Tempt me

M

MichaelAC

Member
Hi all,

I currently have an Audi TT 3.2 V6 with a remap and a bit of weight loss.

However, much as I love it, I am considering moving on. I drive enthusiastically and need a car that will go well and although the TT doesn''t handle brilliantly it is quick and does grip albeit with understeer that I haven't fully removed yet with minor mods, so I do need something that will compete.

I want to change to something reliable, with 50/50 weight distribution and with no extra expensive bits like the DSG and haldex on my Audi. The Porsche Boxter was favourite but with the mid engine being difficult to work on increasing labour costs as well as parts cost I'm not so sure. Reason for this is that I do plenty of miles and this will be a daily driver. In my shortlist this leaves the Z4 which I believe has sharp steering and good handling with good weight distribution. I like the looks and the build quality and the 3.0 is quite quick so most things are covered.

I'm guessing that there is good knowledge of this car on here as there is of the TT on the TT forum so I wondered if you could give me tips on what to look for on buying a 3.0 and also the good points of the car in your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Michael.
 
Hi Michael, there's a few good buyers guides on here that give good advice when buying-being rear wheel drive they can be more exciting to drive when pushed but thankfully the electronics save most of us from going through hedges (unless turned off)
Driven sensibly they are pretty good on fuel as well :thumbsup:
Regards
 
If its a mark 1 tt, I had the same car. They are chalk and cheese, The only TT that looks amazing is the mark 1 they slowly got less impressive with styling. Not to say the two models after are ugly but they aren't as ground brakingly beautiful. I went from my TT to an S2000 then the Bmw Z4 3.0, they are just unbelievably refined whilst being able to shift pretty well. The TT is numb handling wise (or so I found) and the S2000 slightly to twitchy. THe Z4 is the best out of the 3, with the TT being to much like driving a normal car and not being in control (although fast as hell) and the S2000 was to much like living life on the edge. This sounds fun but very quickly becomes annoying as it was just so twitchy.

Drive one and then you will quite happily give up your TT as I was to give up my S2000. The car is just a brilliant all-rounder with more smiles per mile.
 
Welcome Michael , ive had 2 V6 DSG TTs & 3 Z4s , the Audis are a superb cruiser but somewhat numb if you like the bends & twisty's :driving:
As you have identified the 260bhp 3.0Sis are a great package , just be wary of the tyre set up & drive 2 or 3 to get a real feel for them as they can differ wildly , you will probably find the Z doesn't feel as quick away as your current car but that's due to the flattering DSG that really is supreme imo
Feel free to offer up any possibles you may come across & keep a check on the forum cars for sale :thumbsup:
 
Hi,

and there was me thinking the post would be over run with TT slating :)

Thanks for your comments, I do have a Mk 1 TT and much as I quite like the others I chose the Mk 1 above the mk 2 when I bought it purely for being something a bit different.

I have a friend with an S2000 and have considered them but know that they are twitchy. My friend admits there's no way he'd get round a particular high speed corner we both like to push our cars round, at the same speed as my car without losing the rear end in a big way. To be honest the S2000 would still be a consideration but they are a bit more pricey these days.

It's really good to hear from people who have had a TT then gone to the Z4 because you know where I'm coming from. Now I just need to try and get a drive in one to confirm I like the handling.

I'll keep you posted and soon I may be on here with news of my new car :)
 
MichaelAC said:
Hi,

and there was me thinking the post would be over run with TT slating :)

Thanks for your comments, I do have a Mk 1 TT and much as I quite like the others I chose the Mk 1 above the mk 2 when I bought it purely for being something a bit different.

I have a friend with an S2000 and have considered them but know that they are twitchy. My friend admits there's no way he'd get round a particular high speed corner we both like to push our cars round, at the same speed as my car without losing the rear end in a big way. To be honest the S2000 would still be a consideration but they are a bit more pricey these days.

It's really good to hear from people who have had a TT then gone to the Z4 because you know where I'm coming from. Now I just need to try and get a drive in one to confirm I like the handling.

I'll keep you posted and soon I may be on here with news of my new car :)
Click to expand...

You may find after a couple of testdrives that you appreciate what you already have ? They are a great all rounder & i would happily have another , their biggest downfall being lack of feel & driver involvement , by that i mean they do most things so well :wink: you havent said what your budget is ?
Here's my last one now living in Scotland
TT%20Wet%20Normandy%20013_zpst3yesq2s.jpg
 
If you do go s2000 make sure to test drive in the wet, especially the early one with no traction control. Make sure there no leaks In the roof as well as they are notoriously bad, I found out the hard way.
 
Michael, welcome to the Forum.

The 3.0si is a characterful sports car and I find it a very 'involving' and enjoyable drive. I find it a challenge to not use the performance but when driven sedately or on a constant throttle,will return over 35mpg (which can be useful).

mr wilks has already mentioned about the tyre set up - one of the things I found needed getting used to was the steering. Most of us on the forum use non runflats to improve the ride and reduce the tram-lining and steering snatch. Even with non runflats I find the steering is very 'active' and I keep both hands on the wheel during spirited driving - it will drag you into the edge of the road if on uneven piece of road and you'll want to avoid a puncture. . . .no spare, just goo

The 3.0si (post 2006) has 265 bhp - very smooth with lots of mid range and pulls like a train across a wide speed range in third right through the rev range. Useful acceleration in first and second. The brakes can fade after spirited use but are good.

I find driving my Zed an event, the drive is involving and can be as challenging as you want it to be - it's very capable and 'fun' isn't quite the right word,as it's a serious piece of kit - 'it's fulfilling' might be a better phrase. :thumbsup:

If you've got the cash and can afford to run one I would be considering an ///M if I was you - you're likely to seek one if you like the 3.0 and you're an enthusiastic driver (as you've mentioned) . . . . . but you'll still enjoy the 3.0 litre on the road.

If you're near the North East you're welcome to come experience and have a try of mine.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
I agree with Paul, go for the 3.0si (post 2006): 261 bhp, 0-60 5.5 sec - very smooth with lots of mid range power and blistering acceleration :driving:
 
Hmmm.....some good thoughts there but my budget is limited, I'm trying not to dig into the savings much if I can help it. If I had a bit more money, my two favourite cars at the moment are the Z3M in black or a Porsche Cayman S.

The Z4 coupe really appeals but probably out of my budget so I think the 3.0L Z4 roadster up to 7K is realistic and I like a car that I have to have a bit of a fight with on the steering wheel so that will bring back happy memories of of my old MGF without power steering.

RE tyres, what should I be looking out for, I would change any runflats to normal but is there anything else? I currently play with pressures and tyre types on the TT and that has been a cheap contributing method of reducing the understeer.
 
Where are you based? You may find a member happy to show you round theirs?
I'm in Surrey, and although mine is an M, I'd be happy to show you, to get an idea.
 
MichaelAC said:
Hmmm.....some good thoughts there but my budget is limited, I'm trying not to dig into the savings much if I can help it. If I had a bit more money, my two favourite cars at the moment are the Z3M in black or a Porsche Cayman S.

The Z4 coupe really appeals but probably out of my budget so I think the 3.0L Z4 roadster up to 7K is realistic and I like a car that I have to have a bit of a fight with on the steering wheel so that will bring back happy memories of of my old MGF without power steering.

RE tyres, what should I be looking out for, I would change any runflats to normal but is there anything else? I currently play with pressures and tyre types on the TT and that has been a cheap contributing method of reducing the understeer.
Click to expand...

Most of us on the Forum do not use run flats so if buying, I would say having 'normal' tyres would be a plus and saves you having to replace. GoodYear Eagle F1s are currently quite popular.

I find my Zed is sensitive to tyre pressures - a couple of psi does make a difference. After trial experimentation I currently run on 32 front and 34 rear.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Yeh ditch the runflats if possible, I traded my 2.0 z4 for a 3.0 z4 but swapped my original wheels and tyres onto the new car because it was on 17" alloys with run flats. My tyres are vredestein and seem to ride very well.
 
Hi Marlon, yes I saw your post, the red Z4 looks fantastic!

Thanks everyone for your replies, it's been so useful and really good to know that when I get a Z4 there's a forum full of great people.

Cheers,
Michael.
 
MichaelAC said:
Hi Marlon, yes I saw your post, the red Z4 looks fantastic!

Thanks everyone for your replies, it's been so useful and really good to know that when I get a Z4 there's a forum full of great people.

Cheers,
Michael.
Click to expand...

Thanks Michael :)
we will be waiting to welcome you and help wherever we can when you join the fold
 
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