| Author | Message | ||
| Scotty V (Autostream)
New member Username: Autostream Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2003 |
Some parts are 'literally' junk. But some parts are very very well made. I noticed on my 1995 spider that every part that broke had the name Magnetti Marelli stamped on them. Parts that I couldn't break if I tried (and I did) had the name Ferrari stamped on it. Verdict: Everything made by the factory, i.e., engine, chassis, transmission, brakes, body, etc are high quality. All 3rd party parts, i.e., control units, computers, electrical devices, computers, modules, anything with lights, will break just sitting there. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 384 Registered: 1-2002 |
Sam. Glad to see your enjoying the experience! Mondials are great!! Ok im biased being on my second one. The a/c if working correctly works fine though good luck trying to get the airflow where you want it. Sunroofs are notorious for not working as are the windows. Check switches an clean the contacts first also motors can be crudded up an need cleaning too. I just did 30k on mine as it was approaching the 5 year mark. Maybe consider doing it this winter when its cheaper to service an not Ferrari friendly outside. Enjoy, Dave | ||
| Sam Germana (Sjmst)
Junior Member Username: Sjmst Post Number: 55 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ed: Your car is stunning! What a beauty. Someday... Yes, hope to see you on the 9th. | ||
| Ed P. (Ebp)
Junior Member Username: Ebp Post Number: 169 Registered: 12-2002 |
Sam, I'm with you... I love my Mondial too!! Hope to see you on the 9th at bald hill. Ed | ||
| A M (Rcd01)
New member Username: Rcd01 Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2003 |
Sam, God bless you - ENJOY! | ||
| Sam Germana (Sjmst)
Junior Member Username: Sjmst Post Number: 54 Registered: 7-2003 |
OK, I had been asked to describe the indescribable Ferrari experience. Obviously, that makes no sense, but then neither does owning a Ferrari. Here goes, with more detail than most people will want. I have finally gotten a chance to drive my new 82 Mondial 8 for some length of time. I didn�t know until the buying process began that this was at the bottom of the Ferrari food chain. I was admonished to spend a few more bucks and get..ummm�anything else. Sure, I would love a 328 or 355. But, at less than 20K, this car is a bargain, and I am happy with it. If I could do it again (and I probably will) I will get a quattrovalve, but that�s 3-5 years down the road. So if all you can afford is a Mondial 8 or no Ferrari, I would advise that you go ahead and get the 8. I guess lots of people give reviews of the car, but mine has the distinction of being correct and accurate (insert smiley face here). I re-read an article by Patrick Bedard of Car and Driver from 1982. Not to put too fine a point on it, he hated it. Lots of what he said was true. (un Ferrari like power..or lack thereof). He also called it an �unattractive lump�. I beg to differ, being a differ beggar. Plus, more people seem to agree with me than him. To continue, here are some criticisms people have of the car, and my comments: 1) Bland styling: They�re wrong. 2) Underpowered: They�re right, but many cars are; never can have too much HP. This car moves, and feels faster than it is. It makes great sounds, and there is a kick at any RPM when you mash the pedal. It�ll do. 3) It is loud at 65+ MPH: Very wrong. I could cruise all day in 5th. Quiet and comfortable. 4) Bad pedal placement: Yes, silly, way over to the right, but you get used to anything. 5) I�ve read for years that Ferrari clutches are way too heavy, the steering has too high an effort, and the shifter is too recalcitrant. Only the last point is partially true. The steering lightens up at anything over 1MPH, the clutch is easy, smooth and progressive. The shifter is not BMW creamy smooth, but it�s no problem at all. 6) The back seat is a joke: Eh, it is better than nothing. I was able to fit my pre teen kids back there fairly well. They even have shoulder belts and I�m glad to have the extra room. The front seats fold way forward and getting in and out is easy. Additional comments. 1) This is not the car to drive if you are shy or wish to use to impress the mistress (which of course you shouldn�t be doing anyway!). Notice I said mistress, because I almost never see woman driving these; don�t know why. This car turns heads like crazy. A group of Kings Point cadets turned their heads in military precision and unison as I passed by today. By the way, it does seem to be men who look more than woman. Good thing I didn�t get it to attract a wife (or mistress). 2) The interior is coal bin dreary. All back. I don�t like tacky add ons, but I MAY go �crazy� and add an incorrect but very nice crossed Ferrari flags emblem on the black center console. 3) The A/C is a tease. It is not hot, that�s the best I can say for it. I am hoping that a charge next season will cure that. 4) Specific to my car in particular, I want to remove the aftermarket side moldings, fix the driver�s side window, and the interior door handle. The removal of the molding will necessitate some body work. Also, the antenna, digital clock, and sunroof don�t work. I will fix only the antenna for now. I couldn�t care less about the sunroof. 5) I have some Leatherique leather dye, which I will use to repair some wear on the driver�s seat, and a few scuffs here and there. Other than that, the inside is good. 6) It has only been 5,000 miles since the 30,000K service, but five years. Those 5,000 miles added up to some fairly steady driving. The manual says change the belts at 52,000 miles, with no note on time limits. I will probably wait another year, unless I am flooded with story after story of 5,000 miles timing belts promptly breaking at the 5 year point. Overall, I am pleased. It took me at least 20 years to get a Ferrari, which seems to be the standard waiting period for dreamers like me. People are impressed, either favorably or unfavorable (i.e., what waste of money). Screw �em. There are also people who think cars are in the same league as refrigerators: An Appliance. The best comeback I ever saw to that kind of thinking was in Car and Driver years ago. Some lady wrote a letter saying, to paraphrase, �Why do you spend so much time discussing acceleration, braking and road-holding statistics, etc. All we need to know is how reliably the car will get us to the grocery store� Rather than try to explain to this lady the joys of a fine piece of machinery (which she would never understand), their simple response was: �How did you get a hold of this magazine?� Perfect. Now I�ll continue to enjoy my non-appliance like Mondial. | ||
| Scotty V (Autostream)
New member Username: Autostream Post Number: 37 Registered: 1-2003 |
http://autosportdesigns.com is great if you are rich. They charge more than the dealer. But check them out anywayz. Because all within walking distance, are 3 of the best porsche and ferrari shops around. http://lynmor.com , just as good. And http://gtrmotorsports.com , even better as its run by Lynmors ex-head mechanic and his prices are far more reasonable- speak to Richie- tell him Scott sent you | ||
| A M (Rcd01)
New member Username: Rcd01 Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2003 |
Classic Auto Salon - performance tuning and service for Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin, Bentley - Rolls Royce. Classic Auto Salon www.autosalonworld.com Norwalk, CT | ||
| DHutchison (Hutch308)
Member Username: Hutch308 Post Number: 397 Registered: 1-2002 |
Congrats Sam!! I am in Connecticut, but drive my TR all over the area. Autosport Designs took good care of my 308 for 3 years and found me the TR I currently have. Enjoy your Mondial!! Look forward to meeting you sometime!!! - Hutch DES - Why wouldn't you recommend any of the independent mechanics in the area? Any experience in dealing with any of them? Kind of a generalization that dealers are the only ones with the PHD required to work on F-Cars. Something I've found to be not true. Still love ya though buddy!!! | ||
| Sam Germana (Sjmst)
New member Username: Sjmst Post Number: 26 Registered: 7-2003 |
Sure, John, that would be great. Thanks for all the positive feedback from all. I will try to get some pics on the weekend. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5778 Registered: 8-2002 |
Sam, congratulations...! When are you going to post pictures so the rest of us can see...? Mondials are awesome - the first Ferrari i ever drove was a Mondial (36 days ago)...! Like John said, FoLI is closest... i know there are other places here on the Island that service Ferraris, but i wouldn't recommend any of them... The last two words of your post are what it's all about; enjoy it and dude, drive it like you stole it...!  | ||
| John Li (Pchop)
Junior Member Username: Pchop Post Number: 104 Registered: 6-2002 |
Congrats! I use FLI for all my services; they tend to be more expensive, but they're great to deal with. Autosport Design also has a great reputation. P.S. - I'm in Old Westbury, we should meet up for morning drives. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 379 Registered: 1-2002 |
Congrats Sam. Im sure you will have a lot of fun with your Mondial! | ||
| Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Member Username: Lens Post Number: 332 Registered: 3-2001 |
Congratulations Sam, and welcome! I?m in northern New Jersey and use Auto Elite in Ft. Lee. Very knowledgable, and very reasonable. You have Ferrari of Long Island near you, and Autosport Designs (http://www.autosportdesigns.com/). | ||
| Sam Germana (Sjmst)
New member Username: Sjmst Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2003 |
I bought an 82 Mondial from a gentleman in NC, and it was delivered today. I�m in Great Neck, NY and I�d appreciate suggestions on where to take the car for its inspection and service. The car was in the driveway when I got home from work tonight. Of course, I had seen pics and had a PPI, but this was the first time I have seen it "in the flesh." I only sat in a Ferrari once, never had a ride in one, and certainly never driven one. I took the car out mindful of those who admonished me against the slow 82 Mondial. Yes, I suppose a Honda will blow it away. Who cares? I have a decent condition Ferrari for a low admission price, and I am loving it. With any luck at all, I will "trade up" someday, but for now, I am enjoying it for what it is, not what it is not. I know now what everyone means when they try to describe the indescribable Ferrari experience, even with this modest model. I've wanted one for over 20 years. I'm happy. |