Running Costs/Ownership experience - 4.2 R8
Discussion
Good evening all,
Looking at changing my car in 3~ months time or so and have a few questions as currently, I think the number one car on the shortlist is a 2009~ 4.2 V8 Audi R8.
I am after a bit of info really, around running costs and just general day-to-day experience of the thing!
I currently drive a 2006 BMW Z4M Coupe which will (sadly, I must say. It has been great!) leaving the stable to be replaced. Insurance/tax etc all seems comparable, so really it just boils down to a) Parts b) Servicing etc.
For reference, the other cars I will be looking into are a 997 Turbo and possibly a R35 GTR, though the running costs on the latter does rather scare me.
Any points, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated!
Looking at changing my car in 3~ months time or so and have a few questions as currently, I think the number one car on the shortlist is a 2009~ 4.2 V8 Audi R8.
I am after a bit of info really, around running costs and just general day-to-day experience of the thing!
I currently drive a 2006 BMW Z4M Coupe which will (sadly, I must say. It has been great!) leaving the stable to be replaced. Insurance/tax etc all seems comparable, so really it just boils down to a) Parts b) Servicing etc.
For reference, the other cars I will be looking into are a 997 Turbo and possibly a R35 GTR, though the running costs on the latter does rather scare me.
Any points, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated!
I'd recommend you drive one sooner rather than later. Honestly, I've driven a few and I didn't like the V8. Just feels a bit "tame"
Manual is nice in a clack clack gate way. Flywheel is relatively low inertia too, so takes getting used to.
R Tronic not so much (half lift on throttle between gears) Doesn't creep so manoeuvres can be snatchy
S Tronic. Perfect IMO
Spyder looks better than Coupe to my eyes.
2009 is one of the earlier cars. There was a mid life facelift circa 2012.
Also be aware that at full lock the early cars the front wheels can chunter/skip. It's not a fault as such it's just the way the early cars diffs were. Over time Audi changed them. Not sure on actual dates, but the later cars don't do it.
Generally pretty reliable.
Manual is nice in a clack clack gate way. Flywheel is relatively low inertia too, so takes getting used to.
R Tronic not so much (half lift on throttle between gears) Doesn't creep so manoeuvres can be snatchy
S Tronic. Perfect IMO
Spyder looks better than Coupe to my eyes.
2009 is one of the earlier cars. There was a mid life facelift circa 2012.
Also be aware that at full lock the early cars the front wheels can chunter/skip. It's not a fault as such it's just the way the early cars diffs were. Over time Audi changed them. Not sure on actual dates, but the later cars don't do it.
Generally pretty reliable.
Easy to live with although as already pointed out the shift in a manual needs a little practice to extract teh best from. One of the best manuals out there once you've nailed it.
At low revs they merely feel nippy; not properly quick unless you stretch its legs. One of the nicest sounding V8s out there and very characterful.
Mag-ride dampers are not super durable and ~£600 per corner to replace so do check for leaks. Clutches generally strong and durable unless abused or driven by an idiot. Ensure air conditioning works; particularly if it's a low mileage car or has been used infrequently (engine out to sort the compressor). Look for corrosion around arches and particularly under the leading edge of the bonnet. All R8s suffer chips so the vast majority will have had cosmetic paintwork. Brakes can warp if abused so check for wobble (can be skimmed if they're not worn out); budget ~£1300 to replace the fronts.
Only marginally more to service than any other quick Audi and very easy to live with. Residuals are rock solid too.
At low revs they merely feel nippy; not properly quick unless you stretch its legs. One of the nicest sounding V8s out there and very characterful.
Mag-ride dampers are not super durable and ~£600 per corner to replace so do check for leaks. Clutches generally strong and durable unless abused or driven by an idiot. Ensure air conditioning works; particularly if it's a low mileage car or has been used infrequently (engine out to sort the compressor). Look for corrosion around arches and particularly under the leading edge of the bonnet. All R8s suffer chips so the vast majority will have had cosmetic paintwork. Brakes can warp if abused so check for wobble (can be skimmed if they're not worn out); budget ~£1300 to replace the fronts.
Only marginally more to service than any other quick Audi and very easy to live with. Residuals are rock solid too.
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