To Mondial Or Not

Full disclosure. I have owned BMWs for most of my life, but I have always wanted a Ferrari (since like 2). The only Ferrari in my price range (20-28k) is the 80s Mondial. I have heard they are expensive to maintain, with tales of $1,000 per oil change (does this only apply to the 89 Mondi?) Anyway, I love the way the Mondials, and I know that they are not that fast compared to other Ferraris nor as collectible. So,if you were going to buy a weekend car that you knew wouldn't break down before you got to the golf course and back, would you get a Mondi?

 

Buy a 3.2.

I complain about mine all the time but my wife doesn't want me to sell it.

 

Don't listen to all that is being said about Ferrari maintnance. A regular oïl change at Ferrari Québec is $295 for most any Ferrari.

Here is a list of what it include.

PROMOTION SERVICE AT FERRARI QUEBEC:


Ferrari Maserati Québec invites you book now for an oil change from only $ 295.00.

This offer is available for most models. Please contact Roger Helou the service department for details.

• Change engine oil & filter
• Level / condition of power steering oil
• Level / condition of the transmission oil
• level / condition of the cooling liquid
• Condition of accessories belts
• Exhaust System
• Condition of engine mounts
• Assessment of the wear of brake discs & pads
• Brake lines
• Level / condition of the brake fluid
• Fill washer
• Condition wiper blade
• Check the fuel system for leaks
• Checking dela gearbox oil
• Wear tires
• Tire pressure
• Handbrake Operation
• Suspension components
• Components of the suspension
• Lights
• Traffic Lights
• Lights decline
• Brake Lights
• Interior Lights
• Lights warnings
• Operation keys / locks / security systems
• Operations safety belts
• System Operation Audio / Navigation
• Glovebox Operation
• Operation Mirror
• Operation roof opening (if applicable)

 

Absolutely. Reliable even as a daily driver. The 13 Mondials I've owned never let me down other than regular maintenance. I think today they are the best buy for the money, and that's a lot of car for it. Not to mention it is a Ferrari, so it gets the respect and doesn't get drowned in the sea of BMW's. You will fulfill your dream and make new friends you never knew you had

I think it's time you start turning right

 

I understand the Mondial T to require more labor for the major service (someone should validate). I recommend a Mondial in coupe form myself. Not sure where you are but there's a place in Vermont - RPM (rpmvt) that may still have a couple solid Mondials (no affiliation).

 

Oil and filter change can cost under $100 if you are handy and can DIY (in the UK it costs me around £50 for parts). Agree the 3.2 version may be the one to look at. As for major service costs the "T" version will cost more for belt service compared to the earlier models (although a clutch change on the "T" is easier - well as "easier" as it gets with these vehicles!).

As for not being "fast" - maybe not in a straight line compared to other models but given normal roads and conditions a good driver should be able to be fast off the mark and keep ahead of most out there. The Mondial does feel sure-footed (similar to the 308) and in a tricky situation can help you get through safely (compared to say a 512 which will bite yer bum given half the chance!).

Put it this way - personally I must admit I never liked the Mondial styling compared to other models when they were new (showing my age now!) but since I have matured I do tend to drive a Mondial more than others and now appreciate the styling and of course the smiles it puts on your face (although for me the sound of a carb 308 still beats the Mondial when driving).

 

Nothing is cheap when it comes to Ferrari: it's part of the appeal!

That said, the Mondial is generally accepted as being one the cheapest Ferrari to run and also one of the most realiable (namely the 3.2). Furthermore, at prices people are asking for Mondials in the US, it is A LOT of car for the money, namely the last editions (3.2 and T), which are more powerful and evolved.

If you want a Ferrari, this is probably the last Ferrari which is still truly affordable and now is the time to get it, for all sorts of reasons. You'll fall in love the minute you drive a Mondial, although/namely it's a very different drive from modern cars. If you find a properly maintained one, you'll regret not buying one: you won't get it out of your system until you pull the trigger no matter what and with prices on the rise, in a couple of years I wouldn't be at all surprised if you had to pay a few thousand USD more for the same car that is being presented to you today between 20k and 30k USD.

Kind regards and welcome!

Nuno.

 

I have an 85 QV. As for not fast, that's a matter of perspective. It's as fast as it's contemporaries (Porsche 928, 924, corvettes, etc.). Compared to modern cars (Ferraris, Porsche, Corvette), it's a lot slower, but then even the supercars of the early to mid 80s (BB, TRs, etc) are a lot slower than modern cars.

The Mondial actually has been described as better handling than the 308/328 brothers, due to the longer wheelbase. I've found that it drives great - you just have to remember that it's a 1980's car.

As for experience, when you put your right foot down, and that Ferrari V8 winds up and howls.....there's nothing like it. It's more than fast enough to leave all traffic behind, and the smile on your face will stick around for a couple of hours.

As for Maintenance, it's probably the least expensive Ferrari to maintain. And if you can do any DIY (oil changes, etc.) it's a lot cheaper. It's also very "analog" - meaning few if any computers to deal with. Very easy to maintain.

Hope this helps

Sid


P.S. I love mine. It's a real Ferrari...All Ferrari. Designed and hand-built by Ferrari.

 

Do your homework in advance of your search and certainly get a PPI on your prospective car. I think any Ferrari demands regular maintenance and attention to details. Repair bills become high when you purchase a car that's been neglected or had required maintenance deferred. From this standpoint, it won't matter what model you purchase, the cost to repair will be high.

I have an ''89 t, and I've NEVER experienced a $1000 oil change��!! I've owned it longer than any car EVER and it's as much fun to drive today as when first purchased (actually, it's due for the major so it's in the process of being shipped to Southern California....only one person besides me touches this car). I haven't been "shocked" by maintenance costs, but I also went in with eyes wide open.

Whichever version you choose, get it now while the gettin's good. My jaw dropped to the floor when I recently searched for prices on 308 gt4's and 412's. Those cars were selling in the $15-$20k range 5 years ago.
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Make sure you buy a good example. As said do your homework. Do not absolutely do not purchase any used Ferrari without a PPI. The PPI is worth every penny. The price to fix a bad example can really lead to a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$ and fast.

 

You need to get out and drive one or a couple see how it feels to you, if you buy one right maintenance shouldn't break the bank.

 

Thanks for all the responses; everyone has sold me on the 3.2. Other than getting a PPI, any obvious things to lookout for in my hunting. I know from owning BMWs to lookout for electrical problems. I read that Italian metal wasn't so great in the 80s. Is there a common place in the car where that problem might manifest itself?

 

As with most Mondials the fuse box is not reliable and it is clearly under-engineered for all the electrics. There are many fixes available for this but you should be aware of it. Fixes run in the + or- $1000 range.

 

Another thing to check are the rear Windows on a convertible. Very hard to work and well known for not working. The 3.2 is the best choice if you expect to do some work yourself like other said. Belt change is a easy job on 3.2. Front spark plugs are the hardest to reach on a normal maintnance.

If you smell gaz look for gaz tank leak, if thank need to be dropped it's a good job and they sometime leak in the weld from cracking.

Mondials are great cars and I would buy another one anytime.

Ho! And one important thing to add, the Mondial family here is absolutely wonderfull.

 

For corrosion, check the lower fender area between front wheel and door leading edge plus along the lower door edges. Also the wheel arches and around the engine space frame for any weld fractures.

At the front under the grille check the space frame cross-member (can sometimes be bent out of shape due to incorrect jacking). Also check the lower wishbones for fractures and the suspension coil spring mounts at the base of the shocks.

Plus all the other good points mentioned before by others, in particular the points regarding fuel leaks/smells. Not forgetting fluid checks (water and oils for color/smell/level/etc).

 

Rocker panels are the likeliest area to find tell-tale corrosion. But if you're hunting for a 3.2, you will probably be all right. Until 1985, Ferrari did not use galvanized steel. Everything after 1985 was galvanized.

 

Not quite everyone, lol.

The choice with the most "value" is probably the 3.2 due to the lower cost of maintenance and being the last version without the transverse engine layout. But trust me, owners of the T love this car for all of the upgrades; interior, engine layout, hp, bodywork, ps, suspension, etc. I would say to test drive them both before deciding on which one you want. You may find that you like the final version enough to absorb the extra cost for a major (like a good number of us). Can't go wrong either way, imo.

Just my $.02...

 

Not sure this will encourage you, but set aside $10-15K for maintenance and repairs, over a 3 year period of ownership, assuming you start with one in very nice condition. And, that's a rough guide.

On the flip side, your car is not likely to depreciate either.

 

On the other hand, note that I haven't spent that much in 10 years of ownership (although I'll hit that mark this year with my major).

If you have a nice example, do set aside that amount and be pleasantly surprised if you don't spend it all. Costs usually happen in bunches versus constant needs

 

Did not read through all the posts, but more than one recommended a PPI before buying. That is excellant advice. Know what you are getting into before it becomes your problem. I had one done on my car and knew prior to buying it, I knew it was going take a $1000 to fix some minor problems.

Have the PPI done by a shop that makes theri living working on Ferrari's. It may cost about $500, but those mechanics have probably forgotten more about Ferrari's than you or I will ever know. You are paying for what is between their ears, knowledge.

Looking for a Ferrari to buy is like doing a reseach project, it takes time, don't jump at the first one.

Fluid change and filters should not cost a $1000. I had Brian Crall change my oil, transmission fluid, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, and fuel accumulator, on my 87 Mondial and it cost less that $500.

What every the car cost I would strongly suggest you have about $5K in you back pocket to take car of any surprises you get after you buy a car. See Rob's comments above. I have had my car since Oct 2012 and have just past the $20K mark for what I have put into it.

Low mileage vice high mileage cars. There are pros and cons to this. There are some low mileage cars out there, question to ask is why? One reason the buyer found out what maintenace cost and did not drive the car. These cars are meant to be driven, what is the fun of letting one sit? These cars have many rubber parts in them, and unlike wine rubber does not age well in a car that sits.

Lastly, keep good records of what you have done to the car. When you go to sell so you can buy a 360, it will give the new owner a warm fuzzy feeling that you took good car of the car.

Good luck.

 

curious what you have done/needed for the car for $20K in 2-1/2 years

 

What kind of repair cost should I realistically expect to spend a year? Ceb39's comments above scare me. 20k in repairs in a couple of years doesn't sound like fun. 1-2k a year sounds like more fun if that is realistic.

 

Costs vary greatly with mileage. Even bearing that in mind, 20k USD+ in 2 years seems quite a lot. An exception, not a rule. Next month I'll have owned my Mondial for a year and I've managed to service it like it needs and wants for less than one fourth of that amount (maintenance, taxes, gas, etc). Next year I'll be buying new tyres and belts, and I anticipate that I'll be spending around 10k USD when I reach the 2 year mark.

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Hi Charley,

"Is there a common place?" ....... is really a question focusing on "where did the car live?". If you buy a car from a dry region (no or little snow - and no salt), it usually becomes a moot point.

May I offer a thought here? Granted, at present, the entire year range of Mondials probably offers the best "deal" as regards the cost of "Ferrari ownership". But you must not make the mistake of looking for the "best" deal as far as "Mondial ownership" is concerned. You want the very best Mondial that your budget allows.

Only in very rare or hardship cases, can you score a "cheap" car, that won't cost an arm and a leg - just to get it proper.

Just my .02. And I do know that my .02 is "general" in terms of perception and presentation. But, if you were a DIYSelfer, you probably would have laughed at what you heard was the cost of an oil change. Am I right?

Before you buy, do the research. it's actually great fun and you'll learn tons !!

Cheers, Hank

 

Well stated. Since we have the same mechanic, I mean MAGICIAN, you can attest to how pain-free Mondial t ownership can be (given you're not coming in with unrealistic expectation for a 25+ year old exotic). It's time for me to take care of my major, but the car runs so well that it would have been easy to forget.

The starting point IS the key though. It's imperative to get the best car available, as opposed to the "best deal".