Buying a Testarossa

Have you driven the Testarossa yet? That would be my first suggestion. After driving the TR and if you really like it, and if all checks out okay during the PPI - and you feel that a TR is what you REALLY want - go for it. I think your estimated value of that 85 TR is about right.

 

i have both, and lemme tell ya, they are different. what kind of wheels/tires do you have on your 308? if you've got the 16" wheels and really enjoy driving the twisties, perhaps a testarossa is not your best choice for a move up. testarossas are not nimble, even with low profile tires. but they are great cruisers. i wouldn't think of a testarossa as an upgrade from a 308, more like a move in a different direction. an upgrade would be a 348/355.

 

Kevin,
what kind of value are they putting on your 308?
Thanks
Jason

 

I'd think that value was a little low...I'd expect to see $55k to $65 for an '85 with 27,000 miles. Some people prefer those older years, for the wheels and the seatbelts.

 

If it is an 85, you will be spending a lot of $ replacing tires. They are metric and hard to find. But you may want to replace the wheels to take 16 inch tires.

 

If a dealer offers it in the 40's or low 50's, take it and if you don't like it, flip it because it will not be a problem at that price range. A serviced 87TR with 27k should be in the high 50's to low 60's. Just take a look at the 328 for sale at FOW:

Inventory Information
Make Ferrari Model 328 GTS
Year 1989 Color Rosso Corsa
Mileage 39500 Price $59,000

 

Yes the differentials are a known issue....but check out the other thread concering this topic. It is very rare for a TR's diff to blow if the car has been properly driven and maintianed. If you don't do any hard off-the-line launches like at a drag strip, or do burn-outs like a musclecar, and shift properly, the differential will be fine.

My first Ferrari was an 87 TR that needed some TLC. I spent about 4 years working on it, and driving it, and learning the quirks that are unique to these cars. Even though this TR was a "storied" car it was mechanically sound and never, ever...let me down or embarrassed me. When I first got it, I was afraid to take it on long trips because I had no Ferrari experience and was uncertain of the dependability. But after a few years I was so confident in the car that long trips of several hundred miles were no big deal. I eventually sold that car to buy another Ferrari....another Testarossa! So this should tell you how happy I am with these cars. My current TR is a 1989 Grigio/Tan. I performed the major service about 2 years ago and at that time also restored the engine bay. Since then it has performed perfectly. It has been my experience that you must drive these cars regularly to keep things in good working order. You must also spend time "puttering around" on these cars, doing things like looking for leaks, checking electrical connections, cleaning and wiping, treating the leather (there's a LOT of leather in the cabin), and just....bonding with the car. These cars don't handle like a Lotus or anything, but they are very capable and can hold there own against many other sports cars. On a recent drive with our club I was being followed by an Acura NSX. When we were able to do some "spirited" driving and I pushed the TR hard I was able to pull quite a distance on the NSX.....totally shocked me. When we finished driving and parked...the NSX owner told me that he was having a very hard time keeping up with me and when it came to the straights, there was nothing he could do but watch me fade away into the distance. The torque on a TR is very impressive and never seems to end, the mid-range is where the car really shines. As for appearances, with the exception of the wheels, the TR still looks very modern. My current TR has 360 Modena wheels and tires on it which really update the car. A set of 512TR whees are probably the best looking wheels to install if you can afford a set. With the 18 inch wheels I have noticed a bit of improvement in handling over the original 16 inchers. Sorry to be so long winded about posting...I had 2 strong cups of coffee this morning...so...

It's ironic that you are in a 308 and looking at a TR. I have owned TRs but would love to have a 308 - I want both. When resources permit it...I will definatley get one.

 

Kevin,

I am with you. I have a black '85 308 and I love my car, but I have always wanted a white Testarossa since I was a young kid watching Sonny Crocket driving the white one on Miami Vice. I am working on funding a purchase of one in addition to the 308 that is in my garage today. Here in Connecticut, Peter Sweeney just posted an '86 on his Forzamotorsports.com website for $55K (with 27K miles). The link is below. I don't know the condition, but looks good from the pictures. I am contemplating taking a look at the car. This might at least give you a point of reference.

Joe

http://www.forzamotorsports.com/photos2.htm

 

Jeff, interesting and pleasant description of owning and running a Testarossa.

Although I have switched to a 512TR, I have fond memories of the Testarossa. In one respect I think it was better and that is for touring. Like you, I never suffered mechanical problems and so felt confident travelling long distances. Two or three times a year, I would do daily runs of 7-800 miles, mostly through France on their superb highways. I still do this with the TR, but have noticed that the suspension makes the ride harder than the Testa.

It's not quite so relaxing over long distances -and I'm getting older!

 

Without a single mirror, I'd be very suspect it is an 85 unless it as 2 high mount mirrors. If it doesn't, either the car isn't an 85 or it's been butchered with the lower mirrors. If you can please post the s/n of the car.

 

Wow JMEISINGER....that TR posted at Forzamotorsports looks great...it is white on white and there can't be more than a few (probably less than 10) ever made with that color combination.

 

www.red-headed.com lists the 85's up to somewhere in the 59XXX's and the 86's starting somewhere in the 59XXX's. Although if you check this thread http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166763 you'll see 85's listed well over chassis # 59XXX. I'd say more than likely the car is an 86 but curious that it doesn't have a single high mirror. Does it have dual low mirrors ala the 87's and up ? can you post a pic of it ? Also check VIN ID plate on the inside of the drivers door jam, that should give you the production date. The 'B' in the VIN indicates a Euro car as does the "T" indicating the F113A European engine family.

 

Keep the 308, they're a great car and go with a TR also. It's like having two kids. Each has unique traits and characteristics and both cars are enjoyable. The 308/328 has been refered to as "riding a Gazelle"; while the TR has been refered to as riding a water buffalo with a rocket shoved up it's bum. The TR drives heavier but the acceleration is amazing. Steering is heavy at low speeds and the rear visibility is minimal at best. Parallel parking can be a real challenge, but who buys a TR to park it. The growl of a V-12 is remarkable. I have never used the radio while driving. It makes it's own music. As pointed out earlier in the thread, one concern may be metric size tires if it has them.
Best of luck.

Russ