Audi R8 Mk1 Buyers Guide by Fontain Motors - IMPORTANT info to know!

[@chalkster4723]

From a career mechanic, independent garage owner, as well as an R8 owner, this is an extremely good video. Very well thought out content, good information & advice for all levels of owners & enthusiasts regardless of their mechanical knowledge/abilities. Well presented & edited. Big thumbs Up.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Wow! If that isn't high praise then I don't know what is; thank you very much indeed.

[@chalkster4723]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Believe it or not I've just finished changing the exhaust on a 2008 R8 V8 (Cheeky job)

[@Spiv-Trades]

That was probably the best comprehensive R8 video I've seen. Good job.

[@brad9205]

Engine out to change compressor no longer applies - they release engine mounts and shift engine over. Around 3 hours labour, rather than the 10+ hours to remove engine completely.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

3 hours you say, Brad? You want a job?

[@brad9205]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Don't let me near any car. This is what both Audi and an Indy told me. Mine had a slow leak - which I seem to have fixed using a home re-gas product, but that's the labour they quoted. I still have the quote somewhere. £2k, new compressor and labour.

[@michaelarwas8466]

@@brad9205 which Indy quoted you 2k for a compressor?

[@brad9205]

@@michaelarwas8466 Both Southend Audi and Audi VW Specialist Centre in Harrow quoted me a figure around the £2k mark to replace. But that was a couple of years back now. Probably £2.5 to £3k now.

[@TopJoo7]

Transparency right off the bat from the gentleman; we like you already.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

This is the best buyers guide video I’ve ever watched.

[@zenki_bnr3457]

Loved this video, I’m not one to comment on videos but this was very informative and helpful. I just bought a 2013 S-tronic recently and appreciate the tip for running aircon and the gearbox fluid change intervals. Thank you!

[@primitiv114]

I just got me a 2013 V10 Spyder and I found this video to be just excellent!

[@lroussou3411]

Brilliant and honest review, I have a 4.2 R tronic and it is refreshing to hear you talking the true meaning about this gearbox rather than people jumping in it and thinking its a automatic. All I can add is that the R8 is amazing to drive and look at and recommend it to anybody thinking of buying one before they start going up. Follow the advice from this video and you can't go wrong, there knowledge on the R8 is making me visiting them for a service even though I live 100 miles away.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Really good of you to say; glad you found the content useful!

[@Connellski1986]

Do u think the 4.2 will go up in value as future classic ?

[@lroussou3411]

@@Connellski1986 Yes definitely, some models will do better than others but I am confident the original 4.2 will have its place in the history book of Audi's slowest car they ever made!... Just on looks alone it will go up in value.

[@Connellski1986]

@@lroussou3411 thanks for your reply. I maybe dreaming but I’m so drawn to these and if I could get one and it increase in value I’d be laughing. There is so many cars I could of bought driven and made money like rs turbo etc

[@lroussou3411]

@@Connellski1986 yes and the same for me, had an original M3 when I was 23 and sold it for £6.500...😉

[@noel_r8]

Watched this video multiple times. Gonna look for my first audi r8 v8 today. Thank you. From The Netherlands.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Hope you find a good one, enjoy!

[@redemptionx2918]

And by looking at your profile picture, you achieved it! 😅 enjoy!

[@hectorlopez-valido157]

Smashing video! Very informative and brilliant production quality. Awesome!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Thanks Hector, glad you liked it.

[@geirarnesen6531]

Excellent presentation. Left me with the best possible impression of someone why cares and know what they are doing.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Very kind words Geir, thank you!

[@geirarnesen6531]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Pleasure. I hope you soon will make an equally good informative video of the S5 4.2 manual as it looks to be the ultimate practical performance bargain combined with stunning and timeless design...ever. Thank you!

[@FLTlvl]

Not even in the market, but it was a pleasure to listen to you !

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

I'm glad someone likes my ramblings ;)

[@soyrigoayon]

This was such a great informative video!! Thank you.

[@Mediamarktfreak]

I drove the R tronic as my Wedding car. So so great! Amazing. Nothing bad about it

[@nunobandeira1811]

Great video! Thank you! I’ve loved the R8 since the Le Mans concept came out and the original R8 V8 manual is still my favourite!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Mine too; Audi got it right first time ;)

[@2TrueKay]

I’m approaching the time to sell my Audi 2010 TTS and want to move right onto the Audi R8 and amongst all the videos on people who own them this has been the most helpful. So I will be calling 👍🏾😁

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

If I could find really good ones more often I'd happily sell them; unfortunately the number of genuinely good examples around is tiny, and a lot of owners are hanging on to them. Bringing an average example up to spec is too expensive to consider, and as a result we very seldom sell them these days.

[@realteamme]

Very thorough and informative for someone considering one of these. Planning on opening a shop in Canada so I can take it into you? Ha, great video.

[@scottthompson5855]

Excellent review. Love your diction sir.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Cheers SCott, kind of you to say. Do you think I should throw in a "WAZZZZUP YOOTOOB?" next time? ;)

[@Sam_Stanton]

Great video. I will be in the market for an R8 soon & I want to make sure it’s a good example. I will be keeping an eye out on your website 😊👊🏻

[@StoneeVlogging]

I’m looking to buy one in September.. I’m keeping my eyes peeled 👀

[@Phyx1u5]

id love to have the manual version but the reality is that most of my driving is in stop start traffic.

[@almehgub]

What a great informative video. I own an S-Tronic V8 Coupe. I love it. It’s an absolute joy. Although my all out dream car is the V10. Just like the one to your left shoulder. The issue is I never found one.

[@davidlovett7905]

Amazing video. Awesome knowledge, great speaker...Thank-You😁, from the USA 🇺🇸

[@mycameras6814]

Excellent summary. You forgot to mention one of the most common issues on mk1s, namely the two oil lines that run over the rear wheel arch from engine to the oil cooler. Until 2014 these were not stainless steel and will eventually corrode, (after about 6 years) generating an oil leak. About £1600 to replace. Its worth checking for signs of leaking on these. Also, i have often seen the bodywork corrosion issue on the bottom edge of the doors. Overall however, they are quite bulletproof.

[@wasimakujee5627]

Is it something that has he replaced straight away how big is the leak ? Or could it wait a few months as my mate has this leak and wants to get it done in summer 😫

[@mycameras6814]

@@wasimakujee5627 Hi, Usually these pipes start off by leaking very slowly, (it usually seeps slowly down the sleeving) so yes normally one can wait a few weeks/months before replacing them, but you will get an oil stain on the garage floor if you do not place something there to catch slow drips.

[@TeamGL]

Most detailed and informative review I've seen so far! Thank you so much!

[@NickMoodyComedy]

Yet another informative video 👌🏼

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuperSetright]

Well done guys....appreciate the post.

[@yilinyang2078]

First video I liked this year. Great details from a very knowledgeable owner

[@paulweis9797]

Refreshing my mind as to keeping or selling my V8 manual. So this comes nicely into the thinking process. Thanks. Good comments there.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Nobody would think any less of you for choosing either; whilst they're amazing cars they do need a fair bit of time and money each year to keep them how they should be.

[@paulweis9797]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Luckily I can do a fair bit myself on this car so not only I save money but also have the satisfaction of actually working on my car. That feeling has no price tag. Maintenance wise, not so bad if you do them on a regular basis and as you said, do it once a year.

[@panagiotisathanasopoulos]

What a great video. Wish I had seen this before I bought my R8. One thing missing is probably the oil cooler leaking :)

[@drock852]

Alex green! Wowsers we went to school together, not sure you'll remember. Anyhow it's great to see you're doing well, and this video is super honest and informative; funnily enough like several others I've been thinking of acquiring an early R8. I'll swing by some time! Darren

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

I'll tell Alex you said hello!

[@MbocheButch]

Brilliant. Excellent video and very informative 👍🏾

[@Dalamain]

This was amazing, soo much clear information!

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Cheers, glad you found it helpful!

[@vincenthanna2162]

Great video. I am seriously considering a gen 1 manual.

[@ammaralfuzaia4933]

This was very great Thank you very much

[@mrbeatty13able]

Extremely appreciated this video Thanks

[@elliottdebell7783]

Can’t beat this video ❤

[@natedogg9960]

Great review - be useful to have ball park figures for fixing things too

[@Rijnooit]

Super complete video! Thanks :-)

[@eddiericks6554]

This is my favorite car but my gti and audi tt drives just as good 😊

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

GTI owner here too; not quite an R8 but you certainly won't hear me complaining about it!

[@lancelot222]

This was such a great overview, thank you! One point I wanted to clarify, my understanding is that the R-Tronic does allow for a completely automatic mode. Now I understand this is not a good way to drive the car as it's harder on the clutch. But if you wanted to drive it as an automatic, is it correct that the R-tronic allows for this as well?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Yes, but it's not very good. If a completely automatic mode is important to you a facelift, S-Tronic car does this better.

[@MrRyanTrott]

Great video thanks. Will be checking your website for a nice early V8 manual coupe to pop up.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Thanks! We're always on the hunt...

[@PP-ts9ef]

Great Video, super informative and given me plenty to think about

[@MrRocendroll]

I love the video! Please do video about Audi s5 v8 next, I'm thinking about getting one!

[@GuysThatDrive]

Great buyers guide, no mention of wingback bucket seats though- what proportion of r8s have them fitted?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

As an option the takeup of them was fairly low; even on the Plus model where they were standard equipment it was quite common to see them deleted in favour of the standard Sport seats. I wouldn't be surprised if a single-figure percentage of cars had them.

[@brad9205]

So true about the batteries.

[@OneWayToMachines]

Thanks for the informative video once again. I watched this video a few weeks ago and remember a comment about leaving the auto climate control on in order to prolong the life of the A/c compressor. I have a B7 RS4 which to my understanding uses a similar shaft driven a/c compressor if not the exact same system. The previous owner had replaced the a/c compressor and it works fine. Is the logic behind always having the a/c compressor running in order to keep the small amount of oil in the system circulating or something else?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

In reliability terms, yes. It will also help expose a fault earlier (i.e a leaking condensor) and allow a repair in a timely manner, rather than rushing around in August trying to find someone to fix it at the last minute. In usage terms the benefits of using your AC all year round are already well documented.

[@lawrence.centinales]

lovely. quality video.

[@chatwithaninja]

THANK YOU! This video is great for me. I just sold my AMG and I'm looking to get back into a manual and looking at the Mk1 V10. Sooo, do you know anyone in the states, specifically the southeast, who would be a trusted contact for maintenance?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Unfortunately not, but the R8 Talk forum has lots of US and UK based users. I'm certain some of the regulars on there will be able to suggest someone convenient for you.

[@usmc2141ilya]

Based on your input in terms of machinery needs to keep moving to prevent AC pump failure and other lubricated mechanical components, is it better to consider a higher mileage say 65k over a 25k mile car?

[@alextgreen]

They're old enough now that you have to make condition the priority. It's a safe bet that whatever R8 you buy you'll be fixing something to make it perfect (wise to budget some money annualy for repairs as well as routine stuff).

[@mgapixl73]

Can this be a good daily and if so, would it alleviate some of the issues that arise when the car is not being driven frequently? I'm in the market for one and this would be helpful to know your opinion.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Whilst these will never be cheap cars to run, regular use and good maintenance will be way, way better for the car than sitting around for extended periods. Very low mileage or lightly used cars can sometimes be troublesome when returned to daily service as you shake out everything that has been neglected over the years. Cars are for driving :)

[@ianhoyle8459]

Good video thanks

[@ZeybekTHR]

Can you switch the r tronic to a manual? If yes, is this a huge cost?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

It might technically be possible but I imagine the expense would make it impractical.

[@evesyt1975]

Excellent informative vid 👍🏻

[@keithlehman2060]

Thank you very much for the helpful information. Are the newly available ball joint options easy to find, particularly in North America?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

A company called VPS manufacture them who I believe ship worldwide.

[@tross200sx]

Thanks for the video; great content. I've seen a couple of people have had issues with frame cracking on pre 2010 models, is this something to be concerned about if buying an earlier model? Have you ever seen this issue?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Hi Rob, there's been some discussion on this point below already but in short it seems to be very rare. Some of the higher profile cases of chassis cracks involve either accident damaged or modified (or both) cars. Using these as a basis for comparison is not really relevant as there's no way of knowing what affect impact damage or modifications would have here.

[@tross200sx]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Apologies, I didn't read all the comments before posting. Thanks for getting back, appreciate the feedback

[@jamisteven1]

At 23:50, the black one, is that a v10 and what year? Thanks

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

That's a 2013 V10.

[@rgt1048]

I’ve seen a few stories about cracking on the front suspension mounts on early cars, is this common?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

A very good question; is it common? No. Is it possible? Yes. We've never actually seen a case of this but I imagine an impact strong enough to cause that kind of damage is going to cause considerable damage elsewhere also. I wouldn't recommend a car that's been a total insurance loss (unless you know exactly what you're looking at) or shows signs of major accident repair. It comes up in conversation a lot but I think that's more a case of secondhand information being passed around rather than direct experience.

[@wyntonmclaren5175]

@@dlg78 Can you expand on why 2011 onwards please?

[@technofaisal]

V helpful video thanks

[@wertz987]

No hate but why would someone buy an older model of this car for those prices. This Is a super car and If you don't have the new version what's the point. Seriously curious.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

There's certainly a market and demand for having something simply because it's the newest, or the fastest, or the most expensive, but that doesn't mean the cars are automatically better because of those virtues. I think we'll look back on the period from the early 2000s to the mid-teens as a halcyon era for performance cars, and the MK1 R8 is a perfect example from this period.

[@pkbeast]

Imagine this, you are a car guy who's now scored a higher than average wage job so you want to treat yourself on a sporty coupé you've always wanted but have only £40-50K to spend max, so none of this big-boy supercar money. Being a car guy, you know how to drive and want the driving experience, so lane keeping assist, tablet sized info-tainment and other gadgets don't matter. What do you get? For new cars, you could get a GT86 or 370Z but you're £20k under budget to just get an entry level sports car. Audi TT is a dime a dozen, and the Mk5 Supra is auto only and both have much lower HP to the 370Z while £15-20K more. *OR* you could "bump yourself up to business class for free" and go for an older but still reliable exotic/supercar. Lotus Evora, Audi R8 and R35 GTR spring to mind. They sound like much better options than a TT or 86 before even mentioning resell value. They're close to, or already hit the bottom of depreciation where new cars that's all still to come.

[@Carsrq]

It's very cool car

[@f0rg0rr]

What about the frame crack

[@robertoquerini8220]

Very useful informations and very good way to give them. Found a V8 R Tronic by a local Ferrari dealer. I'm wondering whether to buy this car at a good price instead searching a manual (only one V8 on selling in Italy right now at high price). What would you suggest to me? Thanks.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Good, manual MK1s are in very short supply everywhere. Whilst there's nothing inherently wrong with an R-Tronic if a manual gearbox is a requirement you might just have to be patient or extend your search further. We'd love to have more of them for stock but as values and desirability have increased availability has gone down. I get the feeling a lot of owners are hanging on to them!

[@rbyington22]

Great video

[@karenlang2601]

Hi Alex...great info!... I’m in the market to buy an r8...I’ve tested two, and while steering at low speeds there isa knocking from the front geometry...normal?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Knocking isn't normal, and could indicate something worn on suspension/steering. Feeling the front tyres skipping or juddering when manoeuvring is normal, however. This is exascerbated by old/worn tyres and cold weather. The effect is lessened with better tyres than the original Pirellies.

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

Where you out of i want a r8 v10

[@ajoellew]

Great video, thanks. How do the engines hold up to higher mileages?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

The engines themselves are strong, Joel. With correct servicing no reason they won't be healthy even after 100k or more. As with most DI engines carbon buildup will happen but in most cases won't cause a serious problem. The inlets can simply be cleaned.

[@ajoellew]

Thanks for the reply, good to know

[@challengeronrift]

Am i too late to buy a gen 1 v8 prefacelift now in 2025?

[@alextgreen]

No, but you'll need a sense of humour, a good mechanic, and some money to get it "just right".

[@BobMahal]

A great and informative video. Thanks.

[@Fjallkloka_Aventyr]

I've tried finding production numbers for specific trims / colors etc. Like if I want to know how many R8 v8 in manual, particular color... Where can this be found?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

It isn't data Audi publish or release, unfortunately.

[@Fjallkloka_Aventyr]

@@FontainMotorsLtd and no third part database over this..? I'm trying to find how many v8 manuals came in sepang blue, or even kingfisher blue.

[@danielpintal8982]

How reliable is the R-Tronic?

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Generally very good, Daniel. Mechanically they're basically a manual gearbox, and the clutches wear in a similar manner. There's a pressure accumulator that can cause errors as they age but they're not overly difficult or expensive to replace.

[@user-bd9qk2nu2q]

no mention of pre-2011 frame cracks

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

It isn't common, and if you're buying an accident repaired car then "buyer beware". One of those things that gets bounced around online by far more people than have ever experienced it themselves.

[@WhiteMouse77]

Must to take whole engine out for A/C compressor replacement....doesn't sound very Germanish...reminds me belt maintenance of F355 and F512....

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Comes up more often than you'd think; we do have a workaround that reduces the amount of labour required (and leaves the engine in) but it's still a big job.

[@loukashambi8550]

Love it!!

[@vladimirmlinar]

Going next week to buy one R8 V8 manual gearbox. 80k miles on tacho.. Hoping it will be in good condition. 4 owners. Momentaly is by car dealer. Price is 45 000 euro. Any advice before i buy it ?? They are giving optional waranty on car, but im asuming it will be more expencive that way.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Hi Vladimir, hopefully the video will give you some useful things to check over. With 80k miles it's all going to be down to good maintenance.

[@dimitrianid2417]

I strongly disagree with one point. The facelift made a huge improvement on the gear box which is extremely sensitive on the previous model.

[@markpoxon]

Ben Rayne

[@ianberry1713]

Fantastic video. Very informative. I’m just starting to look for an R8. Looking to get an early manual V8. There are a few around within my budget (£35k) and the advice you’ve given should help get a decent one. If you have one available on my budget please reply to this! Thanks again.

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Hi Ian, unfortunately good V8s have climbed into the 40s more recently; I don't know if we'll see a sorted car at that kind of price again.

[@ianberry1713]

@@FontainMotorsLtd Thanks for getting back to me. I’ve seen 2 that look ok, I’m just saying the dealers to get back to me with service history etc. There are a couple of very Riley ones currently on sale.

[@herkiee1]

@@ianberry1713 did you get one? 😁

[@ianberry1713]

@@herkiee1 I did. Kept it for 6 months and sold it for a 911.

[@herkiee1]

@@ianberry1713 what got you to make the choice to switch?

[@johnbiggins4864]

Wise man says ....if it's got wheels or ti#s.....itll give you trouble......this has wheels....

[@trevorroberts8670]

If it's got tits or wheels it will bring you grief and cost you money. Cheers John.

[@carensahowes6971]

The mk1 is very disappointing for it's very bad shifting

[@josephrennick1297]

I’m falling asleep watching this 😴 some people are just not made for talking to others 🙄

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

Hi Joseph - my charges for sleep therapy are very reasonable. Glad you enjoyed the free trial session!

[@ps3301]

R8 has no storage space....

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

Drive them.like you stole it you have to gdi

[@jaymitchell2262]

Welll if I wasn't scared to buy an R8 now I'm totally horrified it sounds like a beautiful piece of shit 😂😂😂😂

[@robinpelletstovesuk9194]

Multiple owners....only issue if one of them smoked several hundred cigarettes in the car!!

[@jp572]

Wish you guys were in Hawai’i, need a solid R8 shop like yours! Cheers

[@FontainMotorsLtd]

We wish we were in Hawai'i too :(

[@petebennett7008]

Greatly informative video! Thank you