HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE
An expert’s view ALEX GREEN, FONTAIN MOTORS
“We have bought, sold and maintained R8s right back from the model launch in 2007 and really learned to love them in that time. In a changing world, and with a few years under their belts, they have cemented their position as a modern classic, becoming even more likeable and enjoyable with it. “Some parts and repair jobs can be expensive, and careful, regular maintenance is essential, but the reward for investing in upkeep is a near-unique experience. An appreciating classic as usable as it is lovely to drive, the best examples are a rock-solid ownership proposition. It is unquestionably one of the finest cars Audi has yet built.”
Buyer beware… ENGINE
While generally bulletproof, a few V8s have suffered bottom-end bearing failure, so listen out for suspicious noises. The lines to the oil cooler, at the rear left, can rust through, and faulty ignition coils are known to cause misfires.
GEARBOX
Expect around 20,000 miles from a clutch. Also bear in mind that the R Tronic automated manuals aren’t always very reliable.
SUSPENSION
Steel nuts and bolts can seize and lower rear wishbones can fail, necessitating a whole new unit, so it’s an expensive fix. Magnetic ride dampers fail on older cars, too. Replace in pairs or with high-quality coilovers. R8s are sensitive to worn tyres, shocks and suspension bushes. Listen for knocks, and on a test drive accelerate and decelerate hard to check if it’s pulling left or right.
BRAKES
Brake discs are costly to replace, so it’s worth changing pads when they’re 50% worn to extend disc life.
BODY
Check for oxidisation and galvanic corrosion where steel and aluminium react. The R8’s long doors are vulnerable to knocks, and the panels are expensive to replace.
Also worth knowing
Before introducing the V10 Plus, Audi produced the limited-run GT in 2011. Only 33 were brought to the UK, each making use of the 5.2-litre V10 – this time with 552bhp – and the R Tronic automated manual gearbox. When new, it started at £142,585, although used prices are now considerably lower. It’s also worth noting that a GT Spyder variant came out in 2012 but was limited to 43 Uk-bound units. In 2014, the R8 received one last special edition, named the LMX. Only 99 examples were built, each in Ara Blue paint, with 562bhp on tap and a starting price of £160,025. They all also featured laser headlights as standard – a first for a production car.
How much to spend £32,000–£34,999
This is your entry gate. Examples here will be early cars with high mileages or potentially previous damage, so beware.
£35,000–£41,999
Early cars that tend to be in good condition, sometimes with fewer than 50,000 miles on the clock.
£42,000–£49,999
The sweet spot for early cars. From good to great condition and mileages are usually low. You’ll also find plenty of respectable 2010 to 2013 cars in this price bracket.
£50,000–£59,999
Some fantastic R8 V10s with fewer than 50,000 miles. Convertible R8 Spyders also feature here.
£60,000–£75,000
Late 2014 and 2015 models, plus special-edition GTS and GT Spyders. Expect low mileages and the cars to be in excellent condition.