| RUNNING COSTS RATING: |
 |
Four-wheel drive and turbocharging mean that servicing isn't going to be the cheapest, but Audi dealers have a good reputation for customer care, even if parts can be expensive. A replacement hood for the roadster, for example, is around £5000 - and you need the whole thing replaced if you simply crack the rear glass screen. The desirability of the TT also means insurance is likely to be on the expensive side, unless you're squeaky-clean (in the insurer's opinion) - garage it at night. Add a tracker system to reduce premiums. However, if you opt for a lesser-powered version, the TT should be reasonably affordable, as depreciation is minimal - when you come to sell it you'll make a good return. The TT's desirability continues unabated, making used examples expensive. That's great news for the seller, but not such good news for those looking for a cheaper route into a TT. Left-hand-drive imports can be bought for sensible money; but different specifications, and front-wheel-drive on some are the reason they're cheap. Virtually all TTs will have been serviced within the dealer network - so there's no excuse for a car with no history. Walk away, there are plenty more TTs to choose from. Check to see that the optional recall changes were made to early cars. You'll find TTs sold privately, but Audi garages have the best examples, and you can haggle for a warranty. A pricey second-hand buy, but unless you rack up huge mileage, it'll hold its value well. The TT is at the upper end of the coupe market. That's unsurprising given Audi's premium image, though the TT still manages to feel more expensive than it actually is. Its performance is enough to scare more exotic machines, even if it isn't as rewarding a drive as some. Style-wise there's still little to match it. At around £2,000 more than hard-top models, the roadster again represents reasonable value - though even in 225bhp form it gets rather close to Porsche's 2.7 Boxster in the price lists, which eclipses it on the road. The V6 model is yet more expensive, at £31,000, which really is Porsche territory. Audi offers a decent warranty, however, and equipment levels are reasonable - though we wish high-end manufacturers (and Audi isn't alone in this) wouldn't persist in putting cassette players in premium machinery.
|
