What else did you you consider?

[Garyhun]

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a new car in August. Something fast and fun but also reliable and practical (and to be honest I do like a bit of luxury as well).

I was (and I guess still am to a certain degree) thinking of just going for a crazy few years by buying a Gallardo. However I just wonder would I use it that much (scared to leave it anywhere) and it's going to cost around £100K which is really pushing my comfort zone. I wonder if it's also a little hard core for me and would it be that relaxing going to the South of France with the Mrs?

If I stay within my comfort zone, budget wise (£50-70K), then there are 3 cars which really excite me - Aston V8V (just so classy), Maserati GranTurismo (4 seats as well) or R8. I would guess the best built and most reliable of these would be the R8?

I was really leaning towards the Aston but the R8 keeps coming back and nibbling away at my heart and my head. Great price, fast, awesome handling, very reliable and decent running costs (I'm assuming servicing is fairly in line with "normal" top-end Audis?).

I only need 2 seats and the car will be used every day if possible (although I have a hatchback for the shopping etc) so was wondering if any of you R8 owners had similar dilemmas?

Luckily I'm not a badge snob so I really am totally open to making the choice on the merits of the car matching my needs. I'll be test driving in August so that will obviously make my mind up but any experiential advice from owners would be welcomed.

Thanks
Gary

[DRU R8]

Hi Gary,

i also considered the V8 Vantage before i went for the R8, it looks great but i found the car was not as complete a package as the R8 especially regarding overall performance and handling. At the price range your considering i would also suggest the 911 Carerra S with the new PDK gearbox, it is a very accomplished car and that gearbox is simply amazing. I myself will be swapping the R8 for the new facelift 911 turbo if PDK is offered on it over the V10 R8, it really is that good.

If you have already disregarded the 911 then out of the aston and the R8 i would choose the R8 everytime, it really is such a rewarding car and you will never feel like you made the wrong choice.

regards,

Dru.

[Garyhun]

Hi Gary,

i also considered the V8 Vantage before i went for the R8, it looks great but i found the car was not as complete a package as the R8 especially regarding overall performance and handling. At the price range your considering i would also suggest the 911 Carerra S with the new PDK gearbox, it is a very accomplished car and that gearbox is simply amazing. I myself will be swapping the R8 for the new facelift 911 turbo if PDK is offered on it over the V10 R8, it really is that good.

If you have already disregarded the 911 then out of the aston and the R8 i would choose the R8 everytime, it really is such a rewarding car and you will never feel like you made the wrong choice.

regards,

Dru.

Thanks Dru. I've done the Porsche thing before so looking for a new experience. Although I love the look of the Aston I am leaning toward the R8 for the exact reasons you state!

[Jimk]

Considered the Carrera S, but I have aleady owned Porsche and looking for a new experience. Nothing wrong with the Porsche, loved the car, just wanted something different. Very happy with the R8, great all around car, very comfortable for long trips. Also very easy to live with as a daily driver. R8 does tend to draw a lot of attention, that can be good or bad depending on your mood. The R8 was definetly the right choice for me.

[Kubus]

Considered the Maserati GranTurismo, Porsche Carrera 4S and the Turbo, Ferrari California. Obviously went with the R8

[mngolfer]

I drove the Maserati Quattro Porte, Lambo and Aston DB9 before purchasing the R8. The Lambo was not comfortable. The Quattro Porte did not have the looks of the R8. The Aston has a great deal of talk regarding maintenance issues.

I really enjoy my R8. There is no negatives that I have found on the R8. It will turn heads everywhere you go.

[randombloke]

If I stay within my comfort zone, budget wise (£50-70K), then there are 3 cars which really excite me - Aston V8V (just so classy), Maserati GranTurismo (4 seats as well) or R8. I would guess the best built and most reliable of these would be the R8?

the vantage is a nice car, but they're such a common site these days.

the maser granturismo s is a tempting car - might even be the way I go when I get rid of the r8.

[stevez]

AM V8 Vantage - Discounted on the basis it was a little too soft for the track

997 Turbo/GT3 - Would have had to have got an 06 out of warranty car which didn't appeal

BMW M3 - Discounted on the grounds its just not special enough

R8 was unquestionably the right choice for me, but i'd imagine a GT3 will be my next car.

[harrison]

Mr Golfer ,can you spare an R8 front diff key-chain ?? The only one of its kind in the whole world!!

[ozmunky]

Just before I bought my R8 (which I couldnt get earlier due to the speculators) , I tested and was about to purchase the Maserati Gran Turismo S.

Even went for a track day at Long Cross raceway near Eggham in Surrey in the UK.

Fab car, good image, felt right.

All was well until the math from HR Owen -- car would have cost £94k incl skyhook suspension (similar mag ride) but after 15 months finance company values it at £17k!!

(Dude: What happened to the Maserati !!!)

Next step -- pick up phone, call Audi .......

-- Munky