| Author | Message | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2003 |
im not looking for 0 maintanance,im just looking for high to reasonable not "insane". I actually planned for about 3000 maint. per year for the mondy, but i refuse to be burned by a shady dealer with a shady car. It seems most dealers down here have bad reps. And the local FNA delaer pricing is just wrong WAY too high. the lotus has an excellent reputation, and doesnt carry brand pricing like fcars so i can get more actual car than name recognition. When i can find a great mondy t coupe from a good dealer i will continue my ferrari plans. I think of the mondial t coupe like a more refined brother of the flashy 348. I was thiiiiis close! But yall got to me!!! BTW p-cars and NSX's and mustangs and MB's etc. are all on aother list - regular cars. lambo lotus ferrari aston martin - rare cars to be loved and kept | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 268 Registered: 7-2001 |
Terry what facts do you have about maint and reliability and build quality? The myths continue long after Lotus dumped Lucas in 78. The turbos have been very well made and reliable and they are so much less expensive to maintain its laughable compared to a 308. Performance? Well thats something Ferrari started seeing compared to the Lotus with the 348. The Esprit SE started build in 89 and was sub 5 second 0-60 then. Ive owned 3. One 83 that was carb'd, one 86 that was injected(first year for that) and a 94 S4. The motors stay in the car for most if not all maint. I never replaced a clutch on any of them. I replaced timing belts after 5 yrs, even though the belts are good for 100k on the 4cyl cars. If you dont buy an NSX the Lotus is the next least expensive TRUE exotic to maintain. NO questions asked. The V8 has timing belts and the dealers retension them every 12k free of charge in warranty or not. They do not need a valve adjustment, the water pump can be replaced in an hour according to Mr Johnson prez of Lotus cars. Lotus is a superb alternative to a Ferrari. Fast, reliable, made in far fewer numbers. A porsche is a nice car, exotic..some of them are that cost way over 6 figures. The 911's are amazing production line cars. Reputation based on cars made 25+ yrs ago is not fact. No car is perfect, certainly not hand made exotics, the myth of Lotus unreliability is just that. Just like Jag and Aston the BS about the horrible english past continues. Most cars are much better than they were years ago, Lotus included. | ||
| Mfennell70 (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 129 Registered: 7-2001 |
"I think the 95 S4S had twin turbos." No, just one, though they sometimes have two in ebay ads.  | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 461 Registered: 10-2001 |
I drove a 99 V8 Lotus the other day. Very nice ride! Had a blast. But if you have $40k to spend and don't want to pay F-car repair prices... Lotus isn't the way to go (Lotus even goes so far as to offer a free belt/chain? change all paid by the factory on their fist major service). But still didn't feel confident about the car. The sub $40k car in Florida with no repair cost is most likely an NSX. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 468 Registered: 4-2002 |
F-car maintenance and reliability are a turnoff so your going to buy a Lotus??? Hmmmmmmmmmmm Out of the pot and into the fire I see! The Lotus is a really cool car, but they dont exactly have a reputation for reliability or good build quality. Quite the opposite. If your looking for an extremely well built car that looks great, is VERY fast, is built like a tank and offer probably the best reliability of any world class sportscar... buy a Porsche. For $40K or less you can get a low mileage perfect condition '97 993. They are fantastic cars and they are rock solid reliable. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Junior Member Username: Davem Post Number: 244 Registered: 1-2002 |
I think the 95 S4S had twin turbos. | ||
| Patrick Denonville (Arizonaguy)
New member Username: Arizonaguy Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2003 |
I thought the Esprit V8TT was introduced in 97-98? | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2003 |
well my ferrari days may have to wait another year. I found a fresh as new 95 twin turbo lotus esprit with only 7000 miles. the mondial guy keeps sweetining the deal tho' as i hold out. i got turned off to both the dealer and the fcar reliability and repair bills by this forum. the thought of paying 10,000 in repairs in a year for a mondial doesnt sound good. ohwell maybe next year... | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2003 |
i am sittin on my hands on this one. If anyone has a nice 87-89 low mile mondial coupe let me know. thanx. | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2003 |
i prolly will not be doing this deal based on your feedback. But i will have the car checked out at shelton in a couple of weeks if its still for sale. they said 200 for basic ppi 400 for comprehensive with compression, etc. if it pans out to be a great car i may then rethink buying it. I live in Lighthouse Point in north broward county florida if anyone knows of a nice local car... | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4478 Registered: 5-2001 |
Terry's car is surely unique and beautiful. Could not ask for more. As you can probably tell the New Auto Toy Store is NOT the place to buy your car. NEVER AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EVER! Unfortunately in Florida there is a whole list of dealers to stay away from. I would not buy the car from them until I have a $1000 inspection done. The service as far as I am concerned counts for NOTHING! No pullies replaced, no service done. Surely a unique car in the US but I would not see this car as a collectable. They are not sought after in the US (that is why there were only 90 or so sent here) and there were many more made in Europe as Ts. So it is not that they only made 100 T Coups in total. I would look for a nice 308 or 328 or even a decent 348 if I were you or look for a nice clean 3.2 Mondial Convertible. No matter what though, a car from the Toy Store is NEVER an option! If you find another car down south I will galdly check it out for you (visual only) for a PPI I can stir you in the right direction as well if you want. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 462 Registered: 4-2002 |
Matt, My 308GTB will be for sale in another month or so. Its in the process of receiving a complete AC upgrade to rotary compressor, carb rebuild, belts and tons of other stuff. Email if you want more details. Its a cherry car. Im selling to chase after a 12 cyl. Terry | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2003 |
im gonna wait. but if i wanted this car is there some way i could get it through a more reliable source?? do dealers ever buy from each other or swap cars cause they have a qualified buyer??? Id love to get this car but from a better dealer who has gne through it and sorted the records/keys/manuals/carfax/kinks/etc... martin??? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3448 Registered: 9-2001 |
these things take time, you don't want to wait all this time for something that you will regret. And as others have mentioned - never buy a car without an independent PPI that includes compression and leakdown and a rigorous look at the bodywork. It will be the best 300 bucks you ever spent | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2003 |
thank you tom and martin and everyone for the advice. I have been looking since last year and this is the first and only prime candidate on the radar.. Last one i tried to get was gone the day before i got to the dealership, it sold at night in one day... : ( i dont want to miss out but you guys make it seem like there will be more ops coming soon.. I want to feel 100% about my decision that i am getting the best possible fcar in my parameters i am trying to get a beautiful 1 of a kind low mileage fcar for under 40k$ no 308's in red!!! i am seeking unusual hardtops with unique and beautiful colors like silvers or blues or verdes. collector types only... more advice is very needed... | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3443 Registered: 9-2001 |
special cars don't end up a shitty places don't get caught up in gotta have it. Their are plenty of cars out there and they get cheaper every day | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2003 |
after reading about NewAutoToyStore i am getting cold feet. I really love the car but i do not want to get burned. I have no records for it previous to 2002. on the 15k - - alt belt -24.00 ac belt -26.00 timing belt 65.00 10 qts oil 16.00 sunroof motor repair 1.0 hour at 80$ freon 76.00 hood struts 50.00 Actually the repairs dont seem that $$$. I have 3 seadoo's that cost the same per hour for sevice... im getting the feeling you guys dont think this is a go?? What if it is a special car at a shitty place?? does that rule out the car??? | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4470 Registered: 5-2001 |
They did what some idiot repair shops do. Change the belt that really needs no changing but did not do the pullies and tensioners. Those as I said are close to $1000 in parts. $ 3000 for labor means they had the damn engine out but did not do squad ••••! IDIOTS! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3442 Registered: 9-2001 |
seems low - belts alone are 100 bucks, oil is another 100, the hood struts if orginal are at least 100 a piece, sunroof motor prob over 300, something smells fishy | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2003 |
the 15k was 4,022$ of that 3360 was labor and 350 the detail, leaving 295.00 for parts. does this seem right? If i could afford 65k id get a 93-94 348 but the mondyt coupe seems to be an exclusive f-car in a price i can afford .. Should i do it??? | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3441 Registered: 9-2001 |
read this, I would not buy from them - there are too many good places to buy from to take a chance with them http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/195698.html | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 261 Registered: 7-2001 |
You need to have a good PPI again. Take it to Tim. Sounds like the clutch is weak from what I read here. Take your time..I REPEAT...TAKE YOUR TIME..there is no shortage of cars for sale right now. NOT much is moving very quickly. I think the fact that you ask again if this is the car is hesitation enough not to buy quickly until the car is completely evaluated...JMHO | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3440 Registered: 9-2001 |
run!!!!!!!!! do a search on the toy store and you will be running | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2003 |
so the price seems right if you guys say 32-35k$ (36k$ is what i can get it for including fresh redye in the original crema) I have only seen 1 other tcoupe it was $39.9k with higher miles. Im thinkin it could be good due to the 1 of a kind factor, how many rossa 360's will i see at club events vs how many prugna mondyt coupes?? I dont want to be hit with 10k$ service bills in the first year though. What about the pully and tensioners?? do they require engine removal to change?? 95% of the 15kservice was labor hours. it is the s,fl car. I will be buying from New auto toy store, of wich i have no knowledge besides the ads in dupont. Should i do it or wait??? Comments?? | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4469 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave is right. Either way though not to be too tough on the price issue. Not in a Mondial. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 259 Registered: 7-2001 |
Prugna and Rosso Rubino are not the same. Prugna is a dark burgundy. Rosso Rubino is more light colored burgundy. This car is very dark in color I would assume if you say prugna. Rosso Rubino would be similar to the color Pcars call Orient Red. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3436 Registered: 9-2001 |
asking prices for T coupes when they come up avg around 35K. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4463 Registered: 5-2001 |
Matt, what is not on the record there at the 15K is the exchange of the pully and tensioners. Honestly that is what fails on the cars and especially on the 348 engine. The cost to do that at the service would have been roughly $1000 more so they were trying to cut corners. Not a promissing car if you ask me. A T Coupe is rare. I would not pay too much attention to the color. Rosso is a great color on ferrari and as long as the interior is the right color like crema. I think I have heard of this car for a while down here in Florida. I believe the seller is in Miami. Somebody told me about this car over 4 months ago. I did not like it then, although I think they did not say it was a T, which does make a hell of a difference. Try them at $32K. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3431 Registered: 9-2001 |
I may be wrong but I don't think the timing belt is included in the 15k on a 348/t? what was the price tag on the 15k? | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2003 |
tim stanford did the inspection - about the clutch "releases not at top but slightly higher than normal" is exact quote | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2003 |
the 15k service was done on aug 8, 2002 3k on car since with new thermo and injectors and orings since the 15k. I am not looking for a steal just a good deal on a good f-car specifically the mondy coupe cause i like the rare but modern looks | ||
| Thomas Saupe (Tom_s)
New member Username: Tom_s Post Number: 37 Registered: 1-2003 |
Peter, I'm curious as to what you mean by heat damage? Do you mean gears damaged by low lubrication levels in the gearbox? Before I bought my first Fcar I drove a couple of Mondials, both had gearbox problems. One had just been beaten to death, worn out synchros, etc., the other was just very balky, could that have been the cause? Tom | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3428 Registered: 9-2001 |
there were very few t coupes. If you like the color fine but 36k is prob not a steal. when was the 30k done | ||
| Peter Sedlak (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 284 Registered: 1-2003 |
Matt If you want it, buy it! I believe the color is also called Rosso. The only color like that I have seen in ten years was the '85 308VQ I owned two years ago. I feel the color did bring some premium to the car, but it is still in the eyes of the buyer. If thats the car you want and the price is +/- $3-4K of the average selling prices in the areas that you will be able to travel to buy one, then it is probably not a bad deal. I would have the car racked and the gearbox looked at by a pro that can look for past heat damage. | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2003 |
15k service + records indicate- alternator belt ac belt timing belt fluids 3 hood struts freon sunroof motor thermostat o ring 2 fuel injectors should i take it????? | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 671 Registered: 5-2001 |
Doubtful that the color would ever be a plus, no matter the rarity, unless someone is looking for it. Nothing tops "resale red", regardless of whether you like red or not. | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Intermediate Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 1726 Registered: 1-2001 |
What was included in the "15k" service? | ||
| matt green (Mattg)
New member Username: Mattg Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2003 |
i am on the brink of buying an 89 mondialt coupe with 18k miles. it has the 15k done and recent service records. It was $38.5k but i got it down to $36k with the seats being redyed. is this a good deal? The car is prugna(maroone) and crema interior and looks very nice. The rubber roof molding has some light flaking but overall seemed very nice what does anyone think??? I know this car is rare and maybe 1 of a kind in this color for u.s. so i thought it might find its legs on the value scale if i return the car to near perfect but???? |