[Sussex_G20]

Yesterday was a sad day but also the start of a new chapter. My EBII 435iM Sport Auto departed my garage for the last time to a lucky new owner.

A few months ago i posted that I was thinking about a change to something slightly smaller and more manageable that the upcoming new 'Mrs I' would be able to drive too for the restaurant and pub return journeys and to share driving on road trips. The deal was that if we bought her something that was able to transport grandchildren, dog and diy/dump runs then I would get something something more for just the two of us. I bought her a Golf back in December so that left me to start looking. This car would also be a cash purchase (finance and then pay off) as I would like to semi retire or slow down my work commitments by the end of the year.

The shopping list was a Z4, 1/235, Golf R, Audi S3, Audi TTS. After going round and round I have settled on the TTS (no I am not a hairdresser!). I will collect on Easter Saturday but as I am away abroad until then I parted company yesterday with the 435 and now have an empty garage for a couple of weeks.

Could I have been tempted into another BMW?

I am not sure, my local dealer never seem interested when in the showroom and did not follow up when the car was there for service a few weeks back and I told them it would likely be sold and was looking for a new car. Plus I am not really fond of the 1 series nowadays had one a while back wehen they first came out, the 2 series did not seem to offer anything different from the 4 only less toys. I was not struck on the looks of the Golf also an old model next year or the S3 with its strange pop up screen. The Z4 was a contender but just didnt feel special enough for me inside and it too is due for replacement in the next year or so.
Thus it was the TTS I did briefly flirt with the idea of a Cayman but the cash would not run to an S with suitable options. I must say that contrary to many here the local dealer Caffyns Audi in Eastbourne have been very efficient and helpful. Were easy to talk to, organised a car in for me to drive, dealt with me while travelling and when it came to dealing matched C2C price and structured the deal as I wanted I even have commitment to no swirls from preparation! The only issue being insurance coverage for engineers coming to retrofit a couple of items, but this is all sorted amicably too. PX wise they gave me exactly what expected.

Was a little sad to see it go but am looking forward to trying something different. I will have some bits to sell like winter wheels, bespoke sub woofer installation, car mats etc and will post in due course. I expect to keep dropping in here to read the banter still and will post some pics when I have the TTS. Is that allowed? expect not!

I will get my tin hat and hunker down as the incoming is hurled at me

[Mrklaw]

Any reason you didn't consider a standard Cayman, or even a boxster? While the S would have been lovely, wouldn't a standard one be still pretty nice as an alternative to a TT?

[Sussex_G20]

I didn't really want an soft top been there no done that for a good while. To get am PDK with leather and some other goodies the price got silly very quickly on the Cayman let alone the S. I was trying to structure it go within my ultimate cash budget too, I will settle the finance immediately. Audi are giving 5k deposit contribution right now too which put a good 15k between the TTS and the Cayman similarly configured. Yes it would be a lovely car but I am trying to slow down a bit towards retirement rather than work even harder to pay for tin and plastic no matter how good it makes you feel.
I know everyone talks about monthlies and how affordable they are but sooner or later that merry go round has to stop as you get older or do less miles making the monthly outlay more and more difficult to justify. Hence have set a budget and intend to stick to it............

[gtsussex]

Have to say I think the TTS looks a lovely car and the interior is a very special place. Love the dash.

I'm glad you've had a good experience from Caffyns in Eastbourne because I've been in there several times now and have just got nowhere. Most recently was last year when we really were interested in S5 Cab. Promised everything on day to find one to try and despite me repeatedly chasing, never came back. Mind you, I know what you mean about Chandlers on the sales side, if you're talking about Hailsham. Bought the M235i Vert from Brighton and M3's coming from there as well as they fell over themselves to help despite repeated requests to Hailsham to lend me an M3. Funny enough told dealer principle this week at Hailsham when he asked why I don't buy from them!

Know what you mean about options on the Porsche - price just shoots up!

Enjoy your new toy when it comes.

[TonyMaloni]

This post is a breathe of fresh air.
We were looking at a TT prior to getting the 330d. May I ask what items you are having retrofitted?

[Sussex_G20]

Unfortunately the reversing camera has to have the full automatic parking kit installed first making the camera about £1900. Purely down to how Audi Uk package kits. It is needed to cater for a shoulder injury sometimes making reversing awkward.
To have it retrofitted is about £350 including coming up in the virtual display exactly how the full system works.
After that I will see if the front sensors are needed. The car has most other kit as long as you get the technology pack and comfort and sound pack from build.

[Sussex_G20]

So despite the weather yesterday collected my TTS. Probably get banned for non BMW but here are some pics from between the showers.

[Sussex_G20]

Some more

[subsy]

Very nice , congrats, like those quilted seats

[robwils]

Originally Posted by Sussex_F32

So despite the weather yesterday collected my TTS. Probably get banned for non BMW but here are some pics from between the showers.

That looks

sure you will enjoy that.

What's the name of the colour ?

[philiper1]

Very nice, like the new TT, enjoy

[Kal101]

Do we get a forum discount on trims and perms ??



On a serious note though.

That is a lovely looking car especially liking the quilted seats.

[AlanYoro35i]

Very nice new car, would you tell me what PX did you get for the 435i?

[Chris Peacock]

That's a great looking TTS

[dopper99]

Very nice indeed.

How does it compare to your old beemer?

[JustChris]

Very very nice indeed, congrats!

[Danny Fireblade]

Nice TT mate, I had a 15 plate one but had to reject it due to too many issues, and only having it less than 3 months out of 6, as the rest of the time it was in the dealers getting fixed.
Not a bad car, but I prefer the 4GC if I am honest.

The matrix headlights are amazing though:-)

[Sussex_G20]

Originally Posted by AlanYoro35i

Very nice new car, would you tell me what PX did you get for the 435i?

PM sent

[Sussex_G20]

Originally Posted by Kal001

Do we get a forum discount on trims and perms ??



On a serious note though.

That is a lovely looking car especially liking the quilted seats.

As my son said, the bad hair day rapid response vehicle

[Sussex_G20]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Very nice indeed.

How does it compare to your old beemer?

Different people will tell different opinions from different perspectives.

Most of my driving is other than motorways, I needed something smaller and a bit more fun.

The TTS is about the same power as the 435i so they make a fairly good comparison. The first impression is the 435 is a more relaxed GT as a drive and it is a wonderful place to move rapidly around. Jumping in to the TTS is more akin to a sports car than a GT. I find the power much more readily accessible the grip far greater and the ride more controlled. It is a lighter car so bumps can sometimes disturb the car more but it is much better in the vertical bouncing plane than the BMW. With the weather I have not been out too much but have a week off so will try and write a bit more of a review once I have got more settled with it.

[simon.]

Does look rather nice, especially in that colour with the red calipers contrasting

[Craig 1527]

very nice always liked the TT and it really suits that colour enjoy