Quality and consistency are the watchwords when it comes to Audi. In contrast to other automakers who spend a few years to iron out the flaws in a design, Audi is one of the few automakers that manages to produce high-quality releases straight out of the gate.
One of Audi’s most popular models, the R8 also comes in a supercar variant that is a great choice if you’re searching for a high-performance car.
However, if you want something that will last and live up to your highest expectations, keep an eye out for the Audi R8 years to avoid.
The Audi R8 will be examined in more detail, along with its typical issues, dependable models (and why certain variants work so well), and other topics.
In This Article...
Audi R8 Years You Should Avoid
There aren’t any particular years you should stay away from when it comes to the R8. The R8 has a reputation for being one of the most reliable models ever, thus even the first few years of the new model’s existence saw strong performance and positive customer feedback.
However, there is one year that we recommend avoiding if at all possible. This release has a few extra problems, making it the only year of the Audi R8 to stay away from. In fact, this may be the only Audi R8 year to avoid, barring exceedingly uncommon issues with the model that we’ll describe in the next section:
2008
Yes, the only year we’d advise you to steer clear of is the one the R8 first on the market. Even the 2018 model, which underwent a supercar transformation, displayed remarkable consistency and toughness.
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.
Common Problems With The Audi R8
Even if the Audi R8 performs admirably in almost all parameters, there are still a few unusual issues that consistently appear. Along with a few other typical vehicle issues that affect the majority of cars, suffers from these issues roughly equally rarely each year.
Bearing Failures
Because of the high speeds that R8s can attain, bearing failures are among the most catastrophic issues that might arise. It is possible for other types of parts to fail in a variety of ways very fast when a bearing is beginning to wear out and starts to create friction rather than reducing it.
That alone is a serious issue. Additionally, replacing bearings can be a labor-intensive process, which increases the cost of the repairs; alternatively, your mechanic may advise replacing the entire item rather than just the internal bearings.
Fortunately, this problem is also exceedingly uncommon, so the majority of Audi R8 owners won’t ever need to be concerned about premature bearing failure.
Wishbone Failure
Another significant issue that is reported to affect some R8 cars is wishbone failure. In this case, a portion of the suspension that aids in weight distribution, momentum management, and maintaining vehicle coordination has failed.
However, wishbone problems can range from simple suspension issues to the wishbone itself actually shattering and becoming unstable. The computer itself may malfunction and fail to sync properly.
Very few Audi R8 owners will need to be concerned about wishbone failure because it is an extremely rare problem, similar to the bearing issue with the Audi R8. However, depending on the type of failure and the timing of the failure, wishbone failure can be serious, difficult to repair, and even hazardous.
There are several cars available that allow you to tower above obstacles without sacrificing the comfort of a compact automobile. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of our top new sedans with high ground clearance.
Ignition Coil Failure
One of the less serious problems that Audi R8s can experience is ignition coil failure. Even though it happens more frequently than the other two issues we’ve mentioned, premature ignition coil failure in your Audi R8 is still uncommon.
Your engine may misfire or sputter when starting up or accelerating if your ignition coil fails. The ignition coil is also among the simplest common issues with Audi R8s to fix, despite this. A defective or damaged ignition coil is simple to swap out, and this usually addresses the issues right immediately.
Other engine parts may occasionally be harmed by ignition coil failure, however this usually happens when the ignition coil isn’t fixed right away.
Reliable Audi R8 Model Years
What about the remaining Audi R8 models? We’ve already discussed the Audi R8 model years to stay away from. Since this car has such high scores from both professional reviewers and consumers, there aren’t any R8 models that are genuinely known for being unreliable.
The fact that Audi doesn’t make many modifications between model years contributes to some of that stability. Audi only makes minor surface and feature changes from year to year because the engineering and parts are sound and function well together.
That’s advantageous because it contributes significantly to the abundance of dependable Audi R8 models. These dependable model years are as follows:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
There are a few factors to consider regarding the R8’s string of dependable years. Due to the R8’s conservative attitude to changes, neither the incidence of problems nor the number of trouble years are very high.
Fortunately, it also implies that any new Audi R8 vehicles that are introduced will probably be just as reliable, strong, and powerful as earlier generations.
Occasionally, buying a car can be frustrating, especially if you’re doing it through a dealership. We’re here to give you advice on how to handle a scenario in which a dealer won’t revoke your extended warranty.
Which Audi R8 Models Are Good Used Vehicles?
There aren’t any really subpar Audi R8 cars available right now if you’re thinking about buying one. If you’re searching for an older vehicle that is still a terrific value even used, the 2008 model is still going strong. There are a few minor upgrades in more recent models, but there aren’t many significant structural differences between previous and newer models of the R8.
That also implies that if you’re searching for a more efficient vehicle, you don’t necessarily need to attempt to acquire the newest releases. Even vintage Audi R8s continue to deliver outstanding performance, fuel economy, and other attributes of a high-performance car.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
Which Audi R8 V8 or V10 is superior?
I count myself lucky – and quite grateful – to occasionally receive the keys to any car for a day of guilt-free driving. You can probably guess how I was feeling, though, when said keys unlocked a piece of machinery as unique as an Audi R8.
Three variations of Audi’s renowned supercara red V8, a red V10 Plus, and a black V10 Spyderwere patiently waiting in front of me while soaking up the rare English sunshine. Here is how I fared after driving both the V8 coupe and V10 Spyder for a day through Warwickshire’s most remote terrain.
V8 Coupe, 93,735
I reasoned that since the V8 is a base model supercar, getting in it first would be the sensible course of action. The crucial data? It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph. These numbers are attributable to the superbly responsive 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that is jam-packed into the centre of the chassis. It generates 424 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque, which are sent to all four wheels using Audi’s renowned Quattro system via a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox.
As you settle into the driver’s seat, the interior’s startling lack of color is the first thing you notice. The instrument binnacle, steering wheel, and dashboard all feel and appear very much the same as any other Audi cabin, so there wasn’t the dramatic flair I was hoping for.
The R8’s greatest asset is how practical and simple it is to drive normally, which becomes immediately apparent after putting the car in Drive and starting to move through the winding streets of the nearby village. The cabin is comfortable, there is decent vision, and maneuvering is simple. Driving this car is not daunting.
The roads start to open up once the oily bits are nicely warmed up and the charming residences of wealthy elderly people are behind me. It’s time to press the accelerator now to let this car’s more boisterous side loose. Initial impressions are positive; while the V8 doesn’t offer excruciating acceleration, the speedometer’s readings rise quickly.
If you look at the video below, you’ll see that the V8 gurgles and crackles, but when you’re driving fast, it’s not the loud assault on your senses that you might anticipate. Putting your right foot down firmly produces a noticeable harsh thrum, but it’s insufficient to alert me that I’m in a supercar with at least 400 horsepower.
The only criticism I have of the R8 V8 is that the steering is a little too light. Perhaps this is because I’m still a little nervous about driving a car that costs close to $100,000. Particularly when the automobile is accelerating, crests and crowns cause the car to slightly swerve, and there is always a moment of small anxiety before you are certain that your corrections have been recognized.
Having said that, you won’t even be aware of this occurrence when you’re in the flow. Once you’ve left the straight ahead and started swerving into turns, the steering is incredibly strong and pleasantly precise. After driving for approximately an hour, I start to repeat the same stretches of road, developing a rhythm, and going faster than I had initially anticipated for both the automobile and myself.
Now that my time is running out, it’s time to return and switch to the full-fat V10 Spyder from my existing vehicle.
V10 Spyder 123,485
The convertible feels instantly special, unlike the coupe, which had a more muted appearance. Although the interior is exactly as unimpressive as the V8’s, I can’t help but feel excited since two additional cylinders are lying behind my head and there isn’t a roof to shield me from the sensation.
Once more, it’s simple to overlook the fact that you’re operating a low-slung supercar as you cruise through the same community. Low speed maneuverability is simple, and you quickly get at ease behind the wheel.
When the national speed limit signs appear and disappear, the distinctions between the V8 and V10 cars become apparent. I put my right foot down after switching the automobile from fourth to second gear with two flicks of the left toggle.
With 518 horsepower and 390 lb ft of torque, the 5.2-liter V10 engine roars to life and propels me into the distance. What was over there just a moment ago is now speeding past me. And it’s understandable why: it can reach 194 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the V8.
All of that power is transformed into an organ-rearranging shove since the Quattro system makes sure there are no traction problems. Sincerely, I’ve never drove a car that continuously pushed me into my seat, but this one does it throughout the entire rpm range.
The V10 is a brute that makes you giggle like a girl, whereas the V8 rewards you for finding a flow. I don’t worry about racing lines as much because the acceleration is so compelling; instead, I take slower, more cautious routes and relish the kick in the behind once the road clears.
The final piece of the dramatic puzzle is put into place when I switch to Sport mode after becoming accustomed to the thing’s rapid pace.
On downshifts, you’re treated to a guttural bark and everything is louder. It pushes the gear in higher up the rpm range than before while you’re driving hard to keep you on the limit. The roadside hills and trees that line the V10’s path reflect the roar like an old-school F1 car.
Back in the village, the R8 is still in Sport mode, and I approach a tight 90-degree left-hander while easing off the gas. The S-Tronic gearbox decides it’s time to shift into second gear when my speed slightly reduces. The few adjacent residents look toward me as it hammers home to a loud bark that echoes through the limestone buildings. When a gardener smiles and sets down his wheelbarrow, I blip the throttle just enough to give him the thrill of a crackling overrun. These are the times I cherish the most.
Although the R8’s V8 and V10 variants are brothers, they differ greatly in many aspects. Due to its smaller weight and greater fluidity, the V8 is more suited to drivers, but the V10 only makes you feel more privileged. Since of this, I would choose the vehicle with a loud bark because the noise and acceleration were unlike anything I had ever experienced and because I already needed a R8 V10 fix.
Is it wise to buy an Audi R8?
Although the R8 has a good reputation for dependability, there are a few things to watch out for. Check the sidewalls of the tires and the alloy wheels for evidence of kerbing damage because both are prone to it. Oil consumption in low-mileage vehicles is high, yet it decreases when the vehicle is driven more frequently.