Is an '83 Mondial a good car?

I came across this '83 Mondial on Craigslist and it is so cheap with low miles I was wondering if it would be a good car assuming it has a full service history and passes an inspection.

My dad just moved into a new warehouse so we have more space and he has been wanting a 308 GTB QV but none of the ones up for sale in our area are quite right. I have heard bad things about the electronics on the early Mondials...which I think includes the '83.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1739496781.html

 

The Mondial is a great car, and the '83 is a good choice. I recommend taking a look at the car on Craigslist. In person you'll really appreciate how the coupe's lines flow from the nose to the tail in subtle, but captivating, curves. Also notice the curve of the rear glass. Pure beauty. Then take the car for a test drive. You'll be instantly captivated by the "Ferrari-ness" of the drive -- the sound of the engine, the snick-snick of the gear shift as it moves within the gates. Make sure to experience the awesome handling and impressive (even today) braking power of the car. Seriously, you will fall in love with the Craigslist Mondial.

Then buy this car for around the same amount of money:

http://www.birdmanferrari.com/mondial_for_sale.htm

--Jeremy

 

'83 isn't the greatest year, IMO, the later you go the better, at least up to '88 (the last of the 3.2). The 89 and up is the "T" model, which IMO has pros and cons over the earlier cars.

$21K isn't that low for an '83 in today's market. IMO you'd be much better off spending a little more, and getting a much better car, like, for example, scaledetail's 3.2 currently on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350353944638&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

 

Actually, Scaledetails 3.2 coupe is right here in FerrariChat ads. His car is stunning !!

 

Well it has very low miles. If the early ones are bad though we will keep looking. For this kind of car though it is something we would need to see in person...buying a $30k Ferrari from across the country wouldn't really work. If it was more expensive and from a reputable dealer that could insure safe transport that would be different.

 

Early Mondials have very wide front tires and very heavy steering. I'm not sure when that was remedied by going to narrower/smaller tires.

Remember Mondial engines align with 308, 328 and 348 engines - carb vs FI, 2 valve, 4 valve, displacement, etc, and other changes such as ABS, power steering, etc. Maintenance costs are one consideration, but driveability and enjoyment are, to me, more important considerations.

 

Ferrari never made a carbed mondial. The earliest mondial, the mondial 8, had a 2 valve FI engine

 

There are basically 4 Mondial models. The Modial 8, QV, 3.2 and T

The Mondial 8 has the lowest power of any of them. Drive it first and make sure you like it, it may seem to slow on take off...

I have a QV (which has about 30 more HP than the Mondial 8) and sure wish I had a 3.2

Additionally, although ALL Mondials are a bargain (they sold in the 80's for about $70K+ - what is now over $200K in 2010 dollars) in today's market the price on that particular one is not the best you could do...expect to spend some $$$ on maintenance unless you are DIY

 

Ill sell my 88 3.2 coupe. Its metallic black/tan with 25k on it. Needs a major though as it has been 7 years since i did it shortly after i bought it. Its in great shape and i have put 10k into since purchase. I owned a QV before and its much improved upon.

Dave

 

My 83 QV Mondial is a pleasure. I bought it in 1994 with 1100 miles. It now has 9400 miles. Completely original in every way; paint, interior, etc.

The car is not fast, but that is not the reason I bought it. I bought it for the way to handles and the silky smooth shifting; not to mention it was basically brand new when I bought it. I had a major service done in 2004..........the first one that it ever had after more than 20 years!!!

If you are looking for a car that will run with the big dogs, forget it. The 83 has great feel, great sound, good looks, and IMO greatly underrated.

Also, if you plan to buy it, make sure you have a spare set of 240 TRX metric tires. I have a complete original set in my basement that I bough in 2001. They are impossible to find, but you can go through Coker or change them out completly with non metric tires.

Good luck

 

I concur. Also, if he wants a 308, he should get one. Any old Italian car is going to need constant vigilance and maintenance. An '84-'85 308 is a nice buy right now if you don't have 328 money in the budget.

Also also, don't limit yourself to Ferraris for sale in your area. I suspect that most or even a vast majority of Ferraris sold in the U.S. sold in long distance transactions. When a major service can run $5000-$6000, skimping on a plane ticket to see the car is a bad move, IMHO.

 

From my experience, and what colleagues have said Mondials tend have electrical gremlins...that don't ever go away. Be sure things work, the wiring hasn't been hacker repaired...or that you just don't mind if only half the electrics work, half the time, no matter how often it's repaired.

 

Even though it cost me over a grand to have my car shipped across the US, the car I bought just had an engine-out major... so I saved money by buying long distance, right?!

Who needs windshield wipers anyways? Or a radio? Or electric door locks? Or a cigarette lighter? I don't even smoke!

What?

 

Actually it's more like $125,000 in today's dollars

 

Looks like we should just wait until the right one comes along then.

 

I read that somewhere and remembered it because it sounded impressive....guess I should have done the math, tnx for the correction

What! + 1

Drive it and then you'll know if it's what you like and want to wait for...or buy a better example from some of the people here... and if you want a councourse level car then look at the perfect one ($$$ but worth it if you are into shows)
http://www.ferrarimondialforsale.com/86_Mondial_For_Sale/Description.html

 

Most of the Mondial electrical gremlins can be exorcised with the GT Auto Parts replacement Fuse/relay board. I got one a year and 4000 miles ago and was able to do away with all the bypasses and "fixes" on my 82.

 

Yes, ok smooth......some cars have an issue shifting from 1st to 2nd when cold. Mine does not.

 

Question for ya, W., could you elaborate for us, just what you're interested in? A bit like, "I gotta have a Cab - - or, I love sunroofs". One friend of mine will only buy a red Fcar. Another, will only buy anything but a red Fcar.

Help us help you. But first, you must do the homework - - that being - - focusing on, and then, determining what you really would like to buy.

If you're tire kicking, forget it. Often times, a great deal is shown in the AM - - and is gone by the PM.

If you're ready to dance, someone here will spin the wax

Good luck,

Hank

 

Remember, the California is just the modern Mondial.

 

Thanks for mentioning mine...actually it's on E-bay right now...someone might get a deal...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-Mondial-1986-Ferrari-Mondial-3-2-Cabriolet-Concours-Condition-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem20b0f061daQQitemZ140407497178QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks#ht_524wt_1167

 

True, true judge - and right now, the Mondial is one of the best deals in town. Note to you, W., keep in mind, nothing stays the same forever.

Classic examples of "deals" would be Birddog's 3.2 Cab and Scaledetails 3.2 Coupe. These are (good) deals, not because they are cheap, yet even dollar wise, they are really very fairly priced. They are good deals because they are, car wise, exceptionally high quality vehicles. Examples such as these, come available only rarely.

Cheers & good luck,

Hank

 

"...and he has been wanting a 308 GTB QV"

Then wait and find/buy a nice 308 GTB QV! Buying a Mondial when you (he) WANTS a 308 is a sure route to being totally disappointed. You will avoid years of kicking yourself if you buy the car/color you WANT, not a car just because it's available.

 

Buy both, I did.
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He was the one that brought the Mondial to my attention. He will buy the right 308 when it comes along. We have space for both. If the car isn't fun to drive we won't get it.