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Afraid of buying a 2010 Audi R8 V10

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2.5K views 40 replies 17 participants last post by  Fiorano57  
#1 · (Edited)
Hey all,

I'm really looking to get my hands on a Gen 1 Audi R8 V10.

One finally popped up in my area at 30K miles. Beautifully specced (for me at least). It seems to be in somewhat okay shape. But the left paddle shifter is broken off, the spoiler doesn't work, and the AC is broken. It shows visible wear that seems mostly typical for its mileage (aside from the shifter). There aren't even as many exterior dings as I was expecting (1-2 visible from 5 feet away).

I had a PPI done (european supercar specialist) and it found these things as issues, said it needs a new tensioner, but that engine and internals sounded good and that no leaks or anything else were noted.

They said the car looks like a higher mileage example than what it actually is and the tires barely have any tread left, even though the last owner had a tire replacement only 6K miles ago. I know these things are harder on tires, but wow they presumably must've ridden the thing pretty hard to go through that tread in 6K miles.

If it was mostly serviced well, is being driven "hard" for maybe 33% of its 30K life a really bad thing? I'd think most examples have some "spirited driving" under their belt by now?

Service history shows that it had a lot done and changed around 6K miles ago. Fluids, filters, etc. I'd maybe rate it a 7.5/10 on how well it was serviced. But 6K miles ago was 5-6 years ago. 4 owners mostly all averaged ~3K miles/year.

The dealer has it at 86K, which I think is definitely WAY too high considering the maintenance, tires, and functional repairs it needs have been calculated in the $10K-$15K range. The dealership seems pretty confident in their price since these cars now appear to be holding value or appreciating slowly, but there's no way I'm paying near that. They're quite delusional.

I should also note that it has some gross air bag suspension, but it's legit. So MagRides aren't a real concern at this time. However, it desperately needs some passive coilovers.

For anyone with experience or knowledge, your thoughts would be tremendously appreciated. Wondering if I've got a great R8 if the price can be negotiated down and given TLC, or if this thing is a time bomb. Thanks so much.

Editing to add that my budget is pretty firmly 85K all-in and to add the listing, since I'm sure you guys would like to see. Per the PPI, it also does seem to have a legitimate, and seemingly expensive, Akrapovic exhaust.

 
#3 ·
I would most certainly walk away from that. I have seen better examples of a well maintained pre-facelift V10. There are even a few listed here on the forum. Just gotta be patient.

Not sure what @Npc2396 sold his for, but it was a beautiful car and well worth his asking price: https://www.r8talk.com/threads/2014-r8-v10-jet-blue.184695/
 
#4 ·
I would most certainly walk away from that. I have seen better examples of a well maintained pre-facelift V10. There are even a few listed here on the forum. Just gotta be patient.

Not sure what @Npc2396 sold his for, but it was a beautiful car and well worth his asking price: https://www.r8talk.com/threads/2014-r8-v10-jet-blue.184695/
Thank you for the insight! Wow, that car is truly beautiful and certainly well-priced.

I'm pretty new to the used supercar market, main problem being that it's been difficult to really become interested in examples that are >2 hours drive for me. I feel like need to see the cars with my own eyes and this example popped up close.

I suppose my question would be, could it potentially be a great option if I were to get it for 70K-74K?

i'm not afraid of having to put some money into a car, but I'm definitely afraid of a car that could become a money pit quickly.
 
#6 ·
2010 Audi R8 V10 Insight

Hey all,

I'm really looking to get my hands on a Gen 1 Audi R8 V10.

One finally popped up in my area at 30K miles. Beautifully specced. It seems to be in somewhat okay shape. But the left paddle shifter is broken off, the spoiler doesn't work, and the AC is broken. It shows visible wear that seems mostly typical for its mileage (aside from the shifter). There aren't even as many exterior dings as I was expecting (1-2 visible from 5 feet away).

I had a PPI done (european supercar specialist) and it found these things as issues, said it needs a new tensioner, but that engine and internals sounded good and that no leaks or anything else were noted.

They said the car looks like a higher mileage example than what it actually is and the tires barely have any tread left, even though the last owner had a tire replacement only 6K miles ago. I know these things are harder on tires, but wow they presumably must've ridden the thing pretty hard to go through that tread in 6K miles.

If it was mostly serviced well, is being driven "hard" for maybe 33% of its 30K life a really bad thing? I'd think most examples have some "spirited driving" under their belt by now?

Service history shows that it had a lot done and changed around 6K miles ago. Fluids, filters, etc. I'd maybe rate it a 7.5/10 on how well it was serviced. But 6K miles ago was 5-6 years ago. 4 owners mostly all averaged ~3K miles/year.

The dealer has it at 86K, which I think is definitely WAY too high considering the maintenance, tires, and functional repairs it needs have been calculated in the $10K-$15K range. The dealership seems pretty confident in their price since these cars now appear to be holding value or appreciating slowly, but there's no way I'm paying near that.

I should also note that it has some gross air bag suspension, but it's legit. So MagRides aren't a real concern at this time. However, it desperately needs some passive coilovers.

For anyone with experience or knowledge, your thoughts would be tremendously appreciated. Wondering if I've got a great R8 if the price can be negotiated down and given TLC, or if this thing is a time bomb. Thanks so much.

Editing to add that my budget is pretty firmly 85K all-in and to add the listing, since I'm sure you guys would like to see.

Saw your post on Reddit too - think the feedback there was a resounding "pass", same as here
 
#11 ·
I love how in the listing ad they added "bluetooth" as it was the bluetooth we all know for playing music:

Image


On the other hand of this buying spectrum, if it's the only R8 in your area and you don't have to ship it, that saves you $1000-$2000 in shipping costs.

AC - I'd get ready for a $5000 job.
The paddle shifter - you can order a new beautiful carbon fiber steering wheel with carbon paddles for maybe $1000? I'd consider it an upgrade rather than repair.
Magrides - we can help you and get this R8 ride like a brand new car with our Nagengast magnetic ride shocks for just under $4000. Worth it if you value ride quality and ability to use the magride button for firm and soft ride comfort. And it would give you all that trunk space back.

Akrapovic is a big plus, I would check if it's actual exhaust and not just some fake exhaust tips.

If you can get them to the $70s, I'd say go for it. $88k - for sure not.
 
#15 ·
Can you even trust the mileage, given your description ? Have you seen the Carfax ? Sounds very iffy. Just had my AC done (granted a V8 but done without removing engine) you are looking at $5k for that alone. I would definitely keep looking. I would not consider it.
 
#19 ·
Why not get a great example V8 and save money for the inevitable expensive issues thst are going to pop up?

I spent $70k in dealer repairs on my gen 1 and a car that old is going to have things pop up. A new tail lights in 2k. A sensor or two will go bad and thats a few grand.

Stuff breaks on older cars and if your budget is firm, perhaps the V8 is the bwtter car. I believe its the bwtter power train anyway and a better handling car and the original R8.
 
#23 ·
I think everyone else is spot on, you need about 10k into it to get it where it needs to be, so around 75K is a more realistic price.

For comparison, I have a lower mileage 25k, 2011 v10 that I bought a little over a year ago. Passive coilovers, well-maintained, well-optioned with full carbon fiber interior and engine bay, and tires had good tread. Everything works perfectly.

Also was already wrapped completely matte black with a GT-style rear bumper and carbon fiber diffuser. Paid 89k for it, so not too much more than what they are asking for a much worse condition car. I know I got a deal on mine, considering the market has been going up on these cars because of how popular they have been lately on social media, but the car you are looking at just does not fit the bill and could easily turn into a problem child.
 
#26 ·
Not the best deal IMO. Definitely looking at around 10k or more to tune it up. Also take a look at the front frame. I think that year the front right frame had a tendency to crack. There was a fix by welding a brace. Others here may know more on the cracking issue .
 
owns 2012 Audi R8 V10
#28 ·
And are you sure reported mileage on the odometer is correct? My understanding is its not too hard to reset the mileage
 
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#32 ·
To counter this argument, some go out of their way to find toxic with questionable history. Makes life more exciting! :D
 
#31 ·
I wouldn't want it based on the fact that it has too many questionable items. If it has all of these "issues" on the surface, how well do you think it was maintained? Instead of repairing a piece of crap, pay more for a better car out of the gate. It takes a while to find a good car. Keep looking and when the right one comes up, make your move. I've gone through this process twice in less than a year and it can be a PITA, but effort now will payback later. Be willing to travel a little. Some people don't want to, but your view and opinions are all that matter. I want to see the car I'm buying with my own eyes. I've traveled far and wide to look at cars. Good Luck in your search.
 
#35 ·
@CharlieNJ What are the concrete steps you need to take to get back on the track next year. Let's set some goals and achieve them!

I'm also looking for some new goals as when I updated my bucket list last week on the plane, I realized I need some more to look forward to.
 
#37 ·
@CharlieNJ What are the concrete steps you need to take to get back on the track next year. Let's set some goals and achieve them!

I'm also looking for some new goals as when I updated my bucket list last week on the plane, I realized I need some more to look forward to.
First I would want to swap out the rotors and pads. The car has CCBs, but the OEM rotors are big $$$, so I would need to invest probably $20k for aftermarket brakes, a good set of tires and incidentals. It's more of the fact that I have to get the monkey off my back after crashing my other car. When I first started tracking the R8, it took a while before I was comfortable with what the car could do. I never got to push the other car I had before ending up in a wall, so I will definitely need some time to start easy and ramp up. I was at New Jersey Motorsports on Monday and Tuesday with my son; he was driving his car and it made me want to drive again. Incidentally, the last run of the day, a nicely setup Audi TTRS lost control going onto the front straight and ended up front first into the Tire Wall, totaling his car. He walked away, the car was not so lucky. When you drive on the track, that chance is always there. I just need to regain my confidence with my new car. The 620R is made for the track, so it's definitely something that I want to do.
 
#38 ·
Makes sense what you say. I believe we only live once and most people just dont set goals with a specific timeline and deliverables. You seem to have figured all that out and just need to work through the crash. I'm not sure if I would go back to the track after crashing because I dont have a passion for it. But it sounds like you do. And it sounds like it would be good family time. I've been doing K1 with my boys and its a fun outing and I can image a real track with a real car is 10x better.

Who sells the breaks and tires and can give you a written quote? I'd love to see it.
 
#40 ·
Besides the driving aspect, I've had both my sons with me, only 1 drives, but it's some good bonding time with them. We usually have to drive a few hours, stay over in a decent hotel, go out to eat and then be around Motorsport enthusiasts for a couple of days. It's a great time and everyone with a performance car should experience the track at least once or twice. I usually go twice per year, maybe three times on a good year. I also don't want to beat this car up, it's too nice. However, I want to experience it on the track. It's the only way to really drive these cars, R8 included.
I've been going with the Audi club and their events are organized, well run and very supportive to new drivers. I can't recommend them enough.
As far as brakes go, I'm looking at Triton long fiber CCB Rotors and I also buy Goodyear Supercar 3R for the track. Excellent performing tire ; next step would be slicks, but I've never run them.