R8 V10 Buying Advice

[SFTWend]

Prices of a manual R8 V10 are falling ever closer to my budget and I can't think of a more capable all rounder for the money.

Obviously I've read the PistonHeads Buyers Guide but this dates back to 2014 and suggests there is nothing much to look out for other than faulty dampers and going for a car that hasn't been on a long life service plan.

I would appreciate advice from those in the knowledge in terms of what common problems I need to look out for since the PistonHeads guide was written please together with ballpark costs to fix.

I believe VAG dealers don't have the best after sales reputation but I can't find many R8 specialists in my area (Kent/East Sussex borders). Do most of you use main dealers for maintenance work?

Many thanks.

Pete

[rufmeister]

I’ve had an 09 V10 for 7 months or so now.

Looked at V8’s to start with but like you, saw V10’s coming closer to budget, so took the plunge.

Make sure you get it inspected, as they don’t throw bills of a couple of hundred quid.

There was an oil leak found on inspection, and a quick call to Ricky at RE Performance negotiated the price down further, as it’s not a cheap job, the seal is something like 30p, it’s just a huge job.

We also found leaking shocks, so further negotiations were had, Ricky replaced them with V10 plus non-mag ride, and it drives lovely now.

Picked up a used Larini exhaust, and had that put in, it’s incredible, so loud and so much fun.

The bills are never going to be cheap, but it’s a hell of a car.

Mine is going up for sale as I have ticked the box,like many do, and need something I can get my kids in.

[dc2rr07]

Topic already running may have what you are looking for....
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Trev450]

If you are looking at a pre 2012 car then you should have the front suspension turrets examined for cracks. This requires the plastic trim below the windscreen to be removed and although rare, they can crack in the area between the damper tower and bulkhead. Consumables such as brakes and tyres should be carefully examined as costs can quickly escalate if replacements are required.

[PompeyReece]

Trev450 said:

If you are looking at a pre 2012 car then you should have the front suspension turrets examined for cracks. This requires the plastic trim below the windscreen to be removed and although rare, they can crack in the area between the damper tower and bulkhead. Consumables such as brakes and tyres should be carefully examined as costs can quickly escalate if replacements are required.

To give you an idea on price, a set of tyres will be around £900-£1,000 which considering the car isn't too bad IMHO.

A full set of pads and discs, assuming they're not ceramic, are approx £2,000 - £2,500 last time I checked.

However plenty of threads on this recently.

[SFTWend]

Thanks for the helpful responses gents.
Does anyone know of a good Indie with R8 expertise in Kent/Sussex?

[PompeyReece]

SFTWend said:

Thanks for the helpful responses gents.
Does anyone know of a good Indie with R8 expertise in Kent/Sussex?

QS Tuning in Haywards Heath did the PPI on my R8. Was only verbal, cost £170 but gave me some piece of mind. No major issues (touch wood) have occurred in the 2 years I've owned her