Well I am still considering different cars, so I thought I'd let you know the latest.

First: Volkswagon Lupo GTi - Before life of the Fabia vRS I strongly considered buying one of these. I had many test drives, and had done a lot of research. I considered it so much that one Saturday I went up to a dealer in Toaster to go and buy the one on there forecourt that I had been test driving. When I got there I was told someone did the exact same thing 10 minutes before I got there, so she had just been sold :( I was gutted, so I went home, went online and ordered my Fabia vRS

Theres a lots of pro's a cons with this car - it was a hoot to drive, it had a gorgeous interior, petrol engine note (coming from a diesel believe me thats a big turn on ) and is a solid little car.

But on the other hand - this thing is tiny, perhaps more suited to cha.vs, didnt actually feel that fast (130bhp) But at the price I am looking at getting one I would have

IIRC, the TT has a problem with dashpods that are

Audi will replace the dash pod FOC if the car has a full audi SH - check the Audi forum for details (had a colleagues one changed recently at 60k miles and no warranty)

Integra Type R ? get a black or red UK model and you'll be the envy of all white ITR owners

Here is the info on TT dash pods I found when researching for a colleague:

After 3 years campaining, Audi UK have finally backed down over the Dashpod Issue and we have a result!

I have just got off the phone with Audi UK, and after lengthy discussions the following was told to me in a statement:

Audi Recognises that a number of fuel and temperature gauges haven't been working correctly, mainly on cars built up to mid-2004, when an improved instrument panel was introduced. It has now agreed to replace units that are out of warranty on cars up to five years old, completely free, on what it calls a 'case-by-case' basis. Better still, anyone who has already paid for a new dashpod will also be 'treated sympathetically on a case-by-case basis'.

I presonally have been refunded in full my £646.31 pence I had to pay on my imported vehicle that was outside warranty at the time!

ALSO: after speaking to the Audi UK rep, they are also not sticking to the '5 years old' routine religously, so even if you are outisde the age, you may still have a chance to reclaim your money back, This is dealt on a case by case basis. Please don't think this will exlcude you, I got the distinct impression there would be no arguments, regardless of age!

To reclaim your money back you need to either contact your local Audi Centre or call the customer hotline on 0800 699 888 and ask for its 'TT Helpdesk'.

Both good cars, although the TT would be a progressive move forward so to speak. I think the Lupo will quickly become dated now etc... more a car for weekend fun.

INTEGRA TYPE R

You know it makes sense - just make sure its a UK car with FHSH and you cant go wrong. As soon as you drive one you'll be smitten. Faster than a TT on the twisties and MK roundabouts too.

Also, you wont find Integra seats in a fabia

i wouldn't bother with the 180 tbh james, wait and get a 225/210

just looked on autotrader, UK225's are starting at just under 9k

The ITR I really want is out of my price range :(

I just dont like the look of the older model, but then I think a test drive is due, after all, its not always about looks...

just looked on autotrader, UK225's are starting at just under 9k

The insurance on the 225's is half the value of the car for me though :eek:

I assume you want a DC5 then......... The older model looks a LOT better in black than white. However, they are rare, hence I had to make do with a white one.

Just make sure you find some corners on the test drive.

What happened to the Smart idea?

You know my feelings towards the TT James, but I also didnt realise how cheap you could get them now.

The Lupo is huge fun. When I first saw the GTI at the motorshow I fell in love with it, had little models of it, a poster and all sorts in my room. I'd have one over the vRS if mpg wasnt an issue. Cracking little car.

The ITR I really want is out of my price range :(

How's about the racing one from Litchfield?

http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/integra.asp

Chris

TT prices will fall further when the new model comes out later this year - so thats another reason not to buy one.

or buy one after they drop?

The Smart is still a very strong contender, top of the list tbh.

I fell in love with the Lupo GTi at the motorshow aswell, MPG isnt an issue for me in reality.

Chris that ITR is worth getting a loan for, what a stunner :eek:

Hi

The Lupo with 130 bhp sounds tempting but remember, when you hit the gas, you will be wondering where the midrange went.

The Audi TT is a lovely looking car but drive one before buying. I did and felt it was just another boring FWD hatch, albeit a pretty one. Nothing special.

Now the Integra type R, that a very special car. Drive one and you may well become obsessed.

Chris

Now the Integra type R' date=' that a very special car. Drive one and you may well become obsessed.

Chris[/quote']

Obsessed yes - mainly about where your next set of tyres is comming from. The Bridgestones on mine used to do about 12k on the fronts and I did have one issue with trackking which removed 4mm of tread off the inside of the rears in 4k. When the fronts were changed, they noted the rears as 8-7-3.5 :eek: )

Try having Yokohama A520's on an ITR, They gripped amazingly well but i think that was partly due to them leaving most of the rubber on the road. I often wondered if my regular route was becoming similar to the surface at Santa Pod

Having said that I lived with my parents back then so spending £200 on tyres twice a year wasnt a problem.

As far as i can make out you need a car that is a Fabia’s worth of cash, with reasonable insurance, but practicality and fuel econmay doesn’t concern you too much !?!?!

Do you have any preference to FWD / RWD, would you prefer a small car etc etc !?!?

I think he wants a fun car.

I'm insured on my sisters TT Roadster 225bhp It really is a fun car to drive, I loved it and obviously try and drive it whenever possible, which is quite difficult considering she lives in Bristol :thumbdwn:

When it comes to deciding which option to go with try and imagine if you had the decision taken out of your hands, which car would you be most gutted about not being able to own?

The lupo may give you similar practicality/fun as the vrs currentley does, whereas the TT maybe more of a wreckless/pure fun choice. You more than likely won't be able to fit your golf clubs in the TT. There is such a tiny space behind the seats, just about room for a weekend bag.

I'd still go for the TT, and if you don't like it you can always sell it after the summer. I'll take it off your hands for

If he wants wreckless fun he doesnt want the TT - too refined to be "propper" fun. the ITR and Smart Roadster are more about the driving experience, the ITR has a big boot.

Ah - this very subjective. I wouldn't get an Audi TT though if fun is the main consideration. The Lupo is a great car and one that should be considered. I would also consider something that is a bit raw. A DC2 Integra is a fantastic example of raw fun, the roadster is one you already know about, clio 172 cup is one i would definatly go after if cash fuel consumption is not an issue.

A couple of 'outside the box' car, both very different but becuase of what they are, insurance will probably not be silly, but as cars they are a lot of fun, although for slightly different reasons. The first is this: A Mercedes 320SL. It is a 6 pot so should easily do 20 something mpg, be reasonable on insurance and be big pimping for the summer

My other choice is a Volvo T5, undoubtedly one of the most understated luxury saloons around, but they have a vicious bite. Relentlessly quick and very comfortable.

Friend is selling his TT

2yrs old

Silver

180bhp

4x4

18" multispoke wheels

70k miles

cambelt changed

ESP

Full audi history

Dash pod just changed

£12k ono.

The TT is tiny inside, but feels like a chunky Tonka toy, I still like the look of them, in a dark colour. I've only had a brief drive of one (the steering wheel and pedals seemed very familiar to me ) and it felt surprisingly 'heavy'.

-The new one looks like a bit like a 3dr Golf with a roof chop, not keen.

If you're going for a toy, fun car you want a rwd.