Hello Folks- I need assistance with the world of TR's before I buy one. Now before you roll your eyes into the back of your head, I've searched and found a few discussions- but I'd really like a fresh look and consideration of my requirements. I'm looking to add a final (well- as final for any car guy) car to round out my collection. I own a 430F1 and just acquired a 328, and would like to add a TR. I love the styling of the TR- and it was the super car of my youth. I know the 512's are probably a better car, however my limit on this is about 50k. I'm not concerned about original paint, interior- I'd rather have better looking. Records are great, but I'm content with the last 5 years that give me a picture from the last major forward. What are the top area's of concern on this car? is there an obvious choice in a year range from 88 to 91? Assuming I start with a solid car and recent maintenance- what is your avg yearly and 5 year cost to stay in good shape? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Please read the TR/Boxer threads. They will provide you with the +/- of the TR. It seems redundent to repeat what already is available to you. My only offering is .....if you buy one, you won't regret it. Respectfully, Turbopanzer
Hate to say it but if you want a nice TR and your limit is 50K, stay away. You wont be happy with your purchase. It has been said many, many times, your cheapest TR will be your most expensive TR. For the most part ( I know there is always a screaming deal lurking somewhere) buy the highest quality car you can afford. It will give you many miles of smiles!!! Nothing like that 12cyl. behind yor head. I love mine!!!
Good luck with your search. I don't have the funds to keep more than 1 f Car, but my progression looked like this : 1987 328 1988.5 Testarossa 2005 F430 F1 So I like your tastes! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Erik, my advise after 3 years of vruising around Europe with my 512TR Go for (only) a 512TR, possibly late 1994 .... You can read here and there why ... (Photo: Charity Circuit Run with very sick kids) Image Unavailable, Please Login
With a budget of $50K you can forget about a 1994 512TR especially a later production one - unless it is a complete and utter disaster. R
Jerry, I didn't know that you are back with Ferrari once again, whatever happened to the Lotus ? Anyway, it good to have you back and congradulations on the F430.
I understand I could spend more and get a more reliable version of the car, in fact that was a big factor in purchasing the 430 over a 360. I am hoping that many people here are happy owners of their 88-91 TR's, but might be able to give me their 2cents on what to focus on and expect as I search. If the consensus from those owners are- way to expensive and unreliable... then yes, I'll probably consider the 512. This is going to be the least driven of my cars- probably 1k per year (not out of desire to preserve it... just to many to love and drive).
If the Testarossa is sorted it is very reliable and is worthy of weekly romps. Recent engine out is a plus.. Fuse box upgrade as well as gold kit other plus's as well.. There is alot of info on here and if I keep going its going to be another huge advertisment for my car. I'd rather you hear everything from everyone else. Just trying to be partial. R
This is true, but if I wanted to buy another Testarossa or other Ferrari I would rather buy it and have the major done after. Some shops don't cut corners and you'll be paying for it later on. I had mine as a daily for over three years in all sort of traffic, some tracking and it always got me to where I was going, it never left me stranded.
At a thousand miles a year in five years I would say not much. If you do a real major service spare no expense, new tires and a new clutch and some minor stuff I would say leave in the bank $15k for those things. I invested around $25k on mine and drove it around 40k miles in like four years, but I have to say that I liked spending money on it and some stuff maybe didn't even need to be done. I also kept it by the book and that's not really necessary or is it...
I agree, $2k to $3k on average per year to cover for maintenance (a little less in the first 4 years and a lot more for the major on the fifth year) and a few unexpected things. You also might need a little more at the beginning if the car has never been sorted (fusebox, diff, etc) About the TR vs 512TR, no doubt the 512 is the better car, but I would add that if you were a testarossa poster kid like I was, the design changes of the 512 might not be for you. I personally love the black skirts of the TR, its unique square seats, the lines of the engine cover that end before the rear of the car, the orange/red/white rear lights, the elongated square nose, the old school Momo steering wheel, etc. to me that's how a TR looks like in my childhood memories, not like the 512 TR. Budgetwise I could have bought a 512 instead of my 1990 TR, but the look wasn't "it" for me. Still today when I see a 512TR I admire its mechanical greatness, but side by side the TR wins on looks. It's the simply how a TR should be for me. If you're heart is into the TR like mine is, then the TR is the right choice despite not being as good as the 512TR mechanically. If you like the overall shape of the TR/512/M series, and have no specific attachment to any particular one, then heck yeah the 512TR is the answer. (I never got the M...)
I am in a similar situation as Erik. I currently have a fantastic 575(F1) that I will never part with, but have longed for the iconic TR from my youth to add to my garage. The lines, the sound and the click clack of the gated shifter. I am currently trying to familiarize myself with what to look for etc...my budget would be $90k max.. Is the 512 worth that much more than a TR? Not sure if I could even get well sorted 512 for under my price point? I think both cars look amazing, but is it really worth spending considerably more money for the 512 vs a well sorted TR.. Thanks guys... Leo
I am chasing after that car I had the poster of. And just like my 328- I'm buying rolling art and not trying to compete with my 430 or anything else. The performance edge a 512 would give me is not a consideration. If a TR averages out to 3k a year and the 512 averages 2k to maintain, I would still buy the TR. If the TR has a high propensity to blow up a 30k part of the drivetrain and the 512 does not... well then maybe I should reconsider. It sounds like that as long as I can verify some the of original MFR trouble spots have been sorted out, the TR can be a reliable car from that point forward?
I'd agree with this statement. The Ferrari boxer engine is a very reliable engine, TR/512 only issues come from the electrical system and the diff. Both can be sorted out and make a fairly bulletproof car. Dave Helms and Paul Newman can help you sort all this stuff out.
Ballpark figures: A) Pre-emptive upgrade, 5 to 10k with labor (during your 30k service). This depends on where you source your replacement and what you replace it with, there are choices. B) Waiting until the Diff blows, 12 to 20k with labor (IF you have suffered transaxle case damage). * In case 'B' above the Ring and Pinion might be damaged (but not always), start at 5k and add labor. * In case 'B' above some damage may occur to the transmission (but not always). Cost depending on requirements. As I said, these are ballpark figures. You can do the work yourself and save money (if you have the knowledge and tools). I forgot item 'C' C) Drive the car and don't worry about it. ZERO cost for the time being. Some choices, http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226140 (Newman Carrier) http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349142 ( The UK carrier)
With a budget of $50K, why are we even talking about a 94 512TR? In my opinion, a Testarossa is the sexiest car bar none. You're on the right track looking for a well sorted car. By the best car you could afford. 50K budget, looking for a 88.5-90TR, well sorted? Have you seen Mr. Chairman's 90 TR. He had a recent major, Dave Helms gold connector kit, Fusebox upgrade etc etc. Check Ferrari Ads. For the most part, I think you have a better chance of finding a well sorted Testarossa amongst true enthusiasts where you could see the history than you would buying a Testarossa with little or no records.
If I was looking I would be all over this one. I know what Robbie has done to it and yes, he is an enthusiast. IIRC he had it advertised for 45k. Good deal for what it is. The price also leaves wiggle room for incidentals.
If you want a clean car, I just listed mine on FerrariAds.com not for 50K but keep in mind it does not need another 30K to maybe make it perfect. Image Unavailable, Please Login
What!? But you LOVE this car! What happened? Don't tell me you fell for one if these skanky Lambos...
