Purchase Advice: Mondial T 1990

I am seriously considering buying a '90 Mondial T Cab. with about 33,000 miles on it, coming from a reputable dealer in Cal.. The car supposedly had about $10k in major engine-out service within the last year, has a clean provenance, etc. Car has never been restored, is mostly original, and is supposed to be a driver. That's what I want -- a realtively headache-free convertible that's not as boring to drive as my '95 Jaguar (for sale) and at least approaches the insane level of absolute joy of my Dino.

The price for the car seems awfully high, but what do I know, I am a Dino guy? Any opinions (I'll bet there are) on roughly what this car should cost?? I would have a thorough PPI done by a great Ferrari mechanic I know nearby (did this for me before), and probably have to buy it without seeing it myself. Any tips on what to have him look for??

PS: Will the boot fit a set of golf clubs??

 

THAT would be a nice pair.

Yes, the golf clubs will fit! Under the front bonnet, or the rear bonnet, or the rear seats! Lots of choices. Mondials are good about that.

Anything to look for?.. Look to the fuse box. Make sure its not melted plastic. Drive it for more than 20 minutes to see if it shows a slow down light, or some other malfunction. Check to see if all of the electrical switches function, including both bonnet release's and gas door. Confirm that the suspension switch activates the shock adjustments. Confirm that the ABS works. Check for tools & records.

Enjoy one of the best and most useful Ferraris's on the planet.

Edit: Oh, and as for the price. The Mondial T variant does command a premium, but it is worth the added expense.

 

if that one doesnt work out, my Mondi T cab is for sale.

here is the link:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=137456422#post137456422

 

I've asked before but is there an audible or slight vibratory clue that tells you that the shocks are adjusting? I have to confess I can't really tell the difference....

 

I don't recall hearing ours but there is a very definite change in the feel of the car and the way it responds to the pavement while driving. It's almost as though the personality of the car changes with the different settings.

We totally agree with the comment that it's one of the best and most useful Ferraris on the planet.

John

 

between 35K on the low good end and 45K on the higher good end for a driver.

 

Though I hesitate to post it for obvious reasons, the car I am looking at is at Fantasy Junction & shown on their site. I think their price is pretty high, but the car looks pretty nice, and I want something to drive without cosmetic neuroses. Think it's been there a good while.

Any opinions positive or negative on this car? I hope they don't mind my asking... from my POV the only downside is someone else sees it and then goes and buys it. The upside is I find out something terrible and avoid a disaster. Before I bought my Dino, I got some awesome advice from the Dino forum, so I'm willing to take my chances with you wierdos in here!!

If the car goes away, I'll survive... 246's make good consolation!

 

Overpriced, badly... wait

H

 

Hill Country Ferrari looks to be a decent one to consider. F-Ads, and now e-bay.

See the other post re: Mondial Cab

 

Seriously consider Jason, "Hill Country's" car in Ferrari Ads...I had an '89 and the car is so much nicer WITHOUT the goofy seatbelt contraptions fitted to '90 and above Mondials. JMHO

 

+3

Looks to be a fabulous Mondial, and it's owned by a fellow F-chatter so you can get the history on it. Plus I agree with Seal2CC regarding the goofy seatbelts.

 

Agreed. My passenger commented yesterday when travelling across Tower Bridge "this thing rides like a C Class". (in "soft" setting). Before getting to the golf course we switched to medium and then his smile widened - the T's definately have a split personality which I find a great asset.

 

I think the seat belt mice are fun. However, when they break, look at $$$$. I also prefer the three point Seatbelts in the back seats (without the bus like inertial lap belt in the earlier models) The motronic 2.7 electronics claim a few more horsepower also. In the end, I wouldn't let a couple of seat belt mice keep me away from a late model t.

Having said that I will third the suggestion to look at Hill County's car. If we had not bought our t in March, I would seriously consider it myself.



Dave

 

thanks for all the support guys! i have communicated with mrony and he does not want a red car. bummer!

 

There are easy ways to tell. If you are really tuned in with your ears you can open the front bonnet and/or the rear engine cover while in a quiet garage and turn the key to on (but don't start the engine). You should hear the shock solenoids cycle back and then forth for about 2 seconds. Its obvious on my car. That is a self test mode that the Mondial goes through on startup. (Caveat: Don't do that more than three times or the system will go into a fault mode if it does not sense wheel movement within three attempts)

Second suggestion is to remove one of the wire hold down clips for a solenoid on a rear shock top and have some one turn the key to the on position. Look inside the solenoid and watch the motor cycle either direction. Pop the solenoid back in place and slip the clip back on. Done!

Howard, comm'on man. This car is right in line with where it should be priced. Nice "T's" bring good retail money.

 

WOW..realistically just leaves black or white and really narrows any available cars...reduced options in this era..although a white has been floating around on ebay for 'bout a year

 

There is a beautiful local Mondial T for sale at Ferrari of Washington. It used to belong to a local Fchatter (sorry I do not remember his nick). I have seen it in person and the car is really nice. And grigio/rosso is, in my untainted opinion the best color combination for a Mondial!


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