Great to see your honest pros and cons of ownership. Overall the R8 appears to have been a solid purchase despite some minor rattles and other smaller issues. Hopefully a long-term garage favourite that you don’t need to part with early to support your house purchase. Enjoy your break away Andrew.
The cabin on this car is probably insulated a lot better then the average vw or Audi,that’s why it’s nice and peaceful inside,very nice,I also hate rattling,I’ve had two new car in the last 3 years,Honda crv that as a dash rattle,and my golf mk7 that as a rattle on speed bumps,the dealership told me it’s normal,just the dsg box rattle lol
Good isn't it? If you look at the typical cars on the road, I can't see why you really need to go beyond R8 unless you mix in circles where people have something even flasher and you have an inferiority complex.
Good video. also my dream car too so 10/10. i work at an Audi near Birmingham if you ever need anything parts or service drop me a message anything to keep these cars going :)
Thanks! I originally assumed this car was S tronic then looked again and it was manual and was like "hmm well it could work". So glad I took the chance👍
Another negative comment about the R8. There are plenty of Porsches sold in far greater numbers with far less exotic construction that have become classics, love to know why R8 won't - all the press in the UK seem to think it's well on its way. What's a true future class for you then if rarity, mid engine, aluminium space frame construction, a V8 and a manual gearbox aren't special enough? 🤔
@@volkswizard probably the 4 rings on the bonnet. Classics from exotics don't sell cheap cars to keep their prestige. Unfortunately Audi sell really cheap cars.
One of the best cars I have driven but the tt fits on the road better it’s not as wide and the manual does have a fun factor it’s the best looking 👀 car in my subjective opinion 😊
I used to work with a guy who's main job was working at a body and service shop for exotic cars. He used to deliver cars back to customers when the cars were ready. He said he liked driving the R8 over the likes of other exotic cars because the R8, although as quick as a lot of other super cars, it was also ok to drive under normal, typical mundane conditions, he said he could sit in traffic quite happily in R8's but said other cars were a nightmare to drive around in when the speed limits were 20 - 30 and the clutches were horrible when in traffic. This was a good 12 years ago though, I assume back then most were still manuals, nowadays everything is auto so that may not be such an issue now but ever since he told me that I've always wanted an R8.
Great video and information, I would love a v8 R8, but can you imagine if Mercedes has made an affordable 2 seater sports car, with a 2 wheel drive transaxle around the mighty M156 engine?
Nice update. As regards to the noise around the back window appears sometimes to come from the fitting of the 3rd break light. The retaining mechanism, sort of a sliding plastic lock. I replaced the break light as it was broken. The noise was gone as well! Fuel tab, same issue here but a bit of WD 40 solved the issue. In case you are stuck, as for a second person to push and pull the cap once they hear the operating noise. I have an 2008 model, hence 1st gen and it is a fantastic ride throughout. They produced something really special in 2003!
So pleased to hear about the dragging of the wheels on full lock! I bought one in September and apart from the discs being warped (something I forced the dealership to replace!) the dragging was concerning me! Now I can relax 🙌🏻
V10 If you’re going into this arena, go all the way. I haven’t driven the v8. But I own a v10 and I’m probably going to build the engine a bit more. For most people it’s more than enough. But the v8 just is not the whole experience.
The more I learn about the R8 the more I'm thinking - wouldn't something like Porsche Cayman be the answer for a slightly cheaper, more fun to drive alternative? Can you go into why you went from Porsche to the R8? We all want to have fun driving the car, so this move is not obvious to me.
Sure, apart from famous Porsche reliability issues, R8 is WAY more exciting to own and drive. I’ve driven a few Caymans 987 and 981 and never really enjoyed them. 981 was huge disappointment, stupidly long gearing, lots of road noise. I made a video on whether I should sell my Clubsport S to buy a Cayman. They are more practical though but so is a Golf. I see the R8 as more of a 911 rival and to me they are too common and boring unless GT3 I’m personally not into driving track cars with huge wings on the road, feel a bit silly. Look at it this way, a Lamborghini buyer could buy a Porsche but doesn’t and my motives are similar if not exactly the same. Also when did you last see an R8 on the road? Exclusivity is nice if not be all and end all. 😆
@@volkswizard thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I know every car reviewer is moaning about how good the Porsches are so is good to hear your reasons. I think I'm in a similar camp, I will appreciate something fast and less dangerous that has a lot of power rather than pure driving experience the Porsches provide.
I'm looking to change my Ferrari 360. I fancy either a Aston Martin V8 Vantage or an R8. I may push to a V10. However I'm looking at an older V10. Do you know if A/C compressor issues are still applicable? Is it still a problem on your 2014 V8? Magnaride seems to be an issue. Other TH-camrs say both the A/C and Magnaride will at some point fail so rather when than if. I believe there is an alternative aftermarket 'conventional' replacement. Ferrari 360's have the same Magnaride (GM original design) and there is a company that will refurbish them. Is that an option for the R8? One last thing; clutch. I was told the clutch on a Gallardo (nearly bought one years ago) is about £3k. I assume this is similar?
Sir I respect your honesty. Oh by the way at 6.00 in your video you have a check engine light on. Could be major $$. And don't forget the mag ride suspension that might fail Oh your lucky your car dose not have that option. Also if you need to replace an ac compressor per Audi you need to remove the entire engine. WTF Yeah I want one not.. New Vette yes get me one. Thanks peace out
Hey Jason, loved the pluses and minuses! But to be fair, what car doesn't have those? And if the pluses are greater than the minuses, then that's a bonus! Question is, do you love the car and does it exceed your dream of what you hoped it would be? Hope it did, because, Man! Is that an awesome car or what! Hope you don't have to sell it! Enjoy your drive and be safe!
Thanks Michael. Yes it does exceed the dream, hence why I am so sad I can't take it away for an extended length of time due to luggage issues.However it's probably using it sparingly that retains my affection for it so not all bad!
Good video, but when you are referring to a part of the car that you are talking about, can you zoom in on that part. It’s a bit frustrating when you’re talking about something but you show half of something and still angle it so we can see you talking. Apart from that, it was good.
This guy has already said the word Lamborghini about five times in the first few minutes if you had the money I think we’ll know what car he would’ve bought
As someone who's only ever driven a 91' Nissan Pulsar for 8 years (first car, also had project plans that didn't turn out, and now have no spare cash/savings because investments), I would be so pleased if these were the only issues I had lol! I'm either going to settle for the Peugeot RCZ or Audi R8. The Audi is like the RCZ's bigger brother. Both are very good cars from what I've researched.
I have heard alot of stories about the Air Conditioner failing often and it being a really expensive part to replace with the engine out. What are your thoughts on this?
I know what you mean when you say it feels special. But how do you actually quantify and define 'special'? Not needing an answer as such..as I guess it means different stuff to different people. But often wondered what the heck it means..🙄
Great series Andrew - love the R8 project and your Quattro T shirt - my only Quattro experience was an A5 3.0 TDI Sportback and apart from dull steering feedback was a brilliant cruiser with lots of space - have a great break
A5 3.0 TDI was a great car, in fact those big engined diesels are very impressive. T-shirt was off ebay for around £10 delivered, quite possibly highly illegal use of the logo 🤐😁
I have a Mk1 V10 Plus that I bought over 3 years ago. I am the second owner and it was pretty much new when I bought it. I have since added 37,000 miles in all sorts of conditions including track days, 4 Nurburgring trips and a North Coast 500 run. I am glad I have a warranty as it has had over £30,000 of warranty work on it, including a new DSG gearbox (£23,000) after it started to whine. Agree it gets incredibly positive comments compared to other cars Ive owned. Great car and the V10 Plus with fixed dampers is my preference. You are spot on about infotainment, it is dire and reminds me of the B7 R4 I had (and you bought from me!). I have also seen over 30 MPG on a long run, lots better than the V8 surprisingly. I have seen 4mpg at 205mph indicated in Germany, making the fuel gauge like a reverse rev counter. Great car, not perfect but fantastic value and one of the finest engines ever put into a road car.
@@amdaman3 Unlikely Amit. Enjoyed my time contributing to the forum, but found myself going over the same old same old so called it a day. Nothing pissed me off, but after 26K plus posts it was time to call it a day. Will still pop along to open days etc, just not planning to be part of the forum anymore.
@@housey4297 fair enough mate, I hope you're enjoying that Red R8 as much as I am mine. Summers coming up in NZ and I can't wait to take the cover off and give it some stick.
Great Video, thanks for sharing. You mentioned using Birmingham Audi for servicing, do you have much previous experience with them? Have had a nightmare with Audi main dealers in the past and am looking for a decent dealer in the west mids for my TTRS. Thanks
Great Vid, it's my 5th months owning an R8 in Malaysia, 4.2 V8 as well. Although some minor problems starts to be happening and some weird noises will pop out every once in awhile from not know where, but still, a lovely car.
I think you can get 2015 model year cars as Mk1 and then 2016 was the Mk2 R8 with no manual and no V8 either. Production moved to the dedicated R8 facility at Boellinger Hofe from Neckarsulm too
OOOO, not an exotic badge? Neither Ferrari or Lamborghini with its exotic badge has won 13 Le Mans races. If you are worried because you don't get the public attention the R8 should get, then you should buy their kind of car that will make them happy. Or just slap a Ferrari or Lamborghini badge on the hood and tail.
@@volkswizard best bet have a look on TH-cam and search r8 with roofbox theres a few you could always ask them.. lovely car by the way I drive a 2018 Audi s4 b9 avant..
My wife and I managed a 11 day trip around Europe in my r8 bit of a squeeze but doable 👍 The infotainment doesn’t really matter I connected Bluetooth to the car but never use it the engine noise is all you need, even more so with an aftermarket exhaust 👌
Another great vid, Andrew. I seem to recall when I had my first A1 that on one or two occasions I couldn't open the fuel filler cap. I think Audi did a product recall to modify it if I remember right. So it would probably be a design inconsistency across the whole range. My S3 has just had its first MOT - no problems at all, as expected. All the best, Andrew.👍🏼
Great to see your honest pros and cons of ownership. Overall the R8 appears to have been a solid purchase despite some minor rattles and other smaller issues. Hopefully a long-term garage favourite that you don’t need to part with early to support your house purchase. Enjoy your break away Andrew.
The cabin on this car is probably insulated a lot better then the average vw or Audi,that’s why it’s nice and peaceful inside,very nice,I also hate rattling,I’ve had two new car in the last 3 years,Honda crv that as a dash rattle,and my golf mk7 that as a rattle on speed bumps,the dealership told me it’s normal,just the dsg box rattle lol
agree with you on the positive reception you get with one
Good isn't it? If you look at the typical cars on the road, I can't see why you really need to go beyond R8 unless you mix in circles where people have something even flasher and you have an inferiority complex.
Good video. also my dream car too so 10/10. i work at an Audi near Birmingham if you ever need anything parts or service drop me a message anything to keep these cars going :)
New drinking game. Every time says "my R8" take a shot.
Future classic with the manual. I've got the V10 manual and it's an absolute joy.
Thanks! I originally assumed this car was S tronic then looked again and it was manual and was like "hmm well it could work". So glad I took the chance👍
Another negative comment about the R8. There are plenty of Porsches sold in far greater numbers with far less exotic construction that have become classics, love to know why R8 won't - all the press in the UK seem to think it's well on its way. What's a true future class for you then if rarity, mid engine, aluminium space frame construction, a V8 and a manual gearbox aren't special enough? 🤔
Antonio Farina daft comment
@@volkswizard probably the 4 rings on the bonnet. Classics from exotics don't sell cheap cars to keep their prestige. Unfortunately Audi sell really cheap cars.
One of the best cars I have driven but the tt fits on the road better it’s not as wide and the manual does have a fun factor it’s the best looking 👀 car in my subjective opinion 😊
I used to work with a guy who's main job was working at a body and service shop for exotic cars. He used to deliver cars back to customers when the cars were ready. He said he liked driving the R8 over the likes of other exotic cars because the R8, although as quick as a lot of other super cars, it was also ok to drive under normal, typical mundane conditions, he said he could sit in traffic quite happily in R8's but said other cars were a nightmare to drive around in when the speed limits were 20 - 30 and the clutches were horrible when in traffic. This was a good 12 years ago though, I assume back then most were still manuals, nowadays everything is auto so that may not be such an issue now but ever since he told me that I've always wanted an R8.
Another great video Andrew,, albeit I’ll never own one, just because I can’t get our English Setter in it😂
Great video and information, I would love a v8 R8, but can you imagine if Mercedes has made an affordable 2 seater sports car, with a 2 wheel drive transaxle around the mighty M156 engine?
Your travel companion needs to learn to pack lighter 😉.... nice video, Andrew. "And that, Sir, is a characteristic of the vehicle" 🤣😂.
Unfortunately when given a choice of packing lighter or going in a different car, it's always the latter, oh well!
Another honest and totally upfront video that we've come to expect.
Well done.... again Andrew.
Keep up the good work.
Warm regards
Thanks David 👍
No need to start every sentence with "OK my Audi R8"
We're aware it's an R8.
Nice update. As regards to the noise around the back window appears sometimes to come from the fitting of the 3rd break light. The retaining mechanism, sort of a sliding plastic lock. I replaced the break light as it was broken. The noise was gone as well! Fuel tab, same issue here but a bit of WD 40 solved the issue. In case you are stuck, as for a second person to push and pull the cap once they hear the operating noise. I have an 2008 model, hence 1st gen and it is a fantastic ride throughout. They produced something really special in 2003!
So pleased to hear about the dragging of the wheels on full lock! I bought one in September and apart from the discs being warped (something I forced the dealership to replace!) the dragging was concerning me! Now I can relax 🙌🏻
About to buy one... deciding between the v8 and v10... thanks for the info
V10
If you’re going into this arena, go all the way. I haven’t driven the v8. But I own a v10 and I’m probably going to build the engine a bit more. For most people it’s more than enough. But the v8 just is not the whole experience.
very very good review of this car, thanks a lot
Can’t get your bicycle on the back are you serious??? It’s an R8! Send your luggage to your destination and enjoy your ride!
I get your drift, I enjoy cycling too and want avoid being a pot bellied middle aged (sort of) supercar owner like most are :)
there is only one successful R8
it's the one you have
Good that you let an authorized dealer. I would not buy one that has been servicer by another workshop. This will help the resell value
It's good for resale to get Audi to do the work but it's not good for the car. Will not be going to Audi again after that experience.
Let us know if you sort the instrument cluster!
Thanks for posting, great honest overview of the Audi R8. Now I know what to look for.
Andrew, as always love your matter of fact presentation and open and honest comments. Glad you are enjoying your ownership experience , Worts and all.
Thanks as ever Keith, love your comments too mate 😎
The more I learn about the R8 the more I'm thinking - wouldn't something like Porsche Cayman be the answer for a slightly cheaper, more fun to drive alternative?
Can you go into why you went from Porsche to the R8? We all want to have fun driving the car, so this move is not obvious to me.
Sure, apart from famous Porsche reliability issues, R8 is WAY more exciting to own and drive. I’ve driven a few Caymans 987 and 981 and never really enjoyed them. 981 was huge disappointment, stupidly long gearing, lots of road noise. I made a video on whether I should sell my Clubsport S to buy a Cayman. They are more practical though but so is a Golf. I see the R8 as more of a 911 rival and to me they are too common and boring unless GT3 I’m personally not into driving track cars with huge wings on the road, feel a bit silly. Look at it this way, a Lamborghini buyer could buy a Porsche but doesn’t and my motives are similar if not exactly the same. Also when did you last see an R8 on the road? Exclusivity is nice if not be all and end all. 😆
@@volkswizard thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I know every car reviewer is moaning about how good the Porsches are so is good to hear your reasons.
I think I'm in a similar camp, I will appreciate something fast and less dangerous that has a lot of power rather than pure driving experience the Porsches provide.
I'm looking to change my Ferrari 360. I fancy either a Aston Martin V8 Vantage or an R8. I may push to a V10. However I'm looking at an older V10. Do you know if A/C compressor issues are still applicable? Is it still a problem on your 2014 V8? Magnaride seems to be an issue. Other TH-camrs say both the A/C and Magnaride will at some point fail so rather when than if. I believe there is an alternative aftermarket 'conventional' replacement. Ferrari 360's have the same Magnaride (GM original design) and there is a company that will refurbish them. Is that an option for the R8?
One last thing; clutch. I was told the clutch on a Gallardo (nearly bought one years ago) is about £3k. I assume this is similar?
Sir I respect your honesty. Oh by the way at 6.00 in your video you have a check engine light on. Could be major $$. And don't forget the mag ride suspension that might fail Oh your lucky your car dose not have that option. Also if you need to replace an ac compressor per Audi you need to remove the entire engine. WTF Yeah I want one not.. New Vette yes get me one. Thanks peace out
Jimmy Broadbent's dad??????
Hey Jason, loved the pluses and minuses! But to be fair, what car doesn't have those? And if the pluses are greater than the minuses, then that's a bonus! Question is, do you love the car and does it exceed your dream of what you hoped it would be? Hope it did, because, Man! Is that an awesome car or what! Hope you don't have to sell it! Enjoy your drive and be safe!
Thanks Michael. Yes it does exceed the dream, hence why I am so sad I can't take it away for an extended length of time due to luggage issues.However it's probably using it sparingly that retains my affection for it so not all bad!
Michael Glisson t
Great video mate, looking at an r8 spyder myself and this is great info. Thanks 🙏
Good video, but when you are referring to a part of the car that you are talking about, can you zoom in on that part. It’s a bit frustrating when you’re talking about something but you show half of something and still angle it so we can see you talking. Apart from that, it was good.
This guy has already said the word Lamborghini about five times in the first few minutes if you had the money I think we’ll know what car he would’ve bought
As someone who's only ever driven a 91' Nissan Pulsar for 8 years (first car, also had project plans that didn't turn out, and now have no spare cash/savings because investments), I would be so pleased if these were the only issues I had lol! I'm either going to settle for the Peugeot RCZ or Audi R8. The Audi is like the RCZ's bigger brother. Both are very good cars from what I've researched.
All things mentioned by you are normal for sport car so i still not get a point why you sold such a beautifull car 🥴
I'd just buy an aftermarket radio
That's a fair point but I don't really want to mess with it. Plus unless it does Car Play it's not really progress
Nice asmr voice
A nice honest appraisal. 👍
If you feel brave next time you are going away you could always say to the wife, “shall we take 2 cars” 🤣🤣
Haha, tunnel in Monmouth.. the legendary twin tunnel every petrolhead worth their salt knows of!
great timely vid as I have been thinking of buying one lots to think about needs deep thought your vid helps Kevin
I have heard alot of stories about the Air Conditioner failing often and it being a really expensive part to replace with the engine out. What are your thoughts on this?
I have to say, the interior is very, very disappointing. Beautiful car though.
I have an 09. No rattles. Might be a bit of bad luck...
"It's a wide car". So when did you figure this out?...
When it wouldn't go comfortably in my garage, first car that hasn't.
@@volkswizard I understand. Just figured you would have measured being such a wide car. At least it fit...
Change the oil in central diff, then full lock problem will go away 👍🏻
Cycling with a supercar? Who does that
Liked and Subscribed
Thanks!
I know what you mean when you say it feels special. But how do you actually quantify and define 'special'? Not needing an answer as such..as I guess it means different stuff to different people. But often wondered what the heck it means..🙄
Volkswizard why did you sell the car.
What go pro version and settings are you using for this video?
I'm looking to buy an AMG GT S. This gives me a good idea what to expect :)
How's the car holding up now?
Not enough room for a drag queens outfits...
You need to point camera at what your taking about, didn’t see boots space with shelves in or the phone connection ???
I'm aware of this failing and new Gimbal I now use seems to reduce the chance of this happening. Thanks
Is that a white or grey car?
Great series Andrew - love the R8 project and your Quattro T shirt - my only Quattro experience was an A5 3.0 TDI Sportback and apart from dull steering feedback was a brilliant cruiser with lots of space - have a great break
A5 3.0 TDI was a great car, in fact those big engined diesels are very impressive. T-shirt was off ebay for around £10 delivered, quite possibly highly illegal use of the logo 🤐😁
well worth buying
I have a Mk1 V10 Plus that I bought over 3 years ago. I am the second owner and it was pretty much new when I bought it. I have since added 37,000 miles in all sorts of conditions including track days, 4 Nurburgring trips and a North Coast 500 run. I am glad I have a warranty as it has had over £30,000 of warranty work on it, including a new DSG gearbox (£23,000) after it started to whine. Agree it gets incredibly positive comments compared to other cars Ive owned. Great car and the V10 Plus with fixed dampers is my preference. You are spot on about infotainment, it is dire and reminds me of the B7 R4 I had (and you bought from me!). I have also seen over 30 MPG on a long run, lots better than the V8 surprisingly. I have seen 4mpg at 205mph indicated in Germany, making the fuel gauge like a reverse rev counter. Great car, not perfect but fantastic value and one of the finest engines ever put into a road car.
Houseyyyyy not coming back to ocuk lad?
@@amdaman3 Unlikely Amit. Enjoyed my time contributing to the forum, but found myself going over the same old same old so called it a day. Nothing pissed me off, but after 26K plus posts it was time to call it a day. Will still pop along to open days etc, just not planning to be part of the forum anymore.
@@housey4297 fair enough mate, I hope you're enjoying that Red R8 as much as I am mine. Summers coming up in NZ and I can't wait to take the cover off and give it some stick.
Great Video, thanks for sharing. You mentioned using Birmingham Audi for servicing, do you have much previous experience with them? Have had a nightmare with Audi main dealers in the past and am looking for a decent dealer in the west mids for my TTRS. Thanks
There are no decent Audi main dealers
Great Vid, it's my 5th months owning an R8 in Malaysia, 4.2 V8 as well. Although some minor problems starts to be happening and some weird noises will pop out every once in awhile from not know where, but still, a lovely car.
Hi Henry, yes noises are what remind you it’s not just any ordinary Audi 😁
Hi Henry, which year V8 was it ?
Great video
Your from Birmingham?
great car.
Congratulations on the 1k 👍
Thanks so much
Wow this must have been the last year with a manual?
I think you can get 2015 model year cars as Mk1 and then 2016 was the Mk2 R8 with no manual and no V8 either. Production moved to the dedicated R8 facility at Boellinger Hofe from Neckarsulm too
3,000 in 8 months?! I'm out...
I don't get it
Engine management light?
So pleased I subscribed.!
Boot spase is ok - what are you carriyng???
Walking gear, smart gear, big coats, toiletries, laptops, camera gear...
volkswizard OK, watch this video: th-cam.com/video/JOPAW2MZ3w8/w-d-xo.html
Man I love your car.
Thanks man! Sadly just been sold :(
@@volkswizard So what are you driving now? I am driving a boring 2018 208 diesel:D
OOOO, not an exotic badge? Neither Ferrari or Lamborghini with its exotic badge has won 13 Le Mans races.
If you are worried because you don't get the public attention the R8 should get, then you should buy their kind of car that will make them happy. Or just slap a Ferrari or Lamborghini badge on the hood and tail.
He doesn't sound worried to me. Quite the contrary: he seems to appreciate the somewhat more anonymous character of the Audi badge.
Just buy a roof box
I did consider that but I can't find anyone selling them unless they attach via some slightly suspect methods, do you know of one?
@@volkswizard best bet have a look on TH-cam and search r8 with roofbox theres a few you could always ask them.. lovely car by the way I drive a 2018 Audi s4 b9 avant..
My wife and I managed a 11 day trip around Europe in my r8 bit of a squeeze but doable 👍
The infotainment doesn’t really matter I connected Bluetooth to the car but never use it the engine noise is all you need, even more so with an aftermarket exhaust 👌
Another great vid, Andrew. I seem to recall when I had my first A1 that on one or two occasions I couldn't open the fuel filler cap. I think Audi did a product recall to modify it if I remember right. So it would probably be a design inconsistency across the whole range. My S3 has just had its first MOT - no problems at all, as expected. All the best, Andrew.👍🏼
Looks like you should have gotten a MK2! Having rattles in a car like that is totally unacceptable and makes it feel cheap and nasty.
cars are cool but theres more to life like hot women car doesnt define who u are
When you get to 50, it’s just cars 😉
did you really say you'd prefer hot women over cars. jeez my man, bust a nut and go get yourself a proper sportscar.