R8 as a daily driver, in place of S6?

[jsilas]

Looking for some input from R8 owners out there who can speak from personal experience.

I currently daily a 2016 S6, which I adore. But when we were little kids, we didn't have posters of luxury sedans on the wall, and the desire to own a "super car" is still very active in me. I commute 42 miles daily, in addition to whatever other driving I do. A typical year will see 15k miles or so.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2012 R8. It's a 5.2 with 6MT. Definitively a dream car for me. It would be a downgrade from my S6 in basically every feature category. The S6 is more comfortable, more versatile, has more updated technology, more driver aids, and even more horsepower and torque. But it's not a low, wide, aggressive, beautiful super car.

I find myself torn on the decision. I know in the immediate the R8 will be so much fun. But am I going to regret giving up the S6 for the "fun", albeit impractical car? Am I going to stretch into the R8 financially only to find myself regretting the decision? Will it manage, from a maintenance and reliability standpoint, the miles I'll put on it? Am I ridiculous to even consider this?

Someone help me clarify please; I'm driving myself crazy with this decision.

[SQive]

I have a 2012 GT and you're right. . .the technology sucks compared to the newer ones. I don't drive it daily, but I know I wouldn't want to take it on long trips. I try to take it out for a spin every week, but my daily driver is my '16 SQ5. It is the best all-around vehicle I have ever owned, but I digress. I would say go for it, but I would also recommend having another vehicle as your most-daily driver. The S6 fits that bill nicely, but if it's a problem financially, perhaps consider something like an A3, Q5, or something along those lines.

[LifeIsGR8]

If you're worried about the financial repercussions of driving an R8 over your S6, I'd advise against it. Not only are the consumables more expensive in the R8 but the mileage depreciation is something that needs to be factored in. Say the one you're eyeing up has 10k miles, and you drive for 3 years. That's 55k miles on an 2012...which will drop a good 20k off the resale.

Other expenses:
-Insurance premiums (not all that bad)
-Increased fuel costs
-Registration fees (if based on value of car like in CA)

But if this doesn't worry you, it's a helluva way to live. Looks like you've already got an SQ5 for hauling duty.

[WinterRunner]

I would just do it!! I came from an RS4 (4 door sedan), and although I purchased a Subaru beater for the off-off days, I still drive the R8 5 out of 7 days a week on average. It's worth it for me. Yes it's expensive/exotic and you worry a little bit more about the daily dings and wear etc, but R8s are meant to be driven, and they are very well built, even from a daily driver standpoint.

Go for it!

[superswiss]

I personally found a better fit in the RS5 for a daily GT/performance/sport car. It has that Motorsport inspired high-revving V8, which was a new development based on the R8 V10 (it's a different 4.2 V8 from what's in the R8 V8). It's essentially the V10 minus 2 cylinders, but the whole thing comes in a more practical GT coupe body. It has rear-biased quattro with the active rear sport differential, so I would say it gives me about 90% of an R8, but that missing 10% is made up by more practicality, a less look-at-me design and more creature comforts.

Fortunately, I don't have to slug it out in a commute, but I would miss things like adaptive cruise control in a car that I drive daily and want to take on road trips. Also, I've commuted with and owned MT cars. My last one was a 2007 S4 6MT, but at the end of the day it's just a pain in the rear for a DD. I find the S-tronic in the RS5 the perfect blend of awesome fun when busting through the canyons and driving spirited (In manual mode, it's ~95% of a manual transmission), but I can just chill and put it in Drive when I don't feel like shifting myself. It's very different from the S6 to put it in perspective for you. I've driven the S6 and it was way too boring for me.

Aside from personal reasons, around here an R8 unfortunately attracts all the wrong kinds of attention. The RS5 to the average person blends in with all the A5s on the road, but despite that, I had two vandalism claims. People who look like money are unfortunately the target of jealousy and sworn enemy to some who blame the tech industry in particular for driving up housing and living costs, but that's another topic. The good thing is we have Audi on Demand here in San Francisco, which gives me anytime access to a 2018 R8 Coupe and Spyder. In fact I'm taking out the Spyder this Saturday for a fun day in the canyons. I personally never thought owning a depreciating exotic car that would spend most of its time sitting in my garage is a particularly wise move, so Audi on Demand lets me drive different Audis whenever I feel like it, w/o actually having to own all of them. I'm also taking out the 2018 TT RS in a couple of weeks.

[WinterRunner]

I considered an RS5, but lack of manual ultimately killed it for me. I even went as far as to seriously research a 6mt swap from an S5. That being said, I also thought the same as you, until I had long-term seat time in a mid engine exotic.

[LifeIsGR8]

I had two vandalism claims. People who look like money are unfortunately the target of jealousy and sworn enemy to some who blame the tech industry in particular for driving up housing and living costs, but that's another topic.

The good thing is we have Audi on Demand here in San Francisco, which gives me anytime access to a 2018 R8 Coupe and Spyder. In fact I'm taking out the Spyder this Saturday for a fun day in the canyons. I personally never thought owning a depreciating exotic car that would spend most of its time sitting in my garage is a particularly wise move, so Audi on Demand lets me drive different Audis whenever I feel like it, w/o actually having to own all of them. I'm also taking out the 2018 TT RS in a couple of weeks.

Sorry to hear about the vandalism. That's terrible.
Never heard of Audi on Demand--to google I go!

[superswiss]

Sorry to hear about the vandalism. That's terrible.
Never heard of Audi on Demand--to google I go!

Thanks!

Audi on Demand: https://www.us.audiondemand.com/us/s..._ondemand.html. Currently only available in San Francisco and Munich. San Francisco is the pilot city.

[LifeIsGR8]

Thanks!

Audi on Demand: https://www.us.audiondemand.com/us/s..._ondemand.html. Currently only available in San Francisco and Munich. San Francisco is the pilot city.

$1000/day for an R8 coupe? Ouch. Luckily LA is flooded with rent-a-supercar businesses where rates are actually cheaper. Although, no where near the convenience.

[jsilas]

Guys, thank you for the input so far. I really appreciate your thoughts.

One additional question, and please hold the laughter to a minimum, but I honestly don't know. This car is a mid-engine configuration, and I've seen it has vents on either side of the rear glass / engine cover, presumably to assist with heat extraction. I'm curious - how does this manage with rain? I live in the PNW and rain is a regular way of life for us 3/4 of the year. Do I have anything to worry about with driving this car in traffic or in rain? Where does the water that goes into those vents end up?

[SQive]

I've never thought about it, but it's never been a problem.
I also use the high-pressure wash between hand jobs. (Get your mind out of the gutter.)

[WinterRunner]

Guys, thank you for the input so far. I really appreciate your thoughts.

One additional question, and please hold the laughter to a minimum, but I honestly don't know. This car is a mid-engine configuration, and I've seen it has vents on either side of the rear glass / engine cover, presumably to assist with heat extraction. I'm curious - how does this manage with rain? I live in the PNW and rain is a regular way of life for us 3/4 of the year. Do I have anything to worry about with driving this car in traffic or in rain? Where does the water that goes into those vents end up?

The vents are angled to keep water from entering into the engine compartment. That being said, some water will seep in around the edges or hard rainfall, etc. This NORMAL! It was designed to allow for this, it's not hermetically sealed, or even sealed at all. The only time I noticed large amounts of water going into the vents was during my first touchless car wash with the R8. I now tape over the vents with painters tape before entering the washes. Not because I'm worried about water damaging the engine bay, but because I hate seeing water spots on my rear glass.

[2f4st]

Drove my car daily, put about 10k miles in one year. Loved every second of it, sometimes you do miss the technology. But many other things make up for it in that vehicle.

[jsilas]

Ok, I think this will be the last question I have for you all. Buying a 2012 means it comes without the original warranty. I would want to have some warranty coverage on the car. What aftermarket warranty companies would you recommend for me to investigate? I have heard that many are a total scam, while others are excellent. I know nothing about it, so I'd love some firsthand information to compliment my Google results.

[superswiss]

Ok, I think this will be the last question I have for you all. Buying a 2012 means it comes without the original warranty. I would want to have some warranty coverage on the car. What aftermarket warranty companies would you recommend for me to investigate? I have heard that many are a total scam, while others are excellent. I know nothing about it, so I'd love some firsthand information to compliment my Google results.

I've looked into extended warranties a few times, but always ended up passing. They pretty much all have a long list of exclusions and to be really covered you have to go for the top level most expensive package. It never seemed worth it to me. I always thought that if the major issues didn't get worked out during the factory warranty, then the car isn't a keeper, so make sure you check all the service records.

Also, make sure you spend some time behind the wheel doing some typical driving. Last Saturday while out with the Spyder it reminded me just how tight of a fit the R8 cockpit is. The coupe has a little bit more space. Aside from the small gymnastics exercise to get in and out, with my 5'11" the seat is all the way back, but I still don't have comfortable legroom. I ended the day as usual with a cramp in my shin from the awkward leg position to operate the brake pedal. There's a lot of brake pedal operation required on my typical canyon outings.

Either way a fun and beautiful day in the Spyder, but still not something I would want to drive every day.

[jsilas]

Stunning car, @superswiss, and thank you for the response. At 6'5", the car is a tight fit to be certain. The coupe is what I'm considering, and I checked to ensure I had adequate leg room. Not sure how I can really drive the car any length though - the dealership seems averse to much in the way of test drive miles. A friend actually suggested I cough up the money to rent one to make sure I can drive it comfortably. Not a terrible idea....

[WinterRunner]

Fidelity platinum is the only warranty worth getting, and it's excellent. You can purchase it with, or after you buy the car itself. IIRC I paid about 5 grand for a 4 years-48Kmi plan that is bumper to bumper.

[jsilas]

Fidelity platinum is the only warranty worth getting, and it's excellent. You can purchase it with, or after you buy the car itself. IIRC I paid about 5 grand for a 4 years-48Kmi plan that is bumper to bumper.

When you say bumper-to-bumper, is that what it really means? I've read about all kinds of things being excluded, including the two about which I have the most concern - clutch and magnetic ride dampers. If those are excluded, the value of the warranty is pretty limited from my perspective. Obviously if the engine blows up then it would have value, but the other more likely things concern me. Any thoughts on the exclusions?

[WinterRunner]

The AC repair alone is worth it. Does cover the magnetic dampers, but not the clutch as it's a wear item. I saved about 10 grand and costs when they covered the mag ride replacement (twice).

[llBen]

I daily drive my gen 2 R8 V10 Coupe :)

I drive alone and rarely carry more than a backpack so it's perfect for my ~15 mile commute! Unmatched for comfort+smiles -- even compared to my heavily modified RS5 :)

[WinterRunner]

I find the R8 to be super comfortable as well, at 6' tall. Leg and headroom is more than adequate, seats are nice and supportive, and the driving position is amazing. IT's not an RS4 in terms of usability, but it beats out every other car in it's class regarding functionality.

[ntorrance]

I used to daily drive my Gen 1 R8 V10...and my commute was 35 miles each way on LA traffic. Since I got a 2017 S6 that is my DD now. Now I only take the R8 out on the weekends. I say keep your S6 as a DD and get the R8 as a weekend/fun car. Good luck.

[LifeIsGR8]

Fidelity platinum is the only warranty worth getting, and it's excellent. You can purchase it with, or after you buy the car itself. IIRC I paid about 5 grand for a 4 years-48Kmi plan that is bumper to bumper.

I'll second that. Got a 3yr/36mi on mine for $3200.

When you say bumper-to-bumper, is that what it really means? I've read about all kinds of things being excluded, including the two about which I have the most concern - clutch and magnetic ride dampers. If those are excluded, the value of the warranty is pretty limited from my perspective. Obviously if the engine blows up then it would have value, but the other more likely things concern me. Any thoughts on the exclusions?

Clutch is a wear item even on R-tronic. Mag ride definitely covered as voiced by another poster + many others on R8Talk.

[mhenry]

Looking for some input from R8 owners out there who can speak from personal experience.

I currently daily a 2016 S6, which I adore. But when we were little kids, we didn't have posters of luxury sedans on the wall, and the desire to own a "super car" is still very active in me. I commute 42 miles daily, in addition to whatever other driving I do. A typical year will see 15k miles or so.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2012 R8. It's a 5.2 with 6MT. Definitively a dream car for me. It would be a downgrade from my S6 in basically every feature category. The S6 is more comfortable, more versatile, has more updated technology, more driver aids, and even more horsepower and torque. But it's not a low, wide, aggressive, beautiful super car.

I find myself torn on the decision. I know in the immediate the R8 will be so much fun. But am I going to regret giving up the S6 for the "fun", albeit impractical car? Am I going to stretch into the R8 financially only to find myself regretting the decision? Will it manage, from a maintenance and reliability standpoint, the miles I'll put on it? Am I ridiculous to even consider this?

Someone help me clarify please; I'm driving myself crazy with this decision.

OP I am in the same situation as you right now.

Currently in a 17' C43 (had a 16' S4 before that and an 11' S4 prior to that.) Though I enjoy the C43, I feel like I've done this class enough and it's essentially just hogging up payments from what I always wanted (dreamed of.)

Eyeing a 12' R8 (V8) that is also 6MT. Your mentioned concerns are basically verbatim for me. The 43 would have to be transferred out for the R8, and I would probably add some under 5K beater as the secondary.

My main back and forth revolve around lack of warranty (none at all, basically), and of course the drop in interior tech/features/driving aids. I have hopes owning a car such as this will instantly make me forget all of the technology lost, lol.

Would love to hear your updated decision once made :)

[WinterRunner]

I did basically what you want to do. Go for it! You will think/debate/torture yourself until you get it. So get it!

[jsilas]

I lied - another question.

I've read around on the forums that people have had their service department check for remaining clutch life. I've seen people with values in percentage - i.e. "My clutch still has 75% life". I'm being told by my sales guy that this isn't possible. Any helpful information on this?

[WinterRunner]

I lied - another question.

I've read around on the forums that people have had their service department check for remaining clutch life. I've seen people with values in percentage - i.e. "My clutch still has 75% life". I'm being told by my sales guy that this isn't possible. Any helpful information on this?

If you're looking at r/s-tronic, I believe you can check the clutch life and launch controls done via vagcom. If manual, you can't.

[LifeIsGR8]

I lied - another question.

I've read around on the forums that people have had their service department check for remaining clutch life. I've seen people with values in percentage - i.e. "My clutch still has 75% life". I'm being told by my sales guy that this isn't possible. Any helpful information on this?

It's possible to get this reading but it's not reliable. The ability for a clutch to hang on to a flywheel has more to do with the way it was driven than its physical thickness...which is what Vag-com measures. For example if the previous owner wasn't mindful of when they were slipping the clutch (low speeds, reverse) they could glaze the surface even on a brand new clutch and render it useless.

[WinterRunner]

It's possible to get this reading but it's not reliable. The ability for a clutch to hang on to a flywheel has more to do with the way it was driven than its physical thickness...which is what Vag-com measures. For example if the previous owner wasn't mindful of when they were slipping the clutch (low speeds, reverse) they could glaze the surface even on a brand new clutch and render it useless.

How so? I heard only for r/s-tronic, please elaborate kind sir!

[LifeIsGR8]

How so? I heard only for r/s-tronic, please elaborate kind sir!

Oh we're talking manual trans? I missed that part. Apologies.

For R-tronic, this is the most comprehensive how-to I have seen on the subject. I have no idea if it extends to manaul...if you have access to VCDS and can enter "01-Man Trans" during step 1, let us know!
http://www.r8talk.com/forums/60-main...sage-vcds.html

[WinterRunner]

^ Yeah I don't think it can/does, only the R/S-tronic has that ability.

[jsilas]

Ok, so I went and drove the car today for roughly 1.5 hours. Overall I found the car to be quite compelling as a daily driver; it was comfortable and had great manners. Yes, it's substantially louder and stiffer than my S6, but it's not anywhere near unlivable.

The only bad thing I noticed is that when I would apply relatively heavy throttle, I felt the car pull slightly to the left, then lifting off the throttle, the car pulled slightly to the right. For the life of me, I can't determine what might cause such behavior, but it was definitely noticeable and it gives me some concern that there's something amiss with the car. I read that corner weight issues can cause this, and with my concern around the magride suspension, I must admit I'm apprehensive.

Any R8 owners/drivers who can comment on this behavior? Is it normal?

[LifeIsGR8]

Ok, so I went and drove the car today for roughly 1.5 hours. Overall I found the car to be quite compelling as a daily driver; it was comfortable and had great manners. Yes, it's substantially louder and stiffer than my S6, but it's not anywhere near unlivable.

The only bad thing I noticed is that when I would apply relatively heavy throttle, I felt the car pull slightly to the left, then lifting off the throttle, the car pulled slightly to the right. For the life of me, I can't determine what might cause such behavior, but it was definitely noticeable and it gives me some concern that there's something amiss with the car. I read that corner weight issues can cause this, and with my concern around the magride suspension, I must admit I'm apprehensive.

Any R8 owners/drivers who can comment on this behavior? Is it normal?

Hmm...not normal.

Needs alignment?
Tires life different from left wheel/s to right wheel/s?
Crowned roads?
Dragging brake pads?

If still interested in the car, I'd have a thorough PPI done. A reputable shop (maybe even Audi) will do this for <$400. After they determine the cause, have the seller fix it or negotiate the price.

[superswiss]

Or as simple as uneven tire pressure. Did you check before you took it out for the drive? If the car has been sitting on the lot for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if the tire pressure was off.

[jsilas]

Hmm...not normal.

Needs alignment?
Tires life different from left wheel/s to right wheel/s?
Crowned roads?
Dragging brake pads?

If still interested in the car, I'd have a thorough PPI done. A reputable shop (maybe even Audi) will do this for <$400. After they determine the cause, have the seller fix it or negotiate the price.

Or as simple as uneven tire pressure. Did you check before you took it out for the drive? If the car has been sitting on the lot for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if the tire pressure was off.

Thanks guys. Car is being sold through a dealer, they've supposedly already done a full inspection of the vehicle. Tire pressures is definitely a point of interest. I'll investigate that further. Thanks!

Other than the above, the drive was sublime. I think I'm closer to pulling the trigger.

[SQive]

Just went for a spin in my GT. "Sublime" is a good word for it. I don't drive it daily, #becauseGT, which makes those times when I do that much more satisfying. Honestly, I think I would enjoy it less if it was an everyday sort of thing.

[LifeIsGR8]

Or as simple as uneven tire pressure. Did you check before you took it out for the drive? If the car has been sitting on the lot for a while, I wouldn't be surprised if the tire pressure was off.

In that case you would think the TPMS sensors would be barking. My previous Audi was quite sensitive to PSI. Even just -6 it would let me know. If the batteries have died the system will also let you know.

Thanks guys. Car is being sold through a dealer, they've supposedly already done a full inspection of the vehicle. Tire pressures is definitely a point of interest. I'll investigate that further. Thanks!

They didn't want to do anything about the pull when you told them?

[superswiss]

In that case you would think the TPMS sensors would be barking. My previous Audi was quite sensitive to PSI. Even just -6 it would let me know. If the batteries have died the system will also let you know.

The TPMS sensors bark at around 20-25% deviation. That's on average about 6 PSI. The other day my front right tire was 2 PSI low compared to the left (I may have a slow leak) and I could tell that something was not right, but TPMS wasn't even near to alert me.

[jsilas]

They didn't want to do anything about the pull when you told them?

Informed them of what I felt - they're going to look into it. I'll learn more later this week after they've had a chance to investigate.

I wanted to ask here in case this was a known thing related to failing mag ride dampers, or perhaps the way the differentials work or something like that.

[bknewtype]

late to the game, but I think the R8 is one of the best supercars to daily if u don't need the trunk space.

I owned it for about a year as my only car. the ride is comfortable, power is decent, and exhaust note is glorious. ur right though, youll be giving up a lot from the s6, like technology, but lets be real, its an R8! it can come with a cassette player and id still be in love with that car over the more pedestrian looking s6 ( no offense )

I had the older, r tronic model though, and that made it a bit unbearable in NY with stop and go traffic. the jerking during acceleration felt like it wanted to kill me. since u were going for a manual, this would not apply to you.

iv taken it on road trips and I have no complaints. did around 400 miles per way and had nothing but smiles. gas mileage isn't THAT bad. if I had the money, I would of kept it and gotten a second car as a daily, but unfortunately I got rid of it cause I needed to be an adult....meaning buy another impractical tiny car lol

good luck!