[eb94127]

I have recently been researching the i8 and strongly considering getting one. It's a beautiful car, and I was curious if there is a certain year in particular that might be recommended for someone who is looking for one. Anyone have any recommendations or strong preferences?

Thank you for your time.

[Orange fever]

When I was doing my search I was looking for 2016 and up since the earlier ones have a couple of issues.

[DazC]

Personally I went for an LCI model from 2019 onwards.

[EYE888]

I feel the only factor that makes a difference between years is the battery capacity. I have 2016 i8 and get about 16 miles per charge. 2019 and later get 34 miles per charge? It might not seem much but that difference would have meant a lot for my short commute. I could have ran electric all day to and from work.

There are many fun ways to drive the car and one of them was to see how far I could go on a tank of gas. My record was about 800 miles, but that involved running Electric only as often as possible and recharging at work. I couldn't imagine what I could achieve with a 34 mile range...

[eb94127]

This is all great information, thanks so much.

I welcome any more thoughts people have too!

[F5506m]

The newest MY you can afford.

[ChiTownM]

I got the Pure Impulse 2014 model year. 15,000 trouble free miles, make sure you buy one that has documented maintenance history, and no accidents etc.

Battery charges in Sport Mode if battery is a concern. I achieved even over 900 miles on one gas tank, however I also benefit from a short commute.

[thesubmitter]

There are threads here about the precise differences.

2019+ has CarPlay (wireless)
bigger battery
hopefully fixed air conditioning (we have to wait and see)- apparently older ones would self destruct eventually but the problem can be pre-empted for a lesser amount
Some minor design differences (hood I think)

[eb94127]

After the research and guidance from folks here I am looking for a 2019 or 2020 coupe. If you have one for sale, please do let me know. Thanks.

[Coastali8]

Battery capacity should be a non issue. I believe you are missing the point of the hybrid system. The battery and electric motors are primary there to assist the ICE so that the car performs as if it has a much larger gas guzzling engine.
If you look at other more expensive hybrid super cars, the Porsche 918 Spyder travels 12 miles on pure electric. The McLaren P1 goes 0 miles and the LaFerrari… Ferrari won’t even publish the range.
If you want to go farther on pure electric buy a pure electric car that lugs around a 2,000 pound battery just to travel the supposedly average commute of 27.6 miles. Otherwise just put your i8 in Sport mode and keep the battery fully charged that way. Then you can travel till you run out of gas. With no range anxiety like pure electric.
I sure wouldn’t pay an extra $20k-$30k just to go maybe 15 more miles. That’s dumb.

[eye 8]

For me, battery capacity was a major factor. Since most of my driving is local (less than 30 miles), I rarely use sport mode. In the year I have owned my 2019 Roadster, it has been great using electric the majority of the time. I have a dedicated wall charger in my garage and keep the car plugged in when not in use which also gives me piece of mind knowing that the 12V battery is also being maintained eliminating the need for a trickle charger. However, I do agree that it is good to know I have the gas engine to fall back on when traveling longer distances. If you are able to find a suitable 2019-2020 model, I would opt for the improved technology.

[Nachbar]

I don't like the hood of the newer models. So I'd rather buy (again) a pre LCI and replace the battery for 10k. The newer, larger battery of course.
That's what I will do, if the battery, or my 2015 i8 breaks down.

[stressdoc]

Most important for me is the suspension and stiffer chassis of the 2019-20 coupe. Some of the options are excellent; laser headlights, cf interior, lighter wheels...

Logically I would sell mine, but it is the best car I have ever owned.

[eb94127]

Thank you all for the information. I am still looking for a 2019 or 2020 coupe if anyone has one they would consider selling.