Audi R8 (first generation) buying guide

Launch cars had a 414 hp 4.2-litre V8, the engine already used in the Audi RS4. The 5.2-litre V10, from the Gallardo family, arrived in 2009. A Spyder followed in 2010 with the V10, and a V8 Spyder was added in 2011. The V8 gained power to 424 hp in September 2010. The Spyder has an electric folding roof, loses the coupe's side blades and gets a slatted engine cover.

A full facelift came in July 2012. It replaced R tronic with an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and made LED headlights, sat nav, Bluetooth and heated seats standard. The 543 hp R8 Plus arrived with it and was the top of the range until the second generation. The R8 GT and GT Spyder ran for roughly three years (2010-2013), weigh about 100 kg less than a standard car and have a V10 with around 30 hp extra.

Audi says the V10 reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds against 4.4 for the V8, yet the V8 gets the nod from several of the sources. Carbuyer calls it arguably the better bet for being lighter, more nimble and more economical. New Car Net reckons it is as quick in the real world and better balanced, so a big premium for the V10 is hard to justify. If you want a V10 anyway, see the 5.2 coupes or the 5.2 Spyders.

On gearboxes, take the manual unless you are looking at a facelifted car with S tronic. R tronic is to be avoided, say Hagerty and CarBuzz alike. The gated manual is also the transmission collectors want most, according to Carnow. Cars with Audi Magnetic Ride are recommended, as its Normal and Sport modes noticeably change the drive. Cars without extras are fairly basic, so check what is fitted.

R tronic gearbox faults

The hydraulic actuator can fail or lose pressure, causing neutral drops, a refusal to select reverse or jerky shifts, according to Performance Car Intelligence. Carnow quotes £2000 for a new clutch plus fitting, a UK figure.

Magnetic Ride dampers

The dampers can leak from around 30,000 miles and cannot be rebuilt, so replacement is the only cure. Look for oil film on the damper bodies.

Cracked front structure

On the earliest cars (2007-2009), the front aluminium structure can crack around the upper suspension mounts after pothole impacts. Carnow says to walk away from any car with cracks in the chassis structure.

Oil consumption

Low-mileage cars can use a lot of oil, and three of the guides we read say it tends to settle down as the miles build up. Ask about top-ups.

Intake valve carbon

Both the 4.2 FSI and 5.2 FSI can suffer carbon build-up on the intake valves, which can cut power by 10% or more.

Warning lights

Engine warning lights can come from poor-quality fuel or damaged coil pack wiring, says New Car Net. Scan for stored faults before you buy.

Corrosion and leaks

Bodywork corrosion can hit the bonnet's leading edge, the bottoms of both doors and the rear wheelarches. Oil-cooler lines can also corrode, though a rear oil leak fix should cost little more than £200 (UK figure, per Carnow).

A/C and V10 cam wear

The A/C compressor can fail, and replacing it is labor-intensive because the engine is mid-mounted. On the V10, fuel-pump followers can wear and score the camshaft lobe.

Servicing is priced by Carbuyer at £485 for a minor and £925 for a major, with the V10 costing about £100 more (UK figures). A set of tires runs £700 to £1,000 and pads around £360, it says. Carbon-ceramic discs cost four figures to replace, according to Carbuyer and Performance Car Intelligence.

Budget separately for the faults above: R tronic clutch work, replacement dampers and a labor-heavy A/C compressor job. Check our R8 price guide for current prices, and the cheapest R8 listings if you are comparing cars.

Buy a V8 with the manual gearbox and Magnetic Ride, either coupe or Spyder. Consumer Guide Auto says the V10's gains do not justify its steeper pricing. A facelifted car with S tronic is the one exception to the manual rule. Skip R tronic cars.

Insist on complete service records, and have an inspection check the front structure for cracks, the dampers for leaks and the engine for stored fault codes. If you want a newer car, compare with our R8 vs Huracan page or the second-generation guide.