| Author | Message | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1748 Registered: 5-2001 |
I would not want seals that have been sitting on a parts shelve for the past 10 years either. They are shot. Of course the seals would have gone earlier if the car was driven more. Exactly my point. They would have been replaced more frequent. Rubber goes bad after so many years or so much usage. People buy low mileage cars and pay a premium and then turn around and have to spend another chunck of change for repairs to dried out parts. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Junior Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 87 Registered: 3-2002 |
First of all, have it checked out. Find out how perfect its condition really is. If the car is too far away for you to look at, put a condition on the sale or else insist on a certified inspection. Then, ask yourself if this is a car that you really want. It sounds a little like you're not 100% on buying a Testarossa. By the time you get around to buying (any) car, you should have done enough looking around and investigating to know exactly what fair values are for the different years, conditions, etc. Don't jump just because this seems like too good a deal to pass up. There are other Ferraris out there if this one doesn't work out. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 952 Registered: 2-2001 |
Cars do not have nerves or feelings nor do they need rest. If you park it broken, it will still be broken the next day or a year from now. They age mostly from use and not from sitting as some people believe. If a seal leaks on a 10 year old car that has been sitting then it would have probably leaked much earlier had it been driven. The only thing that can be damaged from not using is the fuel system and that is from moisture causing rust. A seal will not dry out from sitting in an engine anymore than one will sitting on a parts shelf. I hate to dispell all the beliefs about garage queens but I had rather have a 20 year old car with 10,000 miles than one with 80,000. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1738 Registered: 5-2001 |
the heart of the discussion. Is a high mileage car abused? I drive my car 7K Miles per year and I would not say my car is abused. I actually win on most concourses some trophy. I find that a 15K miles 16 year old car likely has more repair issues with dried seals and shot waterpump and starter and and and than a maintained and serviced 57K Miles car. Think of it this way. If you have to lay in bed for two weeks and not get up once, then try to get up, will you have a hard time standing on your feet, will your joints hurt? | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 340 Registered: 3-2001 |
"Buy low and sell low" is a great motto... unless the unknown missing ingredient is high repair and maintenance bills in the interim. I know several people who have cut corners, purchased high mileage cars only to have repair bills exceeding their savings. Combine their initial (perceived) low investment along with high repair/maint bills and they could have purchased a mint condition, lower mileage car. Then they sold low. Personally, I'd rather spend a little more up front and have the confidence in knowing it's a great car. I'd rather buy high, avoid repair bills and sell high. There's no magic in buying cheap, worn out cars just waiting for expensive repairs. Pay me now or pay me later... I think you get what you pay for. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1730 Registered: 5-2001 |
I like that motto  Anyway, I do not believe that 57K Miles is a lot for a 16 year old car. At least you know it has been driven and the miles are correct. The TR is so easy to disconnect that any 15K Miles TR is just "unbelievable" to me. As far as a high mile TR being a parts car: BULL! They can easily take 120K Miles on the engine without rebuilt. In 60K Miles have the engine rebuilt and enjoy some more! | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 637 Registered: 1-2001 |
Dirk -- In FORZA, Mr. Sheehan recently called a 60K mile TR "virtually unsellable" and "a $35K parts car" so that's probably the low limit for your $ risk. What are the colors? Is it the right version for your location? I think Mr. D.'s post is right on -- if people could buy old, used Fs, drive them, and then resell them for no loss wouldn't more people be doing this? Buy low and sell low is my motto | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
Member Username: Vilamoura2002 Post Number: 299 Registered: 9-2001 |
IMO, I think that 57,000 miles are quite a lot. Can't you find a newer TR with less miles, service book....,nearly for the same price ? | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1728 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think that is market price. You should not lose a lot of money when you sell it. Make sure when the next service is needed and what needs to be done. Get all service records and have somebody qualified look over the car thoroughly. Otherwise enjoy, the TR is a great car. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member Username: Doody Post Number: 128 Registered: 11-2001 |
"If I have regrets will I be able to sell the thing for what I paid?" never assume this and you'll be happier in the long run :-) these are cars. in your case, it's an "old" car with a lot of miles on it. i'd nip any sort of "getting out whole" noodling in the bud. i see a lot of people behave silly when it comes to these sorts of cars. they're just cars. no matter how the sellers behave, the markets are not entirely irrational. my two pennies. good luck. doody. | ||
| RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
Junior Member Username: Tr90 Post Number: 123 Registered: 4-2001 |
I sold my 89TR two years ago with 17K miles with the major service done for $58K. I think you are paying a premium . Just my 2c. | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
New member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 25 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have the chance to buy an 86 Testarossa for $46,000. It has 57,000 miles. Seems to be in nearly perfect condition. The seller says he has all service records and that service is 'up to date' Is this a good deal? If I have regrets will I be able to sell the thing for what I paid? Thanks for the help. Dirk Carnahan |