R8 as a £40k used buy?
Discussion
Mrs 97 has a small legacy after her mother passed away. We have done some sensible things but she is tempted to be frivolous for once her life, and fancies an R8. The budget is £40k and she wants an auto (and I won't change her mind on that, I know the RTronic isn't highly thought but I've driven one and thought it was ok). I know there's only early v8s around that budget but what are the issues?
Mag dampers or not, how reliable are they?
Doesn't the v8 have a "coking problem?
Anything else to be aware of?
It really will be a weekend car only.
Any guesses on how much lower prices may go?
It may not happen, as she will probably wake up tomorrow with her sensible head back on, but we will see!
Mag dampers or not, how reliable are they?
Doesn't the v8 have a "coking problem?
Anything else to be aware of?
It really will be a weekend car only.
Any guesses on how much lower prices may go?
It may not happen, as she will probably wake up tomorrow with her sensible head back on, but we will see!
You are going to be right at the entry level with your budget so are most likely to be looking at cars with a fair mileage.
Mag dampers are very efficient and help massively with our crappy British roads. They are known to fail though and will set you back around £1500 a corner.
Yes the V8 does have coking problems and they normally need doing from about 40k miles on. Not a hugely expensive job but a consideration nonetheless.
A/C compressors are known to fail and its an engine out job in the V8.
The general view regarding prices is that they have just about bottomed out as the days of big N/A engines are coming to an end and will possibly become quite sought after at some point in time.
When all is said and done they are generally a very reliable and well-built car. Typical Audi really. Great fun to drive and really do feel quite special. They are also still a reasonably rare sight on UK roads so can attract quite a bit of attention, which may be a good or bad thing depending on your view.
Mag dampers are very efficient and help massively with our crappy British roads. They are known to fail though and will set you back around £1500 a corner.
Yes the V8 does have coking problems and they normally need doing from about 40k miles on. Not a hugely expensive job but a consideration nonetheless.
A/C compressors are known to fail and its an engine out job in the V8.
The general view regarding prices is that they have just about bottomed out as the days of big N/A engines are coming to an end and will possibly become quite sought after at some point in time.
When all is said and done they are generally a very reliable and well-built car. Typical Audi really. Great fun to drive and really do feel quite special. They are also still a reasonably rare sight on UK roads so can attract quite a bit of attention, which may be a good or bad thing depending on your view.
Edited by Trev450 on Friday 17th March 19:19
As an owner of a VW I do check out this forum marque regularly and would like to just throw this idea into the arena for you to consider if you want.
Some time ago I was looking to replace a car I'd sold so in my usual way of doing things I'd set a budget and in one day tried three cars in my budget range regardless of outside comments.
To summarise in short form in one day I drove an Aston Martin V8S soft-top, an Audi R8 and a Mercedes Benz SL63.
Most disappointing was the AM due to a truly dreadful paddle shift but it looked so nice. Next up the R8, I had owned a late Esprit V8 which I loved and thought that the R8 was the car Lotus should have made, I wanted to like this car so much but inside the car it did nothing for me at all and I was luke warm about it as a car couldn't put my finger on why it didn't have the wow factor for me.
But and a big but was the last car I tried that day and that was the SL63. If the Aston Martin had the MCT auto box of the SL63 I'd have bought it on the spot no doubt about it but the Merc with its clever roof and that wonderful engine sound completely sold me and I bought one.
I am sure there are other cars worthy of inclusion but it's not until you try them all in a short period that you can really form an opinion as to what suits you or your other half.
Some time ago I was looking to replace a car I'd sold so in my usual way of doing things I'd set a budget and in one day tried three cars in my budget range regardless of outside comments.
To summarise in short form in one day I drove an Aston Martin V8S soft-top, an Audi R8 and a Mercedes Benz SL63.
Most disappointing was the AM due to a truly dreadful paddle shift but it looked so nice. Next up the R8, I had owned a late Esprit V8 which I loved and thought that the R8 was the car Lotus should have made, I wanted to like this car so much but inside the car it did nothing for me at all and I was luke warm about it as a car couldn't put my finger on why it didn't have the wow factor for me.
But and a big but was the last car I tried that day and that was the SL63. If the Aston Martin had the MCT auto box of the SL63 I'd have bought it on the spot no doubt about it but the Merc with its clever roof and that wonderful engine sound completely sold me and I bought one.
I am sure there are other cars worthy of inclusion but it's not until you try them all in a short period that you can really form an opinion as to what suits you or your other half.
I bought a 2007 V8 manual four years ago and could sell it for the same price now.
It has been totally reliable and has done everything I have wanted it to - weekend drives, two weeks holiday with my wife to the Alps and Italian Lakes and trackdays in the UK and France.
Although it is a 10 year old design it still amazes me the number of people that take photos and videos of it !
Life is short so buy one and enjoy it as I have.
It has been totally reliable and has done everything I have wanted it to - weekend drives, two weeks holiday with my wife to the Alps and Italian Lakes and trackdays in the UK and France.
Although it is a 10 year old design it still amazes me the number of people that take photos and videos of it !
Life is short so buy one and enjoy it as I have.
andy97 said:
It may not happen, as she will probably wake up tomorrow with her sensible head back on, but we will see!
I'm not trying to put a damper on things, and I know it's nice to treat yourself now and again, especially if you come into some money, but please give it very careful thought.You may be glad of that 40k later on in your life when you are both retired.
All interesting thoughts, folks, and I appreciate them, thanks.
I know I'd be shopping at the bottom end of the market and so that makes the need to be even more careful very apparent.
I also know that we have to be careful to plan for the future and there is a sensible balance to be had, but I think we have that covered.
I'm particularly interested in some of the views that prices may have bottomed out. I'm not sure I agree yet. Most of us would probably accept that depreciation is close to being the biggest cost of car ownership so if that view is correct it does make the maths slightly more appealing!
Maybe the R8 will be the new 996 Turbo? IE available a few years ago for £25-30k but now climbing? Of course no one can predict that.
I know I'd be shopping at the bottom end of the market and so that makes the need to be even more careful very apparent.
I also know that we have to be careful to plan for the future and there is a sensible balance to be had, but I think we have that covered.
I'm particularly interested in some of the views that prices may have bottomed out. I'm not sure I agree yet. Most of us would probably accept that depreciation is close to being the biggest cost of car ownership so if that view is correct it does make the maths slightly more appealing!
Maybe the R8 will be the new 996 Turbo? IE available a few years ago for £25-30k but now climbing? Of course no one can predict that.
Road tested an RTronic this afternoon. I have driven them on track before (I instruct occasionally for a Supercar experience company) but this was first time on the road. Ok at moderate speeds and revs but very clunky at slowish speeds around town and on a ring road punctuated by lots of roundabouts! Not that pleasant really.
It was also,wrapped, which I don't like as I'd rather see what the bodywork condition is actually like. But it was very local so a useful experience.
It was also,wrapped, which I don't like as I'd rather see what the bodywork condition is actually like. But it was very local so a useful experience.
I'm all for spending the money - life is short! It can change in an instant. What good is money in the bank when you can't enjoy it?!
£40k will buy you a lot of car and an R8 is a good option.
Personally, I'd have a look at an AM V8 Vantage with 3 pedals - more luxurious than the R8, IMO.
You could even go for a soft top to really enjoy that glorious V8. Just don't go for an auto Aston (as mentioned above), the time between gears feels like a lifetime at WOT.
My left-field choice would be a Lotus Exige S: bare essential equipment + 914kg + 345bhp =
£40k will buy you a lot of car and an R8 is a good option.
Personally, I'd have a look at an AM V8 Vantage with 3 pedals - more luxurious than the R8, IMO.
You could even go for a soft top to really enjoy that glorious V8. Just don't go for an auto Aston (as mentioned above), the time between gears feels like a lifetime at WOT.
My left-field choice would be a Lotus Exige S: bare essential equipment + 914kg + 345bhp =
I have driven the Aston and quite like them, particularly as I am a fan of the transaxle layout (I race a 944 and have had several road cars) but is it dramatic enough?
A soft top is an absolute no. Can't stand convertibles, sorry, and don't envisage having the top down. Unless I bought a Caterham, which is a different kettle of fish and would be used differently.
Another option is a 996 Turbo, particularly as they are rising in value, but the R8 is just that more modern looking and rare. I know it's an Audi, but it just seems more special. Hoping to test a manual in the next few days.
A soft top is an absolute no. Can't stand convertibles, sorry, and don't envisage having the top down. Unless I bought a Caterham, which is a different kettle of fish and would be used differently.
Another option is a 996 Turbo, particularly as they are rising in value, but the R8 is just that more modern looking and rare. I know it's an Audi, but it just seems more special. Hoping to test a manual in the next few days.
GloriaGTI said:
I'm all for spending the money - life is short! It can change in an instant. What good is money in the bank when you can't enjoy it?!
£40k will buy you a lot of car and an R8 is a good option.
Personally, I'd have a look at an AM V8 Vantage with 3 pedals - more luxurious than the R8, IMO.
You could even go for a soft top to really enjoy that glorious V8. Just don't go for an auto Aston (as mentioned above), the time between gears feels like a lifetime at WOT.
My left-field choice would be a Lotus Exige S: bare essential equipment + 914kg + 345bhp =
I considered all those cars and ended up with a Lotus Evora, op its worth trying one, they are a bit newer than the R8 at that budget, process hold well and they are great to drive.£40k will buy you a lot of car and an R8 is a good option.
Personally, I'd have a look at an AM V8 Vantage with 3 pedals - more luxurious than the R8, IMO.
You could even go for a soft top to really enjoy that glorious V8. Just don't go for an auto Aston (as mentioned above), the time between gears feels like a lifetime at WOT.
My left-field choice would be a Lotus Exige S: bare essential equipment + 914kg + 345bhp =
andy97 said:
I have driven the Aston and quite like them, particularly as I am a fan of the transaxle layout (I race a 944 and have had several road cars) but is it dramatic enough?
A soft top is an absolute no. Can't stand convertibles, sorry, and don't envisage having the top down. Unless I bought a Caterham, which is a different kettle of fish and would be used differently.
Another option is a 996 Turbo, particularly as they are rising in value, but the R8 is just that more modern looking and rare. I know it's an Audi, but it just seems more special. Hoping to test a manual in the next few days.
Whilst I concur on the convertible thing and even more so re: Caterham's, I suggested it as you said that it was your Mrs buying the car. A soft top is an absolute no. Can't stand convertibles, sorry, and don't envisage having the top down. Unless I bought a Caterham, which is a different kettle of fish and would be used differently.
Another option is a 996 Turbo, particularly as they are rising in value, but the R8 is just that more modern looking and rare. I know it's an Audi, but it just seems more special. Hoping to test a manual in the next few days.
911 Turbo is a great shout, especially with a MT but is that as dramatic as an R8? I don't think it is.
Regarding the mag ride - I think most people still see it as a must-have, but when I was looking last year I specifically hunted one out that had passive dampers (mine's not going to be a track car and the passive dampers are great for road use). I noticed a recent buyer's guide mentions it might be worth avoiding too.
GloriaGTI said:
Whilst I concur on the convertible thing and even more so re: Caterham's, I suggested it as you said that it was your Mrs buying the car.
911 Turbo is a great shout, especially with a MT but is that as dramatic as an R8? I don't think it is.
I can guarantee that Mrs 97 despises convertibles even more than I do! And it may be her money but I suspect that I will be the one driving it most! :-)911 Turbo is a great shout, especially with a MT but is that as dramatic as an R8? I don't think it is.
However, the R8 is the only Supercar/ SportsCar she really wants and so I doubt that a Merc or anything else is an option. I may be able to persuade on the 996T but somehow I doubt it. It's not at all a logical decision (let's face it, buying a super car isn't anyway) but the R8 is a combination of dramatic and proper sports car looks, impressive technology, German engineering, and an accessible driving experience. By the latter, I mean it can be driven by virtually anyone (a bit like a Honda NSX) and whilst some criticise this, the car has to work in the (relatively) real world and not be a chore to drive. Oh, and we have an emotional/ irrational attachment to the Audi marque as an Ur quattro owner
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