| Author | Message | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 244 Registered: 9-2001 |
I spent a long time looking for 2.7 equipped cars based on Forza buyers guide. The 2.7 allows for computer diagnostics with much more detail than the 2.5. At the time, Motronic promised "increased reliability" but based on post-operation stats (this board, other places) I am not sure they achieved their goal. My mechanic also told me that I should not worry about it when I was searching for a replacement as he has not seen major diff in reliability as well. | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 62 Registered: 3-2001 |
Alexander, my t is a early 89 #82587 with the Motronic 2.5. Never heard about a reccomended upgrade. JMG may have something to say about that I know he was looking into the differences at one time. What all does your restoration project include? Allen | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2001 |
Wow Robert, sounds like an unpleasant phone call. If he keeps talking to prospective customers like that his reputation will go down fast. By that the car probably has some kind of story behind it with a not so happy ending. | ||
| Alexander Logie (Cannuck)
New member Username: Cannuck Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2002 |
Like the look of your coupe Allen! I am restoring an '89 Mondial Cab and was wondering if you know anyhing about the Motronic 2.5 Injection/Ignition vs the 2.7? Seems there was an 'upgrade' recommended on the early '89s that came out with the 2.5 (prior to Serial # 86986). | ||
| robert s perret (Rperret)
New member Username: Rperret Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2002 |
Allen and JMG , thanks for the replies. My search continues, there's nothing here locally in New Orleans so I spend alot of time on the internet, phone and in magazines. I had a weird experience 2 days ago on the phone, let me know what you think. Schmidte Motors in St. Louis have been advertising a really beautiful '89 coupe for the last 2-3weeks, you may have seen it on e-bay or in Dupont. I call the guy who tells me he's had the car for 3weeks. I ask him some routine questons like ownership, damage etc. then to the vital Service History. He tells me it had the 15k service but doesn't remember where? I ask if he has all the service records? He starts to talk to me very loudly on the phone that "he sells cars based on his reputation not service records". So I ask if he has any of the records? Now he starts to yell at me on the phone" I am 86yo and knew Enzo Ferrari personally, and I am not going to sell this car to anyone" so I ask why he has it advertised and he hangs up!!! It was wild. Too bad 'cause the car looked stunning in pictures, just like ya'lls. If you here of anything let me know I've left my name with several Dealers. Bob | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 60 Registered: 3-2001 |
My 89 t coupe was purchased at Ferrari of Los Gatos Oct 99 6k mi. I knew I wanted a mid engine with some luggage space and a 2+2 would do as well. So I shopped and drove many P-cars first but they all started feeling the same and not that special. I knew about the Mondials but thought they would be over my budget. FLG had a P-car on the lot so I paid them a visit. Just another P-car. Surprise! the Mondial was everything I was looking for and within budget. If you've ever been behind the wheel of the F-car, You know right away it's special and unique. SOLD! It took 3 days after my Mondial t drive to purchase. Had to do some home work and check service records first. It was a fun experience. How is your Mondial search coming? | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 242 Registered: 9-2001 |
My 92 was through Symbolic, decent car but overall, quite beaten compared to the 89 but to be expected given the miles etc. I spent about 6 months looking for it and about 3 month restoring before it was totaled. The 89 was a private sale and second choice to the 92 and just happened to still be up for sale when I went looking again. Thus the sale was completed in just a few eeks. The issue that I had with the 89 was that it was a garage queen and I wanted to drive it everyday. Turns out, the woories over garage wueen disappeared with a few months and regular driving and associated work (minor leaks..beyond the norm IMHO) so it is a rather nice set of wheels and ultimately, I am happy that I ended up in it. This winter, I will replace the carpet and "tune up" the leather (no cracks or peels, but could use a little leatherique), but otherwise, it is in fabulous shape. Purcahsed with 8k, now at 14 and climbing. - JMG | ||
| robert s perret (Rperret)
New member Username: Rperret Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2002 |
jmg and Allen , you guys have some stunning cars. Where did you find them, how long did you look. I'll take any and all insights. Thanks, bob p | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 241 Registered: 9-2001 |
I had a transporter lined up but not this year. Duty calls too much as you and I have discussed offline. Will make it down next year for sure. | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 59 Registered: 3-2001 |
JMG, thanks. Your profile photo of the t Cab is awsome. The car looks like a "Platinum" to me. Will we see you at Concorso Italiano in August? Allen | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 58 Registered: 3-2001 |
Hey Robert, thanks for the kind words. My Coupe now has 27,000mi. I bought it with 6,000mi Oct. 99 1 owner. The first year I drove it daily to and from the office, Joy riding on the lunch hour and on weekends. Now I Telecommute so I mostly Joy Ride, Rally, Take Multi-Day Road Trips and show it when possible. When I found the car there was an 88 3.2 on the lot but I declined the test drive. The t was in my budget and with the "New Generation" V8, "348", suspension and brakes I was sold on the t. Not to mention the nice interior. The car performs excellent. My FCALA trip Just confirms the good. That was a 900mi round trip including two days of track time and rallies. FYI. There was a Black/Tan 88 3.2 Mondial Coupe at the FCALA event that had 110,000mi. He rallied the car and pushed it pretty hard. It ran clean. Allen | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 240 Registered: 9-2001 |
Robert, suggest you drive both if possible. I think you will go for the T based on power, handling and interior comfort. (I went through the same deal not too long ago...) It only took one drive for me to set aside the higher service costs for a major (engine out on T) and potential higher electronic repair bills. (more stuff on most Ts than previous...) In the end, the car is pretty easy to work on for most stuff. I save the major repairs for my mechanic. - JMG | ||
| robert s perret (Rperret)
New member Username: Rperret Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2002 |
tCoupe(Allen) Your t Coupe is beautiful, how many miles on it? Do you drive it daily? Did you have any second thoughts about the t versus a 1988 3.2. I'll take any advice on the Mondial that out there, biggest question is t or not to t stay with 3.2. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 519 Registered: 6-2001 |
When I started looking at Ferraris with the intent to buy, I waqnted a Mondial convertible. I took my wife to Ferrari of Sf, and she nixed the Mondial. Said if I wanted a Ferrari, don't get a 4 seater, get a "Sports Car", a two seater. Bought a 348ts. That got wrecked (not by me), and then got a Sypder. Now have a 355 Berlinetta, have a 360 on order. At some point in time will get the Mondial. Probably a convertible. These cars have a certain look, and I like that look. A coupe with a sun roof would also work. Great cars. Art | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Junior Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 236 Registered: 9-2001 |
Allen, your car is so clean...looks great at speed as well. Sorry I could not make it down this year for the track...looking for cage now for mine. - JMG | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 56 Registered: 3-2001 |
Thought I'd share this other photo Nick. Just received it.  | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Junior Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 115 Registered: 5-2002 |
Forza in Ct. has one also it is also a conv. www.forza.weblobby.com | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Junior Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 114 Registered: 5-2002 |
There is only 1 in June issue of Hemmings -T cabrio 8500 miles mint etc. 65.900 is the price. I always thought Mondial would make a good daily driver. | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
New member Username: Allen Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2001 |
I think that's Chris's F40 in the back ground. The start of the Ralley to Paramount Studio Ranch BBQ.  | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
New member Username: Allen Post Number: 48 Registered: 3-2001 |
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| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1013 Registered: 9-2001 |
Remember, all valuable cars are rare, but all rare cars are not valuable. The reason Ferrari only imported 40 Mondial T coupes to the U.S.A. was because not to many people wanted them then. And, from the market it appears not to many people want them now. Just like the 330 2+2, 365GT4 2+2, 330GTC4, 400 and 412 before it, four seater Ferraris never seem to hold their value as well as two seater cars. I like the Mondial myself and would like to have a Cabriolet model. | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
New member Username: Allen Post Number: 47 Registered: 3-2001 |
Nick, keep in mind that with the age of the cars you need to consider added costs if the services, belts, fluids, tires are not up to date. The $35K car can quickly become a $50K ish car. Not to mention some bugs that may hadn't been worked out. I understand Ferrari only brought 40 units to U.S.A. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1011 Registered: 9-2001 |
Allen, a Mondial T coupe is not worth more than $40k on a good day, 95 point car or not. You can get a later model Mondial T Cabriolet for less than $60k. Hey, you can get a 348 TB or TB for less than $60k. If you can get a buyer for $60k, I say SELL IT NOW ! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 923 Registered: 9-2001 |
they are very hard to find though I see the FML lists the avg asking price in the mid 30s -seems low but then again the population is soe small it may be skewed | ||
| Nick Iliff (Nickdtm)
New member Username: Nickdtm Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2002 |
That's my favorite color combo also! Black/tan. The only t coupes I've seen for sale are in the 30-35k range... are they junkers or is the market starting to go down a little in that area? I have heard it is a great daily driver, is this just because of comfort or also because of reliability? Are the major services as expensive as on the 348? | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
New member Username: Allen Post Number: 46 Registered: 3-2001 |
Here is my t Coupe at the FCALA track event. It was the best driving experience ever for me in that car. It performed great! I battled with 308's,328's,348's. We had a great time. I think this t Coupe is at the top of the "Market Value" as a 95+ point car. Platinum at concours FCALA and 2001 Platinum at Concourso Italiano. With the recent show history, up to date records and services I would value the car at 60K. A lot of Bang for the buck. I hope this help Nick.  | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1782 Registered: 12-2000 |
I saw one in person at a F1 watching party we had here in Dallas. I was very very impressed. So impressed, I have heavily considered to add it to my want list. Although there's not a single Ferrari I don't want. My first tier wants (within next decade) are still keeping the 328, and adding a 250, BB, Late Model 12, and a 308 race car or Challenge. Mondial T is prob at the top of my second tier list. Here's the pic from the F1 Party, it's a 1992...  | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2002 |
I think the Mondial looks great and its reasonably affordable and 4 seats and a F car, what more could one want. There are those that belittle it, like the GT4 and 400/412 but thats probably sour grapes in any case, go for it. | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 562 Registered: 6-2001 |
I actually LOVE all Mondys. I had a Mondial 8 for some time and really enjoyed it. The Mondy T coupe is a rare bird indeed. Ferrari only sold that car here in 1989. They are very reliable, as long as it has been maintained by previous owners, and as long as you use the car. I would sure as heck drive one as my daily driver!! A 348 will out accelerate the Mondy, but not by much. Stick a Tubi on it, and you will be in heaven! The Mondial handles VERY well, you will be pleasantly surprised by its road manners. Go for it man! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 911 Registered: 9-2001 |
The T and the 348 are essentially the same engine wise and I doube you could say one is less reliable over the other in broad terms - it would depend on the individual car. Mainenance should be the same. The 348 should handle better but unless you are tracking them I doubt you will notice a major diff. The mondial gives you 2 extra seat in the back and a little more cargo space. Mondial T coupes probably price anywhere from low 40s (maybe high 30s) up to mid 50s depending on year condition etc. PICs in the showroom section | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Junior Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 124 Registered: 10-2001 |
All i have to say is that it sounds really good ! and i kinda like its fat look ( when compared to the 3.2 ) | ||
| Nick Iliff (Nickdtm)
New member Username: Nickdtm Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2002 |
What is everyone's opinion of the Mondial T coupe? What is the current market price? Are they the same/better/worse for maintenance than a similar 348? How is the performance/handling of the car compared to the 348? Finally, who has some pictures of the T coupe? Thanks :-) |