Audi TT Coupe 1.8T quattro > Reviews (6)

This is the best car I have ever had and I will keep it until it (or I) dies. I bought it as a seven-month-old demonstrator (9000 miles) in May 2005 when I was going through a really rough patch at work and thought I might not make it to retirement when I had promised myself an extravagant car. The best move I ever made.

I'm not going to go into a lot of technical details because there are others more qualified than me to do that and, basically, it does what it says on the spec. The acceleration is excellent and the 4wd road holding fantastic. It got me from Tyneside to Scotland without mishap on the first day of bad snow in 2008 when other cars were taking off into ditches and hedges on the A697. It has ABS, traction control, front and side airbags, immobilier and alarm. I inherited the balance of the 3-year warranty and RAC cover and service was excellent when I had to make a claim (alarm, faulty data on dashboard). They supply a courtesy car or take you to where you need to be and return.

It's mauritius blue (metallic) with charcoal leather trim, 18 spoke alloys and big fat (expensive) 225x40x18 tyres. The front (heated) seats are comfy and hold you well but the rear pair are only fit for small children. There's neither leg room nor head height. It's called a 2x2 but really it's 2x two halves. It comes with its own first aid kit and a fancy bag with a bottle ot its own special engine oil (bless!).

You can get a 'big' shop in the boot and, with the rear seats down, I've transported an elaborate cast irongarden seat. Getting it out was more difficult!

My car is fitted with Tracker but I haven't renewed it. I wish they'd spent the money on a handsfree phone kit.

The insurance was and is cheaper than I expected (age helps), partly becasue it is a safe car. I haven't had it serviced by Audi (20000m with an interim at 10000m) because their prices are ridiculous. I can get it done with genuine Audi parts and oil for half the dealer price.

• Likes: looks, quattro road holding, heated seats
• Dislikes: six CD changer which is on the passenger side in the back seat, aluminium gear knob which is freezing in the winter
• Not bothered: seating capacity, low mpg (27 urban, though mid 30s on a long drive)

I haven't been tempted to buy one of the new models because 1) you only get quattro with the bigger engine and 2) I do less milage now and can't justify the expense of a new car.

* I went to try a BMW Z4 before settling on the TT. But no one came to talk to me in the showroom - did they think I was someone's wife??? - so I went round the corner to Audi who were so welcoming and helpful.