Audi R8

Speculators to profit on R8

Be prepared to pay well above list price if you’re in a rush to get behind the wheel of Audi’s all-new R8

Auto Express Car Reviews

23rd May 2007

As we reported recently, buyers who place an order for the 187mph supercar now are unlikely to take delivery until 2009 – which has opened the door for customers who have already paid a deposit to make a quick profit.

The marque is hoping to stop the practice by preventing dealers advertising the £76,725 car at above list price, and told Auto Express: “Audi UK makes every effort to minimise speculative purchases. But we don’t ask customers to enter into restrictive pre-sale agreements. According to our records, possible speculative purchasers account for a tiny proportion of the total R8 order bank.” Even so, Jeff Paterson, senior cars editor at Glass’s Guide, feels some owners will still try to make a quick buck. “I’m not sure the strategy will work,” he said. “Any commodity is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it, and you’ll always get speculation with this type of car.”