Possible buy on 1990 TR

Looking at a 1990 TR, USA Yellow/Black, painted spoiler and skirts, 38000 miles, all service records and recent service early 2005 included major, all coolant / fuel hoses, water pump seal, clutch, drive gear, and clutch shaft, etc for over 10k at independent of highly respected reputation 3000 miles ago. Owner is asking ~57k.

It drives excellent, engine compartment is very good condition and exterior wise is in excellent condition. No smoke out the exhaust, even from cold start. All gauges work. Oil pressure ~40 psi indicated at idle, ~80 psi above 4k rpm. Shifts very good. Started up cold no problem, idled great. I checked rear and front areas for crash damage - none.

Interior has some issues... area above instruments needs to be recovered due to bad scratches from ring use while driving, driver seat bolster worn through with quarter size hole, and driver seat recliner adjustment does not work. The seat falls all the way back.

My opinion: The 38000 miles and all past service records worked out any bugs / issues with this car. The interior issues can be fixed at a upholstery shop. I will have to research on the seat issue.

What do you think? There are a lot of more knowledgeable people here on Testarossa's and I respect that expertise.

Thanks,
Rich

 

Paul, Larry,
Thanks for info.

Paul,
The belts were changed out by a reputable ferrarichat independent in spring 2005. He posts often here. I would do again in 4 years.

Larry,
I agree there is a fine line between high miles and a driver. My fear is the low miles cars will have problems undiscovered. I don't want to have to pay for the major problems. My research has shown the input / clutch shaft to be a wear item for the three cars I already checked out. They had ~30k miles. I kinda expect to see this done on a TR in its life. If I buy it, I am sure I will break the 40k barrier. It was my first time in a TR and the drive was memorable.
I can't see parting with it if I buy it, but I said this the last 18 times with other cars. But as my wife says, it is an illness with no cure in sight.

Regards,
Rich

 

Well, I got the cashier's check and I will be picking up the TR on Monday. I confirmed with the present owner on the sale and pickup. It will be a nice 300 mile drive home. The insurance company has been informed and is covering it.
The recent (2005) extensive major service including clutch and other items make me feel more comfortable about buying this TR.

It will be mine on Monday. I will post pictures after the title is signed over!

Thanks for the feedback,
Rich
Soon to be TR owner!

 

The car I am looking at had the clutch replaced 3000 miles/ 1 year ago. I did notice during my starts from a red light that I had to let the pedal out a lot to get the car moving. My only experience has been with 308/246 varieties.

Since I don't have the manuals:
What is the pedal free play and expected heighth from floor to engagement of the clutch? Is the normal for the TR to have a higher clutch engagement vs 308 varieties?

I almost stalled the engine letting clutch out to see when the clutch was going to engage prior to giving gas.

Any help appreciated, this could be the deal breaker if clutch already needs replacement after 3000 miles.

Rich

 

Owner would not lower regardless and unfortunately has other projects in the works taking up his time. So.... I move on to another one. There are more TR's out there.

Thanks for the input
Rich

 

Just finished driving 6 hours to look at it and 6 hours driving it back home....

I am tired and ready for bed, but what an excellent ride. Great car and great previous owner for letting it go.

BTW, I averaged 19mpg on the 376 mile trip in the Testarossa. I kept to the speed limit all the way.

Photos were done by my friend at the rest area.

Late 1987 with 21000 miles, beautiful car, exterior and interior.

Rich
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After 5 hours of sleep........

The red "horsey" will be going and so will the side badges.

The 19mpg was unexpected, but good news. The owner's manual said 19.7 and I followed the recommended shift points for economy. The TR did great with no hiccups.

Next is getting signed up for Concorso Italiano! See ya in Monterey!

Off to work I go....

Rich

 

Got into Concorso Italiano! Look forward to meeting everyone and saying hello.

It will be great to hang out with the Ferrari crowd. My son (14) is very excited. He loves the Red Head.

Are there going to be any Ferrari chat dinners or gatherings the Monterey weekend? New thread or is it too early?

Rich
ps The red horse on the grill is going ..... going..... gone.
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Very nice....! A great car and a real joy to drive.
I did get rid of the red horse on the front grille and the side badges. I prefer the stock original look, but will keep the chrome horse on the back for the contrast.

I am at 1300 miles so far and have a run to go to tomorrow with 5 other Ferrari's. We are going to meet at a weekly car gathering of 30 - 75 cars which meet every Saturday, go to breakfast in San Luis Obispo, then off to Arciero Winery in Paso Robles for some wine and a look at their race car exhibit. I've topped off all the fluids and am ready to go!

Rich