davyk3

Just stopped by a dealership and was told there's a 5K deposit plus a 2-3 yr wait for a R8, just wanted to know what others have heard or experienced?

Also looking at the porsche 911 turbo and the continental gt speed. Anyone else compare the same vehicles - I'm looking for a 2door coupe, I know they are different kind of cars but fits that category. The R8 is heck of a car, any help would be great.

Steve (Ft. Worth)

I put $5k down a little over a year ago and I just got it back. I also got a letter...

"We have recently started to refund our 2008 R8 deposits. Further communications with Audi of America has brought us to the realization that we will not be able to fulfill the large market demand for the R8. As a courtesy, we no longer see a reason to retain deposits. As random R8's become available you will be contacted with the opportunity to purchase an in stock unit. We hope to see you in your new R8 soon!"
This is in Dallas.

[I know you didn't ask for this whole story, but I guess I have pent-up anger over it! sorry]

Suffice it to say that I am very disappointed in the dealership. What they really meant to say was that I have to own an S8 already and then they might let me order an R8 if I'm willing to pay 35k over MSRP! (I'm not joking). I really feel betrayed by the dealership, when you make a promise you keep it, no matter what. The promise was that, no matter how long it took, I could order an R8 when an allocation became available and I would pay MSRP for it. They reneged on the promise.

I have been watching, waiting and saving to get the R8 for many years (since June 2002, see the July 2002 edition of Automobile magazine, page 20 below. Which, by the way, I've not ever seen anyone on this forum refer back to this Audi RSR). At the time, I had a 2000 TT and 2000 S4. When I saw the article I could just imagine what the car would be like...and I wanted one, if they were to ever build it. At that time I set my goals. I would pay off my house (happened in 2006) and I traded the S4, when the warranty expired, for a more reliable and cheaper to maintain vehicle (I kept the TT). That has enabled me to save up enough money for a very good down payment. And now, the R8 plan is shot. I understand that there are people that can and will pay more than MSRP, that's fine, but I was promised I would be able to order one and pay MSRP for it. I was willing to wait a very long time!

Interestingly, and because I've been working toward this for so long, other (used) cars that were wayyyy out of reach a few years ago, are now within buying range. I'm leaning toward the Gallardo simply because of the lowest cost of maintenance (I didn't say it was cheap, just lower cost!). When I think about it logically, it actually makes more sense to buy a depreciated, used car for a lower price than a new R8. Then, wait a few years (5+ yrs) and shop around for a depreciated R8 (if I still want one).

Here's my short list:
2004/05 Lamborghini Gallardo
Early Ferrari 360 Modena
Late Ferrari 355
Ferrari 512TR
or
Ferrari 550 (or early high mileage 575)
Bentley Continental GT

To even have these choices is a great thing! Trust me I'm not depressed, just disappointed.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your decision,
Steve

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2149/audi_rsr_supercar.jpg">

wedouglas

I'd look into the 997TT (new or used) or a Gallardo. Do not get an early 360, as it's not nearly as good as these and still over priced. Depreciation isn't done on the 360 by any means. Get it only if you absolutely love the design/

The 355 is a great car and one of my favorite Ferraris of all time. However, I would only get it because I like the design so much, not for the performance. It's an old car and there are many, much better cars available today. Same goes for the 512. The 550 and 575 I have no opinion on.

You can afford 99% of cars with that amount of money, so you should be able to find a great car. Hopefully you can find another R8 someplace. Either way, good luck.

JMSIV

I just saw a Scuderia yesturday, I wonder what the markup will be on that (sticker was $296k), and how many cars at 30k over the guy had to buy for the privilege of ordering it?

I have owned a 355, and a 51TR. I have experience with but have not owned a Gallardo and the 360.

The 355 and 512 TR are both great cars, but you should know a lot about each before buying.

The early 360s are fantastic cars, very reliable, relatively low service (for Ferrari) and a great choice. I looked at an 11k miles '99 at a certified dealer asking 109k. That's a lot of experience for the money. No, the 360 is not as "advanced" a car as some others, but few things can match the occasion of driving a Ferrari.

The 550 is another fantastic car, probably the lowest maintenance Ferrari made. It's more of a sleeper, not as much of an occasion to drive IMO. It is a very capable performer.

A good 575 F1 is going to be more money.

The Gallardo is the closest thing to the R8. Similar build, a bit more flamboyant, a bit more edgy. Every bit as good a car as the R8, and a better bargain when you factor in depreciation. A new Gallardo is near to 200k, so getting an '06 (lot's of improvements over the '04) for 150k is a good deal, and a good '04 in the low hundreds is a steal.

These are good choices to have.

The R8 is a great car at MSRP, and those who were quick to get in line and have taken delivery are a lucky group. Personally, I think it is not such a good buy at 30k over. Right now, it is just a thing of having to have the new kid on the block. Time will tell if it will hold it's mystique and value. Everyone thought the GT would plummet, but they are going up. Of course, they are out of production and the R8s are going to keep coming in bigger numbers.

(wow, hell of a ramble, eh?)

Axxlrod

This is code for "we'd rather sell them to the highest bidder"

CubS4

Steve,

I'm very sorry to hear about the screw which has been put to you by either Audi, your stealer or both. Welcome to the sometimes disappointing list/s that Audi complies. I previously owned a B5 S4 and fell in love with the boost. Was on the wait list for the B6 and simply dropped (requested refund) when I learned that the B6 would contain no boost. I purchased my first P-Car(85 Targa) and kept the B5.

85- Targa

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/17711/85_targa_picture_one.jpg">

I traded my first P car for my second (with boost) and kept the B5.

1992 911 Turbo S2
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/17711/1992_911_turbo_s2_picture_two.jpg">

Sadly - I took a job over seas and parted company with the B5. Returned to an 05' M3 with no boost. I wanted an RS6, but really wanted a manual transmission, hence I just picked up my second P-car of the dual boost variety:

1996 993TT
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/17711/993tt_picture_one.jpg">

I am very much inclined to spend other's money, but why not consider one of the last air-cooled P cars, perhaps a 1997 Turbo S. 2 Turbos, AWD, 0-60 in under 4 seconds. A brilliant piece of German precision-sculpted and manufactured automotive beauty. Again solely IMHO

I wish you all the best.


Kind Regards,



Greg

sjenner

JMSIV,

Excellent summary on exotics. Me- I like the Lambo and Ferrari. Like the R8 too but not going to pay over sticker for one.

sjenner

I would get a Lambo Gallardo if R8 is same or close price for the money. It would get me lots of hot female attention besides having a blast to drive each day.