What I Learned after 5 Years of Ownership with My Audi R8!

In this video, I'm peeling back the curtain on the realities of owning my 2008 Audi R8 V8, which in my opinion is an absolutely timeless supercar. No fluff, no filter - just raw experiences, from heart-pounding accelerations on open roads to the surprising moments that come with maintaining what many consider a high-performance German beauty.
This isn't your typical glossy car review - it's a real talk about a real ownership experience.
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Sonduren Fanarredha
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[@carswithsonduren]

Is the Audi R8 the Jessica Alba of super cars? 1:26

[@ivonnikolova503]

NO. I really HATE the manual transmissions and because of this the whole joy of shifting gears sounds like nightmare to me. And because of this I don't like Audi R8, especially manual edition. And BMW I8, especially 3D Tokyo tunning, looks far more futuristic and beautiful than the old manual Audi R8.

[@carswithsonduren]

Damn I guess let’s agree to disagree

[@ivonnikolova503]

@@carswithsonduren BMW is better than Audi and automatic is better than manual. Sorry, but is so true. i.ytimg.com/vi/nFzFEaMfNqE/maxresdefault.jpg

[@KN-jw7ts]

Tell me you are absolutely not a car person without telling me you are absolutely not a car person……sums up your statement. You think you know cars, but your clueless.

[@ivonnikolova503]

@@KN-jw7ts I HATE manual transmissions. I DON'T UNDERSTAND why I must be a stupid GEARBOX when I have an option an automat make shifting and not me. And with electric cars taking over the world the whole idea of manual gearbox just will disappear. I even not mention the fact that in not so distant future EVEN DRIVING will become obsolete. And in fact in US most of the cars are automatic from 1960s so I really don't understand why an North American will defense this stupid manual transmission. You cannot offend me because first your opinion have zero value to me and second I look in the FUTURE so the history is in my side, not yours.

[@denvernn]

Congrats on the 5 year ownership! Definitely a timeless beautiful car!

[@carswithsonduren]

Thanks my man 🙏 blessed and gonna enjoy the next 5 years with this timepiece

[@scotthiebert4979]

The other day a guy asked my how I liked my “new” R8. He almost dropped his coffee when I mentioned it was an ‘09. 😂

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s the best feeling 🤣. They are always floored. It speaks to really how timeless this car is.

[@scotthiebert4979]

@@carswithsonduren yeah man I should’ve reached out when I picked up my car in Toronto. We could’ve gone for a little rip.

[@scotthiebert4979]

Oh and yeah, I did drive mine across the country. Absolutely no issues. And mines pushing 100k

[@carswithsonduren]

@scotthiebert4979 no way! How long will the road trip for?

[@esthetics4512]

@@scotthiebert4979 congratulations on that beautiful baby man

[@justbeyourself1760]

Been here for 5 years. Never let this gem go

[@carswithsonduren]

COVID really messed up how the last few years feel...

[@nabeelkz4389]

The R8, Alfa Romeo Brera, and the 05' Chrysler 300 are timeless designs!

[@Nycocor]

Nice video once again! I fully agree on everything you say on this timeless R8... I only have this for one year now but still the same moment of happyness when starting the engine...or just having a look at it. Best value for money supercar in my opinion😊

[@carswithsonduren]

Well said! Let's see what we think 5 more years from now

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

Awesome car Sonduren. Loving mine as well. All the best

[@brandensavage3594]

Love it! Thank you Sonduren! I just purchased a 2012 manual V8 and have been loving every second of it!

[@carswithsonduren]

Congratulations! Honestly, you’re going to love this car. What colour combo you get?

[@brandensavage3594]

Black exterior with red interior.

[@brockdez1259]

Brazil has up to e30 ethanol and that country does not have issues. It’s the PCV system as well as oil literally dripping on top of the valves which is causing the carbon issues. All Audis from this era have that issue. Carbon cleaning is a must around every 30k ‘Merican miles. Pretty car, Nice video.

[@2Wheeligniter]

One of the nicest looking super cars ever. It was so ahead of its time, if you put this car in a movie from the future lets say 100 years from now, will fit right in, thats how futuristic the R8 looks. Timeless design, absolute masterpiece. Keep this car forever bro! Take care of it.

[@nicholasstocker8864]

This is the first supercar I got to sit inside of. I’ll never forget that moment!

[@rajpatel3513]

Hi Sonduren, Totally agree!! This is an iconic piece of engineering. I had a 2015 V8 Spyder, sadly I lost it in a fire 10 months ago, since then I upgraded to a 2018 V10 Plus in Mythos Black, and every drive it puts a huge smile on my face. 😊

[@carswithsonduren]

Nice upgrade and glad you are okay :) 👍

[@nelsonoliveira1007]

Time flies by. I watched the video when you picked up the car in Montreal. Been watching over the years for detailing tips. Lol

[@carswithsonduren]

My OG subscriber. I really appreciate you following along for so long Nelson :) Happy to hear you are still watching and the videos are helpful and fun :)

[@andrewolson4280]

I can say I have the same love for the R8 as well. It reminds of the car I just bought in many ways. I just got myself one of my other dream cars and 03 Bugeye WRX wagon. I have always wanted one and I found this one completely stock for only $5k and it’s an absolute joy to drive for not a lot of money. Albeit I know it’s high mileage over 200k but it drives like it’s definitely been loved its whole life. Is where I find my car and yours similar aside from them being AWD is they both achieve what they were designed to do as Halo cars and their goals were very similar too as they both combine performance, comfort, and practicality/daily driving. Yes a Subaru is obviously better at the practical side of things and the reliability factor as well but they are both cars that achieve their purpose pretty much perfectly. And that’s really hard to find in a car.

[@gman8591]

Great video, beautiful car,my favorite as well

[@carswithsonduren]

Thank you! Welcome to the channel!

[@Rogerraybemsleyjr]

glad I found this video, looking at an 08 R8 and theirs an ethanol free gas station near me. I wonder if installing a catch can or egr delete would work for carbon issue.

[@esthetics4512]

Man I’ve been waiting for r8 videos finally 🕺🏽

[@carswithsonduren]

More coming soon with track days around the corner 😎

[@esthetics4512]

@@carswithsonduren heck yeah

[@mfbikle]

I was studying design in Denver in 2016 when I walked up to a R8 V10, young owner came up ask me if I’d like to sit in the driver seat (hell yah)! Miss my 07 S3 4.0L

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s epic man. If that happened to me seeing this for the first time I’d be floored lmfao 🤣

[@TomboMedia]

I’m saving up for one right now! My first dream car😍

[@carswithsonduren]

You can do it I believe in you!

[@villaman4818]

Been watching your video' prior to and since the acquisition on my V8. 👌 I'm a Porsche guy in the most part and also have a 981 Spyder. I had been contemplating selling the R8 as keeping x 2 weekend toys is expensive but I love the R8 and Spyder that much i couldn't part with either...so we just moved house instead :)..Don't think i'll sell my R8 and plan to spend a bit of money on it in the Spring to get it tip top. It gets into your soul

[@carswithsonduren]

981 Spyder amazing I wish I could get my hands on that! I agree man. Keep it. It’s an iconic piece of automotive history. Think about how you feel about it, it’s common across owners. Truly a masterpiece. Thanks for being a subscriber and following along all these years :)

[@andrewolson4280]

I feel the only thing that can justify selling her is to upgrade to the V10 lol that way you never lose the looks and you have probably the best sounding V10 on the market today. The R8 has been my favorite super car for years

[@carswithsonduren]

Yeah dude I completely agree. If I could in a fantasy world, I would buy the V10 convertible to pair with my R8 V8. I would die fully realizing my dream garage 🙂

[@andrewolson4280]

Lol my dream would be the R8 V8 Manual and the V10 Plus with the dual clutch. But I believe you could possibly find the manual V10 if you look hard enough lol

[@carswithsonduren]

They are rare, but definitely you can find them. I have to admit I do enjoy looking for them online just for fun 😅

[@andrewolson4280]

@@carswithsonduren don’t we all?!?! We enthusiasts will always waste time looking my friend.

[@esthetics4512]

My favourite supercar as well mate

[@drj7328]

Nice vid buddy. Long time no see. What made u go w bc racing over olins or H&R coilovers?

[@carswithsonduren]

Price was a consideration for me and that’s why I went with BC Racing.

[@melroseplace7105]

They say that when u stop looking back it's time to sell ! Lol. I have the2012 v10 manual spider. And everyone asks me if it's a new car, it's really amazing . A rimless piece ..hhhh. love ur car. Enjoy it :)

[@carswithsonduren]

That sounds good like a good test :) Enjoy the spyder, one day I’ll hopefully get to drive one.

[@vxdp8597]

Your injector issue is not caused by Ethanol in the fuel mixture. 4.2 FSI V8 engines are notoriously known for their oil consumption which on itself is not really anything to worry about, but over time it causes oily-like substance made of oil and carbon to build up in the engine which slowly starts to clog it up. Hence 4.2 V8 should be cleaned every 2/3 years by disassembling them and removing the build ups to prevent any mechanical failures. Other than that those are solid engines.

[@Bonjurro]

We’re you out driving the other day? I saw an R8 I think on Mohawk road the last couple of days and wondered if it was you. I used to see them all the time but not so much these days.

[@carswithsonduren]

Probably me yes :)

[@zpzp96]

Still something I might get one day. I love the design.

[@carswithsonduren]

Dream it and work towards it, and it will happen :)

[@FIN4LBO55]

I had a v8 gated manual r8 and loved it, im curious do you ever wish you got the v10?

[@carswithsonduren]

Of course I think if I had the money I would get the V10, but I have absolutely 0 regrets with the V8.

[@user-ul4wy2lx2m]

This car is one of the best cars I ever owned and it is sad no new ones will be made 😢.

[@carswithsonduren]

Why did you sell it?!

[@user-ul4wy2lx2m]

@@carswithsonduren I didn’t it’s in garage lol 😂. But we don’t drive it in winter 🥶. I drive mk2 audi tt vr6 manual 🤓

[@spinnetti]

I had never sat in one or even seen one when I bought mine, sight unseen... 5 years ago for me too, Also with custom exhaust and about same miles. No regrets (Ironman spec - silver, manual). Just put the battery tender on mine a few minutes ago lol.

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s awesome man. Keeping it forever I hope like me as well? 😎

[@spinnetti]

@@carswithsonduren I think so - I can't bear to sell it, even though I don't even need a car at all being just a couple miles from work and a grocery store just down the street along with 3 company cars lol. Its flat as a pancake here with not interesting roads and homicidal drivers too, so thinking to retire to somewhere with less people and more interesting roads to enjoy it on!

[@carswithsonduren]

@spinnetti sounds like a good idea to me. let’s both keep the car for our lifetimes 🤝

[@nornibres]

Just researching the R8, issues for the V8 are air conditioning compressor is apparently an engine out to replace. Leaking MR shocks hugely expensive to repair so many go with the GT coil overs or aftermarket units.. Audi also no longer make ball joints for the V8, so your looking at buying the V10 suspension. Not sure of any other issues. Glad your ownership experience has been positive. I hope to be as lucky.

[@carswithsonduren]

Make sure to do a good PPI inspection before purchase and you should be fine. I heard that about the ball joints so I bought some ahead of time when they were available. Trust me, this car is worth it :)

[@pyryvirrantaus2997]

You can change ac compressor without engine out. You can buy new balljoints (VPS)

I’m currently looking to buy an R8 mk1… But the manual is 30 000$ more expensive than an auto here in Sweden…. Is it worth it?

[@carswithsonduren]

In my opinion….yes.

[@gameforever_sj]

nice looking car

[@carswithsonduren]

Thanks man :) I really try to keep her in the best condition possible. She is my queen 😍

[@automotivebuff3202]

"I don't drive it in the winter" It's literally an all-aluminium car lol. It will never rust. That's why I own an A8 from every generation til the D5 (2019-present) because the D5 is now a steel alloy and it looks weird. The A8/S8, R8, and A2 are the only Audis that have all aluminium bodies. The A2 was discontinued cuz it was an econo shitbox and the R8 still has the same aluminium space frame since 2008. I understand not wanting to damage it somehow.. but it doesn't need to be a garage queen.

[@carswithsonduren]

No, you’re absolutely right, but I just don’t want it to be peppered by salt and the opportunity in winter driving for other things to damage the exterior or under body.

[@Justiceone88]

It’s still a beauty❤

[@carswithsonduren]

Couldn’t agree more! Can’t wait for the spring.

[@nwelsh84]

Gen 1 Audi R8, forever the car of the future.

[@sumitsisodia5056]

Hey can you make a video on how to plan to buy a r8 money wise.

[@carswithsonduren]

I can! There are many paths people can take, so I can share my path which I kind of did in the original pickup video but I’ll do this too :)

[@sumitsisodia5056]

Thanks man appreciate it

[@henrykwan1932]

More R8 videos!

[@carswithsonduren]

Yes sir 😎

[@philjenkins1138]

Just watched Jessica alba’s Netflix trailer. Spot on reference 😂

[@carswithsonduren]

As timeless as ever

[@jerelljoseph8477]

Audi r8 2008 25k to 35k mile are going for 68k -72k ! No one is gonna pay you for emotionally being attached to an item with YOUR add ons sir, nice car btw

[@Rogerraybemsleyjr]

the 5.2 is a side grade

[@jdubmash]

So with your 6k bill and probably 300 to 500 a year in maintenance, lets say you spent 10k total with tires brakes and such... basically 2k a year to own an amazing car! Not bad at all IMO...

[@carswithsonduren]

Exactly! Honestly, it’s been really amazing. Got some nice plans for it in 2024 so stay tuned :-)

[@johnmick9457]

Good design is like good art. it gets better with age.

[@shaba.4114]

Feels like yesterday

[@carswithsonduren]

I don't even remember what happened last weekend tho :D

[@TJ-id6ee]

@@carswithsonduren Life gets super busy when you have a baby too. Congratulations btw!!! 💕

[@carswithsonduren]

@TJ-id6ee thanks TJ she’s been such a joy in our lives :)

[@TJ-id6ee]

@@carswithsonduren So awesome and fun. Best thing in my life is my son! Besides my 2011 Is 250. ;)

[@EL_JIMMY.]

It's probably the most beautiful car on earth

[@carswithsonduren]

Couldn’t agree more! Do you think I should go back to OEM wheels or keep the ones that I got?

[@viceverse11]

Don't worry about Vancouver and back. You'll be fine.

[@carswithsonduren]

Don’t make me think about planning a roadtrip :)

[@viceverse11]

@@carswithsonduren love to see it!

[@marketingbusiness9987]

Insurance Costs must be High! Beautiful Car!

[@carswithsonduren]

Honestly, they’re not as bad as you think. I pay more for my 2023 Lexus NX350h.

[@davidhoang2527]

Why don’t you drive in winter ?

[@jldp24]

4600km per year, is that enough to enjoy the car?

[@wjm3018]

How much did you pay in 2018. $80k?

[@AnonymousAdeptt]

would you rather a gen1 v10 r8 or the v8 manuel

[@carswithsonduren]

Oof… tough choice. The manual.

[@inferno]

I am not sure you read comments anymore since this video is a bit old but i am in the possition when i can afford this car but i dont want to keep pumping cash in the car ,i can get one for around 50000$ with around 30k-40k miles on ,i want a gated manual but all the people told me if that breaks its better to buy another car, i send a email to audi and i never got an answear.Over alll some owners told me its around 3000$ to mantain and once a few years /miles you replace the tires and brakes are around 10k at audi, not sure if is true i never check.Also the road here is full of holes and random gravel so that will be a issue

[@carswithsonduren]

I think $3000 a year is a good budget for this car. Just make sure you check out all of the major issues which I did a video on. Congratulations on finally being in a position to buy this timeless beauty you’re going to absolutely love it I promise you. Just make sure you do good due diligence and check out my playlist. I cover all of the core things you need to look at when buying the car. If you have any other other questions, feel free to reach out and welcome to the channel :-)

[@milhouse147]

In this 5 yeas Your beard turned grey like mine.... Time goes faster than any Sportscar. 🙈

[@carswithsonduren]

Lmfaoo I blame my wife. Same time I picked up both :p

[@aceagain7483]

What are the wheels?

[@carswithsonduren]

ADV.1s

[@tamick21]

I want one sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad

[@carswithsonduren]

You can do it :)

[@davidhoang2527]

How tf can this increase value over time?

[@iviggz53]

Custom exhaust lessons the value. Doesn’t add to it. 😊

[@thatcarlifeR8]

Orrrrr. You can buy my 2011 1 of 1 Suzuka gray 6spd manual v10 spyder kw susp, Capristo, Carbon package.

[@wjm3018]

Audi repairs will cost to out $ from savings account. Lets be honest what did u spend and dislike about this car?

[@velldt]

aha 2008 r8 v8

[@sonny5974]

V8 is better