[M3350Z]

Someone I know is debating whether or not to buy the Audi R8. Now given, at first thought you may think "DUH IF YOU CAN GET AN AUDI R8 THEN GET ONE!" but it's not that simple.

He originally put a deposit on one about 6 months ago when the suggested retail was $109,000. Now, he expects to pay a premium but I see them going for $160,000 and up. He is under the impression that he will be able to get his for $140,000 at most. What do you guys think about this?

The appeal of the car other than it's gorgeous looks are its rarity. He likes that fact that you don't see them all that often. However, I'm not sure he's prepared to pay a HUGE premium over list considering they only produce 350 (I think) a year. He also thinks if he drives it for 3 years, since it is limited that he will be able to get most of his money back when he sells it. I realize this is a risk but I'm looking for your opinions as well.

He has considered other cars but neither he nor I can find something to pull his attention away from the gorgeous Audi.

It would have to be very sporty obviously, not so common, come in manual tranny, non-American, and less than what he's willing to spend on this R8 ($120000-130000 or less). If it were me, I'd get a Carrera 4s or an M3 Coupe and save some $$$ but neither of those are too uncommon around here.

Also, he's 6 foot or so but has pretty long legs so he needs something that's substantial in size (He currently has an '02 M5.) I figured I'd ask here for his sake and get some other auto enthusiast's opinions. I appreciate anyone that takes time to think about this one.

[chuck92103]

Hasn't the GTR's performance eclipsed the R8?

If he does not care about being the fastest, the M5/6 would be my choice.

The M3 is a good value, but his height may be an issue.

The R8 looks great but that is a lot of loot for a car that does not perform as well as many other lower cost alternatives.

[TK-421]

i would get the new SL600/SL63

[karan230]

Oh...it HAS to be a manual?

mm...how about a used Gallardo? those can be had around 120-130k with very low miles...

there are SO many choices if it didn't have to be a manual

Aston Martin Vantage < gorrrgeous car
Masarati GranTurismo < beauty
SL63 AMG < 2009 model looks very tough, but SL is kind of "common"
CLK63 AMG Black Series < sexy


K

[to_riffic]

yea, its too bad ur friend only wants manual, cuz for 100k (from 30k markup here in cali), he could get the gt-r. its not american, and its definitely a BEAST.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Hasn't the GTR's performance eclipsed the R8?

If he does not care about being the fastest, the M5/6 would be my choice.

The M3 is a good value, but his height may be an issue.

The R8 looks great but that is a lot of loot for a car that does not perform as well as many other lower cost alternatives.

Dude, I'd take an R8 over a GTR regardless of how much ass kickery the GTR can dish out. It can't touch the overall driving experience of the R8, or the looks, or the interior; not by a mile.

And the R8 is still an amazing performer, it's just that the GTR has set a ridiculously high bar now. It'll still take on most things out there, though the fact that a C63 can beat it in a straight line is a bit startling.

[MiamiKat]

m5

[karan230]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Dude, I'd take an R8 over a GTR regardless of how much ass kickery the GTR can dish out. It can't touch the overall driving experience of the GTR, or the looks, or the interior; not by a mile.

I agree...110%

GT-R is great and all...but aesthetics are equally important...and the shape just doesn't scream beauty...


K

[evoi19]

after seeing one in person, the gtr has my pick so far. But i'll wait till they come out with a manual...if they do.

In the mean time, how about a p-car? RS GT3 is a great automobile.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by karan230

Oh...it HAS to be a manual?

mm...how about a used Gallardo? those can be had around 120-130k with very low miles...

there are SO many choices if it didn't have to be a manual

Aston Martin Vantage < gorrrgeous car
Masarati GranTurismo < beauty
SL63 AMG < 2009 model looks very tough, but SL is kind of "common"
CLK63 AMG Black Series < sexy


K

i forgot about the black series... CLK63 AMG Black Series FTW!!

[M3350Z]

All great answers I appreciate the help thus far. Yes it does HAVE to be a manual and I can understand because I'm the same way. The M5 / M6 are also good suggestions, but he's not into the new styling of those. It's a tough spot to fill. The GT3 is another great suggestion, I'd have to show him that it's not quite the same as the ol' carrera.

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Dude, I'd take an R8 over a GTR regardless of how much ass kickery the GTR can dish out. It can't touch the overall driving experience of the GTR, or the looks, or the interior; not by a mile.

And the R8 is still an amazing performer, it's just that the GTR has set a ridiculously high bar now. It'll still take on most things out there, though the fact that a C63 can beat it in a straight line is a bit startling.

Oh I am with you man. The GTR is the most hideous sports car out there. It is even uglier than the Lexus SC. Hard to imagine. And the 1980's Mitsubishi interior is a joke.

The fact Nissan is considering making a GTR SUV should tell you something.

On another note, I have yet to see one R8 on the road.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Great car for the money but I would rather have a pre-owned Lambo Gallardo any day of the week.

[ALPINE6SPD]

If it was a new car I would get a Z06 and M3 sedan.

[RedGT3]

ZR-1

[Year's_End]

Just throwing this out: the AM V8 Vantage just got a power bump and a revision, and is definitely worth looking at in this range.

[Couch]

Originally Posted by karan230

I agree...110%

GT-R is great and all...but aesthetics are equally important...and the shape just doesn't scream beauty...


K

Yea, it's pretty damn ugly. And no manual option, which to be fair is the way of the world these days. Ferrari is moving away from it, therefore others will follow suit. In the higher end anyway.

I saw an R8 the other day again. This one had aftermarket wheels. Looked badass.

[561design]

Just buy a Schwinn and call it a day.

[M3350Z]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Just throwing this out: the AM V8 Vantage just got a power bump and a revision, and is definitely worth looking at in this range.

Actually had overlooked that. This may be worth considering

[fflores]

you guys are going to have to separate looks from performance... Looks are subjective... ones man/womans treasure is another man/womans trash.

The only way to compare cars are on actual numbers. The Z06 right now is probably the best bang for the buck. And with the release of the ZR-1, it might lower the price of new Z06's

Rarity? i don't know about that... i've seen at least 5-6 over the last 2 weeks here in chicago on the highway. Could they of been the same car? maybe, but i know i've seen a black, a red, a white and a silver.

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Dude, I'd take an R8 over a GTR regardless of how much ass kickery the GTR can dish out. It can't touch the overall driving experience of the R8, or the looks, or the interior; not by a mile.

And the R8 is still an amazing performer, it's just that the GTR has set a ridiculously high bar now. It'll still take on most things out there, though the fact that a C63 can beat it in a straight line is a bit startling.

I think I'd have to agree. Lets face it. I'd probably never use the GT-R's full, and might I add - ridiculous potential. I'd rather "settle" for the R8 which looks incredible and has a great interior. It is also a great performer.

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Just throwing this out: the AM V8 Vantage just got a power bump and a revision, and is definitely worth looking at in this range.

Always the voice of reason. The AMV8 is simply beautiful and sounds amazing. I love it.

[Neil]

Saw my first R8 3 weeks ago and after that I'd say R8.

Can they really bump up the msrp when he already put a deposit down on one? I thought you put down the deposit to be locked into a price?