# Audi R8 (second generation) buying guide

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Buying guide · 2017 to 2023 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

The second-generation R8 is V10-only and dual-clutch-only, so the choices that matter are its dampers, its brakes and how the previous owner looked after it.

**Median asking price: $180,701** (Across 64 live listings)

- Asking prices: $126,163 to $399,921, middle half $160k to $200k
- For sale: 64
- Lowest price: $126,163
- Model years: 2017 to 2023
- Versions for sale: 5

## The second-generation R8 as a used buy

A used second-generation R8 comes down to three things: which dampers and brakes it has, how its owner treated it, and whether the gearbox history is clean. The generation ran from 2017 to 2023 and replaced the original car that began in 2008. Every one has the 5.2L V10 and a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch, with no manual and no V8. The engine, AWD system and carbon-and-aluminum structure are shared with the Lamborghini Huracan, which matters if you are weighing [the R8 against the Huracan](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/compare/audi-r8-vs-lamborghini-huracan).

[exoticcarhacks.com](https://www.exoticcarhacks.com/buyers-guides/audi-r8-second-generation-buyers-guide/) rates the R8 as dependable by high-end standards and credits fairly simple electronics, with many cars reaching very high mileage. Performance Car Intelligence (S3) says the V10's reputation is strong, but the risk lies in the upkeep, driving and storage of the particular car.

Price two items before you go any further: Magnetic Ride dampers on cars that have them, and the remaining life of carbon-ceramic brakes. Both are covered below, and both are worth checking on any of the [used R8s for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8).

## second-generation R8 years and versions

The car launched in 2017 in two forms: the V10 with 502 hp and 398 lb-ft, and the V10 Plus with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft. The Plus has fixed sport suspension, carbon fiber aero parts and ceramic brakes with 15.0-inch front discs. Our listings track the [V10 Plus Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe) separately. The fixed dampers matter because Magnetic Ride is the known failure point on cars with the optional dampers.

A rear-drive R8 V10 RWS arrived in 2018 as a limited edition of 999 units, with 540 hp and 398 lb-ft. It was not offered in 2020. There was no 2019 model year R8 at all, ahead of the mid-life update. You can see the [RWS Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe) market on its own page.

For 2020 the V10 Plus became the V10 Performance, and the standard V10 Coupe got 562 hp. In 2021 the entry coupe and Spyder went rear-wheel drive with 532 hp and the non-Performance quattro cars were dropped, so a quattro from 2021 on has to be a Performance. The rear-drive Performance later got 562 hp too. [The Performance Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe) is the one to look at for all-wheel drive in the late cars. [CarsCounsel](https://carscounsel.com/audi-r8-best-worst-years/) rates reliability across the generation as generally excellent and puts the 2020-2023 facelift years among the best to buy.

Two limited runs close the story. The Decennium was built in 222 units worldwide, 50 for the USA. The 2023 R8 GT is a run of 333, 44 lbs lighter, with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft, a black intake manifold, carbon Aero kit, gooseneck rear wing and modified gear ratios in the dual-clutch. See the [GT Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-gt-coupe) page and the standard [V10 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-base-v10-coupe). The naturally aspirated R8 ended with the 2023 model year.

## second-generation R8 versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [R8 5.2 V10 performance Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe) | 2022-2023 | 23 | $190,894 |
| [R8 5.2 quattro V10 Plus Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe) | 2017-2018 | 21 | $179,886 |
| [R8 5.2 V10 RWS Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe) | 2018 | 10 | $148,433 |
| [R8 5.2 V10 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-base-v10-coupe) | 2021 | 5 | $170,925 |
| [R8 5.2 V10 GT Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-gt-coupe) | 2023 | 5 | $335,010 |

## Common second-generation R8 problems

Dampers come first because the sources put the biggest repair figures on them; the gearbox and engine faults follow.

### Magnetic Ride dampers

The optional dampers are known to fail and leak. Performance Car Intelligence says leaks can start from around 30,000 miles and that the units cannot be rebuilt. The V10 Plus has fixed dampers that avoid the problem.

### S tronic shudder

The dual-clutch can shudder at low speed from clutch wear or worn adaptation values. Repeated launch control can speed clutch wear, so ask how the car was used.

### Mechatronic failure

The S tronic mechatronic unit can fail when its electronics are damaged by heat. The car drops gears and shows a gearbox warning.

### Intake valve carbon

The direct-injected V10 builds carbon on its intake valves. You get rough idle, hesitation and misfires, and the valves need periodic cleaning.

### Oil consumption

AUDIR8 notes that Audi's documentation allows up to roughly 1 quart per 1,000 miles. A sharp rise to 1 quart per 300 miles suggests worn rings or valve seals. On early cars the oil-separator (PCV) system can also fail, causing oil use, leaks and a whistle at idle.

### Fuel pump followers

The high-pressure fuel pump followers can wear and score the camshaft lobe.

### Rod bearing failures

Connecting rod bearing problems that caused engine failure did occur, and Audi covered them. Ask for evidence of any such work on the car you are viewing.

### Brake click and control arms

Brakes can click at slow speeds when switching between forward and reverse. There is a TSB (#2047140/3), and the fix is double-stick tape on fresh front pads, which can fail from heat. Control arms can wear quickly and cause judder through the steering wheel.

## What to check on a used second-generation R8

Start with the checks that expose the costly faults, then hand the car to a specialist.

- Book a pre-purchase inspection with an authorized dealer or an experienced independent specialist.
- Check each Magnetic Ride damper for oily residue, and test ride height and bounce.
- Listen on a cold start for timing chain rattle, since several seconds of it points to tensioner wear or chain stretch.
- Pull transmission fault codes with an Audi-capable scan tool.
- Test the car in crawling stop-and-go traffic for S tronic shudder.
- Ask whether the car has had launch control abuse or track use, and look for service records that show it.
- Check how much life is left in carbon-ceramic brakes, because replacement is very expensive.
- Run the VIN for open recalls, particularly the gearbox and transmission fluid ones.
- Look for documented warranty repairs on early cars, which had MMI glitches and virtual cockpit pixel issues.
- Ask for the oil consumption history and any record of rod bearing work.

## second-generation R8 running costs

CarsCounsel says annual maintenance often runs $1,500 to $3,000. [audir8.ca](https://audir8.ca/buyers-guide.html) prices a set of summer tires at $1,600 to $2,400.

Dampers carry the biggest figures in the sources. audir8.ca puts OEM Magnetic Ride replacement at $4,800 or more per corner, with coilovers for all four corners at $3,000 to $5,000. exoticcarhacks.com quotes aftermarket coilovers at $2,000 to $6,000 plus labor. Carbon-ceramic brake replacement is described as very expensive, though the sources give no figure.

[AUDIR8](https://audir8.ca/blog-gen2-checklist.html) says a well-maintained steel-brake car is arguably the smarter choice if you do not track it, because it is much cheaper to own.

## second-generation R8 recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for these model years, both for the gearbox. One covers certain 2021-2022 R8 Coupes and 2022 R8 Spyders, where too little transmission oil can cause clutch slippage and a leak. The other covers certain 2017-2018 R8 Spyder and Coupe cars, where fluid can leak from the gearbox ventilation hose after high speed and maneuvering. Check any car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup, since a campaign does not mean every car of that year was affected.

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA, one about air bags and one listed as unknown or other. These are reports, not proven faults.

## NHTSA recalls for the second-generation R8

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2017 to 2023 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 22V225000 | Apr 6, 2022 | 2021 to 2022 | Power train | Clutch slippage can cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. A transmission oil leak in the presence of hot exhaust components can increase the risk of fire. |
| 18V639000 | Sep 17, 2018 | 2018 | Power train | If leaked transmission fluid contacts hot engine parts, it can increase the risk of a fire. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the second-generation R8

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2017 to 2023 model years (1 crash reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Air bags | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 1 |

## Best second-generation R8 deals right now

17 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $30,277. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus Coupe: asking $148,477 · $30k below market · 23,047 mi · Schaumburg, IL · deal score 99 of 100
- 2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance Coupe: asking $177,757 · $19k below market · 7,349 mi · Roswell, GA · deal score 95 of 100
- 2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance Coupe: asking $155,639 · $17k below market · 29,005 mi · Inglewood, CA · deal score 95 of 100
- 2021 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 Coupe: asking $147,711 · $18k below market · 22,826 mi · Houston, TX · deal score 94 of 100
- 2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance Coupe: asking $186,999 · $18k below market · 3,659 mi · Roswell, GA · deal score 93 of 100
- 2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS Coupe: asking $159,985 · $16k below market · 6,075 mi · Columbia, SC · deal score 92 of 100

[Unlock all 17 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## second-generation R8 prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- [2023](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8/2023): $200,579 (21 for sale · $155,639 to $399,921 · median 5,414 mi)
- [2022](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8/2022): $184,141 (7 for sale · $176,886 to $200,988 · median 11,661 mi)
- [2021](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8/2021): $170,925 (5 for sale · $147,711 to $182,215 · median 19,802 mi)
- [2018](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8/2018): $159,985 (19 for sale · $126,163 to $376,389 · median 25,790 mi)
- [2017](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8/2017): $176,981 (12 for sale · $150,247 to $200,353 · median 32,079 mi)

[R8 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/audi/r8)

## second-generation R8 fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 5.2 quattro V10 Plus | 2018 | $182,039 | 18,700 |
| 5.2 quattro V10 Plus | 2017 | $169,271 | 27,900 |
| 5.2 V10 performance | 2023 | $201,287 | 5,400 |
| 5.2 V10 performance | 2022 | $181,460 | 11,700 |
| 5.2 V10 RWS | 2018 | $148,708 | 27,600 |
| 5.2 V10 | 2021 | $170,231 | 17,200 |
| 5.2 V10 GT | 2023 | $322,388 | 2,600 |

## second-generation R8 for sale now

- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $150,247 · 31,831 mi · Addison, IL
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $181,049 · 29,050 mi · Atlanta, GA
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $203,113 · 5,414 mi · Round rock, TX
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe): $126,163 · 59,056 mi · Los Angeles, CA
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe): $159,985 · 6,075 mi · Columbia, SC
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $200,449 · 3,434 mi · Richardson, TX
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $219,988 · 608 mi · Ocala, FL
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $172,998 · 38,656 mi · Carrollton, TX
- [2021 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-base-v10-coupe): $170,925 · 20,350 mi · Carrollton, TX
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $190,594 · 34,740 mi · Kansas City, KS
- [2022 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $179,594 · 20,799 mi · St. Louis, MO
- [2022 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $178,334 · 16,707 mi · Dublin, OH
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $195,100 · 40,093 mi · Federal Way, WA
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $200,353 · 1,159 mi · Joliet, IL
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $205,449 · 906 mi · Richardson, TX
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe): $130,790 · 57,499 mi · Scottsdale, AZ
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $177,444 · 24,772 mi · Greenwich, CT
- [2022 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $197,080 · 9,859 mi · Anaheim, CA
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe): $139,900 · 42,406 mi · Riviera Beach, FL
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 GT](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-gt-coupe): $335,010 · 5,279 mi · San Rafael, CA
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $196,190 · 5,935 mi · Nashville, TN
- [2018 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 RWS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-rear-wheel-drive-coupe): $145,886 · 38,698 mi · Scottsdale, AZ
- [2017 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 quattro V10 Plus](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-plus-coupe): $167,590 · 32,326 mi · Scottsdale, AZ
- [2023 Audi R8, Gen II 5.2 V10 performance](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/audi-r8-gen-ii-v10-performance-coupe): $216,988 · 5,887 mi · New Albany, IN

[Every used R8](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8)

## Our verdict

Start with 2020 to 2023 cars, the years CarsCounsel lists among the best, and prefer a V10 Plus if you want fixed dampers. Be warier of early cars, which the sources link to oil-separator failures and MMI glitches, and confirm the gearbox recall work was done on any 2017-2018 or 2021-2022 car.

Insist on a specialist inspection and a clean gearbox scan, and look at how the car was used, since launch control and track days wear the clutch. On a Magnetic Ride car, ask for receipts showing the dampers were replaced, since leaks can begin from around 30,000 miles.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Audi R8 V10 Buyers Guide (Second Generation)](https://www.exoticcarhacks.com/buyers-guides/audi-r8-second-generation-buyers-guide/) (exoticcarhacks.com)
- [R8 Buyer's Checklist: Gen 2 (2017-2024)](https://audir8.ca/blog-gen2-checklist.html) (AUDIR8)
- [Audi R8 Buying Guide: Common Problems & What to Check](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/audi-r8-buying-guide) (performancecarintelligence.com)
- [Best and Worst Audi R8 Years: What to Buy & Avoid](https://carscounsel.com/audi-r8-best-worst-years/) (carscounsel.com)
- [Audi R8 Buyer's Guide 2026 — Prices, Inspection Tips & What to Know](https://audir8.ca/buyers-guide.html) (audir8.ca)
- [Audi R8 (Type 4S) Buyer's Guide — 2016-2022](https://squeezed.app/blog/2016-2022-audi-r8-type-4s-used-buyers-guide) (squeezed.app)
- [Audi R8 (2015-2024) : quelles pannes fréquentes faut-il surveiller ?](https://www.sportauto.fr/pratique/audi-r8-2015-2024-problemes-pannes-frequentes-surveiller-pratique-424589.html) (Sport Auto)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the second-generation R8](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the second-generation R8

- [Used Audi R8 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi/r8) (188)
- [Audi R8 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/audi/r8)
- [Cheapest Audi R8 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/audi/r8)
- [Used Audi for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/audi) (624)

## More Audi buying guides

- [Audi R8 (first generation) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/r8-gen-1) (2008 to 2015)
- [Audi RS 7 (C7) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/rs-7-c7) (2014 to 2018)
- [Audi RS 7 (C8) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/rs-7-c8) (2021 on)
- [Audi RS 6 Avant (C8) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/rs-6-avant) (2021 on)
- [Audi RS Q8 buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/rs-q8) (2020 on)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Audi R8 news

- [Used Audi R8 asking prices climb 4.7% between July and October](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/audi-r8-asking-prices-rise-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): The market is balanced, with 188 cars for sale and 3.4 months of supply, and 47 of them rate as good or great deals.
- [Used Audi asking prices split as R8 climbs 4.7% and RS Q8 slips 3%](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/audi-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Four Audi models, four different speeds: the RS 7 leaves the market fastest and the R8 slowest, and 177 of 624 listed Audis rate as great or good deals.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## second-generation R8: common questions

### What is the best second-generation R8 to buy?

A 2020-2023 car is the strongest choice on what we read, since CarsCounsel rates those facelift years among the best. The V10 Plus has fixed dampers that avoid the Magnetic Ride problem. AUDIR8 says a well-maintained steel-brake car is cheaper to own if you do not track it.

### What goes wrong with the second-generation R8?

The main faults are leaking Magnetic Ride dampers, S tronic shudder and mechatronic failure, and carbon on the intake valves. Some cars also use oil, and rod bearing failures occurred and were covered by Audi. Brakes can click and control arms can wear.

### Is the second-generation R8 reliable?

Mostly yes. Sources call the R8 dependable for a high-end car, with simple electronics and a strong reputation for the V10. The real risk is the individual car's maintenance, use and storage, so check the history.

### How much does it cost to run a second-generation R8?

CarsCounsel says annual maintenance often runs $1,500 to $3,000. A set of summer tires is $1,600 to $2,400 per audir8.ca. Magnetic Ride dampers carry the biggest figures, at $4,800 or more per corner for OEM units.

### How much is a used second-generation R8?

Asking prices for the 64 cars we track for sale right now run from $126,163 to $399,921, with a median of $180,701. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the second-generation R8 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns filed for the 2017 to 2023 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for power train. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Audi R8 (second generation) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/audi/r8-gen-2 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.