R8 buying advice

[6000MT]

Hi all, I’m thinking my next car will be an R8. I’ve a budget of up to £80k but really don’t have to spend all of that if I don’t need to. For that budget I was looking at a 2016/17 V10

My question is; which is the most desirable car to own? V8/V10. Is it worth going for the plus? How much more desirable is gen 2 over a gen 1?

Finally, how are the Spyder’s viewed - does it compromise the driving experience?

I am coming from C63 to DB9 to AMG GT to Cayman GTS. I do lots of european trips and occasional track day at Spa. Driving dynamics are important as is the soundtrack. I also want something that is desirable so easy to sell when I decide to move on

TIA

[alscar]

6000MT said:

Hi all, I’m thinking my next car will be an R8. I’ve a budget of up to £80k but really don’t have to spend all of that if I don’t need to. For that budget I was looking at a 2016/17 V10

My question is; which is the most desirable car to own? V8/V10. Is it worth going for the plus? How much more desirable is gen 2 over a gen 1?

Finally, how are the Spyder’s viewed - does it compromise the driving experience?

I am coming from C63 to DB9 to AMG GT to Cayman GTS. I do lots of european trips and occasional track day at Spa. Driving dynamics are important as is the soundtrack. I also want something that is desirable so easy to sell when I decide to move on

TIA

I had also posted some comments on a similar post a few down from yours so won’t repeat.
I’m biased towards the V10 + because that’s what I bought and it’s a V10 with no turbo so wanted it to be a keeper.
Personally I prefer the look of the Gen 1 but I wanted new so not an option.
I have another V8 ( Aston ) so thought a V10 would be a nice addition.
Personally I didn’t even look at the Spyder as it hides that wonderful looking engine.
If you are doing trips then don’t be put off by the seemingly small space - I had bags made to fit the frunk and that deals with a weekend away for two.
The coupe then has more space behind the seats if required.

[Dr G]

6000MT said:

My question is; which is the most desirable car to own

Forgive me for sounding pedantic (not the intention), but I'm not sure I fully understand what you're asking.

If you're not sure which R8 you personally want then fair enough, but I'm guessing you already have an inkling of the one that you'd like.

MK1s are V8/10, MK2s are all V10 with different power outputs and choice of 2 or 4wd by model.

My favourite is a manual MK1 V8 coupe, but there's certainly something to be said for the Spyder. My preference is a manual but I don't object to R-Tronics.

MK2 is considerably more modern and will likely be less heavy on maintenance than an early car.

I'd say a sensible place to start is from whatever car you like the look of, then deciding if that decision is sound. Objectively there's no wrong answer to that question by virtue of any choice of sports car being highly subjective and rarely rational. It's an object of desire built just for fun, so by that logic the "right" car is the one that makes you smile.

[6000MT]

Thanks for your thoughts Dr G.

What I was seeking to understand was whether there is a sweet spot of the R8’s evolution that is best to own, or conversely one to avoid. For example is the V10 Plus the one to go for or is the standard V10 just as desirable. Also, I’d hate to find out that I shouldn’t have bought a 2017 because there was some kind of upgrade in 2018 and that’s the one I should have gone for.

I had heard that the Mk1 manual was great but not sure if the V8 or V10 was better in manual

[Dr G]

What do you personally want from the car? How much will you drive it? What will you use it for?