Used Audi R8 2007-2015 reliability

Check the car for any damage to the bodywork, as this can be very expensive to repair. Stand at the front and run your eye down from the front wings to the back, making sure all is true and in alignment. Check the alloy wheels for kerb damage, because these are likewise expensive to repair. Check also the interior for signs of wear. It’s not the most exciting interior, and it’s fairly well made, but make sure its condition tallies with the mileage shown.

Despite the R8's supercar status and potentially hard use, reported problems are few. In general, the engines are (metaphorically) bulletproof, although a few V8s suffered bottom-end bearing failures. Listen for any odd noises; oil lines can rust, and fault ignition coils can cause misfires.

You can expect a clutch to last a minimum of 20,000 miles, and you should budget around £3500 for a new one. Lower rear wishbones can also fail, requiring a new unit and hub - this could cost around £3000 in parts alone. Magnetic dampers have been known to fail, too, at a cost of around £800 each.

The R8 is beautifully built and has the usual Audi feeling of high quality. However, Audi as a brand has a higher share of reported problems than most, and has shown some very poor finishes in our most recent customer satisfaction and reliability surveys. Owners report good reliability for the R8, but bear in mind that replacement parts are very pricey.

Regardless of age, as long as your car has covered less than 100,000 miles, you can buy a 12-month Audi warranty for it. For a 2007 R8, this would cost around £2300, with all parts covered for 10,000 miles and a £250 excess.