My First Post: Found & Bought an R8 in less than 24 hours.

[cmxi]

EDIT: If you're not into reading much, just read what is highlighted.

So I've been in the market for a new car for a few months now. Typically, I lease cars through my practice. The last four or five leases have all been versions of the same car: Mercedes 500SEL/S500/S550.

My son said it was time to make a change. You only live once, he says. So, I started looked outside the box a bit. I looked at the Jaguar XJ Supercharged and the Porsche Panamera. Even the V8 Vantage, briefly.

My son, however, somehow not only introduced me to, but also got me to buy (not lease) an R8 in less than 24 hours. He told me the pros and cons of the R8 (which seemed to be limited to its practicality, to be honest) and weighed them against the S550, XJ, Panamera, and V8 Vantage.

Ultimately, he showed me enough pictures, videos, reviews, and specifications that he was able to narrow the choices down to the Vantage and R8, having thrown practicality out the window (I also own a couple Range Rovers and Lexus RXs, to be on the safe side). The looks of the Panamera and XJ weren't captivating enough for me, although both seemed magnificent. He stated clearly that if I was looking for a seamless automatic transmission, all the refined details of interior luxury my heart desires, with a bit more room for cargo and a gentlemen's swagger, the Aston Martin was the clear winner. But if you are looking for something that is bold, powerful, combines all the aesthetic of modern luxury with the performance of a supercar, and still asks to be driven daily, then the R8 is your answer. Oh, and the R8 has the quattro.

So, to be James Bond or Tony Stark? It seems, once again, he had an answer. He brought me over to the computer and showed me a video of a V8 Vantage driving in one direction, and an R8 coming from the other. The V8 Vantage seemed to get lost in the center lane between a Prius and a Mazda, while the R8, with its wide and distinctive body, came roaring in the opposite direction. The answer was clear.

[He also said that while most of the features of the R8 come either standard or in a variety of available packages, it appears that every last stitch and detail on the Aston Martin is a separate option - not to mention that its depreciation is higher.

I also got the rundown on the R Tronic vs the 6MT. He informed me that the R tronic was an assisted single clutch manual that may seem slightly outdated given the arrival of the dual clutch semi-automatic in the PDK, for example, and the arrival of something called the S Tronic in the near future. He mentioned that it may take time to get used to the R Tronic, but if used with the gear lever or the paddles, the shifting should be much more pleasant. For me, the R tronic just seemed more practical, even with its premium.]

But, it all happened so quickly, that I turned around after I placed the deposit, and said to myself, "what did I just do?" He was so convincing that I felt like I had just been had - like I was under a spell. After all, I hadn't yet driven the car, and had only seen it once in person. But, I was in awe of it. The R8 is itself spellbinding.

My son maintains that, test drive or not, it will be the most satisfying purchase I've ever made. He vowed that I wouldn't be able to find an R8 like the one I ended up buying with as few miles (3000mi) in as meticulous condition with the same options. And I forgot to mention, he also made me sign a piece of paper that stated I wouldn't sell the car for 9 years, and that he would have the right of first refusal. It appears that my son thinks I just bought him a car. Little does he know, he won't even get a chance to drive it. Okay, maybe just for a second.

---------------

Low and behold, my 2009 Audi R8 4.2L V8 R Tronic, to be picked up on the 28th of August.

The details:
2009 Audi R8 Coupe Quattro R Tronic
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Tuscan Brown Interior
Enhanced Leather Package
Carbon Figer Engine Compartment Trim
Carbon Sigma Sideblade
Premium Package
Audi Navigation System Plus
Bang & Olufsen Sound System

It appears the only options that I am missing out on (as I have been told by my son) are the Alcantara Headliner and the Carbon Interior Trim. I'm more a purist and didn't mind not having either. I believe I am missing an iPod interface, as well, but I can also live without that. I think I did well, considering I knew nothing about the car until I bought it.

[mngolfer]

You will be VERY happy with your R8. It will put a smile on your face every time you drive it or just go to the garage and look at it.

Your photo appears to show it is an R tronic. I love using this transmission with the paddle shifters. I am not a fan of the Auto mode.

In your profile you may wish to post your general location. This will allow others on this forum to assist you when you ask questions or just get together sometime if you want. This is a great forum.

[R8ter]

Congrats! You will Love love it !!!!!

[autigersR8]

I can whole heartedly affirm that Day #2 is equally as awesome as Day #1.

[desperado]

I had to smile at this, as my son was also quite influential on which R8 specs I selected. I haven't regretted his suggestions!

[the_buch]

One of the most creative introductory posts I have read on a car forum! For me it was my three year old grandson who had just seen the Ironman movie :-)

Sounds like you'd better hide the second set of keys though?

Enjoy!!

[AnOutsider]

very nice color choices, enjoy it!

[tcoop1]

I had to smile at this, as my son was also quite influential on which R8 specs I selected. I haven't regretted his suggestions!

Same for me...I briefly toyed with the idea of an R-Tronic(as it was locally available)...he wanted me to get a Phantom 6MT, I agreed with the 6MT part;-)......do not want to go OT, the MT is just what I am used to.....

[KfabR8]

My son maintains that, test drive or not, it will be the most satisfying purchase I've ever made.

Good for you for listening to your son! He nailed it

The text message from my 15 year old daughter this afternoon, while picking up my second car (I killed my first one - d_mned trees... - see signature link for info.) reads: "Ahhhhhhhh My Baby!!!! Bring it home to me! HAHA!!!!"

I'd not even sat in one when I flew to Houston and picked up my first R8 in June of '08. It was an off the hip, "I'm gonna go get that thing" purchase and it's the most impressive, fun and enjoyable vehicle I've ever owned. (43K miles in two years.)

Sometimes our kids seem to be smarter than those of us with a few years behind us.

Great colors - I'm a bit biased and love the Daytona Grey. (both of mine have been this color, but w/black interior)

Welcome to "The Club", if you will. The R8 is one fun machine to own. Drive it every day, no matter if it's rain, shine, snow. The car will survive anything that Mother Nature can throw at ya. It's a wonderful driver across country or just around town. While it may be considered an exotic, it's an Audi and is designed for every day use.

Get used to the attention that the car will bring: please be gracious to those that want to talk to you about it - the gas station tends to make you a captive audience. I had a man that's probably 10 - 15 years older than me babble away about how nice it was to see one being driven this evening...

The cell phone stalkeratzi will be your biggest issue. People love to pull up beside you and snap pix w/the cell phone. It's fun to pull out your phone and act like you're taking their picture back. Sometimes they shy away - "Busted", others will smile and give you the thumbs up.

I had half a dozen cars make "comments" this afternoon on my way east, back to Hell (Ohio) from CA. The guy in the Ford Lighting pick up truck was comical this evening. "No, you don't wanna race me." was my thinking.

Once again, welcome to the wonderful ownership of an R8 and welcome to this web site. The people here are absolutely killer and it's an honor (at least to me) to be part of this place. Everyone here is an enthusiast and we all enjoy our cars very, very much. May you do the same.

[NR8]

Congratulations on your choice of car and colour! Very nice introduction and I am eager to learn what you think after pick-up and first days of driving.