Ferrari Mondial

You are not likely to invite much positive responses with the idea of' lowest member of the family tree'. It smacks of elitism and suggests that you plan to move up to more 'respectable' models and outgrow those humble Mondial and such owners.
Best.

 

i recommend the 400i as the "best".

 

I'll be happy if I have any of those cars some day.

 

A Ferrari is a Ferrari

 

Go ahead, buy a 400i, get a HEL to pay for the maintenance and upkeep! <grin> BTDT

Seriously, a Ferrari is a Ferrari. I have no "better" grin on my face driving a 275 GTB/4 or Daytona than my own Mondial t Coupe every day to work.

Jump in, the water is fine, but use the "search" button first...

-Peter

 

Mondial, 308s, 328s, and 400/412s are classics.

 

Don't fall into the "bargain Ferrari" trap. You can buy a 328 for the price of a Porsche Boxster, but they are scarce, hard to find nice, and demand servicing and respect in a way that makes Boxsters seem like rental cars. Also, the Mondial 8 is very different from the Mondial T, and a 328 GTS is very different from a '78 308 GTS. A '76 fibreglass 308 is a rare, collectible car. You can buy a 348 for less than a 328, so "the lowest of the family tree" is a very relative term, and occasionally an average F355 or Testarossa will sell below the top-end of the 328 range.

The bargain Ferraris ten years ago included the Boxers and Dinos, both of which are passing early 360s in price. If you ask a serious Ferrari guy whether he'd rather have a primo Boxer or 360 Modena, you would be surprised at how many would pass on the newer car.

Finally, to wrap up the rant, some owners who have had 360s or F430s also have - or have gone back to - cars from the Boxer/308/328/TR era because these provide a more satisfying driving experience off the track.

I know you're new here, so I'll keep the flamethrower set on 'low', but the broadbrush categorization of "what's cheap now" tells me you should read/learn more about these cars.

With regard to your original post, the 328 and Mondial 3.2 (cousins under the sheet metal) are considered the least maintenance-intensive. They're Bosch fuel-injected and have refined electronics (meaning they're average and not below average...), and are less temperamental than earlier carb'ed cars. Scheduled services include a $4000 (approx) triennial major service with timing belt change. Annual fluid change servicing, if you don't do it yourself, is $300-$500. Clutches are $2000 or a tad less. Repairs are as needed, but except for Ferrari-unique parts ($1000 driving light assembly in the bumper, $500 targa top latches, etc) they don't bite as badly as most other Ferraris.

If you want a two seater, raw sports car, the 328 is my recommendation. Budget $50K-$60K, less for one that has some miles on it. If you need four seats or like the longer style, the Mondial 3.2 seems the one to have. I would guess the 328 will hold its value better, as two-seat Ferraris historically have retained value the best. But, you will spend enough running either that you'd better enjoy it for what it is.

 

Go for the Mondial, you won't regret!!
All Mondial owners know that.

 

I unexpectedly bought a Mondial 8 earlier this month. I'll have to say that she is a load of fun. I loved my 328 and my Boxer - and now I love the Mondial. All three very different. Out of the three, if I had to choose one to have as my only car and drive daily, it would be the Mondial.

Something to be wary of is that Mondial values has been pretty low for a long time so you will find some that have not had proper care. I bought mine from the original owner who gave it extraordinary care for the past 25 years.

Next week, Lolaman will be installing a X-OST, track pipes and a few other items. Daniel at Ricambi is supplying all the parts.

Good luck.

 

That M8, providing it checks out, sounds better than the others...

st. tully's car is one in a million. A true time capsule. High 20's, low 30's for a car in that condition is not too much.

Hey David S (abarthracer). Did you sell yours yet?

-Peter (no commercial connection, just don't think you can get a car that doesn't need a couple grand worth of work for less than $22K-$25K)

 

Not trying to be "touchy"...

You may want to spend some time reading some threads...

A $12Million 250GTO is not exponentially more expensive to maintain than a $80K 250GTE... and there is the rub...

The cheaper cars to purchase are absolutely NOT the cheaper cars to maintain.

A 550 can have the belt service done in the car. much cheaper to service than a testarossa...

While you may think people are being touchy, people are trying to help.

 

No offense intended, but the phrasing led me to think we were going down a familiar road. "The bottom of the family tree" used to be the Boxer and Dino. Eventually it will be the 360.

There are no carb'ed Mondials.

A dirt cheap, $14,000 Ferrari could end up being the most expensive one out there. For that money, I would look into a MINI Cooper S.

 

Those are Vintage cars. Classic cars are mid 70s to mid 90s.

 

This is an interesting thread.

folks get touchy cause there is a strata in Ferrari world... those of us who own 308-328 family cars are generally not the same folks buying a new 430.... for what ever reason I would suspect $$$ comes into play at some point. However I think I would be one of those folks who could buy a used 360 if I really wanted to... it would be a strech, but $$$ wise I could do it... but the maintenance would kill me... a 328 is challenging for the wallet as it is... for me I think the 360/430 family are just a bit plain so thankfully thats nothing I have to worry about... I'm a child of the 80's So my heart gets all pumped up by 308's & Testarossa's... I think the 355 is one of the best looking Ferrari's ever made!!! but again the Maintenance is a potential Killer...

So my point is the Beginner - entry level call it what you will, are not only cheaper to buy, but relatively easy to care for and live with.

My guess is that in 20 years the 308 will be like the Dino is today... and the 360's will be like todays 308's.... its all about time.

 

I can't *believe* that nobody has mentioned the 308GT4 yet! I guess that just means that it's no longer at the bottom of the Ferrai family tree! <tongue firmly planted in cheek>

In all seriousness, while you might feel that some of the responses have been "touchy", you're getting some really good info here! Take note! Also, just another FYI - in the current issue of Forza magazine, there is a market update on the "Classic 2+2s" (the most recent of which would be the 365/400/412 series). It's definitely worth a trip to B&N or Borders to give it a read....besides, it's a great rag anyway, so you might just want to subscribe!

I have a '79 308GT4. It certainly falls into the "entry level" price category, but not necessarily the e.l. "easy to live with/maintain" category. While they're not for everybody (style-wise), I'm absolutely head-over-heals for my GT4, and it's not even a concourse example! If I were to consult a friend on what to buy, and they had given me the info that you have presented thus far, I would tell them to look for the best high(er) mileage (read: DRIVEN) 84-85 308QV they could find, get a thorough PPI, and if all checks out, drive the bejesus out of it!

Finding the right car can seem like rocket science sometimes, but it doesn't have to be. Find one that suits your tastes, and if it passes as mechanical inspection, go for it! There is no "perfect" 20+ year old car - at least, not one that you'd ever want to drive, and probably not one you'd want to write the check for - just dive in! As previously mentioned, the water's warm...

Best regards, and good luck.

 

If you want to drive a car most days, a Mondial is the way to go - it was my daily in Europe for 3 years. The Mondial is all about balance, and all of the parts of the car working in harmony with the driver. I never appreciated what a fine and capable car it was until I took it to the back roads of Germany for 3 years.

I disagree a little with some others, and think the carb cars are just as easy to maintain as an older FI car (at least for me) so I am a huge fan of the GT/4 as well as the other carb cars. In any event, all of the 3.2s are as close to bulletproof as any Ferrari ever will be. There is an elegant beauty in simplicity, balance and capability, and the mid engine 2+2s have that in spades; they will become much more appreciated when other more fadish cars may not. I can tell you that the GT/4, Mondial guys and all the folks here on FChat will bend over backwards to support you in any older Ferrari you buy.

Anyone can floor the throttle to point and squirt - the Mondial, like the GT/4 and others, will make you a better driver and reward you with one of the finest driving experiences while being a real car. It is a brilliantly conceived* adult GT for the real world.

Good luck and have fun with whatever you get!

* except for the fusebox...

 

I had a 1988 328 GTS a few years back. It was my first f-car. Loved the performance of the car and it was highly reliable and easy on the wallet. If the back seats are optional for you, I'd go for the two seater 328.

Also, check out the size of the trunk space in a 328. A little warm back there for hauling ice cream but you can easily fit a small golf bag in back.

The 328s are slowly climbing in price, so they are very likely to retain current levels or continue to slowly climb. $55k buys a very nice one these days.

 

I recommend a four-valve fuel injected car (1983-1986) if you want a daily driver. The Mondial 3.2 Coupe would be an excellent choice, or a 328GTB if you can afford it (not really entry level).

Be prepared to spend $5K per year for maintenance on any Ferrari, unless you do all the work yourself and do a lot of bargain hunting for parts. Sure, some people get by with less than that, but a lot of people spend a lot more.

Yes, they can be good daily drivers, but don't rely on them for primary transportation, because it can take weeks or months to get critical parts sometimes.

Also, make sure your spouse or significant other understands the maintenance costs of owning a Ferrari. Trust me, this has been a major source of frustration in my marriage!

Have fun - it's definitely an adventure. The best part is joining your local FCA chapter, this has been by far the most enjoyable aspect of owning a Ferrari for me, and I'm not usually the type to join clubs. Lots of fun activities and great people.

Cheers,

 

Big Pete,
Yes I did sell it. Sold it for what I paid after 2+yrs of owning it. The problem with Mondial's is, people can afford to buy them, but not maintain them. I had a multitude of problems from brake pads on backwards(metal to rotor), wiring, mostly electrical issues. Fun car, 4 seats are nice. Just don't fool yourself into thinking because you are buying a "low dollar" Ferrari, that it won't nickel and dime you to death. I replaced mine with a 355 and what a difference! Mine has been like the proverbial Toyota, no problems at all.
Peter, I have it on good word that you will be getting more than coal this year. Did you buy a ring yet????? Please come visit. We just bought a new house, 3 acres, big barn and a new red toy! Be good my friend.
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Hey David, I'm a little behind the times (as you well know <grin>) but I just watched "Cars." Do you know about "tractor tipping?"

Hahahahaha!

Your girls are really cute! Merry Christmas!

-Peter (antique boats are my passion now)