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Advice in DFW Texas

Discussion in 'Texas' started by 0mn1p0tent, Aug 18, 2005.

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  1. 0mn1p0tent

    0mn1p0tent Guest

    #1 0mn1p0tent, Aug 18, 2005
    I am in the market for a vehicle and have recently begun to consider a mid 80s Mondial as a potential choice. I will be using this vehicle as my daily driver.
    I am looking for something disticntive and fun to drive. A head turner if you will that sets me apart from the every day DFW commuter. While a little TLC does not scare me, the subjective benefits of driving said vehicle must not be significantly outweighed by the hassles of ownership?

    I perform 95% of my own maintenance and repairs on my current vehicles.
    Basically as long as I have a service manual and can get parts for the vehicle I have the tools, my third garage as a work area and the abilities to perform the labor.


    My question is this:

    Are there places in DFW to obtain reasonably priced parts for say an 85 Mondial or am I going to really pay an arm and a leg for everything?

    I recently passed on a BMW 8 series V12 when I determined that the mufflers would run almost $900 each uninstalled. That being said am I going to find that that Ferrari parts prices to be the same?

    Any advice for a newbie potential first time Ferrari owner?
     
  2. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
    63,960
    Southlake, TX
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    Rob Lay
    #2 rob lay, Aug 18, 2005
    Even "reasonable" Ferrari parts will seem like an arm & leg. However, Norwoods will shop around and knows where to get the best prices stateside. Our FC sponsor Ferrari UK is known to have the best prices internationally for pre-1990 Ferraris. Even with shipping, prices are usually much less than stateside.
     
  3. greg512tr

    greg512tr Formula Junior
    Owner

    Feb 19, 2002
    994
    Dallas TX
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    Greg B
    #3 greg512tr, Aug 18, 2005
    I had an early Mondial, the lack of adaquate AC would have make it tough to use in the summer as a daily driver. As far as parts they are available via mail order from various sources but not local. You could buy some parts at Norwoods as well.
     
  4. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    #4 jknight, Aug 18, 2005
    We have an '89 Mondial t coupe - love it and it's NOT for sale!!

    Carol
     
  5. Speed Racerette

    Speed Racerette Formula 3

    May 24, 2004
    1,354
    Dallas, TX
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    She wants Revenge
    #5 Speed Racerette, Aug 18, 2005
    As an 8 series owner, the BMW is VERY reasonable in ownership costs vs. the Ferrari. If you are hesitant to pay what it costs to maintain the 8 series, I would say don't bother with the Ferrari. The BMW is a mass produced vehicle. Although not a lot of 8 series, many of the parts are interchangeable parts with the 7 series - widely available and reasonably priced.
     
  6. 308geo

    308geo F1 Rookie

    Nov 13, 2002
    2,751
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    George Benton LaFleur
    #6 308geo, Aug 19, 2005
    Having previously owned an '81 308 I found the parts not too outrageous but you have to learn tricks. Some parts are interchangable from other sources. Example: my blinker flasher went out. $50.00 for a new one at the dealer. Go to Pep Boys, ask for an early '80's 5 series BMW flasher. Cost $11.00..same part. Air pump went out. Estimated new dealer cost: $400.00. Go to Pep Boys ask for 1978 Jeep CJ7 air pump (made by General Motors--the pump, not the Jeep); $50.00 cost. Same unit as used in the 308.

    Someone was working on a "list" of cross-referenced parts for Ferraris, but I'm not sure what happened to it.

    You can usualy score parts off of Ebay for a fraction of the new cost too.

    Just my 2 cents worth....
     
  7. WDR328

    WDR328 Formula 3

    Dec 11, 2003
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    The Bugscuffle Inn
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    D. Rose
    #7 WDR328, Aug 19, 2005
    Last week in the classifieds of Autoweek there were a couple of Mondials for sale. I wonder if maybe a 308 or a 328 might not be a better selection. probably a lot more parts available from a bunch of different sources.
     
  8. Shiloh Phoenix

    Shiloh Phoenix Rookie

    Jun 25, 2005
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    right behind you!
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    Audiguy Jr.
    #8 Shiloh Phoenix, Aug 22, 2005
    Well, you might just try contacting Ferrari of Houston if you're willing to drive a little while. I personally would go with a 328/348, but hey, it's your money! =P
     

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