2012 Audi TT-RS opinions?

"Kanaric" (Kanaric1)
09/16/2017 at 16:27 • Filed to: None

So i’ve been thinking of going back to a smaller, and AWD, car from my current Mustang GT. I’ve kinda liked the recent AWD german cars like that recent CLA45 but it’s too expensive for me, also the recent Audi RS3. So I looked at prices of the TT RS and it is very affordable for me if I get a 2012.

I’m curious what opinions people have on these cars? When I had an AWD car it was always like Mitsubishi Evo or a Subaru WRX, idk how good the AWD system is in these, but I always liked the old-school 5 cylinder Audis and this is very much a throwback to it in a very attractive car IMO.

DISCUSSION (21)

Textured Soy Protein > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 16:49

Without going into a ton of details the awd on the TT RS is much less sophisticated than a WRX or Evo. You can improve its behavior significantly with a Haldex controller from HPA Motorsports . The stock magnetic shocks also respond very nicely to stiffer springs from MSS which are height adjustable.

Steve in Manhattan > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 16:57

Mustang feels too big? Is there anything you could do to improve its ability to stick to the road? (especially in inclement weather?)

RT > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 17:03

They’re Golfs underneath, so you’ve already got a well-thought-out design going on. Their 5-cylinder engines sound like a lot of fun too. You could argue it’s both a huge upgrade and downgrade from the Mustang.

My main problem is just the visibility and the fact I’d rather have a GTI or a WRX/Evo instead. The TTRS just seems like a compromise in comparison. But if you like it, go for it.

Cash Rewards > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 17:08

Hugely underappreciated looks wise. I think they’re gorgeous

Ssfancyfresh > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 17:32

Start with Audi TT. Awesome.

Add MOOOAAARR POWER!!!!!!

Manual trans.

The end. What’s not to like?

Alfalfa > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 17:48

I think they’re neat. There’s nothing like a V8, but a turbo I5 is pretty damn close.

PG; the scalpel wielder > Kanaric
09/16/2017 at 18:25

Havnt driven one, but have seen them perform pretty well on track. The rotors are mega expensive from memory.

Forrest > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 01:38

In this class, I prefer the Cayman, but the TT RS seems pretty good too.

RacinBob > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 12:05

I know someone who has one, and loves it. Test drive one and decide.

crocket > Textured Soy Protein
09/17/2017 at 15:41

Haldex is more sophisticated technically.

crocket > RT
09/17/2017 at 15:44

Actually, it’s not a Golf underneath. The MK2 TT uses a unique (Aluminum space frame) construction. Cars aren’t built body on frame where it’s the “same underneath.” It shares “platform” components but that is very different. People get confused because of the auto term “platform.”

crocket > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 15:46

Awesome cars. With the back seat folded down you can put a ton of stuff in the trunk too. The TTS and TT-RS are under appreciated by some but they are fun to drive too.

crocket > Forrest
09/17/2017 at 15:47

Track: Cayman, Street: TT-RS.

DonnaSummerFan > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 16:37

I owned a gorgeous 2012 in Daytona Grey. It was loud, aggressive and a lot of fun. Surprisingly comfortable too for a guy who is 6'4. I live in a city with dire traffic and the power and heavy clutch made traffic deeply unfun. Never had enough time to get it out for long stretches in the city and the dealership here was miserable to deal with for servicing. Plus, I’m not a skilled driver, so I never felt like I was getting the most out of it. Never had a problem with it. Great in the winter. If you’re an enthusiast and have the time to drive it, you’ll probably adore it. Dealt it for a 435xi convertible which was more suitable for me as I enter my Carlsberg years. Plus the drop top makes traffic more bearable in the summer. The TT RS was a blast of you can get one at a decent price, go for it. It held up value on the trade.

Discerning > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 16:44

It’s a used VW product that is out of Warranty that also uses an engine that is somewhat unique.....

RT > crocket
09/17/2017 at 17:15

Absolutely correct, we’re well past old body and frame platform engineering.

This is more like an example of VW Group’s unity among cars of the same size with different pretensions. See VW-Skoda-Seat as an example of this “it’s basically an X underneath” philosophy. I use the term more loosely, but the cars share a few links. In other words, it’s better to share Golf bits (TT) than Chrysler minivan bits (Routan).

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Kanaric
09/17/2017 at 22:01

Dat. Noise. Tho.

Italianstalion > Kanaric
09/18/2017 at 08:22

I work as a service consultant for and Audi dealer. The TTRS is a very stout vehicle. Aside from the usual people tuning and beating on them I have not seen any major problems. Even on the tuned and raced cars I have never seen a single engine failure. The bottom line is that I would buy one without hesitation. That’s saying a lot when I still drive my 2001 escape and would not consider buying a Q5 or A4 with the 2.0t due to the chain failures in the CAEB motors. The maintenance in the TTRS is pretty reasonable too, spark plugs needed 40k it’s good proactive service to change the haldex oil and gearbox oil at this interval too.

Matt > Kanaric
09/18/2017 at 09:32

I’ve been running Audi Quattros for 14 years now apart from a Scooby WRXS for 2 years in 2012-14. The build quality of the Scooby was appalling and the mpg was just plain ridiculous for the power.....23mpg for 260bhp...come on! My S3 which l did more than 220, 000 miles in had 310bhp was heavier, better built and 10 years older would give 36 plus mpg! Changed to the Audi S1...again fantastic (took this 330bhp) and now have A TTRS Plus with Tip-tronic .....you can’t touch them. The TTRS l’ve had for almost a year now, purchased a 2013 with 22,000. I’ve put an MTM Stage 1 chip (420bhp) and is blistering fast and still gives 37mpg when sensible. Considering a Stage 2 now with Miltek and sleeping tablets too get some shut eye as l can’t stop driving it. Grins per mile? In abundance Sir!

Kanaric > Matt
09/18/2017 at 12:00

that is some good MPG, at what speed are you typically driving? Where I am the highway speed is 80mph and in my Mustang that equals about 19 mpg. It’s a long drive too so a ton of gas money down the drain lmao.

The one thing is that subaru has full time awd and this has haldex, I think that has a lot to do with the mpg differences. But I agree with you, I was getting horrendous MPG on the subaru.

Kanaric > Steve in Manhattan
09/18/2017 at 12:03

It’s not that it really feels too big, it’s that it actually is too big. I have a two car garage and calling it “two car” is a huge exaggeration by the people who built these houses. I could fit two R32 Skylines in it probably (car designed in the 80s) but with my Mustang in there I simply have no room for a 2nd vehicle.

In my neighborhood a lot of people have SUVs or larger cars like 5 series and they only can fit one car in there.

The car feels/drives fine.