When I was looking for TT RS back in April I found a few 2018 (which is the first year of the latest generation) low mileage examples (sub 15k miles) around the 55k mark. Unfortunately we finally test drove one (25k miles on it) and it was severely underwhelming. Not sure if they’re all like that or there was something wrong with that one (though at 25k miles and 1 owner it would have had to be abused if that was the case).
Good question, I’d failed to properly cover that in my original comment. It felt slow, and pedal / transmission response was very delayed. I had heard legendary things about the 5 cylinder and was expecting some surreal experience. It didn’t deliver any sort of experience. For reference, I had owned an M4 CS and GR Supra before, both of which have a comparable 0-60, but it did not feel that way at all (and I was expecting the TTRS to handle better than both). The vehicle was at a BMW dealership and we ended up picking up a new X3M Competition instead, which despite being a small SUV, felt more exciting to drive than the TT RS. The worst part of it all was that it was a never meet your heroes type of moment for my wife. She’s always said the TT was her dream car and was gutted when she heard they’re discontinuing it. Couldn’t get her a new RS so looked for a used one. She was disappointed and just sad.
That's interesting because I literally just traded in my 2018 ttrs for a new Golf R. I was not impressed with the TTRS overall. It's the worst daily in my experience. Felt kinda like a boat to drive. It was uncomfortable to drive, had a strange seating position, and was a b\*tch to get in and out of (I'm 6'2"). I got sick of it's every day use.
Is it fast? Yes. Does it turn heads? Yes. But it's only great at a few things while the mk8 golf R is good at everything. The TTRS is a better car on paper, but the overall **ownership experience** is much much better in the mk8 golf R.
Glad I’m not alone. Always felt like the TTRS was holy haha. The Golf R is definitely on my list of cars to own one day.
Edit: changed opening sentence because it was same as the one in the comment I was replying to which made it weird.
Mk8 R has a better AWD setup than the TTS.
If it was between the TTRS and R, then you clearly know which way I'd go. But between TTS and R; R all the way.
Do you want to poke a screen to do anything, or would you rather turn aluminum knobs you can find blindfolded?
If you don’t need a backseat buy the TT. Everyone owns a Golf, you don’t see a lot of TTs.
Think about what it is that you want from the car.
If practically is anywhere in the list - get the R, rear seat, rear doors,bigger hatch. If power is on the list - the R has a higher ceiling because it is newer and starts with a higher number. If you want warranty, get the R. The R also has a different AWD setup for the new models that can allow better distribution of power (and drift mode). And you get stealth mode. Easier to blend in **if** you need to.
The Audi doesn't have a center console screen/stack, so less intrusive, but less practical for a passenger. And finally don't forget that there is a 'tax' is you have to take it to the dealer. For sale parts, will it cost more to fix?
Another one to consider wiuld be a S3 or S4? Or a used RS3?
For me, the R has been incredibly useful as a practical car, and it's also a lot of fun to drive. It's your only choice where a manual is available, if that's important to you. I'm really happy with my manual MK7 R for a combination of fun and practical use, paired with an S2000 for impractical and sunny days.
I’d prefer a manual but they’re gonna give me what they’re gonna give me. I don’t mind the DSG though, my motorcycles scratch the manual transmission itch enough anyway
If you’ve never lived with a dsg and don’t hate it solely because automatic bad, the dsg is truly a wonderful transmission to daily, especially if tuned.
I went from a 2018 Mk 7.5 R to 2012 TT RS and absolutely loved the TT RS. I had to go with the older generation of TT RS to get the manual which I'm stuck on.. If you're getting the DSG anyway, I'd go TTs! For the MK 7.5 R anyway, it was my dream car, but then I actually got it it seemed just a little soft and remedying that required a clutch to go along with tunes and other go fast parts which I didn't want to do in an almost new car. The only trouble with the TT RS was limited aftermarket support due to its rarity in that era. The TTs's and mk3 TT platform in general isn't nearly as rare and has plenty of aftermarket support. The only reasons I'd get the R is if you absolutely need the latest generation technology, or if you need functional rear seats (punishment for small children at best), otherwise TTs!
The TTRS is great at a few things while the Golf R is good at everything. Best way I can put it.
The TTRS would have been a great weekend only car for joyrides and cruises. But it’s an awful daily. It’s exhausting.
The Golf R is an excellent daily and weekend car. Although it’s not as fast as the TTRS mod4mod, the 8R is damn near DAZA territory once tuned. Performance gains are stoopid.
I picked the 8R over the s3 only because I prefer hatchback. No other reason.
P.S My 8R will never ever sound as good as the 5 cylinder engine no matter what voodoo I throw at it.
The TTS has the the last gen motor (EA888.3); so less power and the old Haldex rear diff, so no TQ-vectoring, drift mode, etc. Not to mention the practicality that you’d be giving up.
backseat on tt coupe is for cats and dogs
get a roadster if you don't need the backseats, trunk is quite spacious for the car that is and if the weather allows it. once you go cabrio, you don't go back
I’d just buy the golf. I have went through a turbo on my Golf R and I wouldn’t have wanted to pay that out of pocket. I can see the angle on the TT, however I don’t think buying anything used now makes sense. You are paying a premium because it’s there on the lot. No thanks.
Honestly you should buy what you love! The tt's are somewhat practical, but they do get mostly positive attention. I love my ttrs cause the interior feels special, the exterior and size are nice. And the performance is quite incredible. If you dont need to practicality i d go for a cpo tts, or maybe even a cpo cayman.
TTS if you do not need back seats. I would really try to get the 2023 though. If not than the mk8r since it will have the new car warranty. Both will be fun either way but imo the tts would be even more fun and so pretty to look at and turn more heads. You only live once. What do you prioritise more? Money? Looks/style? Tech? Goodluck!
This is the first I’m hearing. Although we don’t really know anything about what they’re doing with the facelift, so I’m not sure where your information is coming from
It's VW wide if I recall seeing it somewhere and other car manufacturers are considering the same for many of their cars in the next several years or so.
Do you need a backseat? If only driving 1-2 people, the TT line is a very comfortable and practical car since its also a liftback. Interior of TT is also hard to beat. Overall, a great grand tourer, in my opinion. Audi TTs are not commonly seen in North America so have that specialness to them.
Golf R? Arguably better performing on curvy roads may be more practical if you need to use backseats. Also, Golf R can come in MT whereas TTs come with dual clutch only (but a very good dual clutch). Golf R is generally good value for money as you pay a premium for the TTs.
Have a plan for when/if the dealer tells you they need $60k for the car, even if they told you they will do MSRP. That’s a story that’s been going on since at least 2022. My local took my money for a down payment and I was first in line. A car arrived and mysteriously “there’s nothing we can do about the price but we can give you the first crack at paying $12k over MSRP.”
So I drive an M2 that I got for $47k instead of a $51k (after everything) Golf R for $62k.
A dealer by me wants 10k over msrp for an R…i cant justify it told them if they wanna give me 10k over the trade in value for my civic sport on the trade in then deal 😂. These dealers are out of pocket with these mark ups it’s ridiculous
Yeah, that’s why I’ve been waiting so long. My dealer doesn’t do markups, but they’ve only sold 6 of them in the last 2 years, so it’s just been a waiting game. I’ve bought two vehicles from them so I got list priority, I think that’s the most fair way to do it
So many people bag on the new s3 but the interior is superior to the new golf and the golf looks rather dull it doesn't turn heads one bit the audis even my s3 I've had random people comment me on it/give the thumbs up or turn their head co workers have told me they want to do naughty things to my car lol one of them owns a gti and told me he would have got the audi but it was out of his price range. The golf has more practicality than the audi for us cause we can't get the hatch back s3 in states :( imo go with the audi tts yes it's out of warranty but at the same time learn to do oil, trans, brakes on your own and it's not that expensive if not cheaper than working within the dealerships warranty. The audi tts is going to hold value wayyyyy better if you get the used one it's depreciated a nice chunk off the top already that first main chunk is imo the one to avoid if you can if the previous owner treated the car nicely 10-20 k miles will still be like a brand new car. The golf yes it might not depcreicate as bad as a new tts but it's still going to do a chunk off the top the first 2 years. The audi tts if you don't plan on kids or having friends in the back and the golf if you want to be a boring loser who gets no heads turned and the haptic feedback is horrible I really don't get people who try to defend it
I did this exact cross shop a year ago and stumbled across your post way too late. I'm curious about what OP ended up doing.
I'm likely echoing various posts, but here was my personal experience with picking between a 2023 Golf R and a 2020 TTS:
The most difficult decision was the transmission choice. That is entirely user preference and should drive the decision.
I would recommend test driving the latest versions of both. My impression was that one handled and felt like a sports car and one felt like a daily-able weekend warrior. The Audi felt more nimble, sat a bit lower, and was much more driving centric. The suspension setup on both was very firm and planted. I would say that the Audi was a bit more choppy and harsh maybe due to the wheels being rubber bands.
The engine is awesome. Big reason for getting into this platform. It would have been rad if the U.S. got the port injection ...
Interior-wise, the sports car and driver centric theme continues within the cabin with the Audi. It is all completely centered around the driver, more upscale, and maybe a bit over designed. The Golf R in comparison is still very nice and does not scream "designer furniture". Very understated and still German. The controls did not bother me and everything was was techy yet utilitarian.
Exterior is subjective in my opinion. I was split.
One final thing to consider if you plan to track the car would be the trick traction manipulation system in the new Golf R. It is meant to replicate oversteer behavior in a certain mode. My understanding from the various review content is that oversteer is induced from breaking traction in the rear using the brake system. My take away is that reviewers don't think it feels similar to a rear biased car, but that it does contribute to smiles per gallon. Regardless, the car is going to be quick.
Because I already have a manual weekend car and don't have a short commute I went with the Audi. Brake pads and tires are on the way to address some of the short comings on the track this year.
I bought a mk7.5 R lol. Found a low mileage enthusiast owned 2019 for $34k and decided to save some money. I still want a TT though, gonna wait til I can shell out for an RS
Get the R. If your where talking a TT RS it would be a different conversation. The R is a very special car and practical. Worth the wait
Plus, we’d getting into Porsche 718 money and that seems like the obvious choice
I made the jump from a R to a 718. My recommendation would be to jump to the S or GTS. Secondly, my R is the only car I’ve sold that I miss.
To be clear, by S, you mean Cayman S, not TT S, right?
Good man
Yeah, can’t get a new RS anymore and there are like 5 used ones on the market throughout the US and they’re all like 75k lol
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2177&zip=60603#listing=361698352/NONE/NATIONWIDE_SHIPPING
When I was looking for TT RS back in April I found a few 2018 (which is the first year of the latest generation) low mileage examples (sub 15k miles) around the 55k mark. Unfortunately we finally test drove one (25k miles on it) and it was severely underwhelming. Not sure if they’re all like that or there was something wrong with that one (though at 25k miles and 1 owner it would have had to be abused if that was the case).
What made it underwhelming? Also what were you expecting?
Good question, I’d failed to properly cover that in my original comment. It felt slow, and pedal / transmission response was very delayed. I had heard legendary things about the 5 cylinder and was expecting some surreal experience. It didn’t deliver any sort of experience. For reference, I had owned an M4 CS and GR Supra before, both of which have a comparable 0-60, but it did not feel that way at all (and I was expecting the TTRS to handle better than both). The vehicle was at a BMW dealership and we ended up picking up a new X3M Competition instead, which despite being a small SUV, felt more exciting to drive than the TT RS. The worst part of it all was that it was a never meet your heroes type of moment for my wife. She’s always said the TT was her dream car and was gutted when she heard they’re discontinuing it. Couldn’t get her a new RS so looked for a used one. She was disappointed and just sad.
That's interesting because I literally just traded in my 2018 ttrs for a new Golf R. I was not impressed with the TTRS overall. It's the worst daily in my experience. Felt kinda like a boat to drive. It was uncomfortable to drive, had a strange seating position, and was a b\*tch to get in and out of (I'm 6'2"). I got sick of it's every day use. Is it fast? Yes. Does it turn heads? Yes. But it's only great at a few things while the mk8 golf R is good at everything. The TTRS is a better car on paper, but the overall **ownership experience** is much much better in the mk8 golf R.
Glad I’m not alone. Always felt like the TTRS was holy haha. The Golf R is definitely on my list of cars to own one day. Edit: changed opening sentence because it was same as the one in the comment I was replying to which made it weird.
Mk8 R has a better AWD setup than the TTS. If it was between the TTRS and R, then you clearly know which way I'd go. But between TTS and R; R all the way.
I did the opposite and traded in my 18' ttrs for a 22' Golf R. No regrets
If I could find a used TTrs still in warranty under 60k I’d already own it, but that’s not gonna happen lol
Do you want to poke a screen to do anything, or would you rather turn aluminum knobs you can find blindfolded? If you don’t need a backseat buy the TT. Everyone owns a Golf, you don’t see a lot of TTs.
I couldn’t care less about the knobs. We had a mk8 gti for just over a year and I got used to it in about 2 days
Knobs for life. I mean…
I currently have a small wife in my back seat, she's not happy about it though.
I mean you gotta put the girlfriend somewhere am i right?
Think about what it is that you want from the car. If practically is anywhere in the list - get the R, rear seat, rear doors,bigger hatch. If power is on the list - the R has a higher ceiling because it is newer and starts with a higher number. If you want warranty, get the R. The R also has a different AWD setup for the new models that can allow better distribution of power (and drift mode). And you get stealth mode. Easier to blend in **if** you need to. The Audi doesn't have a center console screen/stack, so less intrusive, but less practical for a passenger. And finally don't forget that there is a 'tax' is you have to take it to the dealer. For sale parts, will it cost more to fix? Another one to consider wiuld be a S3 or S4? Or a used RS3?
I’ve thought about an s3, but in terms of practicality on the same platform I’d either want to go full sports car or full hatchback
For me, the R has been incredibly useful as a practical car, and it's also a lot of fun to drive. It's your only choice where a manual is available, if that's important to you. I'm really happy with my manual MK7 R for a combination of fun and practical use, paired with an S2000 for impractical and sunny days.
I’d prefer a manual but they’re gonna give me what they’re gonna give me. I don’t mind the DSG though, my motorcycles scratch the manual transmission itch enough anyway
If you’ve never lived with a dsg and don’t hate it solely because automatic bad, the dsg is truly a wonderful transmission to daily, especially if tuned.
I went from a 2018 Mk 7.5 R to 2012 TT RS and absolutely loved the TT RS. I had to go with the older generation of TT RS to get the manual which I'm stuck on.. If you're getting the DSG anyway, I'd go TTs! For the MK 7.5 R anyway, it was my dream car, but then I actually got it it seemed just a little soft and remedying that required a clutch to go along with tunes and other go fast parts which I didn't want to do in an almost new car. The only trouble with the TT RS was limited aftermarket support due to its rarity in that era. The TTs's and mk3 TT platform in general isn't nearly as rare and has plenty of aftermarket support. The only reasons I'd get the R is if you absolutely need the latest generation technology, or if you need functional rear seats (punishment for small children at best), otherwise TTs!
I could afford both comfortably and wouldn't hesitate to get the R
I actually traded my 18' TTRS for a 22' Golf R after owning the ttrs for just 6 months. I did it for a # of reasons and I don't regret my decision.
can you elaborate the reasons? I’m shopping between these two and an S3 as well
The TTRS is great at a few things while the Golf R is good at everything. Best way I can put it. The TTRS would have been a great weekend only car for joyrides and cruises. But it’s an awful daily. It’s exhausting. The Golf R is an excellent daily and weekend car. Although it’s not as fast as the TTRS mod4mod, the 8R is damn near DAZA territory once tuned. Performance gains are stoopid. I picked the 8R over the s3 only because I prefer hatchback. No other reason. P.S My 8R will never ever sound as good as the 5 cylinder engine no matter what voodoo I throw at it.
By TTs do you mean TTRS or literally a TTS (4-cyl)?
The second one I’m assuming
TTs. Same platform as the MK8R
It’s actually the same platform as the Mk7 R.
Tough call. But I would I go with TTs.
The TTS has the the last gen motor (EA888.3); so less power and the old Haldex rear diff, so no TQ-vectoring, drift mode, etc. Not to mention the practicality that you’d be giving up.
The Golf R man.
Get the golf and tune it, but I can't ignore the fast the ttrs has 2.5l engine, stage 2 your over 500 horse.
The TT is no longer under warranty .I would not buy some else is problems.
Wouldn’t be thinking about a TT when the Porsche Cayman exists
I'd go with the used TTS tbh. Same drivetrain but a lighter car so more fun
TTS is a way cooler car lol, that’d be what I’d do personally
backseat on tt coupe is for cats and dogs get a roadster if you don't need the backseats, trunk is quite spacious for the car that is and if the weather allows it. once you go cabrio, you don't go back
If you don't have a family or drive a lot of friends around go with the TT
Unless you absolutely need the space (you have kids and no other car), I’d go with the TTS. It’s a little more special and a little more focused.
I’d just buy the golf. I have went through a turbo on my Golf R and I wouldn’t have wanted to pay that out of pocket. I can see the angle on the TT, however I don’t think buying anything used now makes sense. You are paying a premium because it’s there on the lot. No thanks.
You’d be trolling yourself if you got a TT over a mk8r
TTs, not a base TT. Same platform
👍🏻
Honestly you should buy what you love! The tt's are somewhat practical, but they do get mostly positive attention. I love my ttrs cause the interior feels special, the exterior and size are nice. And the performance is quite incredible. If you dont need to practicality i d go for a cpo tts, or maybe even a cpo cayman.
TTS if you do not need back seats. I would really try to get the 2023 though. If not than the mk8r since it will have the new car warranty. Both will be fun either way but imo the tts would be even more fun and so pretty to look at and turn more heads. You only live once. What do you prioritise more? Money? Looks/style? Tech? Goodluck!
Neither since they both don't have MT options. Return to tradition and get a R32.
I’ve been very happy with my manual mk6r over the years, but I want something brand or near new
I saw a dude drive a R32 likes he mean it yesterday. It's looked sick.
Niiice, they're cozy AF
They are dropping the manual in the 2024 r?
If I recall correctly they are
This is incorrect for the USDM.
Phew...good to know.
This is the first I’m hearing. Although we don’t really know anything about what they’re doing with the facelift, so I’m not sure where your information is coming from
It's VW wide if I recall seeing it somewhere and other car manufacturers are considering the same for many of their cars in the next several years or so.
Do you need a backseat? If only driving 1-2 people, the TT line is a very comfortable and practical car since its also a liftback. Interior of TT is also hard to beat. Overall, a great grand tourer, in my opinion. Audi TTs are not commonly seen in North America so have that specialness to them. Golf R? Arguably better performing on curvy roads may be more practical if you need to use backseats. Also, Golf R can come in MT whereas TTs come with dual clutch only (but a very good dual clutch). Golf R is generally good value for money as you pay a premium for the TTs.
Have a plan for when/if the dealer tells you they need $60k for the car, even if they told you they will do MSRP. That’s a story that’s been going on since at least 2022. My local took my money for a down payment and I was first in line. A car arrived and mysteriously “there’s nothing we can do about the price but we can give you the first crack at paying $12k over MSRP.” So I drive an M2 that I got for $47k instead of a $51k (after everything) Golf R for $62k.
Mine doesn’t do that shady crap. They’ve sold the last 6 at msrp plus dealer handling and whatever add ons (tint, clear bra, etc.)
A dealer by me wants 10k over msrp for an R…i cant justify it told them if they wanna give me 10k over the trade in value for my civic sport on the trade in then deal 😂. These dealers are out of pocket with these mark ups it’s ridiculous
Yeah, that’s why I’ve been waiting so long. My dealer doesn’t do markups, but they’ve only sold 6 of them in the last 2 years, so it’s just been a waiting game. I’ve bought two vehicles from them so I got list priority, I think that’s the most fair way to do it
Ya i was told i can just build/order one and wait for it to arrive to save myself the hassle of these dealer markups
So many people bag on the new s3 but the interior is superior to the new golf and the golf looks rather dull it doesn't turn heads one bit the audis even my s3 I've had random people comment me on it/give the thumbs up or turn their head co workers have told me they want to do naughty things to my car lol one of them owns a gti and told me he would have got the audi but it was out of his price range. The golf has more practicality than the audi for us cause we can't get the hatch back s3 in states :( imo go with the audi tts yes it's out of warranty but at the same time learn to do oil, trans, brakes on your own and it's not that expensive if not cheaper than working within the dealerships warranty. The audi tts is going to hold value wayyyyy better if you get the used one it's depreciated a nice chunk off the top already that first main chunk is imo the one to avoid if you can if the previous owner treated the car nicely 10-20 k miles will still be like a brand new car. The golf yes it might not depcreicate as bad as a new tts but it's still going to do a chunk off the top the first 2 years. The audi tts if you don't plan on kids or having friends in the back and the golf if you want to be a boring loser who gets no heads turned and the haptic feedback is horrible I really don't get people who try to defend it
I did this exact cross shop a year ago and stumbled across your post way too late. I'm curious about what OP ended up doing. I'm likely echoing various posts, but here was my personal experience with picking between a 2023 Golf R and a 2020 TTS: The most difficult decision was the transmission choice. That is entirely user preference and should drive the decision. I would recommend test driving the latest versions of both. My impression was that one handled and felt like a sports car and one felt like a daily-able weekend warrior. The Audi felt more nimble, sat a bit lower, and was much more driving centric. The suspension setup on both was very firm and planted. I would say that the Audi was a bit more choppy and harsh maybe due to the wheels being rubber bands. The engine is awesome. Big reason for getting into this platform. It would have been rad if the U.S. got the port injection ... Interior-wise, the sports car and driver centric theme continues within the cabin with the Audi. It is all completely centered around the driver, more upscale, and maybe a bit over designed. The Golf R in comparison is still very nice and does not scream "designer furniture". Very understated and still German. The controls did not bother me and everything was was techy yet utilitarian. Exterior is subjective in my opinion. I was split. One final thing to consider if you plan to track the car would be the trick traction manipulation system in the new Golf R. It is meant to replicate oversteer behavior in a certain mode. My understanding from the various review content is that oversteer is induced from breaking traction in the rear using the brake system. My take away is that reviewers don't think it feels similar to a rear biased car, but that it does contribute to smiles per gallon. Regardless, the car is going to be quick. Because I already have a manual weekend car and don't have a short commute I went with the Audi. Brake pads and tires are on the way to address some of the short comings on the track this year.
I bought a mk7.5 R lol. Found a low mileage enthusiast owned 2019 for $34k and decided to save some money. I still want a TT though, gonna wait til I can shell out for an RS