officially in the market for an R8 - just how "bad" is R tronic?

2258 Views 32 Replies 29 Participants Last post by ka6772, 2 d ago

R8wvy

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago

I have been lurking for about 6 months reading the ins and outs about what cars to buy, potential issues, etc. Now that i am really looking with intent to buy, how problematic truly are R-tronics. I understand obviously the manual and s-tronic are most desirable. There are thousands of automatic pre facelift owners how has your experience been? Should i just steer clear of them completely? any advice you wish you would have known before buying one? im just curious for anyones .02 on the topic.

I know this could be a redundant topic, but really ive read through most posts here and if anyone wants to share a new opinion thats what im looking for. Thanks

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cnick01

· #21 · 1 mo ago

R8-Stuff said:
Earlier Gallardo 5.0s were terrible

Learned that the hard way - R8 all the way!

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sgtmahmoud

· #22 · 1 mo ago

Buy mine! Its currently for sale in this forum.

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jack_6159

· #23 · 1 mo ago

DrewThio said:
i came from SMG in BMWs. R-tronic is a big improvement (in my opinion)

R8wvy said:
I have been lurking for about 6 months reading the ins and outs about what cars to buy, potential issues, etc. Now that i am really looking with intent to buy, how problematic truly are R-tronics. I understand obviously the manual and s-tronic are most desirable. There are thousands of automatic pre facelift owners how has your experience been? Should i just steer clear of them completely? any advice you wish you would have known before buying one? im just curious for anyones .02 on the topic. I know this could be a redundant topic, but really ive read through most posts here and if anyone wants to share a new opinion thats what im looking for. Thanks

I have a 2011 V10 R-Tronic that just went over 70K. No issues whatsoever with transmission…

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Tom Raymond

· #24 · 1 mo ago

You know that old saying about being in the right place at the right time ? I have decided to begin the process of offering my car for sale. Take the word of any and all that have seen it, it is THE Gen 1 R8 with a V8 motor to own, period. Purchased in 2009 with 1800 miles on the odometer, it currently has 18881 total miles. Expert dealership service only, garaged, never tracked, never abused, in immaculate condition. Saddle Brown Pearl with Sand Beige side blade, Audi exclusive interior in Tuscan Brown leather throughout, plus tuscan brown alacantera headliner. Six speed manual transmission, six CD changer, NAV, and many other options. Complete service records available. MSRP was $135,000. This car will only go to the right home at the right price.

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matthewmalk248

· #25 · 1 mo ago

It's not that the rtronic is bad, it's just the Stronic is just so good.

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Nackem

· #26 · 22 d ago

sgtmahmoud said:
Buy mine! Its currently for sale in this forum.

Can you PM me if still available, please? In the market and somewhat local (NoVa)

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CharlieNJ

· #27 · 20 d ago

I'd focus on the car you want with the options you want. Not too many different options, but a V8 or V10 is the first place to start. Color, mileage and price would be factors for me, # of owners, etc. I knew right off the bat that I wanted a V10 and either a 2014 or 2015 because of the S-tronic. I bought mine in 2015, so that's what was out there at the time. I've always had manual cars, but wanted to go auto in the R8. I checked out many cars, stock, TT, etc. but they were 2009 or 2010 cars. I liked the interior of the facelift and the Stronic, so I bought a lightly used 2014 with 900 miles on it. Be ready to buy, and jump on the car you want when it pops up. Good Luck.

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Mwe92

· #28 · 19 d ago

Avoid!

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mavg

· #29 · 5 d ago

I am new to R8, bought one today and it was Rtronic. I was worried before the test drive but drove as manual and super fun!

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Bzmans

· #30 · 4 d ago (Edited)

The R-Tronic is great. It has an undeserved reputation promoted by people who either have never driven one, don't have a TCU tune and/or dont know how to use it. The good news is, that has made it a bargain compared to the 6 speed manual cars. It really comes down to what level of engagement you want while driving. The most engaged is obviously the 6 speed manual but it is overpriced imo (because of “the emperor has no clothes” syndrome). The R-Tronic is like driving the manual without having to move your left foot and as such, is mid level of engagement. The S-Tronic is best suited if you’d really rather have an automatic. For the money, the R-Tronic is the best value and is a truly unique experience (also rarer than the manual in some years I believe). I could have bought any of the three types. I didn't consider the economics-just the driving experience. I chose the R-Tronic and would definitely do the same again. Buy the best example you can find of the type that suits your driving style.

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fastspek

· #31 · 3 d ago

The advantage of the S-tronic is that you have two choices. Driving manual using the paddles which means superfast and soft shifting. Or using the automated mode for lazy driving without drama.

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Ferraridriver69

· #32 · 3 d ago

The Rtronic has not been very problematic coming through our shop countless times. Yes it does feel a bit sluggish when comparing it to the Stronic in my car but you get used to it. It’s so interesting how long it took for the dual clutch technology to come to the masses considering Porsche ran PDKs in the 80s.

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ka6772

· #33 · 2 d ago

I have several manual cars of different flavors. The R-tronic on my straight piped V10 is hilarious good fun. Stick it in auto when you want to behave, click downshift when you want to be an idiot. The downshift rev match is completely over the top. "Pow..pow..POW...insert V10 noises".

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