| Author | Message | ||
| DBP (Dilly)
Junior Member Username: Dilly Post Number: 62 Registered: 9-2001 |
Many of the 86 TR's with the high mirrors had trouble with windshields cracking. I would recommend a mid '88 car or later. These cars had bolt on wheels instead of the center hub wheels. The center hubs are hard to change. Our car was a '90 and it was a great car. | ||
| Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
Member Username: Caribe Post Number: 263 Registered: 2-2001 |
I have a 1990 TR and I love it. I bought it with 12.8 K miles and now it has about 19.3 K miles. In 10 months of ownership I only had an oil leak problem that I took care of it myself. The passenger side seat belt retractor stopped working about a month ago (seems to be a common problem on most TRs), but I haven't decided to repair it yet since it is not a big deal living with it that way and most owners opt for not fixing them anyway. Besides that, the car feels like it can be driven everyday without much hesitation. The only thing that sometimes makes me leave it at home is the fact that it takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to come to temperature and I don't always have the patience for that. Nevertheless, if I am not in a hurry I don't mind waiting for her. What can you do?, Hot italian babes are that way! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 547 Registered: 6-2001 |
Should you buy a testarossa? Sure! If you are able to, you should do it. | ||
| Russ Moore (Rem9)
Junior Member Username: Rem9 Post Number: 59 Registered: 6-2001 |
I have an 86 TR and think they're fabulous. Much of the service work can be done by the owner. They are a bit expensive when it comes to parts, but then again it is a Testarossa and not a Honda. If you like the lines, it's a great car. The early cars had two different size tires/wheels. Avoid the metric size. It's my understanding tires are no longer available in the proper size. No problem getting the Goodyears for the other wheels. Worth checking. Buy the best car you can afford. Avoid the cheap bad titled, no history, no tool kit, rusty, poorly maintained example. Spending an additional 5 to 10K will result in many cases in a trouble free purchase that offers years of pleasure and holds it's value. If you do pursue some of the questionable cars available on some auction sites, be cautious and don't expect it to hold it's value at resale time. Established maintence history is a good indicator of what to expect. Ultimately the determination is one you alone must make after weighing alternatives. Ferraris are "exotics" and some costs reflect that, but once you have driven one, the costs seem worth it. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1607 Registered: 5-2001 |
No, if you worry about too many things that can happen, better not buy a Testarossa. You might want to stay away from Ferrari altogether. now if you like the TR then go for it. stop questioning yourself. all of the Fs are expensive if something breaks. a 12cyl is a little more than an 8. | ||
| Bernie Watson (Bernie1234)
New member Username: Bernie1234 Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2002 |
You should buy two.  | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 710 Registered: 9-2001 |
I had a 1986 single mirror TR and loved it. Yes it was expensive to work on, but I didn't need much work done other than a 30k service for $6000.00 and a clutch slave cylinder for a few hundred bucks. It was fast and had a great sound from its flat 12. It does attract a LOT of attention though. Be prepared to talk about your car every where you go because everyone will ask you about it. | ||
| Anders J Lamberth (Andersjl)
New member Username: Andersjl Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2001 |
Hi, I am thinking about buying a Testarossa, but I have heard some negative rumours. What is your experience with the early Testarossa (not 512 TR) ? -Is it a good and reliable car, or is it causing you a headache due to maintenance / repairs / expensive service and high running costs ? |