RS6 to R8, would you?

[Toady1]

I've recently been pondering the purchase of an R8 v8. I've always liked them, and now they're more affordable the prospect is a little more likely. I know they will be nowhere near as quick as the stage 2 RS6, or as practical, the second point being the biggest thing that sways me towards keeping the 6 opposed to extra expenditure of a much less practical car.

I like to go to the mountains in the winter for snowboarding, and mountain biking in the summer. I have a family so the R8 would obviously no longer be used for these trips, which the RS6 is, but if a roof rack could be (temporarily) fitted for the odd mountain trip with my eldest then it would still suit. We have another car for the family jaunts, its just a little boring! But when the family are in the car it has to be anyway! I was looking to sell the C6 to upgrade to a newer C7, but I stupidly had a look at the R8 prices and they're similar in price now, obviously a lot older car (I'd be looking at a 2009 aged car), but may hold their value better from being so unique.

I've posted this to ask if anyone here has done this, and to get their opinions on the decision. I've never driven one, but they look and sound amazing, and would also far better suit the roads in the south of France better than the 700bhp RS6 barge does! I should probably ask this question in the R8 forum.......

[c3nturi0n]

Amazing car (R8) and great if practicality or family obligations are not on the agenda... or you could always get one and have a family carrier / run-around as a second car.

ps. something i'm considering is to p/x my RS and get something different (and still somewhat practical), Maserati GT .

[welwynnick]

When it comes to buying cars my approach is "if in doubt - do".

I get caught out occasionally (like my current project, best forgotten), but on the whole there isn't that much to lose.

Buy a car - drive around a bit - sell a car. Spread your experience and find out what you like for yourself.

Nick

[don0301]

I've had my C6 nearly 5 years now...and still wondering what I could replace it with....

C7 seems to have much more problems than the C6.

I have thought Porsche (never owned one) but to get anywhere near performance is silly money.

Thought about, and half way thru a 2 year plan to replace with a R8 V10, but I don't have anywhere secure to store it (single garage).

So...wait for house move, or....

Anyway, first drive one, will help you decide

[Toady1]

The C7 has more problems than the C6? Really? I thought they were pretty bomb proof. Yes I need to drive one, but down in the southest of France there aren't many about for sale! In fact, there aren't many for sale in the whole of France looking on leboncoin!

Welwynnick - that usually my approach too, if I've not tried it and fancy it then go for it!

As I say, I've got another car, only a Puegeot 5008, for the family jaunts. Granted its <beep>, especially for refineness which the RS6 had loads of, but it does fit us all in and works. So the R8 could be 'kept' in more special condition! It's usually only me in the RS6 as its my everyday car, but I think I'd have to get a cheap little run a round too if I had an R8, to keep it that little bit more special, and keep the mileage down.

How well have they been holding their money?

[don0301]

Just my impression on the C7 from posts on here, seems to have much more problems than the C6 no idea if factual or not

Maybe I've just been lucky with mine....

No idea on prices, I just browse now and then

Test some, if you don't like you could always keep the 6 for a while longer, first world problems and all that

[Toady1]

first world problems and all that

indeed! ha!

[asifg]

The R8 is not practical at all, and that's having had an F-Type previously!

That said, I love mine! I have a V10 Spyder and it's an experience each time I drive it and just feels "special" even when driving in normal traffic.

Buy one and enjoy it - you won't regret it!

[Toady1]

The R8 is not practical at all, and that's having had an F-Type previously!

That said, I love mine! I have a V10 Spyder and it's an experience each time I drive it and just feels "special" even when driving in normal traffic.

Buy one and enjoy it - you won't regret it!

That's what driving my TVR Tuscan S was like, but on the other hand I always used to wonder if it would break on me in some way every time I took it out, either that or kill me! At least the R8 wouldn't be like that! I've heard ac compressors and magnaride are the main things to go wrong. Also the clutch replacement is an engine out job?

[IanH755]

The RS6 is a bit of a "jack of all trades" car whilst the the R8 is a "master of one" so both have their uses. If I only had the money/space for one car (as I do) I'd have the RS6 but if I had the money/space to have two cars I'd have a R8 for the weekend and a more "normal" A6 for everyday as the Gen 2 V10 cars are amazing and you wouldn't need all the everyday-ness that a RS6 gives you.

[Toady1]

That is very true, which is what I love about the RS6, its great at everything, except being frugal to run. So whilst I've thought about buying a second cheap run around for commuting etc. and sticking the RS6 in the garage, it just isn't 'special' enough for me to think of it as a weekend / garage car! This is where the R8 would happily sit in the garage for the fun weekend drives, and I'd buy a run around for daily stuff. But then I know I'd really miss the comfort, practicality, and pace the RS6 gives me. Plus with a family consisting of wife and 3 young kids, the R8 may rarely get used at the weekends anyway, which is where the RS6 excels!