Importance of 30k servicing

Hi all,

I'm looking at a 1989-1993 Mondail t, as mentioned in a previous post I'm now seeing them in the $30k range. And I'm sure we'll see more of them come up in the next year for those who took out home equity lines to pay for them. My question is how important is the 30k servicing?

I've heard this is a very expensive hit, and I see some cars with it and some cars without. So does a $30k mondail with the original timing belt equate to a $40k with a new one? How much does the 30,000 mile service usually cost? I see some with new air conditioning, is this needed?

Cheers, Jonathan

 

Jonathan,

There are many threads here in regards to the 30K mile service - its a very popular topic. The service is important. if you do not service your car and your belt breaks you are looking at a huge bill, period. Depending on personal opinion, most people service their cars ever 3 to as long as 7-8 years. Most do it at 5, but it can depend how crazy you drive your car, etc.

If your 89-93 Mondial has has the original timing belt, I would say that it is definitely time for a new one. Search in the search engine as far as costs.

Good luck .... ferraris are great and beautiful cars, but like any great and beautiful thing - it takes some commitment.

 

I agree with Mike's comment above. As far as adding value, a Mondial T 30K major service could run north of $6,000, depending on who's doing it, and sometimes incidentals can drive it higher. On the 'T', the engine must be removed for the major service, and given the labor cost it's usually wise to take care of other things that need replacing while the car is apart.

A recent service can help the price, but if you take it to a dealer and spend $10,000 on a major that does not translate into a $10,000 increase in the value of the car. A lot of these less expensive Ferraris come up for sale when service is due precisely because you never get all your money out of that expense. (You do, though, get a very cool car to drive...)

Ferrari specifies every 3 years for a timing belt service. As Mike mentioned, many owners think 3 years is excessive and push it to 5. IMO, the key is to start your ownership with a fresh timing belt and not to let the car sit around unused for weeks or months. I have been following the 3-year plan on my 328, but mostly because I'm a perfectionist and any little oil leak bugs me.

If the Mondial T has the same single-belt arrangement as used in the 348 (and I think it does), you should know that design is more susceptible to belt failure due to the long path of the belt. If I owned one, I wouldn't push it beyond 5 years.

 

Always negotiate hard on the price of a car in need of a major service.

Actually, Mondial prices are VERY soft right now. If someone is asking $40K, you should be offering $28K. If someone is asking $30K, you should be offering $20K. Unfortunately there just aren't enough people with the extra cash in this demographic. (People have money to buy new Ferraris, but those who generally look at the less expensive ones are hurting more often than not now.) That is good for you, bad for the seller.

And remember --- in most Ferraris, it's not mileage, it's time. Anything more than four years means service time now. Anything more than three means you negotiate on it.

 

It really does seem like all people are doing lately is shopping on PRICE, and price only with a real lack of consideration for the basics. In Ferrari-land, boy is that going to prove a mistake unless you get really lucky. When major service and sorting unknown gremlins from deferred maintenance cost about 30 - 50% of the cars market value, I think it begs a reminder to "Buy the best example you can afford" and "there are no Cheap Ferrari's".

I've been tempted recently to join the low price fray on a 348 Speciale or 355B, and my buddy Dave Helms quickly reeled me back in....

Avoid "Red Fever" and do your homework. Don't get blinded by a low-ball price.


Negotiating hard or not (if it does not have a recent service) gets you the pro-rated value of the major. Fine, up to $7K....its THAT PLUS, if the car has other issues.

 

+10000. IMHO, better to pay a premium for a well serviced car. It will save you a ton of money down the road. Real value in Ferraris are seldom foundat the bottom end of the price spectrum

 

My friend's father used to have a saying....only brush the teeth you want to keep. Same goes for the 30K service. Only do it if you like hearing the engine run and to drive from point A to point B. Otherwise, if it is just a lawn ornament, don't do it, don't do anything. Just put a nice potted plant next to it and let it rot out.

I think maybe its time to make a public service announcement. Here it is:

If you can't afford to service a Ferrari properly--don't buy one.

If the only thing you are focusing on when looking at a Ferrari is finding a cheap one--don't buy one.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHEAP FERRARI---PAY NOW OR PAY LATER. Either way, you are paying.

Seriously, if you love italian cars, but don't want to deal with the absurd maintenance costs, get an old Alfa or Lancia. Most of the fun at 1/10th the price.

Good luck to you either way.

Glad I got that off my chest.

 

I don't think I would even want to start a 3.4 motor with a 15 year old timing belt.

Dave

 

I must say I was thinking the same thing. There are heaps of arguments pro and against 3/4/5 years etc. I've had my Mondi QV 9 years. Did the cam belts AND tensioners day one and have done it once since, nows time again, I think thats OK. BUT if you drive hard and far then that may change. Most cars do no more than 3 to 5,000 miles per annum and few do track day RPM's. Your call but 5 years is OK in my opinion.

 

Amen!

 

I should add that if these comments don't sink in, I can show the reciept from the 308 GT4 that I just got that indicates what happens with a 15-year timing belt: the motor goes bye-bye. Actually, it was a 14-year old timing belt that snapped and holed two pistons and bent a couple of valves. I think the cost was about ten grand to fix back in the late 1980s!

 

I know I wouldn't.

 

I wouldn't want to start the engine with a 15 year old belt, but I also wouldn't buy a car withour hearing it run and driving it (or having a PPI that does it for me). Let the seller turn the key...

 

A counterpoint:

I just rescued a 328 that sat for 5 years. It started up and drove fine. Yes, I did change the belts and tensioners (and a bunch of other things) afterwards. When the old belts came out, they actually look pretty good. No cracks or wear or ...

Your mileage may vary.