Ok, I'm probaby going to buy a testarossa on monday - I want some input though, please... 1987, white/dark burgundy (I know its an off color, but its growing on me), 9000 miles, 1 owner. On consignment at a very reputable local ferrari dealer (Lake Forest Sports Cars) 1)Cars exterior is perfect, not one scratch. 2)New tires/non-metric rims/single lug 3)Just had a "15000 mile service." I saw the reciepts, and they were for over 12k$, just done 9 months ago. New clutch at the same time. Now here is the kicker, THE TIMING BELTS WERE CHANGED, I made absolutely sure, and it is in writing. These were done as part of the 15K mile service. Other things done (this is a partial list): -waterpump seals done (? Does this mean it was changed) -cam seals - and so on (the list was 2 pages long). I though that the difference between the 15k mile service and the 30k WAS the timing belts! I asked the dealer why it wasn't called a 30k mile service, since the belts were done. And he informed that they just do it like this, since the car is "technically due for a 15k mile service." Let me repeat, according to folks on this board, this dealership has a sterling reputation... I'm not sure what to make of this issue, though...and thats where I need the help. What else should I be looking at? 4) The only records currently available where the above, as these were on their computer. The car was brought from another local dealer (Continental), and I may be able to get their computer printout. I assume that since the car is a one owner, and on consignment, the original owner likely has all of the records. I will ask. If I can't get the records, am I ok with the fact that I do have the documented major service which was just done? I know this is less than optimal. I have seen this car before, and in the past I was shown a very large binder with receipts...I am under the impression that the records are available. 5) Seat belt recall done. 6) Car drives great - no problems. The brakes I have to get used to- you have to mash the brake pedal VERY HARD to stop when they are cold. When the brakes were cold, I couldn't lock up the wheels braking from 40 mph...In fact, quite frankly, a ford taurus would stop in a shorter distance. When warmed up it was much better, but still required quite some force - but the wheels would lock up. I was told this was fairly normal, is it? I am so accustomed to porsche's, where the brakes are stellar. I will do a PPI, and make sure the calipers aren't seized. Could the brakes be glazed? The pedal feels fine, and does not bottom out. Apparantly the car was originally listed at 74k$ over a year ago. Then 70k. Then 65k. then 60k. Lets say, I can get it for even less. I'm not sure what to think - I just haven't driven any other testarossa's, and don't have much to compare to. I think the biggest difficulty for the seller is the cars color (white/burgundy interior). If the car were red/tan, the asking would be 10-15k more from what I have seen... Now, disregarding the issue of the color, what are everyone's thoughts on the car??? Any help appreciated. And yes, I will do a ppi. Is a compression test/ leakdown a good idea on a testarossa? I know that on cars with valve guide issues its a must... I'm going to make an offer contingent on the inspection/and ability to get some old records. I am not sure what to think here - I really like the car, and know it is by definition a garage queen...But alot of the cars I have looked at, for which folks wanted 55k or so, were pieces of sh*t, and some were very high mileage in additon to this... HELP!
I have one of those in the garage at home and was factory trained on them as well. The issue of the timing belts is no issue at all. There is no std. way of expressing that on paper they just called it a 15 because a 15 was due but it also needed belts. The color may become an issue when you sell but are you buying it for that guy or you? If you like it buy it, just use that to get a better price. Waterpump is an integral part of the motor so they just get resealed. Std part of a complete major on that car. It's cheap to add on and the early cars had an issue with seals (no longer) so we just do it. Cam seals also part of complete job. Compression and leakdown never hurts and should be done just to cover the bases but unless somebody rode it hard and put it away wet those motors just keep taking it like a faithful dog. Your comments about the brakes worry me. Yea they are not as good as many more modern cars on hard repeated use but the pedal effort should not be all that heavy. You could have a booster going but there is a great poss that the vacuum hose or the supplimental vacuum pump is toast. Get your PPI done by someone that knows them and let him tell you what he thinks of them. You should do a search here on the topic of transmissions. They will not take abuse.
Thanx for the input. Assuming all is well, what do you figure afair to good price on this car is? I wouldn't mind a "steal," but don't want to spend 3 grand travelling the country and 2 grand for shipping to get it... How much to deduct for the color? I have seen several red/tan testarossa's listed in the 59k$ range, but am unsure of how they actually look in person. Anyone know of a nice, clean, red/tan (Black dash) testarossa in the 50's-60's???
You are going to have to get that info from someone else, sorry I don't follow the market I just fix them. But I do have some advice in that area. #1 Be careful about shopping for a deal, buy the best one you can find. In the end it may be the cheapest due to the cost of putting one right. #2 It is often a good deal just to find exactly the right car for you. None of these things are very common so if you find exactly the right one for a few dollars more, buy it, or you will always be a little sorry.
Anyone know of a nice, clean, red/tan (Black dash) testarossa in the 50's-60's??? Cauley in Detroit had one a month or so ago, $65k I think.
You may want to have someone look at the brakes. That doesn't sound right to me. Mine are quite normal in operation. All four lock up any time I need them and required pedal pressure isn't uncommon for a non-power assist car. Everything else sounds ok assuming you get records and a PPI along with books and tools. You should have a little money in reserve to cover items that give you problems after you drive the car for a while. I replaced all of my rubber hoses and a fuel pump and gas tank guage sending unit and steering wrack within the first year. I drive my car much more frequently than the previous owner. I also had a water pump fail which required an engine out service. Just because someone did one recently doesn't guarantee that you won't have to do one yourself. Don't let all of this scare you out of buying the car, just go into the purchase with the knowlege that these are expensive cars to work on when something breaks. It's been well worth it for me. Enjoy the car!
Because of the age of this car they would not perform the traditional 15k service. Owners know that belts have to be changed every 5-6 years reguardless of mialege and that is the reason this car had them done during the 15k service. The price you are paying for an off color car seems at the top of the range for an early TR so make sure whoever does your ppi finds it in excellent shape. Personally, I love red and tan and if resale is important it should be considered. Check out Martins web site, Cavallinomotors.com, he has a great reputation and I believe a few TRs for sale. I am not sure if they were all newer TRs but I know he has fair prices for a dealer. Keep in mind that its not always easy to find a person willing to shell out 60k for an older car to drive on the weekends. I dont own a Ferrari but I do spend a lot of time reading about them so I hope my .02 cents are of use. Good luck!
Thanks guys, I will see if a slightly better price can be gotten...that's why they call it negotaiting, I suppose. Regarding the brakes, someone mentioned that they are NOT power assisted...I thought they were?! Do testarossas's have power assisted brakes or not??? If they don't, that might explain the pedal pressure required... Hey Rammer, what is a fair price for an early testarossa???? -I see owners on here swearing that they would never sell them for less than 65k...."You can't get a good well sorted one for less than 60k..."...Heck, Henryk on this board refused to sell his with 65K miles on it or so for less than 50k... Now I'm really confused....Let's see if a poll helps...
One thing I would check for - re-torqueing the head bolts. If this isn't done in a 15K service somewhere, and they are not properly torqued, the car will overheat from air entering the cooling system. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere in your service report......
People talk about the TR market being soft.....This car we are discussing has been on the market for over a year. I cant imagine the person who sold the dealer this car will tell you he got 60k for his car. If this is a low mialage car, a no stories car with full history then it should command some kind of a premium. But keep in mind the car has to be excellent. I am pretty sure that if this car was red it might not be there. Also keep in mind the color issue because it can be a big deal if you ever want to sell. Buying a Ferrari is not easy and sometimes we may settle for what is available or close to where we live and that may not be what we truly wanted. The way I look at it, if you can manage to get closser to 55k (if the car is exceptional) then you might have a deal. I would drive the thing for 25k miles (5 years) and If I decided to sell you could at least get 45k for it. Even is a soft market 45k seems allright for a white TR with 34k miles on it. Finally, you can become one of those TR owners who did get less than 50k for their car!
AARRRGGHHH... Deal fell through. Delaer can't get any old records, only available for last couple of years..... Too bad, I'm somewhat heart broken - was looking forward to enjoying it this weekend... A white car, red interior, and few significant records would be a very hard resell....Too bad, car looked very nice... As my wife says, it just wasn't meant to be..
hey bo too bad on your near purchase. i think your wife is right. keep searching there are so many to choose from right now. i sent you a pm on mine. its also at www.collectorcartraderonline.com good luck!
There has been one listed here for a bit www.forza.weblobby.com, I have no affiliation with this dealer but I do know he has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation. I believe there was a member here who drove this TR and said it was a very good example. good luck!
Really, I understand you feel that way. But there are many TR's around and am sure one day you'll be thankful and happy you waited for the right one. That was my experience. Searching for your Fcar should be fun. Good luck!
That's life. But I am sure you will not regret letting it go as definitely it was not the right car for you otherwise you would have jumped to the deal initially. Wives think alike don't they? I experienced this myself when I wanted a 328 and it took me years to get it as I live in Bangkok and there are only 9 328s in the whole country. Initially I found one but it was a Koenig version so I went home heart-broken but my wife consoled me with the same words and a few months alter I got my dream car. Be patience and you will appreciate it more when you own it.
