Lotus fan and not easy to live with day to day - plus potential reliability concerns.
I also don't want anything older than 3/4 years
Presently the 230i is up top (would love a 240 but budget won't allow without finance which I don't want) and I also need to drive a TT.
Aside from potentially looking further at the Lexus none of the others really appeal.
The M3/M4 are a bit too hardcore for what I want. I'm after a comfortable daily, with reasonable running costs that can be fun and playful at the same time.
370 I've just never really liked.
Evora - not a Lotus fan and not easy to live with day to day - plus potential reliability concerns.
I also don't want anything older than 3/4 years
Presently the 230i is up top (would love a 240 but budget won't allow without finance which I don't want) and I also need to drive a TT.
I'm on my second TT, TTS this time, 16 years in total with a year of 235i in between.
Although my 5th BMW, I didn't like the 235 at all. Looked great, performance figures were great but mainly the lack of grip and bouncy ride. Interior was a bit cheap and iDrive frustrating. Lots of threads on improving the handling you can research, although with a bike might the 1 Series make more sense?
The TT is possibly what you're looking for in it's an enjoyable daily car which can be fun though I'm surprised a bike fits easily. It's not an out and out sports car but pleasant enough to own all the same. The interior is well laid out and easy to use, as is the MMI interface. In 8 years and 40k nothing has gone wrong although I read water pump issues are common and expensive.
My only reservations would be that the Mk3 is a lot stiffer than the Mk2, sports car stiff, but it isn't a sports car. So although the TTS would be the one to have, something with smaller wheels might be more for you. I don't know, try some. I'm expecting my tyres (19s) to last @ 12k and they're £750 but otherwise 40mpg on a run isn't unusual. And with Quattro if you get a puncture and the tread difference is too great, new to the remaining pair, it'll mean a set of 4.
I'll be getting another one when I can find a late low mileage one that isn't white or with garish wheels
Although my 5th BMW, I didn't like the 235 at all. Looked great, performance figures were great but mainly the lack of grip and bouncy ride. Interior was a bit cheap and iDrive frustrating. Lots of threads on improving the handling you can research, although with a bike might the 1 Series make more sense?
The TT is possibly what you're looking for in it's an enjoyable daily car which can be fun though I'm surprised a bike fits easily. It's not an out and out sports car but pleasant enough to own all the same. The interior is well laid out and easy to use, as is the MMI interface. In 8 years and 40k nothing has gone wrong although I read water pump issues are common and expensive.
My only reservations would be that the Mk3 is a lot stiffer than the Mk2, sports car stiff, but it isn't a sports car. So although the TTS would be the one to have, something with smaller wheels might be more for you. I don't know, try some. I'm expecting my tyres (19s) to last @ 12k and they're £750 but otherwise 40mpg on a run isn't unusual. And with Quattro if you get a puncture and the tread difference is too great, new to the remaining pair, it'll mean a set of 4.
I'll be getting another one when I can find a late low mileage one that isn't white or with garish wheels
List of cars to look at now narrowed down as follows (Not necessarily these exact cars but these models)
M135i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506053...
Golf R https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503210... albeit worried about theft on this one
S3 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
MINI Clubman JCW https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507054...
BMW 230i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506304...
BMW 430i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
TT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
M135i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506053...
Golf R https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503210... albeit worried about theft on this one
S3 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
MINI Clubman JCW https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507054...
BMW 230i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506304...
BMW 430i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
TT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Matt_T said:
Zippee said:
Thanks for those.
Evora - not a Lotus fan and not easy to live with day to day - plus potential reliability concerns.
I'd bet my house on the Evora being considerably more reliable than your XC90!Evora - not a Lotus fan and not easy to live with day to day - plus potential reliability concerns.
I had a TT (mk2 3.2v6) and really loved the car. I’d say go for a test drive in one, while they are not the last word in handling, I thought it was a really fun car to drive. the v6 obviously provided a fairly decent noise too
but the best thing for me, was that it was actually performed as a fairly practical 2 seater ‘hatchback’. If you get your head round the rear seats being absolutely useless for people, and use it for storage or folding the back seats down, then you end up with a decent boot space.
I had a bike in the boot (i think just a front wheel off), skiing stuff, a canoe on the roof (it take proper roofbars), so you could fit a decent amount in there. all while having a nice looking, sporty looking car.
but the best thing for me, was that it was actually performed as a fairly practical 2 seater ‘hatchback’. If you get your head round the rear seats being absolutely useless for people, and use it for storage or folding the back seats down, then you end up with a decent boot space.
I had a bike in the boot (i think just a front wheel off), skiing stuff, a canoe on the roof (it take proper roofbars), so you could fit a decent amount in there. all while having a nice looking, sporty looking car.
malks222 said:
I had a TT (mk2 3.2v6) and really loved the car. I d say go for a test drive in one, while they are not the last word in handling, I thought it was a really fun car to drive. the v6 obviously provided a fairly decent noise too
but the best thing for me, was that it was actually performed as a fairly practical 2 seater hatchback . If you get your head round the rear seats being absolutely useless for people, and use it for storage or folding the back seats down, then you end up with a decent boot space.
I had a bike in the boot (i think just a front wheel off), skiing stuff, a canoe on the roof (it take proper roofbars), so you could fit a decent amount in there. all while having a nice looking, sporty looking car.
Comfortable too, but a bit thirsty. but the best thing for me, was that it was actually performed as a fairly practical 2 seater hatchback . If you get your head round the rear seats being absolutely useless for people, and use it for storage or folding the back seats down, then you end up with a decent boot space.
I had a bike in the boot (i think just a front wheel off), skiing stuff, a canoe on the roof (it take proper roofbars), so you could fit a decent amount in there. all while having a nice looking, sporty looking car.
Zippee said:
List of cars to look at now narrowed down as follows (Not necessarily these exact cars but these models)
M135i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506053...
Golf R https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503210... albeit worried about theft on this one
S3 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
MINI Clubman JCW https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507054...
BMW 230i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506304...
BMW 430i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
TT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Before reading this post on the thread I was thinking to recommend a Golf R. I have a Mk7 one as a second car and my wife has a 7.5 one as her daily. They would tick the box for what you are looking for. The S3 will have the nicer interior but the Golf is better to drive. M135i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506053...
Golf R https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503210... albeit worried about theft on this one
S3 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507114...
MINI Clubman JCW https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507054...
BMW 230i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506304...
BMW 430i https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506063...
TT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
I can’t see the example you have listed as I think that car may be sold. However, for the budget you mentioned I think you would be looking at a 7.5? As we have both in the house, I would fully recommend the 7.5. Better infotainment, improved looks and crucially the much improved 7 speed DSG versus the 6 in mine. Worth seeking out one with some options added depending on your preferences. Pan roof, adaptive dampers, Pretoria alloys are nice and Dynaudio speakers although not many have the Dynaudio. My wifes car does and its massively superior to the standard speakers.
Not sure where you are based? I’ve had mine 5 years and no issues with attracting the wrong sort of attention.
Anyhow, IMO worth serious consideration from your list. Drove mine this evening actually and thought its a decent all rounder which is why I wont sell it
I've also had a TT; a 2011 one.
It was dull dull dull, but the interior was great and it went well. If you're looking for fun I wouldn't buy a TT. And I definitely wouldn't want to spend over 20k on one. They may have suddenly morphed into a sports car but I somehow doubt it.
I'd echo what another poster said on here..have you thought about a Jaguar F Type? That seems to me to be a modern day TVR and 20-30k will get you a good one.
It was dull dull dull, but the interior was great and it went well. If you're looking for fun I wouldn't buy a TT. And I definitely wouldn't want to spend over 20k on one. They may have suddenly morphed into a sports car but I somehow doubt it.
I'd echo what another poster said on here..have you thought about a Jaguar F Type? That seems to me to be a modern day TVR and 20-30k will get you a good one.
Thanks again all.
It's a hard one really to describe what I'm after. It's not necessarily full hot hatch, more a combo of reasonably fun to drive when I want it but comfy/relaxed when I don't - something my S60 only does the latter part of.
As originally mentioned I have an AMG GTC as my fun car so that easily handles the just want to go out and drive aspect. This one will be more for station, heading out for the day if damp, reasonable practicality if I need it, heading to see friends with the wife or heading away when I don't want 20mpg or the restrictions on comfort that the AMG brings.
I also cycle so want to either put a bike in the back seats down or, in the case of a TT, chuck it on the roof.
The Golf R I was looking at was a mk8 (23 plate) but I've read these aren't as nice a ride as the 7s so may look at those.
In all honesty my current favourites (without having driven) are the S3, Clubman JCW (I like quirky) and the TT but I do need to have a drive in all.
It's a hard one really to describe what I'm after. It's not necessarily full hot hatch, more a combo of reasonably fun to drive when I want it but comfy/relaxed when I don't - something my S60 only does the latter part of.
As originally mentioned I have an AMG GTC as my fun car so that easily handles the just want to go out and drive aspect. This one will be more for station, heading out for the day if damp, reasonable practicality if I need it, heading to see friends with the wife or heading away when I don't want 20mpg or the restrictions on comfort that the AMG brings.
I also cycle so want to either put a bike in the back seats down or, in the case of a TT, chuck it on the roof.
The Golf R I was looking at was a mk8 (23 plate) but I've read these aren't as nice a ride as the 7s so may look at those.
In all honesty my current favourites (without having driven) are the S3, Clubman JCW (I like quirky) and the TT but I do need to have a drive in all.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff