R8 - single garage advice and buying tips please....

[will_]

I'm looking to buy an Audi R8. I've done a search but couldn't find a "buying guide" for the car - the recent PH one is fairly generic, so if anyone has any tips about what specifically to look out for I'd be really grateful.

Also I have a single garage to keep the car in - it will fit, it will be tight, but will it be impossible to get in and out? Does anyone have an R8 which they keep in a "normal" garage where they can get in and out? I think I have about 20cm or so to spare.....

Finally if anyone is thinking of selling please PM me.

Thanks

[will_]

Thanks very much Dr G.

Nothing too catastrophic on that list, but all very helpful.

Will have to get the tape-measure out I think, and go on a diet, but it should be do-able.....

ETA - I thought parking sensors and heated seats were standard?

[will_]

Thanks very much Shaun, let me get the car first and then I'll think about the luggage!

I think the garage is just big enough, I've got carpet on the walls which also gives a fraction more space as you don't need to worry about the door edges.

Amazed that parking sensors weren't standard on the car - will certainly look out for them.

Thanks again

Will

[will_]

That's excellent

I did some measuring up and there's about 80cm spare so I should be OK (although it will be tight).

The hunt continues!

[will_]

Dr G said:

R8s are generally strong but you'll want to watch for:

Brakes - front discs/pads are ~£1400 fitted.
Clutches - generally durable and long lasting but expensive to replace if worn/abused. Think ~£3k.
Mag ride nice for resale.
Front tyres/diff noisy on full lock.

Just focusing on these items, what are the symptoms to look out for?

Brakes - presumably corrosion and "lipping" on the disk
Clutch - high bite point, resistant gear changes? How long should the clutch last (I know this is dependent on use, but approximately given "normal" use?)
Mag ride - weeping shocks - would this be evidenced by oil on the shocks?
Front diff - what sort of noise to look out for?

[will_]

Guys, many thanks indeed - all advice is much appreciated.

Rick, feel free to send me the spec of your car if you'd like to discuss it.

63cm opening is do-able in the space I have - thanks v much for measuring!

[will_]

With apologies for the delay in updating the thread, I've just bought an 08 manual car - and it fits in the garage with no problem at all as it turns out!

So far the car is great - not driven it much but intend to do some miles this summer. First impressions are that it feels smaller than it is, is well screwed together and properly fast. It also has real presence and I love the looks with the glass engine cover.

Thanks very much for everyone's help.

Will

[will_]

Debaser said:

How wide is your garage door opening? I'm thinking about an R8 but I'm not sure whether keeping it in a single garage will be practical.

2100mm. The R8 is 1904 wide without mirrors (electric folding mirrors are very helpful!) It's actually much easier than I thought, albeit my garage opens out to 2500mm once through the doorway. Carpet on the walls provides a bit more "give", and I've got a tennis ball on a string hanging from the roof so I can now line the car up perfectly.