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Why did I return to Turin? #1621664
10/06/2018 08:43
10/06/2018 08:43
Joined: Dec 2005
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South Cambs
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Barmybob Offline OP
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Everything was sorted. The coupe was for sale and I was going to move on. A brand new MK3 TTRS is what I was saving for. I came very close to making a deal just before Christmas and then almost bought a nearly new one more recently. A few factors pulled me back from the edge though and with Trish changing her job I really began to re evaluate spending upwards of £50k on a car.

So I had my A5 detailed and ceramic coated (£££ Don't ask) and started to think that maybe the best option would be to wait for well specified RS’s to return from their PCP contracts and save a fortune. So this was my plan but it still didn’t feature a Coupe though frown

Then came Turin. As I walked around the Lingotto I fondly recalled the event there. Then speaking to all the Italians, via Facebook messenger, selling the coupe kept being mentioned and I was struggling to justify it. Could I not just keep the Coupe and take it out for shows and events?

I then remembered an offer from one of the Polish fellows made last year when we met in Holland. He had just rebuilt a car for one of the Dutch fellows and he too was urging me not to sell. Over dinner and a few beers he suggested getting my Coupe over to him to refresh the underside and address any tiny niggles such as the dash plastics.

I was still resolute in my stance that I could not have a TTRS and the Coupe. So why then have I called him this week this week to discuss possible options?



Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621666
10/06/2018 09:19
10/06/2018 09:19
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G_Man Offline
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Why? Cos no-one takes a second look at an Audi TTRS to be honest. Since I've had the car back on the road I've had three occasions when someone's taken a sly pic of the car and not even petrol heads recognise the unique styling of the coupe. Can't be said for the majority of cars on our roads nowadays. smile

Last edited by G_Man; 10/06/2018 09:20.

77 77
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621667
10/06/2018 10:54
10/06/2018 10:54
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Leicester UK
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when it comes to matters of the head and heart I have learned to just accept it rather than try and understand it.


Doris the 1998 Portofino Blue 20V and Zoe the 1999 Alfa Romeo 916 Spider
Bog standard needn't be boring...
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621672
10/06/2018 13:13
10/06/2018 13:13
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 836
Hereford
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HiraethHuw Offline
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Glad you've come to your senses, Bob.
That's a lovely Coupe you have there.

Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1621675
10/06/2018 13:44
10/06/2018 13:44
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South Cambs
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Originally Posted By G_Man
Why? Cos no-one takes a second look at an Audi TTRS


My wife has one of the last Mk2 TT's, an amplified black edition. This car looks very similar to a Mk2 TTRS. We have been touring Europe for a few weeks and have had no end of positive attention. People asking questions, making comments at traffic lights and taking pictures. One silly fellow even said - "R8 - Fantastic" laugh

In the UK the TT is really common, but over here quite rare. Our car is also metallic white and it would appear that White is a very popular colour over here.


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621683
10/06/2018 15:03
10/06/2018 15:03
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,057
Southsea
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Gunzi Offline
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Southsea
Superb Bob!

Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621685
10/06/2018 15:25
10/06/2018 15:25
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G_Man Offline
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I suppose what I'm saying are the roads are stuffed full of German metal and all generally are .. um .. predictable ? Obviously I can't make comment in regards to Europe. Having said that a mate of mine with a monochromatic MG ZT 190 got similar interest when he was abroad last year. I'm not knocking German cars in the slightest mind and to be fair I don't think you can when you run a Fiat laugh

Last edited by G_Man; 10/06/2018 15:27.

77 77
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Gunzi] #1621698
10/06/2018 20:26
10/06/2018 20:26
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South Cambs
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Barmybob Offline OP
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Originally Posted By Gunzi
Superb Bob!


Really, If I decide to keep that will also be another £80 to get my plate put back on! rolleyes


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1621699
10/06/2018 20:48
10/06/2018 20:48
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,051
South Cambs
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Barmybob Offline OP
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Originally Posted By G_Man
I'm not knocking German cars in the slightest mind and to be fair I don't think you can when you run a Fiat laugh



If you have a 20VT and any fibre of your being is at all stirred by the sound of the 5 cylinder engine I urge you to go to Audi and test drive the new TTRS or the new RS3. Yes it's just another Audi TT / A3, and yes you see them everywhere. But my goodness that engine is a game changer. It is epic.

It's like a Coupé on steroids but with none of the fuss that accompanies (MOST) modified Fiat Coupé motors. Response is near instant, and power is bordering on insane. But it's not just the motor, the latest version of the DSG and 4wd complement the motor perfectly. The huge level of power and torque hit the road - no torque steer, no wheel spin just traction masses of traction.

The TTS is a very quick car, some folks say quick enough and they have a point. It's got the Golf R motor and it is a very rapid car.

The TTRS is a car punching well above it's class, a kind of Fiat Coupé 20VT for today.


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621715
11/06/2018 08:39
11/06/2018 08:39
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 974
Behind Enemy Lines
Master_Mariner Offline
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Originally Posted By Barmybob
[quote=G_Man] a kind of Fiat Coupé 20VT for today.


Modern it may be Bob - but without the Italian flare of the Coupe- which clearly you still love.

Lives for living - at around a £50k budget- get an Audi AND keep the coupe - the ultimate man maths!

Regards

MM

Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621797
13/06/2018 12:05
13/06/2018 12:05
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JKD Offline
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Bob, if your budget is around 50k, why not get a Nissan GT-R? Or a Lotus Evora? Or a Jaguar F-Type? Cars that have performance as well as looks.

Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621800
13/06/2018 13:53
13/06/2018 13:53
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,450
Scottish Borders
G_Man Offline
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Originally Posted By Barmybob

Yes it's just another Audi TT / A3, and yes you see them everywhere. But my goodness that engine is a game changer. It is epic.



I think you've hit the nail on the head Bob. They are pumped up versions of models that you see everywhere - some being based on a family hatchback. The power isn't a major factor for me but rather the style, Pininfarina heritage and rarity. The Jag F-Type would get my vote though!


77 77
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621802
13/06/2018 15:30
13/06/2018 15:30
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,290
Staffs
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^^Mine too!
45k would get you into a V8 S with just shy of 500 ponies cool

Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1621847
15/06/2018 05:21
15/06/2018 05:21
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bezzer Offline
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Originally Posted By G_Man
Why? Cos no-one takes a second look at an Audi TTRS to be honest.


You're deluded. Any petrolhead or a person with knowledge of a decent performance car, will admire a TTRS.

Take off your coupe tinted specs once in a while thumb



......My Boy...... (PB #7)
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1621864
15/06/2018 12:37
15/06/2018 12:37
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,051
South Cambs
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Barmybob Offline OP
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Originally Posted By G_Man
The Jag F-Type would get my vote though!


Have you looked at / driven one?

Yes it looks really cool but when you get up close it's not easy to fall in love with.

Build quality is suspect. When you first sit in it everything looks fine, the air vents popping out of the dash look cool. But as you drive it around you notice a lot of squeaks and rattles. You then realise that the switchgear is all a bit fussy, far from intuitive and actually all bit cheap feeling. The touch screen is one of the worst interactive dashboards / control systems I've ever used. It's slow, worse than the old RNSE in my wife's Mk2 TT and I hate that!

Finally if you decide to take a soft top, which is what we want, there is absolutely ZERO luggage space. It also feels a bit loose, not stiff enough. The Porsche Boxter and TTRS roadster are both far better in my opinion and both SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper too. The V6 S Convertible Auto that we tested had a list price of over £68,000!


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621915
16/06/2018 13:45
16/06/2018 13:45
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 343
bristol
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Barmybob……difficult thread….I went through the 'time for a change' zone when my coupe needed a fair bit of welding/respraying and wasn't sure it was worth the expense.

Got as far as the nearby Lotus dealership….had a go in an elise…not much to talk about, more rattles than my coupe and not any more go….then an exige…..great power (supercharged), but just not a daily and you'll need ear defenders and a new spine!!!….then an Evora…..now here I wavered….a very nice GT feel!!!….quite similar to the Coupe but with controlled pace and much better cornering….however gearbox was god awful….just couldn't part with £30k for a car with such a shocking gear change….shame I was nearly take by it….sublime handling!!

Getting back in the coupe was interesting…you realise the 20vt is quite a goer (not as immediate as a supercharged exige) but certainly not bad….cornering is never going to be near any lotus but as a drivers GT car it made me smile on the way home….(especially when it only cost £1400!!!)

The problem I still have is where would you go after a coupe….yes the cockxters and TTs and RS's are all probably much better to drive and newer but everyones got one and they all just look a bit dull especially if you get a trouser tingle from italian cars..!!!….

Interesting comment about the F-type as it does look tidy (as well as perhaps an Aston Vantage)…but still not taken by the hit and miss styling (especially the interiors)….

Anyone care to comment on what car they'd switch to? Be interesting to hear why?


inky goodness!!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1621921
16/06/2018 17:45
16/06/2018 17:45
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 438
Eastbourne, Sussex
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Richie007 Offline
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I’ve driven an Orange TTRS mk3 and a Jag Ftype R and the new 2litre Jag. I’ve been driven in a Nissan GTR. TTRS does look a bit of a beast, but it’s just a TT with a different grill bigger splitter and spoilers etc. Once I was used to the power and I’d got out of the car it was all forgotten. It just feels exactly the same as my friends Golf R. Same virtual cockpit touch screen etc.

Jag R reminds me of a Ford Mustang. A proper old school V8. Interior is much better than the 2litre and the S. Better grade leather and it’s everywhere where as the S there is a lot more plastic. I liked the switch gear, it’s obviously not German which is a good thing as all VAG group is all very similar.

But both of these cars are all full of gimmicks, exhaust flaps on startup. Nothing real. Sound all faked.

The only car I would part 50k on would be a used GTR. Yes it’s full of tech. But it all does a job. Where as the others I feel it’s just not needed. I’ve been in my friends GTR loads of times it’s like the Fiat it gets under your skin. You can push and push this car round a bend and nothing bothers it at all. Plus it won’t lose any money. A 50k GTR will get you one which is 6years old. At the time when they were sold they were around 65k new. The other two will lose more than that in the first year. Let alone in 6.


Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: bezzer] #1621944
17/06/2018 20:14
17/06/2018 20:14
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G_Man Offline
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Originally Posted By bezzer

Take off your coupe tinted specs once in a while thumb


After running an MGF for 5 years getting back into the coupe is a step change so I'll keep me coupe tinted specs on a bit longer!


77 77
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1621970
18/06/2018 10:33
18/06/2018 10:33
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bezzer Offline
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Originally Posted By G_Man
Originally Posted By bezzer

Take off your coupe tinted specs once in a while thumb


After running an MGF for 5 years getting back into the coupe is a step change so I'll keep me coupe tinted specs on a bit longer!


We're not talking about an MGF are we.

Good try though rolleyes



......My Boy...... (PB #7)
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: bezzer] #1621989
18/06/2018 14:41
18/06/2018 14:41
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G_Man Offline
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Yes we are Bezzer and it only failed me once - you having a go or what.. punch wink

Last edited by G_Man; 18/06/2018 14:41.

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Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: G_Man] #1622178
21/06/2018 11:11
21/06/2018 11:11
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bezzer Offline
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In an earlier post you said "The power isn't a major factor for me but rather the style"

And then you mention you drove a Rover. rofl

I can see why you can't appreciate a TTRS thumb



......My Boy...... (PB #7)
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: bezzer] #1622185
21/06/2018 13:30
21/06/2018 13:30
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Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Offline
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Bezzer I think you need another Coupe laugh


BumbleBee carer smile
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: bezzer] #1622192
21/06/2018 20:28
21/06/2018 20:28
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G_Man Offline
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Originally Posted By bezzer


And then you mention you drove a Rover. rofl



Err not a Rover - twas an MG .. tongue


77 77
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Edinburgh] #1622197
22/06/2018 05:47
22/06/2018 05:47
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bezzer Offline
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Originally Posted By Edinburgh
Bezzer I think you need another Coupe laugh


Funny you should say that.......



......My Boy...... (PB #7)
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1622466
29/06/2018 20:42
29/06/2018 20:42
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Northampton England
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Originally Posted By Barmybob
So why then have I called him this week this week to discuss possible options?



Oh lord. Its quite simple Bob. Really.

We sorted this last time in Torino for the 20th Anniversary.

Its cause you're mad. Mad Bob laugh says so in your car as well!

Be honest, is it worth selling? I really doubt it.


Vinci Grey LE
Alfa 147 GTA 3.2 V6
BMW E92 M3 4.0 V8
Fiat Tipo Sedicivalvole 2.0 16v ABS
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Sedicivalvole] #1630026
24/02/2019 19:00
24/02/2019 19:00
Joined: Dec 2005
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South Cambs
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Barmybob Offline OP
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So time has gone by and I still have a Coupé in my Garage (Unused) and I still haven't bought an RS.

There are a few benefits of this time wasting though. The first is that I now have a lot more money saved. I will still need to borrow a bit but I'm now well in the sub 3% area rather than the 7%+ so I'm much happier with that. I could also now buy an RS without having to sell / trade my A5, though I do think I would let it go and buy a smaller daily driver. I've also decided that rather than take the great deal on a new car I could save even more by going for a pre-registered or year or two old PCP return and a few nice examples have shown up recently.

This week I took out an 8K mile roadster, first RS I've driven with the sports exhaust fitted. This car was nice but a bit light on spec and despite being offered a considerable discount on the list price I will wait a bit longer. But I don't think it's going to be too long.


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1630028
24/02/2019 19:44
24/02/2019 19:44
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
magooagain Offline
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In the coupe.
An idea! How about I look after your coupe for a couple of years. And let's see if you really really miss it.

Then if you do I can pop it back over to you.

If you don't then everyone's happy!



Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: magooagain] #1630039
25/02/2019 08:39
25/02/2019 08:39
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South Cambs
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laugh


Gone Audi mad!
Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: Barmybob] #1630052
25/02/2019 12:25
25/02/2019 12:25
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
magooagain Offline
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In the coupe.
I see you're warming to the idea Bob! Just think you can come and visit and drive around in the coupe.
With the real plus being Trish and yourself can stay in my luxury shed!



Re: Why did I return to Turin? [Re: magooagain] #1630063
25/02/2019 19:49
25/02/2019 19:49
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We will be back down in France this summer, looking like it will be September time. Hopefully with an RS, or possibly a Boxter!


Gone Audi mad!
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