Let's Talk Money

[ptaylor_9849]

It's no secret that anyone who can afford an R8 is doing quite well financially. So instead of talking about horsepower, handling, looks etc. Let me pose this question please from a strictly financial position: If you were to buy a car and keep it for probably 3 yrs or so, which would be the better investment?

1. 2007 AM V8 Vantage $75K

2. 08-09 R8 $100K


I know this is a difficult prediction because no one knows what the future brings but please share your thoughts especially regarding depreciation.

Merry Christmas,

[Fashion Cat]

I highly doubt the Vantage will get any decent returns as the 07 year had the "lesser" 4.3L engine which was revamped to 4.7 in 2009, and somewhat "dated" interior styling before the DBS-hand me down refresh.

In terms of selling it out again in 3 years, it's hard to say but by 2013, most buyers would already want the used 2009/10 4.7L. Unless the buyers doesn't care at all about performance and just wants to keep it as a garage queen.

[exhilR8]

Like Tom and Ray Magliozzi, click and clack, the tappet brothers, from "Car Talk," for us to answer your question, we would first need to know the most important thing about these two cars, which is, of course, what colors are they?

But seriously, I think the R8 is still the better buy, because its popularity appears to be increasing, and it is getting more of a rep as a "future classic." Of course, if it turns out that you don't want to sell it after the 3 years, then you would have shifted your investment strategy, which may be an interesting dilemma for some of us current R8 owners...

[Psalm40]

In my opinion, the Vantage is a less desirable car. As has been mentioned, the '07 has the 4.3 (vs. 4.8), there is less of a re-sale market for an AM, less of a dealer network, etc....Go for the R8. On a personal note, I have a buddy who has been trying to sell an '07 Vantage (Red, manual, 7,000 miles, $75K) for about 6 months with no luck.

[wedouglas]

Too many variables to make an accurate guess -- miles, colors, condition.

All things equal, then the AM would lose a little less or equal money IMO. The price can only go to zero and the AM would start $25K lower. In 3 years the R8 replacement will be out as well.

That said, I would not buy a 4.3 Vantage for $75K. Around $60-65K is where it should be for a 15K mile car in decent condition IMO. I could see the Vantage at $50K no problem in 3 years. I could also see an R8 at $75K.

[rawg]

I'd have to lean towards wedouglas on this one.
I wouldn't pay 75K for that AMV8, even with 1000K miles or less. I'd wait for the V12 to depreciate further btw (better deal).
I'd shop for a car partly based on the level of depreciation too, that is, its already taken a hit.
I'd add a Ferrari to your list too, OP (the 430s have gone considerably down since the Italia settled in)..although the R8 is a better daily drive than the 430 imho

[NFS13]

I have had 2 AMV8's and there is no contest as to which holds their value better for the first three years. With both AM's being around 130k and R8 at 127K, AM's lost 33% in the first 18 months where the R8 lost 29% over 36 months. And the R8 is easier to sell than the AM.

[NFS13]

Too many variables to make an accurate guess -- miles, colors, condition.

All things equal, then the AM would lose a little less or equal money IMO. The price can only go to zero and the AM would start $25K lower. In 3 years the R8 replacement will be out as well.

That said, I would not buy a 4.3 Vantage for $75K. Around $60-65K is where it should be for a 15K mile car in decent condition IMO. I could see the Vantage at $50K no problem in 3 years. I could also see an R8 at $75K.

I don't think the OP is looking at the V10, so both cars retails are close to the same, not 25k more.

[OEMplus.com]

I echo the comments about the 4.3L AM, but hasn't it already taken the depreciation hit? I would assume it would decrease less over the intervening years than the R8, but I still prefer the styling the German girl...

[wedouglas]

I don't think the OP is looking at the V10, so both cars retails are close to the same, not 25k more.

No, I meant that an AM at $75K has already depreciated $25K more than an R8 at $100K, so it's like there is more depreciation left in the R8 than the AM.