R8 as a day-to-day car

[dougster2k]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, hope you folks can help me out.

I'm considering buying an R8 but I wondered what it's like to live with day-to-day.

Specifically is the ride height an issue with speed humps and car parks, and will it be in for a service every 10 minutes if I rack-up the miles? I looked into a GTR but the service schedule would drive me nuts.

It's likely that I'll buy second-hand rather than new, so is there anything in particular that I should look out for, any common problems? Whatever I buy it will still be in warranty but none the less I'd still like to get a good example.

Another option would be a 911 carrera 4s or turbo, but I'm not as keen on the 911 as I am on the R8

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Doug.

[KfabR8]

Howdy and welcome to the site.

The car's a wonderful daily driver. I've put 50+K on the two I've owned in 2.5 years. It does well in any weather, works well in snow, does beautifully on those sunny warm days and overall is a great machine to be in each time you need to transport yourself to a different location.

Surprisingly, the R8 does not suffer from dragging or scraping nearly as much as the 911 models. It's quite rare that I drag the front lip and when I do, it's usually just a light touch.

The car is very compliant over bumps and gives a very nice ride when the magnetic shocks are set in the non-sport mode. It rides better than my 03 RS6 (with KW3 shocks on it), much better as a matter of fact.

Mine gets serviced about every 6K miles. There's a built in "I need my oil changed" alert that will come up when it's time. As long as the car you pick up is under 50K miles and 4 years old, your Audi dealer should cover basic maintenance.

Go for it; pick up an R8. You won't be disappointed.

Here's the perfect used R8 and it's in the UK, a bonus for you!

[M3R8]

Before you pick up a used one, aside from all the normal checks that you'd do, get a dealer to read the clutch sensor so you can get a feel of how much wear you have left before you need to do expensive work on the car.

[SebringSilver]

Do a search on this forum and you'll see an overwhelming consensus that there is no better everyday supercar than the Audi R8.

Go for it.

[desperado]

I should point out that to get the ride qualities KfabR8 describes, you should select a used R8 with the optional (in the UK) AMR (Audi Magnetic Ride) suspension.

[randombloke]

the more you can approach the incline with the wheel rather than the front of the car the better - I get in and out of a pretty steep drive no problem as a result of approaching it at an angle.

servicing is no real issue - I get mine done annually on the "inspection service" regime (<10k miles pa). you can also opt for the longlife service regime which is variable up to a max 20k miles/2 years.

[harrison]

Maybe my driveway has a little steeper approach,(city regulated approach), because I actually three wheel and teeter-totter and spin a tire in the air for a split second, upon crossing, (with the Mag-ride on OR off---a testament to the stiffness of an R8). I have only teeter-tottered in one other veh...a buddies Hummer H1-playing around off-road. \"/

[mngolfer]

In the winter/snow you will need snow tires. A second set of wheels and tires solve this issue. You will be so happy with an R8 as a DD you will wonder why you waited.

This is a great forum for questions with many answers from knowledgeable helpful people. Search is your best friend. If you put in a more detailed location you will be able to meet up with fellow R8 owners to ask questions and just have a great time.

Enjoy an R8.

[the_buch]

I've had a bunch of 911s before my R8, and so far this is a much better daily driver ... a little thirstier maybe, a little simpler to drive well and superior creature comforts and reliability.

It does attract a lot more attention though (at least around here) which has it's ups and downs.

[lgcarnut]

I have driven the R8 as a daily driver for 3 years...first the V8 and now since october the v10. I put the stasis exhaust on it and love the performance. I look forward to going to work and coming back home. The V10 is easier to clean than the V8. I have had both cars as manual and love it that way. I agree with the other posts. You will wonder why you even pondered the decision.