Used Audi TT Coupe 2006 - 2014 review

After the radical styling of the original 1999-2006 Audi TT, this second-generation version might look a little underwhelming. However, underneath its more conservative body lies a full-on sports car that's stunning to drive and tonnes of fun.

The majority of the car's chassis and bodywork is aluminium, making it lighter than the first car, yet it's bigger and has slightly more room inside. This weight loss gives the TT amazing agility and, combined with the peppy engine options, it's very fast in a straight line and grippy round the bends.

The ride is firm but not excessively so. Despite the performance, the TT is easy to drive and refined at low speeds.

The interior feels solid and durable, and quality materials are used throughout. The rear seats are suitable only for the smallest of children, however, but the boot is a good size for a coupe.

Now, it's excellent value for money, too. It was our What Car? Used Car of the Year winner in the Coupe section in 2017, impressing us for its unbeatable combination of talents, its class and solidity and its affordability.

If you're interested in finding a used Audi TT, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

Entry into the TT world starts at around £3000 for a 2006 second-gen car with an average to high mileage for the year, bought privately. Check history and condition carefully. Between £5000 and £7000 buys you a good condition, average mileage TT with a service history. Up the dosh to between £8000 and £10,000 and you're looking into the face of 2010 cars with a full history and average mileage, while £10,000 to £12,000 should net you a good 2011 or 2012 car.

MPG

The newer diesel is the most economical model, with lower CO2 emissions, and therefore offers cheaper road tax, and official fuel economy of 53.3mpg. Second-hand values are high, though, so you'll pay a high price for one. The 2.0-litre petrol isn't excessive, with 36.7mpg and 183g/km of CO2, and better than the V6 model, at 27.4mpg and a high 247g/km of CO2.

Servicing

A service history is essential on an old TT. Cars with this will cost more, but you'll reap the benefits when it's time to sell the car on. There's a good selection of quality independent garages who will care for older cars.

Reliability

So far the second-generation TT is proving durable, with few reliability problems. The original TT can become troublesome in later life, although the latest version has an excellent reliability record.

Insurance

This is a sports coupe so insurance premiums reflect that and you need to budget accordingly.

Don't be put off by the 2.0-litre 197bhp TFSI version. It feels more alert than the heavier V6, and sounds great under hard acceleration. The 3.2-litre 247bhp V6 is faster, and comes with four-wheel drive as standard to make the most of the extra grunt.

There's also a 2.0-litre 168bhp TDI diesel TT, which was introduced in 2008. The smooth engine has plenty of pull, so you can afford to be lazy with the gearchanges. It comes with quattro four-wheel drive as standard, but the best feature is the low 138g/km CO2 emissions.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox is slick and well matched to the engines, but the optional S-tronic semi-auto is slightly more fuel efficient and will change gear faster than you can. Some TTs also have the Magnetic Ride suspension system fitted, which can be used in Comfort or Sport settings, although the standard suspension is brilliant anyway.

All models are well equipped, with climate control, alloys, electronic stability control, curtain airbags and half-leather sports seats as standard. Metallic paint is essential for good residual values.

In many ways, the TT is in a class of its own, but over the years there have been many contenders the crown.

The BMW 3 Series Coupe takes the tried and tested formula from the contemporary 3 Series Saloon and adds a bit of style and flair to the mix. It's good to drive, with sharp steering, strong grip and great balance while cornering. The ride is on the firm side, which can be irritating on poor surfaces, but most of the time it's acceptable.

The Volkswagen Scirocco hails from the same stable as the TT. It's an impressive sports car, with neutral handling and loads of grip. Drivers can personalise the ride by changing settings that control the suspension, steering and throttle response. However, it's not just about dynamics, because the VW is also a stylish car that's well put together using quality materials.

For a more left-field choice, consider the Alfa Romeo Brera. This is a sharp-steering and exceedingly handsome sports coupe. However, it's not really a sports car, because there's too much body lean. Push hard and the front tyres wash wide – especially in heavier, V6-engined versions. There's a question mark over its reliability too, despite which its used car values are still quite high.

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