R8 Feedback, a year in to ownership of a used gen1
Discussion
So a year ago this week I treated myself to a pretty extravagant 40th birthday present as my (almost) daily driver. I'd lusted after owning a V8 since falling in love with cars. And as anyone who's turned 40 will know there's a lot of internalising about how you're doing against your life goals.
Also about a year ago there was a discussion on here about the R8 as a daily driver, and how ruineous it would be! At the time I promised to report back , so here goes, for those interested:
Show me the money
Let’s start with the costs. One year of ownership and about 6,000 miles has cost £2,250 (a health check, 4 new tyres, replacement rear brake light and a £875 service) plus road tax and insurance costing £1,100 combined, plus fuel which I’d estimate has cost an eye-watering £2,300. So £5,650 all in. I’m clutching to the fact that’s less than £1 a mile, but it’s obviously a good chunk of money. And that’s without anything major needing replacing. The tyres I actually couldn’t find cheaper than the price Audi quoted. The rear brake light replacement was something like £230 and I felt Audi weaselled their way out of this being covered under the used approved warranty. It was a bit of a grey area that for the sake of £230 would have created immense brand loyalty and goodwill, that they missed by a country mile.
High running and maintenance costs are thankfully offset by very little depreciation over the last year. So overall, it’s probably been cheaper to run than if I’d picked up a brand new A3, which would lose a lot of value over the first few years.
No problems as a daily driver
Some of you would argue 6,000 miles in a year is hardly a daily driver. And I do have use of another car. But the term 'daily driver' for me is as much about how easily it could be used daily - not that you necessarily would.
Anyways, I think the R8 excels in this area. For a wide, low supercar/sports car (won't get in to that debate) it remains an easy daily driver. Visibility is good, there is no scraping over bumps/ramps/inclines if taken at sensible speeds. I had more issues getting a MK1 TTR over bumps than I have had with the R8 – the front splitter gives great clearance for this type of car, and none of the horror stories I’ve heard around Gallardos and the need for front-lift for speed bumps, car parks and driveways. There were a number of videos on YouTube with owners saying they had to plan their routes in advance to make sure the roads were compatible - rubbish. It's an easy car to drive through town, or down country lanes. It's manoeuvrable at low speeds, and easy to place when parking. Rear parking camera is superb. Go easy on the peddle and it feels more like 200BHP than 430BHP, and power delivery is smooth however heavy you are on the peddle, making it a civilised car to drive when you need it to be. It’s wide, and the doors are wide, and I’m pretty wide too – so you do have to think a little about parking spaces, but it has never stopped me from going somewhere or being able to park once I got there. No different to other big cars like Rangies.
It is thirsty though. Especially if you keep it a gear or two lower than it needs to be, to keep it in its peak power range and to get a howl from the engine. I’ve maybe averaged mid-teens. So get used to filling it up.
Sense of occasion
Time and familiarity with the car obviously means it doesn't feel quite as special as it did. But I still get exciting at the thought of taking it for a drive, I still take the long/fun route from A to B, it still makes me look back everytime I’m walking away from it. Dropping down low in to the seat feels great, and purposeful. It sets the mood for the drive you're about to have. The sound of the V8 remains something wonderful. More subtle, but (for me) far more special than trick exhausts on smaller engines. I love the ‘stealth’ look (mine is black with a dark grey sideblade) – but admit that pretty much any colour makes the car look more special (and easier/better to photograph!). I also think the R8 is a thing of beauty - far, far more so than the latest design (and it's recently revealed facelift). I think the design has aged very well.
Dealership experiene
The car was bought from the Audi used approved network and so has been looked after by Audi dealerships. They’ve been ok, but no stand out service. No more special than I experienced owning Toyotas or Peugeots. The dealership experience alone has created no brand loyalty to Audi, and indeed their weaseling out of replacing the rear brake light under the warranty is a grey area and, I think, showed a flaw with franchised dealerships. Audi UK don't appear to have any clout with how the dealerships behave - at least not from what I saw. And I escalated it to the executive customer service team within Audi UK. That aside the rest of the time they've been perfectly ok - nice coffees, prompt attention from their team when booked in for a service, etc. But no stand outs.
Reminders you’re driving something a bit different
Struggling to source a tyre and find anywhere local outside of the dealer network able to change a tyre reminds you the car is relatively low volume and relatively unique. Halfords, Kwik-Fit, Black Circles, F1 Autocentres and all the other usual suspects were all unable to help. Most didn't have the Audi-rated version of the tyre I needed in their ordering systems. And as far as I am aware not all Audi dealerships are set up to service the R8 (they need to be Audi Sport centres), and I have struggled to find good local independents familiar with the R8.
Community
Great online community via both r8talk.com and R8 owners club on Facebook, but a shame (but not a surprise) that there is very little in the way of R8 owners meets. I’m jealous of friends with Porsches and the incredibly active clubs, but obviously there are a few more 911s on the road than there are R8s. And just a little bit more history!
Public reaction
This was one of my biggest concerns. I don’t like standing out. So I’d no desire to own this car to say “look at me, look at me”. It nearly put me off. I'm pleased to say that whilst the car does get noticed, it has only been in a positive way. I’m surprised by how many non-petrolheads know what it is, when they wouldn’t have a clue what model of Ferrari had just driven past. Public reaction has only been positive – I’ve had countless conversations at petrol stations with folk wanting to know a bit about the car, and no issues in traffic or being let out at junctions. Kids pointing and shouting "that's an R8" is lovely. It's been a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be able to own a car like this.
Interestingly the car gets very little interest or enthusiasm at car meets, which I don’t mind – I’d rather spend the time looking around everyone elses cars than talking about my own - but whilst the general public seem quite interested in it (and know what it is) the car community seems less interested. Not sure why that is?
What next
And here's the weirdest thing I've come across through owning this car. I've no halo car to move on to. And whilst that should be really awesome, it's also really weird. I can't remember any time since being in to cars that I've been in that position. Aside from a Defender or 964 (with no rationale explanations for either), I can't think of a single model out there that draws me back to the classifieds to drool over. My hours spent on Autotrader have literally fizzled to nothing!
I've absolutely no idea what I'd move to. I don't like the V10, a Ferarri or Lambo would not offer me more of anything I currently feel I am missing, I don't want a 'sensible' hatchback/saloon/estate, no matter how quick, have no desire to lose a load of cash through depreciation.
So for now, I'm "stuck" with the R8. Not a bad place to be and something I'd wholeheartedly recommend for your own midlife crisis
Also about a year ago there was a discussion on here about the R8 as a daily driver, and how ruineous it would be! At the time I promised to report back , so here goes, for those interested:
Show me the money
Let’s start with the costs. One year of ownership and about 6,000 miles has cost £2,250 (a health check, 4 new tyres, replacement rear brake light and a £875 service) plus road tax and insurance costing £1,100 combined, plus fuel which I’d estimate has cost an eye-watering £2,300. So £5,650 all in. I’m clutching to the fact that’s less than £1 a mile, but it’s obviously a good chunk of money. And that’s without anything major needing replacing. The tyres I actually couldn’t find cheaper than the price Audi quoted. The rear brake light replacement was something like £230 and I felt Audi weaselled their way out of this being covered under the used approved warranty. It was a bit of a grey area that for the sake of £230 would have created immense brand loyalty and goodwill, that they missed by a country mile.
High running and maintenance costs are thankfully offset by very little depreciation over the last year. So overall, it’s probably been cheaper to run than if I’d picked up a brand new A3, which would lose a lot of value over the first few years.
No problems as a daily driver
Some of you would argue 6,000 miles in a year is hardly a daily driver. And I do have use of another car. But the term 'daily driver' for me is as much about how easily it could be used daily - not that you necessarily would.
Anyways, I think the R8 excels in this area. For a wide, low supercar/sports car (won't get in to that debate) it remains an easy daily driver. Visibility is good, there is no scraping over bumps/ramps/inclines if taken at sensible speeds. I had more issues getting a MK1 TTR over bumps than I have had with the R8 – the front splitter gives great clearance for this type of car, and none of the horror stories I’ve heard around Gallardos and the need for front-lift for speed bumps, car parks and driveways. There were a number of videos on YouTube with owners saying they had to plan their routes in advance to make sure the roads were compatible - rubbish. It's an easy car to drive through town, or down country lanes. It's manoeuvrable at low speeds, and easy to place when parking. Rear parking camera is superb. Go easy on the peddle and it feels more like 200BHP than 430BHP, and power delivery is smooth however heavy you are on the peddle, making it a civilised car to drive when you need it to be. It’s wide, and the doors are wide, and I’m pretty wide too – so you do have to think a little about parking spaces, but it has never stopped me from going somewhere or being able to park once I got there. No different to other big cars like Rangies.
It is thirsty though. Especially if you keep it a gear or two lower than it needs to be, to keep it in its peak power range and to get a howl from the engine. I’ve maybe averaged mid-teens. So get used to filling it up.
Sense of occasion
Time and familiarity with the car obviously means it doesn't feel quite as special as it did. But I still get exciting at the thought of taking it for a drive, I still take the long/fun route from A to B, it still makes me look back everytime I’m walking away from it. Dropping down low in to the seat feels great, and purposeful. It sets the mood for the drive you're about to have. The sound of the V8 remains something wonderful. More subtle, but (for me) far more special than trick exhausts on smaller engines. I love the ‘stealth’ look (mine is black with a dark grey sideblade) – but admit that pretty much any colour makes the car look more special (and easier/better to photograph!). I also think the R8 is a thing of beauty - far, far more so than the latest design (and it's recently revealed facelift). I think the design has aged very well.
Dealership experiene
The car was bought from the Audi used approved network and so has been looked after by Audi dealerships. They’ve been ok, but no stand out service. No more special than I experienced owning Toyotas or Peugeots. The dealership experience alone has created no brand loyalty to Audi, and indeed their weaseling out of replacing the rear brake light under the warranty is a grey area and, I think, showed a flaw with franchised dealerships. Audi UK don't appear to have any clout with how the dealerships behave - at least not from what I saw. And I escalated it to the executive customer service team within Audi UK. That aside the rest of the time they've been perfectly ok - nice coffees, prompt attention from their team when booked in for a service, etc. But no stand outs.
Reminders you’re driving something a bit different
Struggling to source a tyre and find anywhere local outside of the dealer network able to change a tyre reminds you the car is relatively low volume and relatively unique. Halfords, Kwik-Fit, Black Circles, F1 Autocentres and all the other usual suspects were all unable to help. Most didn't have the Audi-rated version of the tyre I needed in their ordering systems. And as far as I am aware not all Audi dealerships are set up to service the R8 (they need to be Audi Sport centres), and I have struggled to find good local independents familiar with the R8.
Community
Great online community via both r8talk.com and R8 owners club on Facebook, but a shame (but not a surprise) that there is very little in the way of R8 owners meets. I’m jealous of friends with Porsches and the incredibly active clubs, but obviously there are a few more 911s on the road than there are R8s. And just a little bit more history!
Public reaction
This was one of my biggest concerns. I don’t like standing out. So I’d no desire to own this car to say “look at me, look at me”. It nearly put me off. I'm pleased to say that whilst the car does get noticed, it has only been in a positive way. I’m surprised by how many non-petrolheads know what it is, when they wouldn’t have a clue what model of Ferrari had just driven past. Public reaction has only been positive – I’ve had countless conversations at petrol stations with folk wanting to know a bit about the car, and no issues in traffic or being let out at junctions. Kids pointing and shouting "that's an R8" is lovely. It's been a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be able to own a car like this.
Interestingly the car gets very little interest or enthusiasm at car meets, which I don’t mind – I’d rather spend the time looking around everyone elses cars than talking about my own - but whilst the general public seem quite interested in it (and know what it is) the car community seems less interested. Not sure why that is?
What next
And here's the weirdest thing I've come across through owning this car. I've no halo car to move on to. And whilst that should be really awesome, it's also really weird. I can't remember any time since being in to cars that I've been in that position. Aside from a Defender or 964 (with no rationale explanations for either), I can't think of a single model out there that draws me back to the classifieds to drool over. My hours spent on Autotrader have literally fizzled to nothing!
I've absolutely no idea what I'd move to. I don't like the V10, a Ferarri or Lambo would not offer me more of anything I currently feel I am missing, I don't want a 'sensible' hatchback/saloon/estate, no matter how quick, have no desire to lose a load of cash through depreciation.
So for now, I'm "stuck" with the R8. Not a bad place to be and something I'd wholeheartedly recommend for your own midlife crisis
Trev450 said:
... I have purchased an after market warranty ...
I would be interested to hear why you state that you 'don't like the V10'.
Which policy did you go for please? And any experience of how good/bad it is? I'll be shopping around for something.I would be interested to hear why you state that you 'don't like the V10'.
RE: tyres - you're right. I chose to stick with P Zeroes, which seem to be like marmite. I've found them to be pretty good, so was keen to get the Audi-rated version. I did finally source them, and my local alloy refurber fitted free of charge.
Heard a lot of great things about RE Performance - just too far away for me, I think. But will check them out.
As for the V10 - just personal choice. I don't feel the need for more power so that's no reason to upgrade, the V10 doesn't have any additional toys I'm missing in the V8, I much prefer the sound of the stock-V8 to the stock-V10, and I prefer the small styling differences on the V8 to the V10 (prefer my alloys, my exhausts).
barriejames said:
I am also a year into my manual v10 and pleased to report nothing else has caught my attention in this price range. The car draws attention like nothing ive owned so cant agree with the original poster on that. Most good attention but some not so positive. Every drive out feels special but I limit my miles to around 3k per year to avoid it becoming mundane and routine 
Glad you're still enjoying it. I think your choice of colour is superb - far less subtle than my black couple (I mean that in a good way). I think it gives your car a huge amount of presence. Sorry to hear you've had some not so positive attention? 
Drove the V8 f type at Brands Hatch earlier this year, and then passenger laps in the SVR. Lovely looking car, but doesn't feel nearly as special as the R8. SVR was seriously quick, but neither would make me switch. F type feels like a sporty car, whilst the R8 feels like a junior supercar.
luckyal said:
... people's reactions to a lardy 48 year old driving one are a consideration...
From my experience (lardy 41 year old) you've nothing to worry about. Reactions have been so incredibly positive, and this is coming from a huge introvert. People seem genuinely interested in the car, and seem to all know just a little bit about it enough to get a conversation going. Hasn't put me off at all. mehmehmeh said:
You escalated to Audi UK over a brake bulb or the LED's went?
It was the centre rear brake light. I don't have the warranty language to hand, but the essence was that if any lights give an MOT failure they're covered under the warranty and would be replaced free of charge. It seems to be a bit of a grey area with regards to MOTs and the dealership used that to say the car was ok, MOT passed, rear brake light not covered under warranty. I'd had the car only six months so I challenged the dealership, but they wouldn't budge. I escalated to Audi UK who said they'd speak to the dealership, but still no joy.I found that very disappointing and very short sighted of Audi and the dealership. Here was an owner with a car only six months off their forecourt, purchased under their Used Approved scheme, covered by an MOT protection warranty ... and they weaseled out of replacing a £200 brake light. The huge amount of goodwill that would have been generated from replacing the light would have more than paid for itself.
Nano2nd said:
mehmehmeh said:
Pretty sure they only care about new sales. And on finance (they make more money that way).
what a business with a need to turn a profit - shocker!Atomic12C said:
However, there was one engineering flaw with the gen1's - the issue of frame cracking. Have you had yours strengthened yet at the front?
Thanks for that. In all the research and reading I did in to R8 ownership I didn't come across this issue even once. I'll go away and have another look. Mine's a 2012 car - so not sure if this was somethign Audi addressed through the life of the gen1. Thanks for raising this!Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff