Should I buy a 2008 Audi R8 4.2 Petrol Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2008 Audi R8 4.2 Petrol Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Magnetic ride damper leaks

A choppy ride, knocking over bumps, or oily residue on a damper body are the usual clues.

How to check

Drive over a few small bumps at town speed, then a rougher section if available.

Estimated Repair Cost

£2,700

2High Likelihood

Automatic clutch wear and jerky low-speed shifting

It may lurch when moving off, hesitate when selecting drive or reverse, or feel awkward in stop-start traffic.

How to check

Pull away gently several times, creep in traffic pace, then do a few low-speed parking manoeuvres.

Estimated Repair Cost

£5,000

3High Likelihood

Direct-injection carbon build-up

Flat performance, rougher idle, poorer fuel economy and a less eager top end are common owner complaints.

How to check

Warm the engine fully, then accelerate progressively through the rev range.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,500

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 9.0% (206 failed / 2,296 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 13.3% (513 failed / 3,864 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 15.3% (406 failed / 2,658 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 15.6% (171 failed / 1,095 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 16.5% (55 failed / 333 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 20.3% (16 failed / 79 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 15.8% (3 failed / 19 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 25.0% (1 failed / 4 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2008 Audi R8 4.2 Petrol Automatic

Audi R8 buying questions

Is a 2008 Audi R8 worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2008 Audi R8 4.2 Petrol Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Audi R8 (2008)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying an Audi R8?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually