pre-purchase questions

[ManiG]

It's been a long, hard journey getting here. Finally, I am fortunate enough to indulge my lifelong supercar ownership dream!

I have decided on the R8 V8, and before I take the plunge, thought I'd ask some questions first, that I did not see covered in the FAQ.

I will be buying used; what should I look for in terms of problem areas on a used R8? Should I stick to low-mileage (under 10k) R8s, or are higher mileage machines (up to 45k) also worth considering?

I am in the Northern VA / DC / MD area, are there tracks I can take my car to? Are there any other (legal) ways to be able to push your cars to the limit? I've heard of abandoned airports and what not - would be great to know about these kinds of options in my area.

Finally, a question needing a brutally honest answer. Am I making the right choice? I've been financially responsible my whole life. While I can buy this car without going into debt, it is by far the biggest non-real estate purchase I've ever made. My first and only car purchase before this was a used Lexus IS300 that I bought for 16 grand. I'm a big boy and I know that cars are massively depreciating assets, yet I still have concerns about a 2014 refresh of the V8 killing the resale value of the current R8. I'm paranoid about jealous neighbors messing with the car while it is parked. I have worries. Is this entirely normal, or does having these concerns mean that I'm just not ready for it?

Thanks for reading! Despite my concerns, this is a very exciting time for me.

[SebringSilver]

Welcome to the forum.

Do you have a garage to park the R8 in? Leaving in in the driveway or in a parkade (if you live in a condo) isn't a good idea.

If you can find a low-mileage example, go with that. There won't be many high-mileage R8s out there anyway.

I'm sure some of the other guys here will be able to answer your other questions, but by having these questions, I don't think it means you're not ready for this purchase.

Having said that, however, if you've ever only bought one car prior to this and it was a used IS300, I'm guessing you're in your early to mid 30s? Personally, I'd put an extra $100,000 I had lying around in something other than a car if I was still at that age, but not knowing your overall financial situation it's hard to say.

What does the missus say?

[ManiG]

I'd be parking it in an underground parking lot of a higher end (though nothing spectacular) condo complex. There's a fair share of Audi A5s, BMW 3s, and a few low end Porsches but nothing "exotic". (I should note the building next door is a step up, and their underground parking has a 360 Modena and a V8 Vantage). My plan is to cover it up when I'm not driving it. You got me a bit worried ... am I asking for trouble?

You're spot on with regards to my age! Not married, no kids (or plan for kids in the next couple years), and I have a nice home with much of it paid off. My lady friend however is of course all for me getting the R8 since she's a total car fanatic. So, you got me curious, what has more bang for the buck for 100k than an R8 to a 30 something sports car lover?

[SebringSilver]

I'd be parking it in an underground parking lot of a higher end (though nothing spectacular) condo complex. There's a fair share of Audi A5s, BMW 3s, and a few low end Porsches but nothing "exotic". (I should note the building next door is a step up, and their underground parking has a 360 Modena and a V8 Vantage). My plan is to cover it up when I'm not driving it. You got me a bit worried ... am I asking for trouble?

You're spot on with regards to my age! Not married, no kids (or plan for kids in the next couple years), and I have a nice home with much of it paid off. My lady friend however is of course all for me getting the R8 since she's a total car fanatic. So, you got me curious, what has more bang for the buck for 100k than an R8 to a 30 something sports car lover?

Talk about a can of worms. Ask 10 different people and they'll give you 10 different answers on that one. To me, there isn't a car that's truly comparable to the R8 out there right now, because it's more exotic and rare than your run-of-the-mill 911, but more practical and liveable than any Lambo or Ferrari. I've always worried about the reliability of Astons and Maseratis, so they're out of the picture. As for GT-Rs, in my part of North America, they're driven largely by a very young demographic and I don't think I'd fit that image. Still, no one's opinion is worth more than your own so I'll leave it to you to decide what's in your own best interest.

In any event, I'm assuming you're drawn to the R8 not only because of its capabilities, but also because of its looks. Most of us are. While that in itself is not a problem, you might be in for a bit of a shock as to just how much attention it does draw from onlookers and passersby. And when the car is parked and out-of-sight, and you don't have complete control as to who can access your new toy, you might be in for a few sleepless nights.

Maybe I'm overdoing it, maybe your building is completely safe and there's nothing to worry about. I think it's probably more a matter of steeling yourself for the what if's because one thing we all want to avoid is a massive heartbreak.

Have fun shopping and let us know what you end up getting.

[KfabR8]

Get the car. You will not regret it.

Find a car that fits what you "expect". They're available now for less and less, so maybe you can snatch up a good deal on one.

Don't bother worrying with issues like depreciation and devaluation. You either want the car and plan on having fun with it, or you don't. You want it too! (trust us all here).

Enjoy it. Plain and simple, as that's what it's all about. Don't let it be a garage queen either. Drive it daily in what ever Mother Nature throws your way. The car's a stellar daily ride and will take you where ever in what ever you may encounter.

Give up on being paranoid. If something is going to happen, there's nothing that you can do about it - and in general, it seems that issues with vandalism seem to be quite rare. Honestly, worrying is a waste of time and effort. Focus on enjoying it and having fun with it. Just ask your lady about it and she'll set you straight. (they all do!)

[ManiG]

Talk about a can of worms. Ask 10 different people and they'll give you 10 different answers on that one. To me, there isn't a car that's truly comparable to the R8 out there right now, because it's more exotic and rare than your run-of-the-mill 911, but more practical and liveable than any Lambo or Ferrari. I've always worried about the reliability of Astons and Maseratis, so they're out of the picture. As for GT-Rs, in my part of North America, they're driven largely by a very young demographic and I don't think I'd fit that image. Still, no one's opinion is worth more than your own so I'll leave it to you to decide what's in your own best interest.

You pretty much nailed it. My main alternatives were the V8 Vantage (some can be had for mid $60k) and GT-R. I figured for the Vantage, the $65k might be more of a down payment considering possible reliability/service costs. The GT-R, in the end if I'm being honest with myself I want a supercar not just in performance but in looks as well, and the GT-R does not deliver here. Oh, there's also a flawless 2004 Gallardo with 10k miles on the market for $80k near me. Again, reliability/service costs make me nervous, and the Lambo brand is a bit too much of a "statement" for me (just my opinion/insecurities/complexes, no offense meant to Lambo owners here).

In any event, I'm assuming you're drawn to the R8 not only because of its capabilities, but also because of its looks. Most of us are. While that in itself is not a problem, you might be in for a bit of a shock as to just how much attention it does draw from onlookers and passersby. And when the car is parked and out-of-sight, and you don't have complete control as to who can access your new toy, you might be in for a few sleepless nights.

I guess it just goes with the territory, am I right?

Maybe I'm overdoing it, maybe your building is completely safe and there's nothing to worry about. I think it's probably more a matter of steeling yourself for the what if's because one thing we all want to avoid is a massive heartbreak.

Have fun shopping and let us know what you end up getting.

Thanks, will do, and I really appreciate your honest input on this!

[ManiG]

KfabR8,

Your response pretty much reflects how I feel, but it really helps me with my decision to hear it from an R8 owner. Thanks!

[randombloke]

People seem to have a different reaction to the Audi badge than they do to ferrari's and porsche's - I guess because owning an audi is so commonplace. At the end of the day, the r8 is just a very special audi.

[M3R8]

Let's forget for a moment that the GT-R is a pretty ugly car by almost anyone's standards, aren't their running/maintenance costs pretty high (pretty frequent service intervals) ?

R8 is probably the most reasonable, sane choice in its price category for its great cost/pain/maintenance/depreciation factors. To top it off, it's one hell of a car.

They are not made to be garage queens like Gallardos...

[mark25]

You sound like your in a similar position to me mate. Comfortable but the R8 represents a huge purchase. I say go for it like I did as I may not be in this position if I have kids in the future. The R8 is definitely the cheapest exotic to run way cheaper to run than a GTR and as of yet I have not had any major problems with my car and its currently at 34,000 miles. My car puts a big smile on my face everytime I drive it and life is about enjoying yourself after all