Replacement for A1

[Strena]

Ok, so I'm going to lose my 12 plate A1 when I change jobs next month. I'd like something a little more fun, so have been thinking about a used TT. Maximum budget of 17k, has to have bluetooth and AC, but not really fussed about anything else. My questions are - what's a TT like to own and run, also what sort of age/mileage would I be looking at for my budget? I'd prefer to buy from an approved used Audi dealer if possible, just for my piece of mind.

Thanks!

[Lofty]

Good choice, I've had 3 TT's, one MK1 225 and two MK2's (3.2 & a TTS).For that budget I'd try and get a facelift S-line, they gave the s-line the TTS front end in 2010.Dont get too hung up on Audi Approved, the warranty is good but I've seen some real dogs at Audi dealers, the 145 point check is bollocks, I've seen £30k performance cars with barely legal Kuhmo tyres fitted .I'm not sure if your budget would stretch but I'd be looking for a car still under original 3 year warranty, it's more comprehensive than the Mondial warranty and can be extended.Your in a strong buying position not having a p/x so offer low if you see a car you like, and make sure if your using finance that they don't give you a crap rate,a bank loan will be cheapest.

[Strena]

Thanks Lofty, that's really helpful!

I'm a cash buyer, hopefully that puts me in a strong position. I'll widen my search outside Audi Approved and also see if I can find anything still in the 3 year warranty.

[tfp]

the 145 point check is bollocks.

A very strong statement. I'm sure some Audi dealers do it properly.

However, I must add that I bought a used A1 from a main dealer early this year. I rejected the car as soon as I drove it.

I got an instant refund with no arguments as the dealer agreed it should have never passed their inspection.

So my advice to anyone is to take an independent expert along with you when buying any car.

I'll say the same as Lofty, I've seen plenty of rubbish on main dealer forecourts, as well as the good ones.

[tfp]

Thanks Lofty, that's really helpful!

I'm a cash buyer, hopefully that puts me in a strong position.

Sometimes, but not always.

If a dealer has a good car, correctly priced, they may not drop at all.

Don't be one of those people who miss out on a really good car because they walked away on principle of not getting any discount. Many garages price cars to sell with no chance of any discount.

[Lofty]

the 145 point check is bollocks.

A very strong statement. I'm sure some Audi dealers do it properly.

However, I must add that I bought a used A1 from a main dealer early this year. I rejected the car as soon as I drove it.

I got an instant refund with no arguments as the dealer agreed it should have never passed their inspection.

So my advice to anyone is to take an independent expert along with you when buying any car.

I'll say the same as Lofty, I've seen plenty of rubbish on main dealer forecourts, as well as the good ones.

Your car passed the 145 point check because it didn't get one
I'm sure some do prep the cars correctly but from my experience they must be few and far between, and judging by other customers experience I'm not the only one to have the same opinion. The number one priority of a car dealer is to make as much profit per car as possible, they do this by doing as little as possible and then rely on the warranty to put things right if they go wrong.I totally agree about getting an independent inspection, very good advise.Also, look at finance as you might get a better deal, free servicing etc, it can be paid off immediately with no penalty.

[Spider]

I also agree about the checks I knew a tech that worked at Vw that told me it goes along the lines off
Wipers 3 points one for each
Head lights 2
Side lights 2
Same for rear
Don't take long to reach 145

[tfp]

Your car passed the 145 point check because it didn't get one

Yup, in my case I think that's correct, it was almost laughable.

I'm fortunate that I know the industry, and I know my cars, and I know the law.

On my fourth attempt at buying an A1 I finally succeeded in buying a lovely car from Audi Stafford.

I can't stress enough to people how important it is to take someone with you who knows their stuff.

[Blackhawk]

the 145 point check is bollocks.

However, I must add that I bought a used A1 from a main dealer early this year. I rejected the car as soon as I drove it.

Didn't buy Moh's old A1 did you? He rejected it too.

[tfp]

Didn't buy Moh's old A1 did you? He rejected it too.

Not sure, it was in May 2013.

I was deeply shocked at how some Audi dealerships behaved.

1st attempt was a new order, the delivery date changed by 3 months a few days later, and they wouldn't return my calls.

2nd attempt was a used car that didn't drive correctly.

3rd attempt I was lied to by the salesman, he must have thought I was stupid. (ok, I am a bit)

4th attempt I got a proper sales person and bought a car.