Hello all... thanks for taking the time to help me with my decision.. and I can't wait to join you folks!

I need a bit of help deciding, as I've narrowed my choices down to two cars:

Car #1, 2011 5.2 manual, with 1300 miles, stickered at 161K. It has the usual goodies, including CF blades, inlays, Alcantera roof, nav, etc. The car is local to me, and it appears flawless

Car #2, 2010 5.2 manual, 1500 miles, LOADED with a sticker of 178K. Carbon Fiber Sigma Exterior Package, Enhanced Leather Package, Carbon Fiber Sigma Interior Inlays, Carbon Sigma Sideblades, Carbon Fiber Sigma Exterior Mirrors, Carbon Fiber Sigma Door Sill Inserts, Audi Exclusive Package, Titanium Finish Wheels.. plus it has DTM 20" wheels, aftermarket titanium exhaust and a bunch of other things. Overall, more than 200K was invested.

I am buying this car with the intent of selling it after a few years, so resale value is important. I am not sure if the 'value' that has been added both in the original sticker and aftermarket accessories of car #2 will offset the fact that it is 1 year older.

Both cars are priced EXACTLY the same.. except that I will have to ship Car #2 into CA from out of State and have it smogged. It will cost me an extra 2K to get it here in an enclosed trailer.

I'm looking for some guidance in making my decision.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to contributing to these forums in the near future!

Best,

Thomas

 

if "value" is important, stick with the basics and ease of purchasing...its local, its a no brainer.

 

The question is if it balances out the list of options on the 2010... but I do see how being a local car makes it easy. Thanks for your reply.

 

I guess it depends if you like all the carbon fiber bits. And what you intend to use the car for.

The benefits of the 2011 - it's newer, one more year of warranty (big plus for resale), local so you can see it in person.

The benefits of the 2010 - more options that may or may not help with resale.

The possible downside of the 2010 - the aftermarket accessories. You need to find a buyer with the same taste who would appreciate the add-ons. I personally find 20" wheels too gaudy looking and the ride suffers, tires cost more, etc. Does the exhaust affect the warranty? Is the carbon fiber UV protected so it doesn't yellow? Some people worry about cars with such low mileage too - did it sit too long, was it in the shop a lot, etc.

Here's a sobering fact - the guy who spent over $200k on the 2010 is selling it at a loss of about $40k. After barely driving it. What do you think he would say about the resale value of all the options? Or the operating cost of $26 per mile?

For me, I'd go with the 2011. I may reconsider based on the color of course.

To answer your initial question - yes, the added options and accessories probably do equal the value of the other car being newer. At least right now. When you go to sell it in a few years, who knows. Options and accessories tend to depreciate more than the base value of the car. However, I would suspect that in a few years, the resale value would be fairly similar. Get the one you like best.

 

Bill,

Thanks for the straightforward, practical advice. I like the point you've made about the guy selling the 2010 R8 that's taking the hit.. pretty much sums up what 'value' is left when it comes time for me to sell down the road.

I also like your quote from Ferry Porsche.. it helped me narrow down my choice of either the R8 or 911 Turbo S- both cars I can drive daily to and from work, and be comfortable.

Thanks again.

 

I think I found the 2010 - awesome looking car! And only a 20 hour drive for me.

Looks like all the original parts are included as well. That may tip the scales in it's favor. You could put the original parts on before selling and maybe get a few extra bucks for the aftermarket stuff too.

Think that alcantara steering wheel would fit a TT-RS?

 

LOL, yep, you found the car! And yes, it has the Alcantara steering wheel.

 

Both cars have benefits. I think a stock R8 that is one year newer will bring you more money down the road. You need to decide if the extras are worth the money or not.

 

the question is if u really dig all of the extras in the 2010 R8.
if u could easily live without most of the stuff, go for the 2011,
otherwise 2010.

 

Thanks guys... I can certainly see how something that is 1 year newer can bring a much greater return. I guess it comes down to whether or not all the extras on the '10 are worthwhile.

Really appreciate all the input, and can't wait to join you guys!