Audi TT
Co2: 139 – 250
Best used eco-buy: 2.0 TDI
Why buy?
Despite being nearly 10 years old, the Audi TT is still one of the UK’s most lusted-after cars, new or used. The pretty unisex styling has aged well and the Audi build quality means that owners can enjoy them even with high mileage.
The handle like a little sports car with neutral steering but cruise more like a quite, cosseting GT car.
Reliability wasn’t perfect on early models, but it has improved, with all the early gremlins being ironed out through service updates and new evolutions. So if you can afford something from 2003 on, you automatically have a better car and if you buy an earlier model, it is important that there is a full –largely Audi main dealer – service history.
What’s the market like?
A 2001 1.8T can just about be found for £7,000. It will have 80,000 miles and there are plenty of TTs in the market, so there is no need to accept a scruffy one, even if you are paying rock bottom money. The most eco-friendly TT is the diesel but only that came out in 2008, on the used market there are lots of the 2.0 litre petrols from 2006 on, which are greener than the older 1.8s.
Key faults to check for and avoid
Audi TTs built 05/01/2007 - 20/02/2007. Recall: In an accident where the rear seat belt tensioners are triggered, the side pillar trim could protrude into the passenger compartment and cause an increased risk of injury. Contact your local main dealer to see if your car is affected.