I'm trying to find a clean Mondial T Cabriolet & Get Advice | FerrariChat

I'm trying to find a clean Mondial T Cabriolet & Get Advice

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by TonyinPalmBeach, Sep 18, 2009.

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  1. TonyinPalmBeach

    BANNED

    Sep 18, 2009
    30
    Palm Beach
    Full Name:
    Tony Green
    First I'm new to the site. I'm really torn right now on what to buy so I'd like some serious advice on what to do. I had a friend that owned a 95 F355 Spider. I loved the car but it ate him up on breakdowns & I had to get out in order to operate the power top. So while I like them, I'm afraid these two issues would pose a problem. I bought an 89 Mondial Coupe and had it for less than two weeks because of a title problem. I feel like I may have dodged a bullet because it wasn't a Cabriolet.

    Here's my thing... I'm presently driving a CL500 & while being a nice car, it is the most expensive car I've ever driven for maintenance. I don't think I will EVER buy another Benz as long as I live. This one did me in permanently, so I'm in a rare position to buy what I want. It may be the last shot I've got before a family so I need to do this right!

    I'm a cash buyer. Due to losing my ass a little over a year ago, I'm refusing to finance anything. I shouldn't be spending more than $30K but then again, I don't always do what I should.

    Should I first be concerned with the age of Mondials considering it will be a daily driver?
    What are some things I need to look out for when it comes to buying?
    With the economy where it is, would it be unreasonable to find a nice T Cabriolet for between $26-30K?
    Anybody got one for sale?
    Is it safe to say the 89's are more desirable and possibly more expensive because of the seatbelts?
    If I'm driving about 10-12K miles a year, what should I budget annually for general maintenance?

    And just for kicks, Does anybody think there is a possibility to get into a decent F355B for the mid 30's?

    While I've been a Ferrari driver, I hardly call myself an owner because I didn't really have mine that long. I don't know too much about the services and to be perfectly honest outside of resale purposes (which I will keep the car for life), how important are they to the overall longevity of the car? Is this more of a throw money in the service garage's pocket with fluid flushings and engine out services etc...

    Guys I'm as serious as a heart attack about buying. I need to know what I'm getting into and prepare myself. I'm in a good position of owning everything and being debt free, so some general expenses won't scare me if I know ahead of time.
     
  2. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 28, 2004
    3,762
    US of A
    Full Name:
    Michael
  3. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2009
    3,267
    Central PA
    Full Name:
    Jay Goodman
    #3 jgoodman, Sep 19, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    First, I wish you luck in your hunt, but don't limit yourself to just the t. The 3.2 is fantastic. This is the '87. And as a new owner just two months young, my wife and I are still happy as clams! It gets just as many looks as the t and only F guys know the difference by sight. Everyone says the 3.2 has a rock solid engine, and to date, and a thousand miles, I can totally agree with that. Starts first try everytime. Mine is in really great condition, had 24K miles and I got her for $25K! An absolute steal in my opinion. And she passed emissions and inspection for $85. My first F-bill under a hundred bucks. Incredible! And now I can drive her as a daily commuter if I want.

    As far as maintenance, two months in and I have a new set of rubber for $500, a $360 rear bonnet switch, some fuses, carpet adhesive, and a bulb for $10, a quart of oil, and a $36 book about the 3x8 and Mondial series from Mid Life Cars. My wife kept the shipping box because she liked that name so much! I was advised not to keep rolling on 16 year old tires. The only two minor problems right now are the power mirror on the drivers side and the unusable cirgarette lighter I'm getting ready to fix. Since I'm the only driver and I don't smoke, fixing these items is more about the enjoyment of the process. And so far, I really have. I'm going to my first C&C (coffee and cars) tomorrow to hang out with some great people I've met since joining this club and try out some winding roads with other F-owners. This is what it's really all about. I cannot wait to post some pics for you. F-chatters know I need some new pics badly.

    Happy F-hunting!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. canuck

    canuck Rookie

    May 11, 2007
    26
    Nice looking car Goodman. Did the previous owner have the 15,000 to 20,000 maintenance done? What else was replaced? My Mondial 3.2 looks exactly like yours. an '88 which I've had for two years now. paid $29,000, on EBay. Its had all the work done to it and all receipts. Found out the Fuse block goes on these. Mine was replaced by previous owner. Good car with low maintenance. Found out various 'tricks" to keep costs low. Blew out CV boots-'73 Fiat- $$9.00. Oil filter- Baltine?- $14.00. Very happy with it. as you. Its supposed to be the "cheapest" ferrari but you and I know...It IS a Ferrari.
    Happy driving
     
  5. canuck

    canuck Rookie

    May 11, 2007
    26
    Also, I paid my money to this site, Its well worth it. has everything you need for your car info. Just a thought- look for an aluminum stck shift lock that fits into the slots. Easy to use and worth the price. Also, replace all tools and leather cases, jack etc. with aftermarket as they are expensive to replace.

    tony, I would highly recommend the Mondial as it is a resonably priced car and is dependable for a parker or everyday driver. $20,000 to 30,000 should get you a decent driver. make sure the initial $25,000 mile tune up is done cause thats about $7-to 8,000.
    After that, with the help of Ferrari Chat you can do most of the maintenace yourself.
    Good hunting
     
  6. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
    Full Name:
    Joe
    I don't want to crap on your dream but I have some concerns. First, what do you mean by "daily driver". If you are thinking of putting 10-15K a year on a Ferrari this is going to be a VERY expensive proposition for you. Second, what kind of budget do you have for maintenance? While most f-chatters will say 2500 aside a year for maintenance/repairs is about right (based on annual mileage of 1-5K), it is not uncommon to get whacked for $10K bills--assuming you don't do the work yourself, so you need to have a pretty good war chest, or you are going to be soured when something significant needs attention. With the T--you should know the engine comes out for the major, which is going to add a few grand to your major service cost.

    I think it would be unreasonable to get a good Mondial T for 26-30K, and I think the only 355 for 30G would likely still be smoldering or missing some key bits, like an engine.

    IMHO, your budget puts you into a nicer Mondial 3.2 cab and a REALLY nice Mondial QV cab.

    Good luck with your search!
     
  7. Scaledetails

    Scaledetails F1 Rookie

    Nov 19, 2003
    4,211
    Daytona Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Stephane
    +1
     
  8. oliv928

    oliv928 Karting

    Aug 14, 2008
    171
    France, Toulouse
    I did get my 3.2 cab for 26.000 euros.
    It was a cheap price regarding the interior and exterior excellent shape.
    I did the major, seal leakage fixing, injectors for 3000 euros.
    Then electrical fixings : the car needed a lot of electrical fixings ( bad mods have been done). This was 3000 again : a lot of specialist working labours + 1000 for an upgraded fusebox from gtcarparts. I bought second hands metric T rims for 1000.
    The car runs well. All I regret is no powered steering and maybe 50 more HP.
    As a daily user car I think you are right to look at a T, because poxer steering. It depends what is your daily use. If you need to maneuvre the car for parking, take a T. If not, a 3.2Q is enough. That is my point of view. Also, the T has better acceleration performances.
     
  9. jgoodman

    jgoodman F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2009
    3,267
    Central PA
    Full Name:
    Jay Goodman
    #10 jgoodman, Sep 23, 2009
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2009
    I have no idea but I will assume that neither the minor or major 30K service has been performed. I've only had the oil and filter changed. I know, it's a disaster waiting to happen. I'm currently researching where to get the 30K service performed. So far the electrical is OK. The manual steering on the car might get a little old if used as a daily commuter, unless you have a little distance to travel and can open her up a little in between parking lots. Supposedly Nicole Brown Simpson used her as a daily commuter and look what happened.
     
  10. birddog

    birddog Formula Junior

    Jun 24, 2006
    415
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Ed
  11. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
    5,401
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    If you think the CL500 is too expensive for maintenance you may want to stay away from Ferrari.
     

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