hello dears, i am up to buy my first ferrari. I have chosen the mondial. In the Ferrari workshop, mechanicians told me the 3.4T is very expensive to maintain ( for example changing the distrib belt, ...). So I restrict my searchon 3.2QV. Now I have found a nice one. I will see it next Tuesday. I live in France ( and I am french ). It is my regret not to look at the 3.4T for this reason, coz they are newer and espescially have the assisted direction. What advice could You give me on that point ? Is there a big difference on maintenance cost between the two models ? In what size ? (2x, 3x, ...) Thanx a lot for your attention. Olivier
If I understand your request, you are still considering the T? You are correct about the effort to tune compared to the older Mondials: T's are more effort in they are definitely an engine out experience. IF You are a DIYer, then perhaps this is not an issue. But to evaluate: 1. have you ever done a tune-up before 2. or are you going to 'farm out'/contract another to perform the task IF 1, I'd say go for the T or older Mondial unless you want to do #2 at a great expense. IF 2, then I'd go for the older Mondial. the least of the problems are the older ones, in that 'common' one-off problems exist in all models. Electrical, brakes, shocks etc. etc. The newer T, has more HP, better brakes, better suspension, and less flaws than the older but still exhibit the switches, electrical window, and fuse block problems. Before I bought my first T, I took almost two years to pull the trigger, in that I wasn't quite sure in the beginning, but KNEW what I wanted after my research. IF you want, PM me and I'll send you either a link or PDF on some buying issues and performance concerns that will HELP, not decide, your process: TAKE your time. rik
As I understand it - and please, all, correct me if I am mistaken - the only significant difference in maintenance costs is the major service. The QV is an 'engine in' service, same as the 328, which here in the US should run about $5 - $6K. The T is an 'engine out' service same as the 348, which (again in the US) can be $7 - $8K. I'm don't know about service costa in France, but I would assume a similar ratio / comparison. Other than that, I am not aware of any significant differences in maintenance costs. If that difference is acceptable to you every few years, factor that in to your decision, and buy the cleanest, best kept example of either model that you can find. Bonne chance!!
oliv, Stick with the T. The T is fuel injected and no carbs to mess with. the T has more Horse power, power steering, antilock brakes and adjustable suspension (shocks). Yes there are more electronics but I think you will enjoy the experience more. All Mondials have annoying (er quaint) electrical gremlins. The major service is more expensive as the engine must come out, but if you save for it and do a lot of the little things at the same time I'll bet your total maintence cost will actually go down. After my major I have not had to do anything except change the fluids etc. Take your time and find a good car to begin with and spend the money to get a good pre purchase inspection. Heck with the euro to dollar conversion you could even find one over here and ship it back for a cheap price. As always if you can do some small things yourself it is always cheaper. Newer car parts are still available and have many cross over parts with other european car manufacturers. If your set on having OEM parts they are all overpriced, look for cross over part numbers on the internet and this website. Best of luck hunting, Dave Born in Muerth et Moselle.
The T has a gearbox that flys apart, the QV does not. If that potential mega dollar failure hanging over you like a cloud is of no concern then buy the T for the extra power.
I'd go 3.2 QV any day. It was the last of the line and almost (for a Ferrari) bullet proof. The T was basically a prototype for the 348 and early 348's had all sorts of issues. If its trouble free motoring you want the 3.2 is perfect......well almost! Good luck
I had a 3.0 QV Coupe that I began servicing when it was five years old, finally purchasing and owning it for five years when it was fifteen years old. I now own a t Coupe that I've done the service and repair since new for the original owner for fifteen years before I bought it. I've had the t Coupe for three years. I have replaced the tires, filled the A/C, changed the oil three times and that's it for the last three years and fifteen thousand miles. No problems other than an infrequent hot start electrical bug. It's due for a service and I'll do it myself because I have the tools and the space and have done dozens in the last eighteen years, even though I've sold my shop. I love this car! In my mind, there is NO comparison. The t Coupe blows away any 3 liter or 3.2 liter out there. The power steering, the POWER, the build quality, the air that works. NO comparison. It has been pointed out that for the do-it-yourselfer, the person who will undertake major services and repairs, the 3.2 is better. Maybe, maybe not. The consequences of getting it wrong installing a timing belt (or belts on the early car) are still catastrophic for both. Yes, the 3.2 is simpler but no less work. With all due respect to my colleague Newman, much as people would like to malign the 348-derived drivetrain of the t and continue this irrational fear of transaxle failures (I've seen a whole lot more 3.0 and 3.2 transaxles with noise and shot synchros than I have seen blown up or damaged t or 348 transaxles), the newer cars are better driving, better performing and better built. Do what you like. Buy the best car you can afford and buy the car you like. Yes, I enjoyed the 3.0-liter, but I LOVE the t Coupe...
I'll vote for the 3.2, based on my 328 ownership. It seems to be durable and less expensive to maintain than the others of its era. (Although they can all sting you once in a while.) That said, the T bumpers/body have always looked a bit more svelte to me. In Europe, Ferrari service prices seem to be a lot lower. If that's the case, the T could be a good option for you. I would recommend that you determine where you will be having this car serviced, and enquire as to the costs. (In fact, I would tell everyone who is thinking of buying any Ferrari to do this...)
Point taken, I personally dont hear of QV boxes breaking though, yeah 2nd syncro like most ferraris but thats just a minor irritant. I personally would have the fear in the back of my mind that the T gearbox will fail, its just a matter of time especially if you use the car in a spirited manner as intended. There are clearly advantages to newer models but that cable system for the shifter combined with the "heard of" gearbox issues I would avoid it. Slap a 348 engine in a QV transverse and get the best of both.
Did Mondials outside of USA ever come with carbs? I'm pretty sure that all Monidals in the USA were injected from the factory, but I hadn't considered that they may have come with carbs in other markets.
Mondials came from the factory in every market with K-Jetronic until the advent of Motronic in the t. addendum: The only Ferrari Mondials carburreted from the factory were the four cylinder sports/racing cars.
If higher % of service costs is an issue, definately go with the QV. A fine car to be enjoyed. Do not test drive a T afterwards though, unless you intend to buy it. Whatever you choose enjoy the ride.
