AUDI R8 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 297 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5204cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 5 years old, 94% of AUDI R8s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 297 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 10,061 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
10,061
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 AUDI R8 has 10,061 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2021 sits between the two at 94%.
AUDI R8 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94% | 297 | 10,061 mi | |
| 2020 | 98% | 688 | 15,060 mi | |
| 2019 | 95% | 582 | 19,542 mi | |
| 2018 | 97% | 1,085 | 22,444 mi | |
| 2017 | 94% | 1,245 | 25,406 mi | |
| 2016 | 97% | 2,498 | 27,680 mi | |
| 2015 | 95% | 690 | 33,692 mi | |
| 2014 | 97% | 635 | 34,590 mi | |
| 2013 | 98% | 746 | 35,943 mi | |
| 2012 | 90% | 465 | 38,081 mi | |
| 2011 | 94% | 809 | 37,141 mi | |
| 2010 | 92% | 777 | 42,428 mi | |
| 2009 | 91% | 745 | 47,912 mi | |
| 2008 | 90% | 1,389 | 54,996 mi | |
| 2007 | 92% | 674 | 61,972 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 AUDI R8
The 2021 AUDI R8 is a premium performance with a 5204cc petrol engine. 297 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 10,061 miles at 5 years old, AUDI R8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2021 AUDI R8 Fuel Costs
The 5204cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 AUDI R8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
AUDI R8 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI R8s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 AUDI R8
At 5 years old, the AUDI R8 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 AUDI R8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 AUDI R8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI R8(2021) | 94% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| JAGUAR F-TYPE(2019) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPRT SVR CRBN ED A(2021) | 96% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
| ASTON MARTIN DBS(2019) | 97% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
| LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO LP 640-4 S-A(2020) | 98% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Audi Models
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
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JAGUAR F-TYPE
2019 · 5000cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPRT SVR CRBN ED A
2021 · 4999cc Petrol
ASTON MARTIN DBS
2019 · 5204cc Petrol
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