The cheapest Audi R8 in South Africa, which we could find, costs less than the new BMW 128ti.
The model in question is a 2009 Audi R8 4.2 Quattro Auto – going for R679,900 on AutoTrader.
Why so cheap?
There are two main caveats to this R8: the age and the aftermarket cosmetics.
If you’re looking at a sensible second-hand car to replace your daily driver, a figure of 74,000 kilometres is not that much.
However, when looking at flagship performance cars – like an R8 – this figure is high.
Supercars aren’t daily drivers, their parts are not as durable, they’re not that comfortable, and they need to get serviced by certified professionals.
High mileage points to mechanical wear and tear, and that does not bode well for expenses when you’re playing in this league.
The next hurdle for this R8 is the aftermarket bits that its previous owner installed.
Depending on your taste, they might improve or ruin the look of this sculpted vehicle.
However, unless a body kit is from an internationally-acclaimed aftermarket company – think Liberty Walk and Brabus – and installed by a reputable shop, it cuts into the resale price of your car.
Custom canards, fins, spoilers, and rims also give the impression that the previous owner was someone who enjoyed driving their car hard.
Of course, this is exactly what you’re buying it for – but you don’t want to inherit any problems from the previous owner.
Good condition
Despite these potential drawbacks, this Audi seems to be in good condition.
Reading through the ad description makes it clear that this car was one of the better-equipped versions out there in 2009.
It has park distance control sensors with a rear view camera, Bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and magnetic ride.
Magnetic ride is a suspension technology that was deployed in the A3, TT, and R8 ranges only – and continuously adapts the function of the shock absorbers to fit the road profile as well as the driver’s style.
The original press release for the car states that the sound system, park assist features, seat heaters, and navigation system were all optional extras, and they cost a pretty penny to install.
The ad also stated that this car received an Alcantara leather treatment, and the rest of the interior is still clean.
The seats show minimal signs of wear, all of the surfaces seem looked after, and extra carbon bits were placed all over the cabin.
Proper performance
Buyers will also appreciate that this R8 received some of its V10 brother’s flare.
It gets the V10 GT rear diffuser, front spoiler, and canards in carbon – in addition to a Sportech exhaust system.
The latter, although high quality and preferred over the standard system, is not part of any Audi official package.
Powering this is a 4.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine that is mated to the Audi R-Tronic sequential-shift gearbox.
This setup creates 309kW of power at 7,800rpm; and 430Nm of torque at 4,500rpm to 6,000rpm.
Whether the custom exhaust did anything to change these figures we do not know, but there is rarely a case where it does not.
The four-wheel-drive system lets this beast reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, and go on to hit a top speed of 301km/h.
Deciding between a 12-year-old R8 or a new hot hatch is a choice every petrolhead would love to have, and in this case, I think I’d go the non-financeable way and drive away smiling in my old-new R8.
Keyword: The cheapest Audi R8 we could find – Costs less than a new hot hatch