Buying advice Audi R8 V10 manul

[rafeluddin]

Hi all,

My first post :-)

So I'm finally taking the brave step of buying an R8 V10 manual gen 1 and would really appreciate some pointers.

I've seen one that is really far from where i live. Before buying would you advise on getting an inspection done and if so what do you think of the comprehensive service from AA or RAC? I was thinking to book one of these and get them to inspect the car before i buy. Alternatively i have to find a local specialist to and somehow arrange for them to goto the car, or get the owner to take it to them.

Is there anything else i should specifically look out for?

many thanks

[Trev450]

I can't comment on the thoroughness of the AA or RAC to conduct a PPI on a car of this type, but having one done by whoever is essential imo. If the car is anywhere near Swindon then Ricky at RE Performance would be the man for the job. He is regarded by many, myself included, to be the go-to-guy for anything R8 in the UK.

The magride dampers are a common component to fail and should be carefully inspected for any signs of leakage. They are around £1200 each to replace. If the car is pre September 2010 build, the front suspension towers need to be checked for cracks and although this is very rare, it will usually render the vehicle a write-off. The plastic trims in the front boot area will need to be removed in order to inspect for this.
You should also satisfy yourself that the A/C is functioning properly and not making any unusual noises.

Edited by Trev450 on Sunday 31st January 16:43

[rafeluddin]

@Trev450

Appreciate the advice. One of the car i'm looking at is 2011 (60 reg), so hopefully no suspension tower issues. It's not in Swindon, but good to know if something crops up near there.

Regarding AC issues, i've read that on the V10 model it can be repaired without taking the engine out. Is that true?

[R8Reece]

AA don’t PPI R8’s when I looked, RAC do - mine was £500 for a full report (report with pictures, verbal report after etc.) and was well worth it! I didn’t buy the car.

V10 manuals are rare so expect to pay a premium. Good luck with your search, do keep this thread updated with progress.

[Trev450]

rafeluddin said:

@Trev450

Appreciate the advice. One of the car i'm looking at is 2011 (60 reg), so hopefully no suspension tower issues. It's not in Swindon, but good to know if something crops up near there.

Regarding AC issues, i've read that on the V10 model it can be repaired without taking the engine out. Is that true?

Yes you are quite correct in saying that the A/C compressor on the V10 can be changed with the engine in place, but it's still a labour intensive job and one to be avoided if possible.

[R8Reece]

Trev450 said:

rafeluddin said:

@Trev450

Appreciate the advice. One of the car i'm looking at is 2011 (60 reg), so hopefully no suspension tower issues. It's not in Swindon, but good to know if something crops up near there.

Regarding AC issues, i've read that on the V10 model it can be repaired without taking the engine out. Is that true?

Yes you are quite correct in saying that the A/C compressor on the V10 can be changed with the engine in place, but it's still a labour intensive job and one to be avoided if possible.

Also to chip in, a well know Audi tech that Trev and I use has never had to replace a compressor, at least not on a V8 anyway. All the issues he's seen (and he sees a lot of R8s) did not require a compressor replacement.

This was a few months ago but he's been going years so compressor failure is not a common problem at all.

[Raven Flyer]

rafeluddin said:

@Trev450

Appreciate the advice. One of the car i'm looking at is 2011 (60 reg), so hopefully no suspension tower issues. It's not in Swindon, but good to know if something crops up near there.

Regarding AC issues, i've read that on the V10 model it can be repaired without taking the engine out. Is that true?

The AC compressor thing is an internet myth. You could damage the pump if you refilled it without including the correct lubricant but as for these failing, I haven't heard of any failing in the UK.

[rafeluddin]

Good to know compressor failure is not common.

Just looked at RAC and advanced inspection is £239. Looks quite comprehensive.

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspect...

Would you guys trust a purchase on this without actually seeing the vehicle?

[R8Reece]

rafeluddin said:

Good to know compressor failure is not common.

Just looked at RAC and advanced inspection is £239. Looks quite comprehensive.

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspect...

Would you guys trust a purchase on this without actually seeing the vehicle?

My advanced inspection for an R8 was £450 - note the RAC website says "from £239....." so expect it to be closer to my figure.

I would never buy a car without seeing it first so my plan of attack was to grill the sales person, agree a deposit and terms of sale, book the inspection, assuming the inspection was OK (it wasn't BTW) then spend the time travelling before inspecting the car myself. Only then would I agree to buy the car.

The RAC report is very comprehensive and gave a very good overview but no, I wouldn't buy a car without seeing the vehicle full stop.

[Trev450]

R8Reece said:

rafeluddin said:

Good to know compressor failure is not common.

Just looked at RAC and advanced inspection is £239. Looks quite comprehensive.

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspect...

Would you guys trust a purchase on this without actually seeing the vehicle?

My advanced inspection for an R8 was £450 - note the RAC website says "from £239....." so expect it to be closer to my figure.

I would never buy a car without seeing it first so my plan of attack was to grill the sales person, agree a deposit and terms of sale, book the inspection, assuming the inspection was OK (it wasn't BTW) then spend the time travelling before inspecting the car myself. Only then would I agree to buy the car.

The RAC report is very comprehensive and gave a very good overview but no, I wouldn't buy a car without seeing the vehicle full stop.

Just to echo Reece's advice, no way would I purchase without viewing first. I have on occasions placed a deposit on a car prior to seeing it, but that has been on the strict understanding that if the car turned out to be not as described the deposit would be fully refunded.

[z3stu]

Hi I have had the whole range of these cars and they are pretty good. Things to look out for stereo amp can blow if jump started, Aircon Problems, Stereo Aerial pickup problem (easy fix) , Clutch Master Cylinder Leak (new clutch), Warping Discs on early cars (pipework whole on mine)

I know a good guy in St Albans Herts that has carried out work on all the ones I have owned from 2007

[rafeluddin]

Good pointers @z3stu. Thanks.

Regarding previous owners, I know that expensive cars can have allot because people buy them, have fun and then move onto their next thrill, but would you be concerned with 5 owners including the current seller for a 9year old car?

[R8Reece]

rafeluddin said:

Good pointers @z3stu. Thanks.

Regarding previous owners, I know that expensive cars can have allot because people buy them, have fun and then move onto their next thrill, but would you be concerned with 5 owners including the current seller for a 9year old car?

No, not at all. Condition and history more important.

[anonymous-user]

If your car is at a respected specialist or main dealer then I’d buy with just an inspection.

I’ve bought my last three cars and two bikes without seeing them, if the history is good and the condition looks good ... that’s with AM / Mercedes for the cars and KTM / Moto Guzzi the bikes.

Be careful on the mag ride, I’m sure it went on my friends and it wasn’t cheap nor in the warranty.

[Trev450]

R8Reece said:

rafeluddin said:

Good pointers @z3stu. Thanks.

Regarding previous owners, I know that expensive cars can have allot because people buy them, have fun and then move onto their next thrill, but would you be concerned with 5 owners including the current seller for a 9year old car?

No, not at all. Condition and history more important.

This ^^. My car was on its sixth owner when I purchased it at 6 years old. It checked out nicely though and had a full and complete service history.

Edited by Trev450 on Tuesday 2nd February 19:18