1988 mondial

Emotions do always stand in the way of logics .... and vice versa !

If you love driving (in it's true sense) then take the effort and shape it up to your personal needs.
It will be an asset for you and reward you with dividends of pleasure.

If you doubt the joy you might get of driving it, you will always see the car as a liability. Then rather sell it to someone who doesn't.

Just my 2cents.

 

If your gonna keep the car then do it. Eventually coupes will become even harder to find. I have an 83 coupe and the owner before me spent 15k to get the car back in to running condition. He told me that was the best money he ever spent on it.


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You stated "After an assessment, it has been recommended that I should not proceed with any repairs." Why are they recommending that? Strange they would say that if it ran well before parking (unless outside all that time!). Did they give you a list of what is needed to make it roadworthy? I would start with that and begin putting an overall budget together. How are the cosmetics? Is there a solid history on the car otherwise? Finally, and most importantly, do you intend to drive the car regularly after sorted? If not 100% sure about that, I would probably clean it up, fix the bare minimum, and sell as with so few 3.2 coupes around, I think you would find a buyer quickly.

Good luck on the plan

 

Geez, how long of a list did Dave give you?I’m of the opinion that unless the car has serious rust issues, it is worth saving, but everyone’s priorities and bankbook are different. Fuel injectors, for example, are one of the more affordable items to replace since they interchange with other cars. Unless we are talking complete engine rebuild or something that dire, I would go for the fix.Just my 2 cents. It’s always easy to spend other people’s money, lol

 

How did it drive last time you had it out for a good run, if it was running fine then drain the tank for fresh and give it a good run and see how it goes.

 

Here is something else to think about this weekend:

1. Get a second opinion regarding what is needed to make the car useable; if need be, get a third opinion - from the best Ferrari experts around. Money well spent.

2. Timing of sale. Right now, Chris Harris (Top Gear) just released a video review of the Mondial which appears to be episode one of a “I Love the Mondial - but it needs some love too” series he will release. Watch the video - his emphasis MIGHT help get the full truth out about our wonderful cars. I urge you not to sell just yet.

3. Do a look back. Project yourself out about five or ten years and look back. Are you going to regret not getting 2nd/3rd opinion (#1) and not waiting a bit (#2) and selling the car? Or are you going to be really glad you are using FChat for advice.

Smart of you to look before you leap!


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Hello Michael
You can't expect to leave a car sitting around and not have problems. They are always best driven regularly and the best advice is take it to 7000rpm every chance you can. They are built for it. I have the same car same colours as you in Sydney Australia. I put it on the track a couple of times a year and love it and I go touring in it especially with the local Ferrari Club whenever I can. What are you going to do if you don't fix it ? There must be a lot more wrong than just injectors to scrap it. Injectors are nothing. Sounds like the garage wants to buy it cheap !! Or is it the whole injector system ?? If that is the case you might have the wrong garage, that requires a specialist. 10 years ago my car just stopped, the motor idled but it wouldn't go so most probably it was a fuel thing, they changed everything, distributor caps leads plugs injectors and stuff i never heard of. It was expensive cost AUD$5000 but 10 years later still going great. When it comes to your battery you should have an isolation switch which I am sure was standard from the factory. Mine is beside the battery box.
GET THAT CAR ON THE ROAD AND ENJOY. David Barnes 1988 Mondial 3.2 Sydney Australia. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Part of the issue with this thread is we have not really been given enough information to help you in your decision. I will start by saying that Sarasota Italian Garage is a first class facility that, IMHO, doesn't have any will or reason to tell you things that aren't factual. If and when (heavy on the when, I'm sure!) my Mondial needs work beyond my capabilities, that is where it will go. A list of the car's problems would make it easier to try and steer you in one direction or the other. As mentioned, fuel injectors aren't a big deal. Even the fuel distributor and WUR can be rejuvenated for under a grand, plus labor to remove and reinstall. Ignition systems can get pricey, but once done, they tend to last for a reasonably long time. What else is lurking on the repair order?

 

Michael,
My two cents. It sounds like you are trying to balance between an investment decision -how much you have in it and how much more to get it to the point where it can be sold with minimal loss, and/or.-- it is a lifestyle decision, how much do I want to drive it and have the time and opportunity to enjoy it.

I have an 85QV coupe that I bought 7 years ago. I'm now an older guy looking at a very limited amount of time left me (2 to 4 years?) to wander the roads of Europe. However I have committed this year to do the normal major revision along with whatever else needed doing including injectors, clutch, breaks, hoses and any niggly things. I have had it done at a local garage who's mechanic has worked on my other sports cars and I know well. It really does not take any special expertise as it would with any Fcar after 1995 perhaps. In any event, parts and labor are going to be around $5000. I'm investing another couple thousand in body ding and paint repair and a ceramic coating and new front seats.

First I did it because I love driving it and at this stage of my life, it gives me pure joy. Second, it is going to have to be sold one way or another ie.when they pry the keys from my cold dead fingers; or when I no longer feel competent enough to take it out. Either way it is then that the investment in keeping it in top shape is important. And in reality, it is an investment that will either need to be realized by me or my family. Over the course of 7 years of ownership, I have put about as much into it as I paid for it not counting the recent work. But the market has risen enough to be pretty much a wash. Without the work I"m doing now, I would be no where near its potential value when it comes time to sell as much of that prior investment would have been lost.

It's the enjoyment factor that has been priceless. It has been a wonderful part of my lifestyle these last years with trips all over Europe with and without other Mondials or other classic cars. Just driving it 30 miles to the stores makes my day.

So to me, the key question is in response to your "life happens" point. If you really can't see it in your future, then you most likely need to decide on basis of your investment situation; do the minimum and pass it along. If the joy of driving and having it available and reliable is what matters, then you'll have to make the investment to keep its value for you now and in future.

Either way it's important to keep as many Mondis on the road as we can. Best wishes to you with your choice and good luck!
Gerald

 

Hello Michael!

Are you bringing the Mondial back to spec?

 

My friend, I don't doubt the advice. The cars suffer greatly from non-use. I would argue if you do consider moving forward, be prepared for time/money. There's no getting around that.

If you need the money now, sell it.

Whatever your choice, I wish you only the best.

Cheers

P.S. Just a word of caution, the first Mondial 8 (with 42K km) - sold for $65K recently. Time is generally good for *all* Ferrari.