Audi R8 - Future Value
Discussion
Hi all,
Seriously in the market for a 'new' motor - I've had Audis for 15 years (Since driving)... I am moving out of the A7 Quattro which I enjoy, but I find it like driving around in a cruise liner, and miss the agile and fun A/S 4's and 5's that I've had in the past. I have changed motors every 2/3 years...
Looking for something fun, looked at a new TTS / S5 Cab' but then out of curiosity dropped the R8 into the search. It appears you can pick up a MK1 V8 for £40k +/- 10% with FASH and miles between 40/60k.
I've been reading lots about them, mag ride, air con compressor issues, some body fatigue cracks in the space frame... etc... Not of which bothers me as someone in the past who historically (uni days) worked on all the Audi's I owned from engine re-builds to suspension mods I've still got a full suite of workshop tools and engine hoist in store in the garage.... So aside the basic service at the main dealers for history purpose, major works I am more than happy to complete myself...
My question is around the future... There is lots of division on if the car is a decent machine or not, some people like it (including me), some people think it looks dated... But I am thinking about the consensus on the future value. I can't really afford to sink more than 40k into buying the car at this point which is my budget for the new motor. sinking £40k into a nearly new TTS will loose me at least half of that in 2/3 years, but if sink 40k into a R8 V8 Mk1 can anyone see it being £20k in two/3 years time?!
Thoughts..
Seriously in the market for a 'new' motor - I've had Audis for 15 years (Since driving)... I am moving out of the A7 Quattro which I enjoy, but I find it like driving around in a cruise liner, and miss the agile and fun A/S 4's and 5's that I've had in the past. I have changed motors every 2/3 years...
Looking for something fun, looked at a new TTS / S5 Cab' but then out of curiosity dropped the R8 into the search. It appears you can pick up a MK1 V8 for £40k +/- 10% with FASH and miles between 40/60k.
I've been reading lots about them, mag ride, air con compressor issues, some body fatigue cracks in the space frame... etc... Not of which bothers me as someone in the past who historically (uni days) worked on all the Audi's I owned from engine re-builds to suspension mods I've still got a full suite of workshop tools and engine hoist in store in the garage.... So aside the basic service at the main dealers for history purpose, major works I am more than happy to complete myself...
My question is around the future... There is lots of division on if the car is a decent machine or not, some people like it (including me), some people think it looks dated... But I am thinking about the consensus on the future value. I can't really afford to sink more than 40k into buying the car at this point which is my budget for the new motor. sinking £40k into a nearly new TTS will loose me at least half of that in 2/3 years, but if sink 40k into a R8 V8 Mk1 can anyone see it being £20k in two/3 years time?!
Thoughts..
ZX10R NIN said:
I think they'll hold their money well they will depreciate but not as much as a new TTS depending on how many miles you add I'd expect to lose between 3-8k over 3 years.
This sounds about right.V10 models will probably hold their value better than V8 versions, though I think a lot of it will be down to specification (equipment, colour, interior, etc.)
The smart money is in the more desirable specifications. Someone who knows a lot more than me about R8s will be along in a minute to tell you the "must haves" in terms of kit, and the options to avoid.
One thing that might hurt you is carrying out work yourself so I'd advise keeping receipts for genuine parts you buy etc, as Morgan said prices are spec sensitive, I actually am a big fan of the V8 yes the V10 is better but there won't be another N/A V8 R8 which will help with prices.
I can't see one with sensible mileage dropping below 40k.
The manual V10 model I reckon will become quite desirable and won't drop either.
In a few years time when similar "new" cars are partly electric, and are much quieter due to regs, these noisy R8's are going to be in demand.
And not many normally aspirated cars around now, another reason they will be in demand.
The manual V10 model I reckon will become quite desirable and won't drop either.
In a few years time when similar "new" cars are partly electric, and are much quieter due to regs, these noisy R8's are going to be in demand.
And not many normally aspirated cars around now, another reason they will be in demand.
akadk said:
Ps...they are not a super car! 
I don't think they're far off.
I'd almost call them an "entry level supercar"
Huge engine behind you, powerful in their day, great noise, people still stare at them, reasonably rare, expensive when new.
What would you say qualifies a "supercar"
coljoh148 said:
V8 R8 will probably drop no further than 30k I'd imagine.
I was going to post the same, cheapest ones have been pretty close to their current values for years. What other supercar can you get for that much cash?
They have the badge and the 'not a real supercar' thing going on, but in terms of performance, running costs and reliability they are the NSX of the 2000's.
With any sports car, you have floor where the value bottoms out until they start to rise. My guess would be 30k, though I doubt very clean examples will ever get this low.
Far too much demand as the 'Iron man' car.
Get it done, keep the FSH and you might even make money. Certainly considered taking out a daft loan and doing it myself!
Only thing I'd avoid is the 'mag ride'. Very expensive to put right and the weakest part of the car from what I've read.
Most had it and allot of buyers view it as a 'must have'. This means buying one without will be a fair bit cheaper to buy, potentially less ruinous to run though maybe a bit harder to sell...
Trevor555 said:
akadk said:
Ps...they are not a super car! 
I don't think they're far off.
I'd almost call them an "entry level supercar"
Huge engine behind you, powerful in their day, great noise, people still stare at them, reasonably rare, expensive when new.
What would you say qualifies a "supercar"

Definition of a supercar
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
A few points if I might add 2p worth:
Lots of R8 around with decent mileage ie 50-80k but get as low a mileage as poss. Prices start at 35k really. Lots of back street dealers pick em up and sell as they look "great" on a forecourt. Aftermarket warranties are usually rubbish, and repairs are not cheap. In fact nothing is cheap (panels and spares).
They are very reliable generally tho. Build quality is super.
Spec wise- no one wants to pay decent money for one of the more normal colours with poverty spec. So avoid anything without carbon blades, sat nav, heated leather seats, reversing camera, parking sensors etc. Go as high spec as you can. Mag ride is almost always included. It's not an issue, if you allow 2k to replace it in future. Get a proper inspection done whoever you buy from trade or private.
2010 on had chassis plates added to avoid stress fractures but they are fairly rare if cracked any way from what I've heard.
Avoid self servicing your own car, finding someone to buy it in future will be hard.
Get one with a proper sports exhaust already on. You will pay 2-3k for one fitted. Clutch is about £3or4k fitted at a good garage apparently, so avoid buying one with a well worn clutch.
Avoid alloy corrosion cars on the wings and bonnet front. Some have it.
Imho for 40-50k if you buy the right colour and spec manual car you won't lose much if any money and you'll have a great sounding/ looking car you can enjoy driving hard.
Had mine a year, not sure I can sell anytime soon, it's grown on me and is still worth every penny of what I paid almost.
Lots of R8 around with decent mileage ie 50-80k but get as low a mileage as poss. Prices start at 35k really. Lots of back street dealers pick em up and sell as they look "great" on a forecourt. Aftermarket warranties are usually rubbish, and repairs are not cheap. In fact nothing is cheap (panels and spares).
They are very reliable generally tho. Build quality is super.
Spec wise- no one wants to pay decent money for one of the more normal colours with poverty spec. So avoid anything without carbon blades, sat nav, heated leather seats, reversing camera, parking sensors etc. Go as high spec as you can. Mag ride is almost always included. It's not an issue, if you allow 2k to replace it in future. Get a proper inspection done whoever you buy from trade or private.
2010 on had chassis plates added to avoid stress fractures but they are fairly rare if cracked any way from what I've heard.
Avoid self servicing your own car, finding someone to buy it in future will be hard.
Get one with a proper sports exhaust already on. You will pay 2-3k for one fitted. Clutch is about £3or4k fitted at a good garage apparently, so avoid buying one with a well worn clutch.
Avoid alloy corrosion cars on the wings and bonnet front. Some have it.
Imho for 40-50k if you buy the right colour and spec manual car you won't lose much if any money and you'll have a great sounding/ looking car you can enjoy driving hard.
Had mine a year, not sure I can sell anytime soon, it's grown on me and is still worth every penny of what I paid almost.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
That sort of thing looks tidy and about on price
That sort of thing looks tidy and about on price
fishseller said:
I wasn't being funny just a serious thought as the powers to be want to ban petrol and diesel in 2040 ?
I remember reading an article in about 1978 that we'd all have electric cars by 2000 as petrol would be uneconomic and too dirty. It turns out not only were they wrong but by 2000, nealy everyone had a diesel!
I'm certainly not making a car buying decision today on where we might be in 2040.
As for classic car values, I'm currently doing less than 5K a year over a collection of 5 classics, 3 of which I like to own just to look at and don't need to be driven to enjoy.
The market for classic cars continues to increase internationally in developing regions which are unlikely to be banning fossil fuels in the near future.
I can't see that Muira I was once offered for £40K being that price again in my lifetime being that price again, with or without petrol for it.
Edited by Pistom on Sunday 31st December 10:48
I’ve been wondering if an r8 will become a classic, like the original ‘Quattro’. But i am not thinking about that currently, I’m more interested in getting one, having some fun then having options at the end. I’ve been looking at getting a nearly new a/s5 cabriolet just to get a daily driving that is something ‘different’. Insurance is only a fraction more than the A7 (£450 a year)
If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
Gregchiswell said:
I’ve been wondering if an r8 will become a classic, like the original ‘Quattro’. But i am not thinking about that currently, I’m more interested in getting one, having some fun then having options at the end. I’ve been looking at getting a nearly new a/s5 cabriolet just to get a daily driving that is something ‘different’. Insurance is only a fraction more than the A7 (£450 a year)
If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
Mrk 3 TTRS will soon be down to 40k.If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
Brilliant daily driver if you can live with the rear seats.
Trevor555 said:
Gregchiswell said:
I’ve been wondering if an r8 will become a classic, like the original ‘Quattro’. But i am not thinking about that currently, I’m more interested in getting one, having some fun then having options at the end. I’ve been looking at getting a nearly new a/s5 cabriolet just to get a daily driving that is something ‘different’. Insurance is only a fraction more than the A7 (£450 a year)
If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
Mrk 3 TTRS will soon be down to 40k.If I’m going to spend circa 40k I may as well enjoy a ‘classic’ R8 and if I factor in the smaller depreciation than I’d have with a nearly new (ex demo) production S5 I’m covered for all but a catastrophic fail
Brilliant daily driver if you can live with the rear seats.
I've been looking at prices this morning off the back of this thread and if you don't mind a few miles on one £40k is just about doable. 45k is better but spec and history is everything. I viewed one at 60k miles and it had 3 stamps plus some crap invoices fromyour generic oil change type humdrum garages so I walked.
FASH every time.
Here's mine, still making me smile when I drive it.
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