Mondial Cabriolet 3.2 or t

Hello Group,

I am seriously considering the purchase of a Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet. This is what I've gathered thus far:

1. Service History is key
2. There is a 50/50 split whether to go for a 3.2 or t. Both have pros and cons.
3. Most people say: "Look for the best example of a 3.2 or t that you can afford."

I'm torn between the 2. The question I have:

Is the 88 the best iteration of the 3.2? I've heard the ABS and the non-metric wheel sizes are a plus. How true is this? Is it simply a 'luxury' or really an important issue?

I would appreciate any input and help in finding a great car.

Thanks,

Bruno Vendittelli
Toronto, Canada

 

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If you have the money, go for a t.
It is easier to find a good t simply because they are newer.

If you like to tinker, go for a QV.
They are just as fast, and handle just as good (at our driving skill level).

3.2 is something in between.
If you have the patience, you can find a good 3.2 that does not need much work.

But no matter how you slice it, they are old cars, and they all need work. You are not buying a bargain. Like any old and wise FChatter will tell you... You are really buying a "new" car on instalment, one month at a time.

YMMV

 

The 3.2 will always be the least of the problematic models, the 88's are simply the best. I love the "t"s and I've owned many amongst the 16 Mondials I had but in the end the 3.2 always wins in my book due to its kindness to the budget. If you have to have a little more performance and power steering then the "t" is what you want but don't expect it to keep you planted to your seat. Most modern pick-up trucks will outrun it. Just make sure it is fully sorted, and yes, service history is definitely going to play a factor when looking at one. A "t" that needs a major and other minor things can easily run you 5 figures.

 

^^^^^^
This. Mostly because I have an '88 3.2.
I freaking love this car!

 

The metric tires can be 500.00 or more a piece and that is if you can find them

 

im biased 88 3.2 the best

1) Since you are probably used to driving modern cars then abs is better for you, non abs requires a skill to properly brake

2) you can buy other rims to replace metric and have modern riding rubber, just keep the metrics for concours judging
it is not a luxury however a new set of metrics will set you back 2g for the rubber



for the record I bought mine and the owner had only put 10Kmiles on it in the last 15 years and no service during that time, it was nice to see the paperwork but with low mileage that most of the cars have just know that without paperwork you should just plan on a major anyway that's what I did and haven't looked back since

 

The 3.2 has a better looking exterior, much easier service and more pure. The manual steering is absolutely perfect at speed, although a little of a bear at takeoff. The t has much better performance with power steering, abs, lower center of gravity by 1.5 inches due to a lower engine by 5 inches, and adjustable shocks. The interior is better on the t. FYI, my 3.2 is not the lousy TRX metric tires, but rather the Goodyears, which is way preferred, even though the 87 owners manual describes both the Goodyear and metrics. There are no major CEL codes on the 3.2 and overall the engine is a totally rock solid best iteration of the orginal 308/Mondi 8. And engine in major service, as opposed to the t. You basically cannot go wrong with either, as long as they have been serviced. Do not underestimate the service costs with either of these automobiles. These are both truly wonderful Ferrari's.
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I own an 85 QV Coupe, and think it's the best Mondial version out there.

If you are a home wrench, the 3.2 or QV are easier to work on. The QV and 3.2 have transverse mounted engines, and the t has a longitudinal mounted engine. All the accessories on the QV and 3.2 are on the passenger side of the car and easily accessible, including the timing belts.

Here's a good example of why I think it's better. Last week the alternator died. To get to it for changing was easy....simply remove the passenger rear wheel and fender well liner. Very easy. Not sure where it is on the t - but given the longitudinal orientation, it might be harder to get to.

One item in favor of the t is the power steering. My QV doesn't have it. It's somewhat difficult to drive very slowly in tight spaces. Once rolling, it doesn't affect the drive.

And finally, one last very subjective note -- I really like the Coupes. Personally, I think they look great, and you don't have the hassle of dealing with convertible top replacement. Plus, there's far fewer coupes than CVs. Either way, the look of the car, and the sound are very different from the other cars on the road, and usually attracts a lot of smiles from other motorists.

Which ever way you go, keep us posted here. This site has some great people that have already been through any issues/challenges you might face once you own the car. I've found the people and the "how to" threads invaluable. If you get a 3.2 or QV, check out the 308/328 subform as those cars have the same drivetrain as the Mondials. If you get a t, check out the 348 subform, as the Mondial t and the 348 have the same drivetrain.

Finally - one last word of advice. These are 20+ year old cars. There will always be something that needs work. But, that's part of the fun of owning a vintage car. Having said that, these are rather simple cars, and as a result usually very reliable.

Sid

 

Grab one now, as it appears prices will likely increase in the near future.

CarSourcing.com - The Home of Performance Car Investment.

 

Hank, I am waiting for your comments.

 

This means higher parts prices, and stupid brokers buying from each other and driving the price even higher.

Sid

 

I'm not sure parts prices will skyrocket as well. Hourly rate won't skyrocket just because of these cars. The rate is the same for my car vs a more valuable model. There actually is some competition in the parts market. It just won't cost such a large % of car value to service it anymore.

Vote on which model. I like the look of my 3.2. Never have driven a t. I like the lips on the fenders of my car and the side vents, but most people would never notice. I think I had my car for a few years before I realized there was a difference in the bodies. And I'm the rare individual who finds the seats in my car comfortable.

 

Good read on 3.2 vs T from owners of each! I own an 88 3.2 and absolutely love it !

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/391298-mondial-3-2-vs-t.html

Cheers
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I specifically searched for and purchased a 1988 3.2 Cabriolet for all the reasons mentioned above:
No computer controlled engine to cause problems.
Ease of maintenance/service especially for a DIY'er.
ABS
Non-Metric 16" wheels.
I like the body style, flares and cheese grater on the 3.2 vs the t.
Cheaper than a "t" too.

I read almost every Mondial post on this board to learn as much as I could so I knew the right questions to ask when looking at car.

I was patient and bought the best one I could find.

Power steering really doesn't matter unless you are at slow speed. So it's a little tougher to park and maneuver at lower speeds, one less thing to break IMHO.

I am also convinced that our cars are going to appreciate significantly over the next few years, so I bought now while I could still afford it. I am not wealthy and a $60K mondial would be out of my reach.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you buy!
Alden

 

Best advice I feel I can give you is get out and drive at least one example of each if not more. I didn't even know I wanted a Mondial until I drove one.

 

I also have an 88 and it has been a great car.
Power steering would be nice only when parking and I have abs. Honestly, I don't think the performance difference between a T and 3.2 is much of a factor.

I think it all boils down to getting the best car with the best history and PPI that you can afford.

 

Can you simply buy 88 rims and tires and fit them on an 86 or 87?

 

You sure can...

scroll down the forum and you can see recent threads on the wheels topic

here's one example:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/490787-best-wheels-replace-stock-metric.html

 

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http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/488985-wheels-tyres-17-a.html

 

Yes my 86 came with trx from the factory and a previous owner sourced 16's from another mondial that go right on. Another option is a company called superformance they sell replica rims.

 

Stock Ferrari rims yes interchangeable between Mondials

if you go with other model rims you may have to switch lug bolts

after market may require the hub alignment pin to be removed

 

Thanks for all you help everyone. Here's the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION:

Would you rather:

a. Buy a car with excellent service history from Day 1 and a recent major service for top dollar
or
b. Buy an equally nice car with less of a service history and no recent major service and budget $10,000 - $15,000 towards immediate servicing and repair of finicky things (i.e. gas cap door doesn't open, remove non-factory speakers....)

In the end, I would have roughly the same money in both cars.

Thoughts?

 

I would pay premium for a car that is babied from day one.


YMMV

 

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Here's a prestine example... (but it is sold)
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Key point is if it has had the major service recently.
If not add another $10-15K.
Cheers,
Greg