[quattro joe]

I must begin this thread with a statement regarding differing exchange rates, taxes etc between our markets, so let's just assume the following:

$1 AUD = $0.66 USD = .4768 GBP = .5047 Euro

I was looking at used car prices today and noticed an R8 with 6,000km (3,728 mi) selling for $220k!

In Australia, new Audi prices are roughly:

R8 $320k
RS4 $185k
S5 $155k

Logic tells me that when the RS5 is launched in the second half of 2010 it will be at least $190k, so what will a used R8 be going for by then?

Not sure if the relative prices of these models is similar around the world?

Sure got me thinking, if I could pick up a R8 with relatively low km's (mi's) for the same price, or less, than a new RS5 which would I go for?

I am fully aware of the differences between the two cars, similar to comparisons between S5 and 911's I guess, apples and oranges I know.

What do you think? (I'm torn)

 

[ephes]

r8 now till rs5 is out!

 

[nikenike]

R8 then R10

 

[SAJ_1982]

R8 all the way.

 

[RGBArgee]

R8 BUT not with the horrible (IMHO) R-Chronic gearbox

 

[quattro joe]

To all of you who've responded so far (and to everyone else)...

Are used R8 prices likely to be comparable with RS5 launch prices in your part of the world?

 

[wrx_xb9r]

Used prices on cars.com for R8 in the US are 110-170k. This is above where the RS5 is predicted. Now RS5 will still be 1 year away so it will get closer but still probably 10-20k higher for a used R8.

 

[RGBArgee]

Trade price on a used early R8 is circa £50k in UK.

 

[alta inc]

Sitting in front of my computer....new RS5

Standing in the Audi showroom floor....used R8

 

[Highrisedrifter]

R8 please...

All the way without a doubt.

 

[nikenike]

Cheapest used R8 on official UK website is £60k. 18 months old, 11000 miles.

 

[Ben]

I'll let you know when final release pics of the RS5 come out. I have been in the R8 and don't like the fitout. If I wanted a dedicated track car I'd buy one as well as having ( currently ) the S5. The interior of the R8 I thought was a bit plastic looking, especially when put side-by-side with the S5.

 

[ranger22]

I'm with Ben, the R8's don't appeal to me. I'd go for the RS5 and mod it with the money I saved over the R8.

 

[sapper424]

I'm with Ben, the R8's don't appeal to me. I'd go for the RS5 and mod it with the money I saved over the R8.

good call

 

[bandar1113]

You can't buy a used supercar! That's like buying a used condom.

I think you should wait until the RS5 comes out to make a decision, have you test driven the R8 yet?

 

[quattro joe]

You can't buy a used supercar! That's like buying a used condom.

Really? Would there be anything wrong with buying a used Ferrari Enzo, Carrera GT or McLaren SLR? Keen to understand your logic there bandar

I think you should wait until the RS5 comes out to make a decision, have you test driven the R8 yet?

I agree, the RS5 may be too good to refuse and you always need to consider the practical benefits of a four seater with a proper boot (trunk).

Haven't taken an R8 for a spin yet. I'd like to hear how '5' owners compare their cars with the R8.

 

[Alejandro]

RS5 all the way.

 

[bandar1113]

Really? Would there be anything wrong with buying a used Ferrari Enzo, Carrera GT or McLaren SLR? Keen to understand your logic there bandar

There really is no logic in that analogy, but somehow, it just kinda makes sense to me. There's no possible way I would be able to explain it. You just can't buy a used supercar.

And if the RS5 does look good when it's released, I definitely think you should get it, more practical, and ironically, it will probably be more exclusive than the R8

 

[Blade]

I sort of get what Bandars saying, if you can afford to own and run a supercar then you can afford a new one, second hand suggests you're pushing your finances to the limit. That said is the R8 really a supercar, its junior league with the 4.2 V8, new V10 now thats more like it....

Oh yeah and RS5 for me please.

 

[SAJ_1982]

I sort of get what Bandars saying, if you can afford to own and run a supercar then you can afford a new one, second hand suggests you're pushing your finances to the limit.

I wouldn't totally agree with you on that one, look at the way car prices are falling just now.

Ok not a supercar but a typical example, new M3 is £52k and a one year old with 12,000miles was sold for £33k just a weeks ago. Now if you were in the market for that car would you not just buy it as £33K rather than £52k....sense would say buy the £33k, not always down to how deep your wallet goes.

In the case of the R8, yeh I suppose new it cost a bomb and most could probably only afford it when it's been used, but it's servicing cost and running costs are nothing more than what a £65K 911 costs even though it costs £20k more.

On a final note i'm betting the RS5 will be in the £55k region and a used R8 is still going to cost you 5 - 10k more than that depending on how old it is.