Audi r8 v8 1st gen a good buy?

[Joeramplin123]

Audi r8 v8 1st gen a good buy?
So I have finally saved enough money to get my dream car. The audi r8 has always been my favourite car, i would just like to know if its a really expensive car to run? Not worried about fuel cost, inurance or tax. Would like to know if I will run into any issues? I know people say about the A/C dieing and engine needing to be removed. Do you need to get the A/C sorted straight away if it does fail? I'm in the UK so it's not like it gets mega hot here. I know the mag ride isn't the most reliable costing £1500 each shock.
If the mag ride where to fail could I just replace with springs or coilovers? The car will only be used as a weekend car and events/shows. Not too bothered whether it's manual or auto (also heard the R-tronic gearbox is clunky) but In my opinion after watching videos it doesn't look as bad as what everyone seems. I'm young and want to experience having such an incredible car, my budget will be max of £35k. I know you can get a bmw m3/m3 for £10k cheaper but they just don't give me the wow factor like the r8 does. So is it truly worth getting one? I know people say you would rather the v10 but insurance is ridiculous for me on them.
Thanks allot
Joe

[Joeramplin123]

Thanks mate for such a thorough description, really helps that. What's the servicing like aswell? Seeing as it's audi I could imagine a specialist being able to do it rather than audi dealer?
I'm not bothered about the whole looks thing, I love the car and don't think I would be looking at getting anything different for many many years, I do see thet must of hit the bottom line of depreciation which makes me want one even more (rise in price maybe? Future classic?) in my lifetime I'd only seen 3 or 4 r8's around where I live, making them a rare car to see on the road. I must say either the black/grey/white colours are my favourite! Capistro exhaust system aslo makes it sound like an f1 car!
Thanks again
Joe

[Joeramplin123]

NewNameNeeded said:

To answer your questions more specifically:
- No reason you'd need to replace aircon if/when it fails unless you want aircon
- Magrides can be refurbed for less, or replaced with a more robust passive system if they fail.
- Don't discount the RTronic without understanding how to use it and without giving it a try. If used correctly in manual mode it's engaging, and fast-changing.
- Ignore the "you should get the V10 version" comments. They're mostly from people who will never own either version and it seems to be another generic comment made every time the R8 is discussed! Yes the V10 offers a lot more perform, but honestly 440bhp V8 sounds a and is plenty fast enough for B road blasts. And it's a beautifully balanced car.

Thanks for the info, helped alot! Will be on a lookout now or get my local dealer to find me one. Is there anything I need to know what to look out for when purchasing one? Thanks alot