buying a second hand R8 - problems

[maj1k]

Hi all,

having taken ages to decide what to buy, I have now had an offer accepted on a year plus R8 V8 via an independent dealer that ticks many of my boxes. However the pre-purchase inspection has identifed a few issues:

- all tyres are on or past their last legs, the car has done some 6000 ish miles and the "need service" warning is on, Ok I know the R8 gets through rear tyres but does this suggest the previous owner has enjoyed himself a bit too much, and not run in the engine correctly. The car is meant to be a keeper so I may well be the person who has to solve problems further down the road.

- the need service warning has apparently been on for some 40 days. Is this too long, could the waranty be invalidated?

- two of the side body panels have had some of the paint redone, but apparently not too well. At this stage, I am thinking the car may just have been keyed, rather than an accident, but who knows?? will be speaking to engineer tomorrow and then revisit car for a closer look,

There is other stuff, but it should all be repairable/question of money (albeit shows neglect). So what shall I do? I dont spend this amount of money every day, also I tend to cherish cars rather than treat them like simple manufactured goods. So should I walk away and wait for a decent Audi dealer model, or am I just being a nervous newbie??

Looking at the strange specs and condition on market now, wonder if all we are seeing are R8s sold by the fashion concious, and that the loved by an enthusiast models are few and far between.

Thanks for any thoughts, (and nice to join the club) btw,
Maj1k

[desperado]

Without knowing the entire story, and just based on what you've told us, I think I would continue looking for a car in better condition. Caveat Emptor!

[skaria]

Almost every car I have ever bought has been slightly used (<5K miles). But I never buy cars which have been re-painted (kills trade-in value as well) -- I literally bring a paint density tester when I go do a visual inspection. That coupled with the other things (service warning light, worn rear tires) would make me walk away every time. The going rate on these cars used seems to have come up over the last year, but we're talking $5-10K. If she is going to be a keeper, wait until you find the right one without all the question marks. You'll sleep better...

[SDR8]

mj1k,
If you are going to stay around the forum, I suggest adding a location to your profile. That way people in relevant areas can provide better info to some questions.

I personally would keep looking, based on the few details you pointed out and the fact you want to hang on to the car.

As for the service engine light, I would think this turned on at 5k miles.

As for not being broken in properly, there are some different opinions on this. The manual calls for taking it easy to start, but there is a video of the production of the car that shows how the engine is run before it leaves the plant.

I would be leery of paintwork. I would rather be patient and find a clean car.

6K for the tires is a little early, but the tires are pretty sticky and do not last real long. It is not uncommon to replace the original tires around 10K.

[Palmharbordogg]

RUN FAST and look elsewhere.

[Monkey boy UK]

Welcome to the forum Maj1K,

Firstly, I would stay well clear of the car you describe, a bargain is not a bargain if you have to spend money putting the problems right, and then you are never quite happy because deep down you know it’s a rectified car.

Keep looking, there are some great cars out there, try piston heads and E Bay who both have some good examples, Garyhun, a long standing forum member has just put his car on the market and it’s a lovely example, the thread is at Selling my 2008 Manaul Mugello R8 in the UK

What’s your budget, colour pref and spec pref?

Cheers

[MikeB]

I've got to agree with the above. I'd be particularly concerned by the service light at 6k miles and the tyres. Are they scrubbed on the outside? If so, likely track use.

[ianerrid]

Service indicator at 6k and late? 'Normal' usage you should get 12-18k miles before the variable indicator comes on, so IMHO this has been ragged to death. And neglect on a £90k car with 6k?

re the paint, if it's the plastic bits I wouldn't worry too much, if it is on the aluminium parts I and it is visibly badly done, the smoke from my tyres from me leaving would still be in the air ;-)

[maj1k]

Hi all, thanks for the input - the consensus view to "run fast" does make me chuckle.

not much progress on the car, but will keep you upto date.

lets see where am I? the paint job may just be the car keyed, so arguable just a £ issue. There seems to be mixed views on the risks of the car being ragged/tracked at an early stage (the megafacories revving of the engine is beautiful to watch!!), but will hopefully get Audi's view on this over the weekend.

If however it is a mixed view (as on here) then I am adjusting to taking the prudent approach.

Probabaly the key issue is noticing the different ways the car has not been loved by former owner or dealer for that matter. Not inspriing confidence, besides if I see a beautiful R8 with 100% of my spec in say 2 months time - how miserable am I going to be!!

[OEMplus.com]

I will echo the others and suggest that you continue to look. Unless the car is an amazing deal, there are too many marks against it for me to be comfortable. Lots of good cars out there to choose from!!