Mondials in Charlotte?

Mark,
These maybe entry level cars to most people but I guarantee not entry level when it comes to repair bills. Depending on the year you are looking at pre 89 yes it is a Ferrari but is under powered power nothing but easier on the wallet. After 89 much better in terms of power and handling but that comes with a price for Maintenance. If you buy cheap not well documented you will be asking yourself why. If a Mondial is your quest please do your homework and make sure all services are up to date with nothing deferred otherwise have a big stack of cash for the repairs. Do not buy the cheapest car you can find but the best you can afford and have a reserve cashflow for needed repairs. These cars are getting up there in age and parts are becoming more scarce every year and climb in cost. If I could recommend anything and if you want to have a great exp. hold out a bit longer save money and get into a 360 with a stick. By far a great entry level car and not hard on the budget. Modern great design and prices have come down quite a bit for very good examples.

Just so you know my history I owned a 1989 Mondial cab t loved it until I drove a 430 and realized it was not as fast as I thought. I put a big chunk of change into it as well to make it right and sold for a loss. Went to a 360 spider, 430 to a Gallardo currently. I am going back to a Ferrari hopefully soon.

 

Mark

What did you decide to do? Did you make the dream come true and step into the Ferrari world?

Peter

 

I hope I did not scare him to much and if I did sorry Peter for discouraging a Potential client repair goldmine for AI

 

You were honest. I think the overhyping and dismissal of repair costs does more harm than good for these cars. People should have someone honestly tell them what they're getting into.

 

We 100% agree. We take the high road in answering any inquiries relative to value, quality and cost of ownership for any automobile we are approached to discuss. No one is served by entering a great passion without understanding the good and the bad. Having a customer that does not understand the journey and costs is a challenge to them and us. Neither win.

Cheers
Peter

 

You guys are too funny. And pretty sad too.

The OP mentions a Mondial and y'all automatically assume a deferred maintenance money pit. And underpowered... so what? Maybe he wants a classic cruiser and is interested in nice drives with the wife and kids (or grandkids). Not all Ferrari seekers need "more power".

And "discouraging a Potential client repair goldmine" WTH?

 

Then he should seek a Maserati GT.

 

Wade

I did not mean to imply anything specific to Mondials. My response was we are very honest relative "to any automobile" which is singular and specific to "a" car. We are fortunate enough to be asked our opinion espcially pre-purchase relative to a car. Each manufacturer and model has its place in the market and buyers who want their specific needs met. We see cars across the spectrum of service needs and current state of repair independent of manufacturer or model. Sorry if I my wording left my intent unclear.

Sincerely
Peter

 

What are the most common concerns expressed here about Ferrari's by owners and potential owners? By far 1) can I afford it and 2) will I be out performed by a mini van.

The mondial is the least expensive Fcar to purchase. it's easy to read between the lines.. and nobody who is serious about buying one will be dissuaded by this thread or its replies.

 

Precisely. I just sent the OP a PM. I surely hope I'm not the first to offer personal help in selecting a FCar. That would be poor hosting on our part.

Cause we all know a good example is going to be nearly As much as a 456/355/348 and the build quality on those has mor negotiability on care in order to get up to snuff.

Curt is spot on though.

 

Out perform a minivan? Again, who cares, because Mondials are GTs, not sports cars. And old ones at that. Of course, the 246 and 308 aren't much better. But those are really what "Ferrari people" want because they're expensive.

The OP said that he is looking for a Mondial and "has a lot to learn about these cars..."

So, "reading between the lines" means that the OP can only afford to buy a beater Mondial?

It may sound shocking to you but some people actually buy and restore Mondials.

 

I personally think a Mondi coupe would be a cool car, and it's a great starting point and a nice example of classic ferrari ownership. But the reason I want one is quite frankly the $20k price point. Tell me this.. why does every one I see on the market need belts or a few things fixed? because reading between the lines tells the true story.

 

Pretty much the same boat for the 308GT4 and 400; mostly due to the fact that the cars were/are rejected by the Ferrari community. Enthusiasts know differently.

Mondials are, by no means, investment cars (except for the rare "museum" examples). However, condition 1 3.2s are currently fetching around $35k to $40k while the t (almost a different car altogether) are $45k and up.

Personally, I prefer a car that needs belts/service i.e. lower price point and I get to set the baseline (part of my Ferrari experience).

Also, an enthusiast will invest their time and money into the Mondial whereas a short-term owner will not. Like they say... buy the very best example that you can afford.

 

I'm with you and appreciate your efforts. Too many people buy older Ferraris sight unseen (or love at first sight) and then end up with a bad experience. A little knowledge helps, but more goes a long way.

When someone says "I'm new and am lookin for x type of Ferrari" my first thoughts are "welcome" and "care to share why regarding that particular model?"

 

I've seen a few mondials in Charlotte. Every time I speak with their owners, I get nothing but positive comments. Fun to drive, fairly easy to maintain, and how many mid-engined 2+2 sports cars are out there anyway?

Obviously, the Mondial T version is going to be more expensive to maintain than other versions, due to engine-out major. Still, great cars at low prices - especially in convertible form.

 

Yeah true but I am yet to meet a Ferrari owner of any type say that hate their car. Mine cost more that what I paid to make it right and when it was it was a great car. Just saying without knowledge and cash on hand you could buy a mess that could ruin a persons dream of Ferrari ownership. I don't want what happened to me happen to some unsuspecting potential buyer thinking the Mondial is entry level. Yes it is a low price point but that's where it ends. Do your homework if there is deferred maintenance or suspect items pass and don't let your emotions determine your purchase. Make sure the PPI is done fully and know what you are getting into. A well sorted documented Mondial will cost quite a bit but worth it in the end. Just saying and even though my car cost me a bunch I still loved it regardless.