| Author | Message | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 178 Registered: 5-2003 |
I drive my Testarossa over 12k so my 30,000 service are more likely around every 2 1/2 years. In 3 years I have invested in maintenance over $20,000 and it was and still a mint example from start. All testarossas are expensive to run, even the most reliable one, and mine runs perfect every single drive always, never left me stranded. | ||
| Charles J. Ligon (Exoticbro)
New member Username: Exoticbro Post Number: 14 Registered: 4-2003 |
Now there's a buyer!!! Congratulations George!! | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2003 |
NEW RED HEAD! Thank you for the advise: 1 year 1988 , verified with the MSO title 2. Miles 7,324, verified with gas, oil and repair receipts. 3. 30K service 2 weeks ago, verified with receipts form (SUPER CARS ATLANTA) and Ferrari of Atlanta. 4. New tires, ECU. Door panels from CAT SCRATCH, Clutch (hung up from sitting so it was replaced. No scratches, dings etc. 5. PDI done by Ferrari of Atlanta 1 week ago, will look at it again for me on Tuesday. 6. It was an estate car, the one I wanted 7. ALL Books, tools, receipts come with car. 8. WHERE CAN I BUY THE LUGGAGE? 9. He spent $1,100.00 to have the motor detailed and painted (touched up) when the 30K was done. His receipts are for OVER $26,000.00 in the last 6 mo. The owner died at age 44 from cancer, the car has been in probate for 2 years, hence all the damage. I got it from the lawyer who was charged with making the car NEW before sale and by LAW had to use an APPROVED, TRAINED FERRARI people for all phases. We get the car Wednesday of next week. Thank you for the input! I would post pictures but do not know how. They will be on my company web next week. www.leatherique.com Thank you for the insight it made this purchase a piece of cake. NOW where do I get all the shop manuals? | ||
| Scott Anderson (Srandrsn)
Junior Member Username: Srandrsn Post Number: 199 Registered: 4-2001 |
George, There's an 86 red/tan Tr with under 5k miles at www.searsimports.com the car has been there for a while and they are asking 69K... they might take a reasonable offer? Sears imports is in the western part of Minneapolis. I'm looking to upgrade to a TR from my 308 in the next year or so and would like to spend a couple of days with one to see how it feels.... I'd drive it down for you =) | ||
| Richard W. Barclay (Noesis)
New member Username: Noesis Post Number: 9 Registered: 9-2003 |
(Modman) You are absolutely "Correct" about instalation. Still, For George's sake, or anyone else in buying his first, it would be safe to say to be aware of the fact that alarms could pose a area of concern when using a auto that did not to some extent have an alarm when made years back. Ferraris are ballanced. When you alter something in it, it sometimes may affect something else. Alarms are a good deterent. I agree. Compatibility is Key. In conclusion: How do you know if it was "A Good Install" ?... Hence, a area that warrents discussion. (Modman) I like the way you think... If I ever have a alarm installed... I'll look you up. But don't charge me the "FERRARI" price. | ||
| Stephen Etheridge (Surreytr)
New member Username: Surreytr Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2003 |
Jeff, you asked why owners would want to 'improve' an already great car by fitting an alarm? Not sure if its the same over there, but here in the UK its virtually impossible to get insurance without a specific high security (Thatcham Cat 1 is our standard) alarm fitted. This is for a car that will never be left unattended away from its secure garage. It's not by choice that we hack into the wiring and fit these things. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 750 Registered: 11-2001 |
When I had my 348 the major service was a little over 9k and that was with discount! were talking of an old car over a decade old. If I drove this car often as I liked, the services spent on the car would have cost more than the car itself in short time and to me wasn't worth it. If I'm spending big bucks on a service the car better be worth it. The ratio of what the car is worth to service cost of care has to be right. Most Ferrari owners don't drive their cars as much as they want to according to what their odometer says so the money spent on service intervals are widespread throughout the years. Truly a driver who enjoys taking their Ferrari out putting miles on it would spend nearly 10k a year or more to own one, and I know not everyone will experience this as many do not put over 5k a year but that's a good chunk of change for a car that don't get driven much. Every time 30k comes around, ouch! damn timing belts are the worst idea made for these cars, 30k is all you get, I don't know of any car that needs them so soon, is it that poorly made, is it so fragile? was it made so it can produce a slightly more horsepower than it would a timing chain? hey, they need to improve the lifespan of the belts to at least 60k and then you would have a car that can be driven more without the idea of planning to save up a chunk of change when the 30k comes around. It's one of the major reasons why most of the cars I own have timing chains, even the S2k has a timing chain. | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 172 Registered: 5-2003 |
How is it that a dealer buys a '90 testarossa w/ 3,000+miles for $63,000 and then tells me that they will accept $67,000 for it w/ the major included. I purchased my testarossa from a ferrari dealership with less than 8,000 miles and w/ the 15,000 mile service included when I did the 30,000 major it was at over $12,000. One mech. told me that the car looked as if it had never go trough the 15,000 mile service and the engine had only four screws holding the engine in place, the other screws were missing. That "15,000 mile service" was "done" at shelton ferrari... Buy one and if you can get into a 512tr, then you will have stories to share, they are great cars but everyone its looking to make money so watch out. Also that thing of 6 to 8 thousand for a major well don't count on that, I think it is more around 8,000 to 10,000 dollars | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 748 Registered: 11-2001 |
To Richard Barclay and Jeff Green, for the most part it's not the car alarm that causes problems, it's the installation done wrong causing problems is why these problems happen. I've do security systems in all types of cars and have never had an incident of an alarm causing any problems at all to the vehicles electrical systems. I did a security system in both my past Ferrari and current Lambo and absolutely no problems with them. I was told it was hard to do a security system in a Diablo and I totally disagreed and proved the so called experts wrong. A security system can be basic with only a hot, ground, ign., inputs of door triggers, hood and trunk- impact sensors and so on but in no way should it interfere with the factory computer or the way a car performs when installed properly. Those who have experienced problems are the ones who had the installs done wrong or went the cheap route. Imagine your factory installed security system going berzerk and you can't drive the damn car, now I've seen this happen a few times and it's inconvenient especially when the newer cars security system is tied in with the cars computer, you're screwed when problems happen. I ended rewiring the factory security system in the Diablo to where I'll never be stuck when the damn factory remote dies on me and can't drive off. I actually improved the security system with the newly installed one that even rolls the windows up when armed like the factory one did, redid the lousy siren that came with it and so on. I didn't do the security system so my car don't get stolen cause really I don't care but I did it so I don't run into any future problems with the factory installed alarm system and for the convenience of keyless entry and it's a 2 way remote system so I can have the car monitored while I'm away from it. Again to prevent problems with any aftermarket installs you need to find someone who knows how to do the job correctly (proper execution) & common sense. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thank You, I my line of work I DO NOT mind if someone gets the car before me I can always find another. Besides maybe that person will give it a better home, then again maybe not. My dad passed away with 26 cars in his collection. When the bank got done we had 4 left. So i have won and lost at this game, but like poker, YOU JUST KEEP PLAYING. Again thank you for the heads up. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Intermediate Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 1177 Registered: 6-2002 |
One word of advice, when you are looking at buying something, never reveal the real information over the internet. I had a buddy who had found a good deal on a car, posted about it over the internet, and someone went and bought it right out from underneath him for even less, then tried selling it to him for a profit. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 12 Registered: 10-2003 |
Eric we will be doing all our own work AFTER the car is deemend proper. Having a lift put in to work on the other cars anyway, so just a matter of tools, books, time, Bayer, grey hair, lots of phone calls and I can do the work on this. But I guess since I can build a v12 Jag and a 16 cyl Caddy I should be able to handle this one. Going to LOOK at this one. No CHECK BOOK this time. Will give Krysti a chance to sit in one and see if it is her cup of tea. IF it looks OK I will have Ferrari of Atlanta go over the car. The 15K was done and going by the response I will have the 30K done BEFORE I have the car shipped. If the owner will not back off on the price enough to cover the 30K I will probably walk on it. The fellow has to settle the estate so I may be able to talk to him. If not the other one has 1st choice. http://www.dupontregistry.com/search/srDetails.asp?itemid=118199&sessionkey={0D42995F-0B15-4675-8CA2-B4E84C182576} | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 1000 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thanks George for the kind words...but I really couldn't have done it all without your help! There's been quite a bit of good advice shared here by all...and it only scratches the surface of what you'll learn down the path of ownership...just like any other classic / collector / exotic car. With your vast knowledge and experience with Rolls, it will certainly help translate over into the Ferrari marque. I'm learning more about these cars every single day...and am having the time of my life doing so. It's not uncommon for one's first Ferrari purchase to be a daunting one; but, as long as you know what to expect, and are willing to accept the expense and aggravation intrinsic to the marque, then the ownership experience becomes that much more palatable IMHO. Many of the contributers to this thread are seasoned TR owners -- some, like William, own more than one TR and have invested a great deal of time and money into these cars, both on and off the track. They've experienced most of the faults and worse-case scenarios associated with these cars first hand. They're input and advice is like gold to us "newer" owners. Things like electrical gremlins and cambelt / tensioner bearing failure are just a couple of the top ten "problems" notorious to Ferraris. For the most part, though, these cars are rather trouble free...and glitches usually only crop up from time to time. Having a good solid relationship with a knowledgeable mechanic is key also, unless you are like a few others on the board here who can do all their own service. Most fellow Ferrari owners are willing to help out a prospective buyer so that he or she finds a good solid reliable car from the outset. We like to point out the "red flags", not to tear down the marque, but to equip the buyer with knowledge gained from experience. Believe me, we've all been in your shoes once. This is what Bruce was alluding to. Like Jeff pointed out...we're here to try and help each other out. Of the three links you sent, the BayState car seems to be the best pick of the bunch -- it's one of the nicest TR's I've seen. You might question them about the cambelt service, etc. to get a feel for what you might be looking at in the long run. Additionally, there's nothing wrong with a higher mileage F-car either as long as it has been well maintained. Have you looked at the two TR's being offered at www.naplesmotorsports.com (sister store to BayState / same owner) yet? They don't make any mention of the service history on them, but I'm sure they would be glad to discuss over the phone. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 3252 Registered: 2-2001 |
If its for car shows you can get a nice late model TR for that $. For maybe $10k more you can get a 512TR which you can enjoy a lot more than a regular TR at the track try the http://www.Ferrarimarketletter.com good luck  | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 573 Registered: 10-2002 |
I concur totally with Mr. Barclay on this subject. My TR had problems due to an aftermarket alarm system. I removed it plus about 8 pounds of unwated "spagetti" spliced (or shoud I say butchered) into the cars wiring harness. The crappy alarm tied into the fuel pumps, and a mercury switch to detect vehicle tilting (like being towed), bump sensitive...what a pain! Why do stupid people have the money to get these cars and think they can "improve" on them? Oh the stories I could tell. | ||
| Richard W. Barclay (Noesis)
New member Username: Noesis Post Number: 8 Registered: 9-2003 |
Something else:, After market alarms do not always work well with the FERRARI wiring. For some strange reason the computor may FREAK and you may find yourself locked in a dead car. (Happened to my partner). Also it may lock after you get out with the engine running and not respond to the disarm signal nor let you back in. Third and most important. It sometines overloads and a small fire breaks out in the interior. (Saw that at North Coast Exotics in Cleveland OH) Not a good thing. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 11 Registered: 10-2003 |
Around $70 to $75K. Shows, racing I WAS a round tracker in Sprints. No, the car will be a welcome addtion so when we go to Exotic car shows we can take it instead of the Porsche or the Rolls. This is all Erics fault, I REALY liked what he did with his 308Gt and that fanned the old desire to get one. I passed up a Viper 2 hours ago for $45k. As I said we do get some STRANGE calls. | ||
| Richard W. Barclay (Noesis)
New member Username: Noesis Post Number: 7 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yes... and 10 years on day too. | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 572 Registered: 10-2002 |
George: The time/mileage for cam belts varies depending on what source you use. But considering the costs if one fails, the most common rule is 5 years/30k miles. Although it may strain my budget, I subscribe to this rule. You will make your own determination as you learn more about living in FerrariLand. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 3247 Registered: 2-2001 |
George, what $ range are you looking at ? & will you be using the car mostly for weekend drives or car shows, or for the track ? | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 10 Registered: 10-2003 |
Richard sounds like new car warrenty 30K then at 30001 it breaks! Thank you, I got the message, CAM BELT, CAM BELT, CAM BELT. So far this has been a great discussion. Good input and good knowledge. Having a Ferrari may be fun! | ||
| Richard W. Barclay (Noesis)
New member Username: Noesis Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2003 |
(GEORGE) In case anyone forgot to mention the FERRARI RULE No.# 1. When it comes to belts, 10 years or 30,000 miles,... whichever comes first., reguardles of the year of the car. (Measure by the Belts age) They have been known to snap ten years to the date of Mfg.. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2003 |
WE (the checkbook and I) are going to purchase and enjoy a TR. I have been around long enough the understand that there are no DUMB questions when it comes to spending this kind of money. Dumb would have been NOT asking the question. Eric is a good friend and am very happy for his detail. I just am way to tied up to travel to look at toys for me when there is a car show every weekend this month that I must attend. | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 571 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hi George: I don't think there are any "race" versions of the cam drive belts. And a chain system would require lots of dollars, gears, some type of hydraulically controlled tensioners, a completely sealed housing, and an oil supply. Sounds like a nice idea until you explore what would be needed to fabricate one. There are two cam belts, and two tensioner bearings, that should be replaced at the same time. That red TR that Bay State Motors has looks really really nice. If you still have questions please let us know...that's what we are here for. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 3121 Registered: 4-2002 |
NO EXUSES FOR ME JIM.. JUST RUN ON QUESTIONS. WITHOUT LISTENING TO OTHER PEOPLES ANSWERS...ERIC GAVE A LONG, GREAT DETAIL OF BOTH SERVICES AND WAS PASSED ON WITH NO COMMENT...THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO, UMMM MY .02 CENTS | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1921 Registered: 7-2002 |
You'll have to excuse Bruce as he and Mr. Green have a personality conflict. Seems Mr. Green gets on here and asks pointless questions such as your favorite way to eat a tootsio pop. Bruce may have thougth your 15K vs 30K question was a Mr. Green question since you are a new poster. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sorry who is MR GREEN? If you are asking if we will pay OF COURSE. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 3119 Registered: 4-2002 |
MR GREEN?? | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well the Boss (Krysti) wants to go up and LOOK at any car. I am thinking of just having a PPI done by a friend from RROC. OR should I hire an independent person to LOOK. This one realy has my attention! Any body from the MASS. area? ALSO, looks the CAM BELT is the problem just like on the 951. Can you get a race version of the belts OR go to gears or chain drive? ( if question is dum sorry) | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 999 Registered: 11-2001 |
In a nutshell... 15k service generally includes plugs / wires, all filters, valve adjustments, all fluids, lube latches, accessory belts (?), and check over car including labor. 30k service is basically a 15k service with the cambelts added to the list -- which is an engine out job on TR's = more labor = more $$. According to Tony Palladino (FORZA article), here's a rough idea of maintenance costs for these cars (might be a little higher these days)... Service costs: Routine repairs and fluid changes: $750.00 - $2500.00 Major Service every 15,000k miles, without cam belts. $3200 - $4500.00. Major service every 30,000k miles, with cam belts[remove cradle from car]. $5500.00 - $6500.00 Clutch replacement: $2500.00 - $3000.00 Engine Rebuild: 19,500.00 - $35,000.00 Transaxle Rebuild: $12,000 - $28,000.00 With this particular TR only showing 6k miles in 14 year period, the cambelts might be cause for concern. Then again, they may be just fine -- it's a risk though....and, should one or both of those belts snap, the repair bill just got a whole lot bigger . 30k miles or 5 years is Ferraris recommendation for cambelt service interval.... Oh, and it might be prudent to obtain full verification that a complete 30k major service was performed should they concede to do it...just to be certain the work was done. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2003 |
DUMB QUESTION COMING! Difference between 15K and 30K service please | ||
| Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Member Username: Coachi Post Number: 428 Registered: 5-2002 |
15 K is not the service you want...you need the 30 K service I believe. If they do that, then buy it and enjoy it. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2003 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6212&item=2434846480 Any comments before I write the check? They will have the 15,000 mile service AND deliver the car to SC. With a money back offer if I do not like it. TO GOOD TO BE TRUE? | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 995 Registered: 11-2001 |
"Asking" prices for '88 TR's with 7k miles seems to be in the neighborhood of $65k to $70k from what I've seen lately. But these are "asking" prices. If it is in need of a major service, which is very likely, then your probably looking at an additional $7k plus (?). But, like Bruce mentioned, these cars apparently are selling for less for those years -- and his is a beautiful car. Also, I believe Martin lists a consignment TR -- '91 red/tan w/ 25k miles -- for $68.5k on his website. Oh, and yes George...I'll never forget driving your 951 Cup-Car...very rare and fast! | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 945 Registered: 1-2003 |
George, with a Ferrari at that age and limited number of miles, check on whether it had a major service. If not, get it done right away. The age of the car says to do it ASAP before doing too much driving. I think that others will concur. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2003 |
Oh, belive me we get some WILD offers. Sometimes I just laugh but we did get a very nice 951 Porsche (cup race car)for $6,500.00. It was an "OH, BUY THE WAY" lead. What would be a fare offer for a 1988 with 7000 miles, IF it all checks out? Eric, this is car you drove. And also thank you all for the input. | ||
| Ron (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 771 Registered: 12-2002 |
George, depending on your budget you might want to consider the updated Testarossa, the 512TR made from 1992-1994. There is a price premium on them but there were a number of performance and modernization upgrades made. They seem to be holding their value a bit better also. Good luck and welcome to the board. Ron | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 3107 Registered: 4-2002 |
YEA JIM...ACTUALLY I WOULD, IF I DIDNT SPEND ABOUT 15K FOR EXTRA GOODIES FOR IT.. MY 88.5 YELLOW TR, I BOUGHT 2 YRS AGO, 6634 MILES ON IT, PERFECT CONDITION WITH ALL CYLINDERS HITING 165 OR BETTER ON THE COMPRESSION TEST WAS NO WHERE NEAR 74K......... SO YOU TELL ME,,,,,,,,, | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1911 Registered: 7-2002 |
So Bruce are you saying you would sell your TR for less than $74K? I somehow doubt you would. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 3105 Registered: 4-2002 |
GEORGE TELL HIM HE IS ON CRACK............. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2003 |
WE got another HIT from a customer, 1988 7000 plus miles. belongs to his neighbor. Wants $74k and will PAY to have an Fcar expert look at the car. Sounds good but! | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 993 Registered: 11-2001 |
Sounds great, George...looking forward to seeing you all next time your in town! With regards to TR #1 -- yes, a good thorough PPI would be a good idea just to be certain of what you might be getting into....especially with regards to the condition of the belts, seals, etc. At 1159 miles, it must be in pristine condition cosmetically, so leather wear should not be much of an issue. Sounds very similar to another TR for sale at the dealer in Orlando -- '90 model with roughly 3k miles: owner purchased as a fun car, then passed away shortly thereafter. It sat in storage for a good while until the widow decided to sell it (along with a few other cars in the collection). The dealership purchased it from her, did the major service, etc., and has it for sale in the showroom. I personally looked at / sat in this TR earlier this year, and it looked practically brand new. Asking price was a little high for me though. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gee thanks Folks. The #1 on the hit parade is a VERY PRIVATE offer of a car with 1159 miles from NEW. It is a 1991 and the story is simple purchsed for fun and the owner died.The car has been tied up in court since 1998. Been there and done that with my dads collection. Sorry dad I AM looking at a RED THING as you called them. That ws not a nasty comment by him just that a Ferrari won best in show in the 1960's against his 1932 Auburn. The catch was the Ferari was NEW. Eric got some new stuff I will drop off when in Fla again. AIken is great but getting more gray hair over the EPA Rulings on some suppliers we have. Oh well that is life in the big city. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 991 Registered: 11-2001 |
Hello George....Eric here .... It's great to hear that you're considering a 1st Ferrari purchase! The TR is a wonderful choice, and a pure joy to own and drive. Here's a good link to a TR Buyer's Guide (think it is similar to the one featured in FORZA a while back): http://www.modena-motors.com/TR%20Buyers.htm I agree with Henryk that the consensus seems to be that the '88.5 and later cars are more preferable. The link above points out most of the items to look out for....i.e., mouse belt recall, leather bolster wear ( ), cam-seal leaks, recent major service a plus, etc. The earlier '84-'86 models had the center-lock wheels with metric rims / tires (Mich. TRX) which aren't as easy to source tires for than say the later 5-bolt standard wheels. Many of these earlier cars also had the high-mounted single flag mirror on the driver's side only as it was orginally designed by Pininfarina. Another item to be cautious about is the electrical system -- especially the fuse panel / relays / fuses. There are some owners that have had to have these either R&R'd or replaced entirely. Perhaps a good PPI will reveal any issues in this area. Parts are a bit more dollar-wise than say for the 308. Biggest problem I've encountered to date is locating certain parts. So far, the dealer has been able to source what little I've needed. Rumor has it that Ferrari.UK / Maranello Sales will be adding the TR to their vintage parts line up in another year or two -- this would be a big plus. As far as maintenance goes...I was fortunate in that an engine-out major service had just been done, along with a clutch job, about a year ago. As you probably know, the major is an engine-out job...so it'll be a bit more costly than a 308. Mine is an '85 model, and a Euro car. It has the metric wheels / tires, the high-mount mirror (with another "twin" mirror added on the passenger side by a previous owner), Euro bumpers, K-Jetronic injection, Euro side lights, etc. It's an amazing machine, a blast to drive, gobs of torque -- all this in a very refined, beautifully styled, solid and well-appointed package. The TR's have a lot of extra gadgets and gizmos that many of the other F-cars of that era do not. And there's plenty of leather inside too! Keep an eye out for dash leather shrinkage. They are excellent GT cars that love the open road. Oh, and the best part is that flat 12 engine loves to sing -- and the music is glorious! Feel free to shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] if you have further questions, or just want to chat. Hope you and the family are doing well up there in Aiken! | ||
| John McDonald (Jmcdonald)
New member Username: Jmcdonald Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 |
Classic & Sports Car (the British car magazine) recently -- within the last 6 or 8 months -- did an buyer's report on Testarossas which was pretty thorough, including lots of tips on the weaknesses and strenghts of the various years. I would recommend checking your local Border's book store for the magazine and ordering the back-issue. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Intermediate Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 1230 Registered: 8-2001 |
It would seem that most people prefer the 88.5 model, or later (5-lug version wheels). BTW: It seems VERY unusual to find 4 TRs with less than 1500 miles each. These cars are at the bottom, regarding price......why would one not want to drive it??????? Remember, the speedometer is EASY to disconnect!!!!!!!! | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
Member Username: Carguy Post Number: 569 Registered: 10-2002 |
Wow...under 1500 miles? I would agree that more miles are better - up to a point. With any car, the newer the better, same with TRs. There has been discussions about garage queens with ultra low miles in the past. Most feel that there will be problems with gaskets and seals being dry, and that they will leak shortly after the car gets used for a while. Personally I don't have any first hand experience of this condition. Perhaps you could be our ginnea pig? But seriously, all TRs are pretty good cars despite what some say about them. Like most Ferraris they have their known issues which I'm sure your doing all you can to learn about. Just make sure you have a good per-purchase inspection done by a reputable person. If you have any specific questions, ask away. | ||
| Kelly Hayes (Khayes)
New member Username: Khayes Post Number: 44 Registered: 4-2003 |
I love my 86 TR. I wish I had the 5 bolt wheels but other than that it is a neat car. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
Looking at 4 cars, all under 1500 miles. This is the 1st Ferrari in our collection. After reading the posts I gather more miles is better? Also what year do you STAY AWAY FROM? All makes have them or is this not the case with the TR? Take Care |