I got this silly idea in my head and just cant get it out. I probably wont go through with it because no rear seat makes no sense for me since I have a child that fits perfectly back there. Also I would probably have to put up an additional 20k for a car that is not necessarily better than mine. Not even in the same class.

On the other hand I love the way the R8 looks! I cant say much about the interior as I haven't gone to see one in person yet. But I assume that it is full of technology inside. I am a techie so the gadgets inside are more important to me than a few extra horses. I feel that my porsche lacks big time in this department.

I did watch the Top Gear comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaENG1vt6-Y

What do you think I would get on a trade in for my 2008 C4S cab with 10k miles in MINT condition?

 

mmmmmm...

I also like that car a lot. 115k for the base, 123k for the R tronic, 147k for the 5.2 manual, 156k for the 5.2 R tronic. Those are some big price tags. I would have to think long and hard between a Turbo and an R8 at those costs.

EDIT: Tidbit...they hold their value quite well. At least you would be staying "in the family"

 

Seems like the lack of a rear seat is kind of a deal killer. I know I use mine more than one might expect...they're pretty handy.

I completely understand the appeal of the R8 though. I used to work around the corner from the Audi Experience at 47th & Park and never passed by without stopping to look at the R8. I have a friend who has had one of the early delivery cars since new and absolutely loves it.

The other deal killer for me is that, IMO, they're a great deal more conspicuous than most non-rear-spoiler 911's. I'm barely comfortable with the status/flash of the 911 as it is...but that's just me.

I suspect you'll be shocked at what you get offered as trade for your 997.1. I bet the first offer is in the $50's. If you have the stomach, I'd figure out a fair price based on edmunds.com and put it in the PCA classifieds. Tough time of year to get top dollar for a drop top in the NE though.

 

Bells and whistles notwithstanding, you'll find yourself viewing a good number of taillights from other cars in the same class as the R8 models. I've read plenty of road tests where the R8 gets marks for comfort and style but I've yet to see one where an R8 finished near the top spot overall. After the newness wore off, I would bet you'd get tired of bringing up the rear most of the time.

 

It is a lot of extra money, but IIRC they come with auto on and off headlights.

 

Yea they are pricey. I was thinking of getting a used one but cant find any under 100k. There must be some negotiating room in that price though.

Price aside that is the number 1 deal breaker for me.

LOL thats precisely why I am considering it! Hilarious But I am not sure if it has the off button for the climate control. It would be a deal breaker if it didn't.

 

As a self-proclaimed expert on these matters, and based on my interpretation of your post, yes, you will go through with it. Enjoy your R8 when the right one surfaces for you!

 

I have to admit that I buy my cars mainly based on looks. I went to the porsche dealer to browse around and fell in love with the car in my avatar. Walked out of the dealer as a confused porsche owner. I kept thinking why does the 911 cost 2x more than a boxster if it has a boxster engine? It was not until later that I found out that the sales man was saying BOXER Engine.

I learned so much about my car since then. Including learning to drive stick. The discovery process has been the most exciting part of owning this car and I guess that is starting to wear off a bit.

Now I find my self in the same position with the Audi R8. I don't really know anything about it other than how it looks. I am afraid to go to the dealer because I may make a spontaneous decision the way I did when I bought my 911. It would be so much fun to get to know a new car...

 

The new PCM in the 09+ 911's will be up to par with the R8 technology. I do agree the looks are amazing on the car, but power and practicality and price are all negatives when compared to 997.2S. They have some great lease pricing on the 997.2S on the lots.

 

Looks like it has an off button.

http://audi.bcar.info/2009/10/2008-a...m-size_25.html

 

I absolutely love the R8 looks too. My concern is that there is virtually no storage space in the R8. You couldn't even take a weekend trip for 2, as there is nowhere to store a suitcase. The space in the front boot is about the size of a grocery shopping bag. To me, this lack of utility makes the car very limiting.
The thing I love about my Porsche (cab) is that I can take it on long trips.

 

...and if anyone had any doubts from my last post

 

I'll admit it.. the R8 is my dream car.. Unfortunately, it's also about $30-40K out of my league. I wanted a R8 when I pulled the trigger on my 911. No regrets.

I'm not a racer, nor do I intend to 'track day' my car (that may change over time), so the fact that a R8 occasionally gets its butt handed to it by a comparable 911 (and vice versa) really doesn't mean a whole lot to me.

I so love the way they look..

 

id never pick r8 over carrera... for the prices.. the carrera is better and cheaper..

it looks exotic, but if your going that far, you might as well get the real" exotic.. its brother the gallardo..

 

Yes but that's even more money and some people are looking for a more comfortable, streetable car that doesn't shake your organs loose.

I personally have loved the R8 ever since it came out. If you get one go with the manual because the paddle systems they have in those things are dinosaurs.