Really, How much does it cost??
I would say 7-10K is right, but that's just for the known stuff (belts, seals, etc.) Add for water pump, clutch (even if it's just an inspection) fuel lines/oil lines/coolant lines, and any/all rubber peripherals, engine cleaning, depending on the age and condition of the vehicle, and you could be at 15-20K before blinking an eye to get it right. Granted, all these 'little' things don't need to be replaced that often, but these are aging cars and if the vehicle has been sitting and not properly maintained, be aware. Now before all this scares you into buying a Hyundai with a 10 year warrenty, I believe the consensus is that a real major only need be done every 5-7 years. I would go with 5. Some do 3 and some do 7. If you are even maintining your car annually (fluid changes, inspection of rubber seals, etc.) your car probably does not need all the peripherals, and I would think a basic engine out belts major can be done for 7K.
Mine was about $7900 , then add $400 for cracked distributer cap, $2500 for clutch, $1500 for Hyperflows and conficatory Louisiana sales tax and I left with about a $14,000 bill but that was 3 years ago and since then I have probably only spent another $700 (bad cat ecu and I replaced the fuel injectors myself)
Dear Ferraristi, I would say this is a good analysis. A Testarossa is a very high maintenance vehicle...but a relatively simple vehicle. With simple electronics, no check engine lights, minimal sensors and primitive computers you can really get your hands up her skirt.....this is a good thing. If you have your F pimp (dealer) do everything, the bill can mount up....but, if you like working on the car ( which Fchat owner doesn't) you can do most maintenance yourself. With the cost of the parts and Fchat for guidance, you can definitely insure a very happy ownership experience. Remember, a TR is a Ferrari like a beautiful tall thin blonde....will occasionally give you grief. ....but the make-up sex is great!! I personally love working on my TR, I just wish I had the skills of Carguy so I could do my own belt service and valve adjust. I myself, am actually in the middle of replacing the Rear main seal and clutch actuator seals. Since I have everything apart in the back of the car, great opportunity to clean areas I could not get access to. For example, while the exhaust is off, I can now clean the sides of the gearbox and inner CV joints....with my trusty toothbrush ! Shamile Freeze....Miami Vice !
http://www.lindseyautomotive.com/ while their website is not so great, their work and honesty is excellent. A post in the LA section would give you plenty of references.
$7-$10K is a good reference. I had mine done in 2008 by Bill Pollard At Sport Auto in CT. One of the best in the business. he did everything including a partial engine teardown and rebuild. total was a little over $9k. He said don't even think about doing another major for 10 years. Yearly service (Fluids, bleed brakes, etc.) is about $300. Clutch ($4000) every 5-7 years. So yearly cost of ownership is about $1600 on a ten year average. I think that is pretty good.
Bottom line is to NEGOTIATE...When I had an engine out service for my BB512i at FoA I reached an agreement to pay $3000 labor plus parts. After it was all done it ended up costing me ~$6000 and that include lots of extras including radiator recore, new water pump and several other "...while you're at its..." ;and that was in 2002 when the economy was not in the tank. It could likely be done for a little less now. I have even considered getting mine done again now even though I have a few more years before it is due ...I go with a 7-10 year interval for a major as I drive my Boxer often.
I received a bid for a 30,000 mile engine-out belt service and valve adjustment along with the normal items like belts and water pump. The bid is for 2009 so it's current. The list of parts and services is 4 pages long and looks to cover everything except clutch and exhaust or anything else that is broken or worn out. This will be my 3rd service since I've owned the car. The seller performed a service when I bought it, I did one a few years ago and now it's time to do it again this summer. I've already replaced all of the rubber items and the exhaust and ignition parts. The car is running great at this time so I don't expect any suprises.
...well, at least y'all know what I like and...um...how I like it. You can blame it on the fact that I also drive a Lamborghini. ...oh, that speaks volumes. Shamile Freeze...Miami Vice !
I paid around $6K including injectors. But I sourced all the parts on ebay prior to bringing the car in so they didn't have to pay high prices for the parts. Went to Mercedes dealership for the injectors and paid half the price of FofO
It's a good idea to source your own parts to save money, but there can be a couple drawbacks. Some shops will use owner supplied parts, but may not warranty their work because of it. Another BIG concern is that there are now some "fake" parts showing up on ebay and other places, that are not genuine Ferrari, Mercedes, Bosch...etc. I've heard some stories regarding timing belt tensioner bearings where the bearings were from the far east and didn't last very long - this could have disastrous consequences! So do your due diligence and be sure your getting "the good stuff". SHAMILE: I'm sure you could do your own services on your TR based on your past experiences and repairs. Just gotta have space, time, and organization - you certainly have the smarts for it.
Major on a TR....can be from 4K for 2 belts .....too 20K if its a car that needs everything. Given that you are in Toronto, feel free to Call Rocks auto at 416.686-8700 tell him Big Red sent you....but im sure you've heard of him already.
I would be worried about getting it up the pooper for sure but to beat someone down and expect perfection in the job is another problem - that you created! If you came to me I would just say "no thanks" and send you on your way to the next poor soul. Its better than working for peanuts.
I don't own one yet but am looking, I just want to know what to expect on a clean car with a few leaks which seenm to be common (head gaskets, shift seal) I'm not looking to beat anyone down just want to know what to expect next winter.
