gauging interest: might buy a 512 Testarossa, what should i know

Two totally different purposed cars. If you're counting on a daily driver, fuel use, repairs and maintenance, comfort and convenience, stick with the M3. If you want a car that you enjoy when you have time to enjoy, get the TR, and something else for your daily.

DMAX

 

The 512TR is a great car, very comfy on long trips, it just gobbles up miles w no effort. Maintenance is expensive though. Figure about $1.00 per mile

you MUST get a PPI done on this car

make sure the mechanic checks the starter motor, solenoid, AC, transmission, spark plug wires, fusebox + all the normal stuff like a compression test & a leakdown test to see how the engine is

They really are great tough cars & theres nothing sexier on the road

Good Luck

 

Hello:

I've owned M3(s) and Ferrari's at the same. My experience is that unless you will be driving less than 7K miles per year due to maintenance costs and insurance if your Ferrari is the only car on your policy, it is better to get the M3 (If you were to drive the TR daily in 5 years the money spent will probably equal the price of a used M3 coupe, also the Ferrari's when taken to the shop are usually not back on the road the next day - my F355 was in the shop for almost 2 months for its 2nd major engine out and valve guide work).

I'm located 15 minutes from you, PM me if you would like to discuss Ferrari/BMW ownership or would like a spin in a TR or F355.

 

The f-chatter "Shamile" uses his Testarossa as his daily driver. Send him a PM.

You can also see what he wrote here: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135165964&postcount=12


A new M3 has a warranty and a certain level of reliability. It's practical. You'll blend in with everyone else (BMW's are commonplace). If you're considering one, then that's probably the way that you should go.

The Testarossa is going to get your hands dirty, and you **will** have to do preventive maintenance on it. It also announces that you have arrived. It's as subtle as a T-Rex in a day care center. This is a car for an enthusiast, not a doubter or someone sitting on the fence. It should probably be purchased only with disposable mad money (and keep in mind that your maintenance over the next few years will be more than your purchase price if you actually get this car out of your garage). You do have a garage or two, right?!

The Testarossa is not the sort of car that you lease or make payments on. Insurance and upkeep, even with no major problems, would probably cost more than your monthly rent/payment, and it will take your own labor to really make the car "yours" (in which case you won't want to ever give it up).

These are entirely different cars, even if at first glance the entry fee seems similar.

 

All you need to see is a Tr coming down the road next to an M3.....then it's a no brainer! I have a 90tr and an 03' H2 as my daily. The TR is a very tough car that will suffer mostly from: Lack of maintenance, Lack of use, and unskilled driving or wreckless driving habits. Get it dude, you won't be sorry.

 

Factor in the depreciation into your decision. In 4 years, the M3 probably will lose 25-50% of its value. The TR is around the bottom of its price curve.

 

I am not sure whether your choice is based on show or go - but why not take a look at a 456 which will give you a daily driver capability, terrific V12 go and look almost as innocuous as an M3. Prices are the same or less than the 512 too.

 

I love my TR. No regrets. I drove it 500 miles this weekend and it performed flawlessly in wet and dry conditions. The A/C kept the car chilly when it was 102 degrees outside and the front bonnet held just enough luggage for the overnight trip. I highly recommend the car. There is nothing else like it.

I washed it today after the trip and put it away til next weekend when I'll probably drive it around town a few days. I don't think I have had any repairs on the car this year other than new tires and wheels that were getting 20 years old.

You will love the gobbs of torque from the engine. You can do just about anything you want to do in 2cd gear. 20 mph curves to 80 mph blasts all without shifting. Put a Tubi on it and you'll stay above 4k rpm just to listen to the whale from the flat 12 engine.

It is more of a long distance cruiser than daily driver around town. Get ready to draw lots of attention at every light and from every car you pass. I get my picture taken every time I drive it.

 

Get both; A TR for show and a first generation M3 for A-to-B.The money you save in depreciation will pay for both.

 

M3 VS TR.... man, I am speechless.

How about this: a super size state of the art painting VS a piece of Van Gogh, a super accurate brand new Seiko watch VS a Patek Philippe.... a brand new latest tech BMW VS a Ferrari???

Get a cheap Japaness for a daily driver and a TR for your passion.... IMO

 

Ditto & Love your line of thinking!!

Cheers, Hank

 

2 completely different cars and their usability.
You can't compare them or make a choice really because M3 would be the 1st car with comfort, daily easy driving and 512TR would be for weekends, long fun drive.
I only use my 512TR during weekend fun drive.
Take both as they serve different purposes!