After all the faffing I took to find one I've finally said goodbye.

The 2018 model TTRS was without doubt the sweet spot of the MK3 TTRS run. By 2019 cars had the OPF and this really muted the sound of the 5 cylinder. My TTRS barked, snorted cracked and popped, it was bonkers.

Pre 2018 model cars had limited options and a few teething problems. The car I found had fancy trick headlamps and tail lamps, magnetic ride, sports exhaust, carbon inlays, red brakes and the RS interior styling pack with the phone box (Apple car play). The original purchaser almost went all out when he configured the car. and I was so happy when I found it, only issue was that it was in black.

Black cars look great but they are a total pain to keep looking tip top. Despite having the car ceramic coated the tiny stone chips, micro swirls and marks would drive me potty and I began to loose the love. This car would take me ages to clean. A pre rinse, a foam layer, another rinse, a two bucket wash, another rinse with filtered water before drying with some expensive drying towels. Then using the big boi blower I bought to get shot of the hiding water. If you didn't follow this process it would induce swirls and water marks that the Panther black paint would love to highlight.

To be honest until last Sunday I was going to keep the TTRS. I had already sold my stunning A5 Coupe and was going to get either a BMW 135X-drive or an S3 as my new daily. But last Sunday whilst looking at a rather unimpressive Audi 8V 2019 S3 something else caught my eye! I took my TTRS along on Monday and a reasonable offer was made, quite a way above the WBAC and Auto Trader value, and I managed to get an improvement on that deal. So after a bit more haggling I left having agreed a deal on another RS product.

Bye Bye

This was my car, and yes it sounded like that!

You've sold it Bob!!??

I know how much you wanted one. I equally understand how you feel about black cars, we have a black Mondeo T5 that I love but HATE the colour (or lack of) for all the same reasons you state.

I hope you enjoy the replacement. I'm still enjoying your Coupe

Hi lovely to hear from you. I hope my old Coupé is treating you well.

It has been a really tough decision to let my TTRS go, but my route forward is logical.

My retirement made me realise I had no need for a big 3.0 V6 diesel, so my A5 was sold earlier in the month. My initial replacement idea still had me owning two cars, plus my wife's TT Roadster. That's two lots of insurance, two cars to tax, and two cars to service and maintain.

I still wanted something with the performance of the TTRS, but it had to also be practical enough to also undertake the duties of my previous daily.

You know you want a Fiat, Bob. Nice little 4x4 Panda should suit you!

Seems no one will ask Bob, so I will: What ya bought...?

Now there's a question.... Initially a 2022 Audi RS3 carbon black edition in Daytona grey. Disappointingly within a couple of days of buying the car I began to reveal some issues. Someone had caused significant damage getting off a previous rear number plate, looked like they had used a knife / screwdriver & damage was through the paint, down to the metal. I also discovered a torn door seal & items missing from the boot. There were several other odd issues that started to make me question if the 5000 miles were genuine. Then the V5 arrived and the car had a second, undisclosed, owner.

The car was returned and I got the opportunity to jump into a cancelled order on a brand new RS3 Carbon Black.

Didn't fancy scratching that nagging Aston itch while they're still (relatively) afordable then?

Hi Nigel,

My Aston bubble was burst some time back. A friend talked me out of it, not just an Aston, most exotics. His advice was if I really wanted to drive one - rent one and avoid the pain that could swiftly empty the bank balance. As I'm now living on a pension that's even more critical.

so that's why I opted for an almost new TTRS. It was an expensive car but it never really cost me a huge amount to own. I think the 20 inch tyres were my single biggest expense, to insure it cost about the same as my Fiat Coupé which was madness. I was also protected in that for most of my ownership it had 4 years of factory warranty, but even then nothing huge went wrong. The rear OLED lamps and exhaust tips were replaced, and a failed sump seal. I did really enjoy the TTRS, it was a mini R8. It was so quick, so very noisy and received many positive comments.

Once I retired I sold my stunning A5, and the writing was on the wall for the TTRS. I needed some practicality and really wanted to get out of owning three cars, having two TT's made little sense. I do still wonder if I have done the right thing getting shot of the TTRS and going with the RS3. I guess the doubts are because I'm not really using the new car until I have it detailed and have PPF applied, it still has fewer than 100 miles!

I do know from driving the RS3 I had for 10 days previous that the engine in the RS3 delivers the power completely differently to the TTRS. If feels more punchy low down and it is still hugely quick. The sound is subdued but it still sounds good, but the OPF has robbed the drama of the DAZA motor. Most surprising was the handling though. The TTRS was miles ahead of the old RS3 8V. It felt much more planted, lighter and cornered like it was on rails. But I would say this new RS3 is even better than the TT. I only had that other car in RS mode a few times but it felt so different. I am looking forward to getting some miles on this car and then, once run in, having a proper play.

Tempting...

I'm pleased that as a pensioner, you've chosen a 'sensible' car !

Best wishes

Paul

Bigger boot than the TTRS? Accommodates the Zimmer without having to take it apart? Sensible move

If you've ever had to transport a wheelchair - even a small folding one, as my mother's - you'll know that even if you fold it and pop the wheels and the footrests off, it *still* won't go in a coupe boot.

Which is a shame. Means I have to take the French Thing[tm] to Skye when I visit, instead of the coupe.

Neil

Never had to transport either a wheelchair or Zimmer in a Fiat Coupe but have transported both in other cars together with the long dead relatives. To get back to the point; Can Bob fit his Zimmer in his RS3?

Ya blighters...

It's a saloon version, not a practical hatchback!

So it seems I never learn!

Pic not working for me, Bob...

Bob's garage

Nice garage you've got there, Bob! Airy and spacious...

Neil

Thank you for fixing the images

Since collecting it has mostly sat in my garage, awaiting a full detail and application of PPF.

Hope you enjoy it Bob

Will you detail it yourself ?

I like to clean mine regularly, but with a new special car might get it done professionally.

Paul

I will use the same chap that did my A5 and TTRS.

The car is in for a full NEW CAR detail and the paintwork will be protected with a combination of self healing protection film, and ceramic coatings. My last two cars had a Gyeon Q2 MOHS ceramic coating which lasted for about 5 years. But this time I'm going with Gtechniq products, their Crystal Serum Ultra on the paint (9 year protection) and HALOv on the PPF sections.

That sounds so sensible.

I've heard nothing but praise for the two manufacturers that you mentioned.

Good luck and enjoy it.

More photos taken in the sunshine will be great.

Paul

The RS3 has spent most of the winter hiding in the garage, so it's only just got to 1000 gentle miles. Having driven the car gently I've not had an opportunity to discover the wild side of the car. This has had me focussing on some of the elements of the car I dislike. The petrol particulate filter does make this car seem very sanitised compared to the pre OPF TTRS, the irony to this comment is that sometimes I became frustrated with my old TTRS because it didn't have a mode that could calm down the cracks and pops. They accompanied almost all engine starts, and it could be annoying, especially at night.

Some of the "Tech" whilst welcome a lot of the time, has also had moments of being a little annoying. The car also has a lot of nanny tech the worst of which is the lane assist. This feature was on the TT but I hardly ever turned it on. On the RS3 it can be turned off but it turns back on every time the car is started. I am sure this feature has benefits on large roads and motorways but it is a real pain on country lanes. On one occasion, as I went to move to the left to allow a large vehicle to pass, it tried to steer me towards the truck! So it's fair to say I have been getting a little frustrated with the car.

However, at the weekend I attended a local breakfast meet and after receiving a lot of positive comment on the car decided to take a spirited return home in the rain. The TTRS used to be a little disappointing to drive in the wet, especially on the original Pirelli tyres. The car was really good in the dry but never in the rain, it was difficult to get the power down without understeer. This is not the case with the RS3. The front end grips like it's on rails and it's actually the back that steps out, giving even more front end.

This little run has finally re-kindled my affection towards the car. I now can't wait to get it out on a road trip and have some fun with it.

I drove a car with 'lane assist' aka autosuicide mode for a week last winter - a rental. I found the off switch very very quickly and it convinced me that I never want a car with that alleged feature. Unfortunately the powers that be have decided that apparently drivers can't stay within the lines and mandated it... bloody thing felt like the front suspension was falling off.

Glad you're enjoying your German Thing [tm]

Neil

I did discover there is a way to modify the lane assist button to remember its last setting. You just need a device to speak to the car's hardware.

The claw hammer is the sort used to bash Ford Escort starter motors every morning before starting in the 1970s.