Considering Mondial QV 85' with 110,000km – Advice Needed! | FerrariChat

Considering Mondial QV 85' with 110,000km – Advice Needed!

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by Fulmonte, May 2, 2025 at 1:54 PM.

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  1. Fulmonte

    Fulmonte Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Michael G
    Hi everyone,

    I'm considering buying a 1985 Ferrari Mondial QV that currently has 110,000 kilometers on the clock. I had the chance to drive the car, and I must say it felt really good on the road — solid, responsive, and enjoyable overall.

    The previous owner has done a number of repairs and maintenance over the years, and overall it seems to have been looked after.

    One of the reasons I'm seriously considering this car is that, due to the higher mileage, it's priced quite attractively compared to other Mondials on the market. That’s definitely something I’m factoring into my decision...

    That said, I wanted to ask the community — especially owners of Mondials or similar Ferraris — whether this mileage should be a concern. I know that regular maintenance is key with these cars, but I’m wondering if the high mileage alone should be a red flag or if, with proper care, a Mondial can remain reliable and enjoyable to drive well past 100k km.

    Any advice on what to check also? Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Thanks in advance for any advice or shared experiences!
     
  2. stasha

    stasha Karting

    Sep 10, 2021
    125
    Full Name:
    steve steve
    Check the fusebox for signs of burned connections. This is a troublesome area and very prone to needing replacement (55 connections or so go thru this).
    Make sure all the solenoid-activated doors, lids, hoods, all work.
     
  3. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 25, 2010
    3,370
    Central Florida
    Get a compression and leak down test done, that should tell you the health of the engine. Anything else is pretty easily fixable. If that checks out and the price is right I'd say go for it.
    Alden
     
  4. djs308

    djs308 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 2, 2002
    1,130
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    David S.
    Just doing the math, 110,000km is the same as 68,000 miles. I do not consider that to be "high mileage" on an older Ferrari. To get that far means someone has been servicing it regularly. For reference, my 3.2 has 79,000 miles. Sure it's needed some work, but it's such a pleasure to drive.

    As suggested above, having the mechanical and electric bits checked out by a trusted and knowledgeable mechanic is a good way to go. A documented, well maintained example in good overall condition should be more important criteria than mileage alone. In fact, as has been said often around here, having ultra low miles would be more of a red flag!

    Hope it works out!
     
  5. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2004
    2,581
    Argent/Brasil
    Full Name:
    Guido
    There are Mondials with more then 200.000 km...so for the mechanic part you do the normal checks first.(oil leaks, compression tests, leak down test).
    Look after rust (underside doors, sills, inside sills under carpets, wheel arches).
    A happy owner since 2002.
     
  6. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 24, 2003
    51,358
    Goodyear, AZ
    Full Name:
    PeterS
    Welcome to FC. If the price is right and it drives well, why not? These are extremely fun cars to drive. Just do your DD as mentioned above and remember............'the least expensive Ferrari will be the most expensive one'!
     
  7. Fulmonte

    Fulmonte Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Michael G
    Thanks! for sure will check them all... Thanks. Of course i dont look for the cheapest one but ypu see we dont have a lot of options where i live.
     
  8. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 24, 2003
    51,358
    Goodyear, AZ
    Full Name:
    PeterS
    And you live where?

    Short story: About two years ago, I looked at a beautiful 308 that was fresh off a full $10K+ major. When taking a test drive, it took 5-6 key turns to get the engine running. I tried to leave right then. The owner said just hang on. Once started, he drove us a couple - three miles where it seemed there was just not enough 'ummmf' in the motor. Hard pass for me. Turned out the $10K+ major had to all be done all over again due to poor workmanship.
     
  9. Fulmonte

    Fulmonte Rookie

    Friday
    3
    Full Name:
    Michael G

    I live in Greece.
    I have never had a Ferrari although I always had Italian classics (lancia and alfas)
    My choice is the Mondial not only because of its low price but also for its easier maintenance compared to other models.
    Sure I would like not to have any bad experience like this you say...
     
    PeterS likes this.
  10. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 24, 2003
    51,358
    Goodyear, AZ
    Full Name:
    PeterS
    Your drive proved your like for the car. IMO, 99% of those who talk smack about them have never driven one.
     
  11. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2005
    4,080
    Canada
    The issue is age not the km.

    The rubber hoses, fuel, brakes and coolant and such should be inspected, probably replaced. There are lots of coolant hoses, including two under the plennum which are hard to access. Clutch slave cyclinder seals leak, and the slave hose gets cooked by the header.

    The car looks like it has the metric rims, the Michelins TRX are available but expensive. If the tires have a date code greater than say 8 years they will need replacement regardless of tread.

    The typical issues with these cars is fuse boxes. GT Car Parts has a nice rebuild service that is worth the upgrade with a modern quality circuit board.

    The bumpers on the car in your pic are painted, rather than the original black rubber. I am not sure if the paint on that rubber will flake off or not.

    As for other mechanicals, fuel distributors are due for a rebuild (rubber parts inside). Rubber seals at the differentials can leak, CV boots split, cam seals and cover O rings leak, etc.

    But again these are issues with any car this age, regardless of km. How it was stored will have an impact as well.

    Looks like a car that was driven, and that's actually a good indicator.
     
    Alden likes this.

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