Advice on this Mondial from AutoTrader.

Hello Gentlemen, I love this site, and a big thanks in advance for any thoughts/comments about this listing:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=317510634&dealer_id=67072313&atc_id=AT-12ECD3EA

Specifically:
1) Is the price fair?
2) What to look out for?
3) Any Red Flags?
4) Would you buy this one or wait for a different one to purchase?

Again, thanks you very much for any wisdom, advise, knowledge that you can bestow upon this newbie.

Cheers

 

It is important to get to know these cars if you wish to purchase one. If it is close to you it's worth looking at if you are in the market. With the few extras it has it sounds like someone who wants to stay ahead of the curve, ie extra roof toggles. You've been here since 2009 so I'm guessing you have read a lot about these cars and know that the 348 has the same engine as this car. If this drive train is your preference I'm not seeing anything here that would say not to look at it.

Important to review the records. I also like getting a PPI if you aren't a tech yourself. In my opinion I like the way I purchased my car, with a year or two on the last belt service so you can see that the car is good with minimal oil leaks, and you have a year or two before the next service so you have time to bond with the car before you have to spend for a large service. I'm not suggesting a belt changing time frame here and this is just my opinion about bonding. I also like to see a car that's been driven regularly over the last few years, it shows IMO that it's more likely to keep going regularly without sitting issues popping up.

As to price, they are all over the board and I haven't been tracking T pricing at all.

If you are really in the market it is important to start seeing them in person and driving them to get a feel for what they are and how they should feel.

 

Like PV dirk said. Look good but have a closer inspection. Price is in the actual market range but some T are priced higher than this one for same mileage. I think it's worth a good look. Good luck and let us know what you find!

 

The seller mentions regular maintenance but no mention of the last timing belt service. If it is overdue, this will add $5,000 to the purchase price (or more). However, I would definitely look into the car. "Delivered in 2007" leads me to assume the timing belt is at least 5 years old (due every 3 years but I wouldn't sweat 7 years if the car is driven regularly). I would contact the seller and ask him to give you the good, bad, and ugly on the car.

The belt is not the scary part, it's all of the electronics and mechanicals on the t. If you go see it, test every single switch on the car and make sure there are no warning lights after a half-hour drive (minimum). And don't believe what they say about Italian cars, nothing should leak from a Mondial t.

If you lift the car (or just slide a camera underneath), expect the underside to be beat-up pretty bad. These cars are low and ground strikes are common.

Here is a thread with good pre-buy information asking about a Mondial t, which we ended up buying in 2007 for $42,500 with no regrets.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143116

Good luck.

Dave

 

All good advice, especially the switches part. I've got 55k in my car, paid 30k in 2011, but if you really love the Mondial as I did/do then start off with the cleanest example possible and then bring her back to near perfection. It will cost you the most in the first year but she'll love you back for many years to come.

Good luck.

 

I have seen this t forsale on Ebay as well. The price is average, but do remember reading that its due for a major service, hence the low price. A well maintained and recently serviced Mondial t with 29k miles in working order can command ~$35k, I knew a guy who sold his last year for that exact spec. This maintenance will require an engine out @$2k + Parts + labor = $5000 at a small F shop, $6500 at the Ferrari Dealer. It does look like a very nice car that you ought to take a look at before deciding on purchase.

Like Dave said above, check out all of the buttons and windows, lights, and belts all working.
Those little things will nickle and dime you to the point of I'll rather drive a Toyota if you lose patience. Oh, PPI is highly recommended by a qualified F guy!

All the best!

Mike

 

A very heartfelt thanks to all that replied. I read all your advice closely, and I know I am much better for it. The owner sent me the records that unfortunately show no instance of the belt being replaced. The clutch appeared to have failed last year and had to be towed to a shop. Also a cause for concern was that it was at one time in Hawaii for 5 years - I heard sea air can age a car pretty badly.

What's unfortunate is it's very far away from me so I can't see it first hand. I'm thinking of asking if he would drive it to a local ferrari dealer about 20 miles away for an inspection. I'll keep the gang posted!

Thanks again for all your tips and comments, it is very much appreciated!

 

Symbolic had this car for sale in February, 1998, and it was advertised as red with tan leather, one owner, 6,390 miles, 10-disc CD changer, books and tools, telephone, sheepskin seat covers since new.

Ferrari of Los Gatos had it for sale in October, 2000. They had it for sale again in December, 2002, with 15,930 miles, all updates and a fresh 30K major. It was still for sale the following January, but after that, it disappeared from my radar.

I gotta say, the interior looks damn fine in those photos. You'd get quite a bit of peace of mind by having a PPI done by an independent third party.

 

If the current owner has had all maintenance/repairs done by one shop you might ask if you can contact shop directly. They may or may not be willing to discuss the car with you. But it can be a piece of the puzzle. You might be able to find out if the car is what you are looking for, show car, regular driver, etc. Belly pan better than average, average, etc.

 

Ted, I think you will have the most expensive Mondial t that I know of when you get her back.
---> Drive the hell out of it before you upgrade to your next Ferrari in a few years!

Cheers my friend.
-Mike

 

Its my car that is for sale--contact me if any questions. It is even better than it looks in the pictures. All switches work. Last major was at @16,000 miles. Sale price reflects that matter. All are welcome to talk to my mechanic. As usual, with the nice weather, my willingness to sell is declining, but I can still be convinced. Some of the replies are not accurate in terms of the history. I will share all of the records I have with any genuine inquiry. I have never had the car up for sale on ebay.

 

Also, on ebay, this "one owner" car with only 13,000 miles. Description says engine out service, complete service records, etc. Of course, they are asking $10k more (asking), but with service records, lower mileage, one owner California car, might be worth a hard look. Good luck on your search. Both cars look like they are in great condition, but definitely do a PPI and get a CARFAX. Also, speaking with their mechanic is helpful, but get someone else (third party) to do the PPI.