Need a Jalpa Education, Please

I am very interested in learning more about the Lamborghini Jalpa before I really start to search and perhaps, take the plunge.

Are there any particular years that are better/more reliable than others?

Besides normal Italian car stuff (rust, service history, PPI, etc.), what sort of things should I look out for. Are there any particular weaknesses that should be noted?

Price ranges?

Compared to a 308, 328, 348, is the Jalpa harder/easier to live with?

And finally service - I assume similar rules apply - timing belt (chain), water pump, etc., correct?

Thanks all!

Howie

 

I can't help you much, but it is a lovely looking car. I believe only 410 were made if I recall correctly and it has something like a 3.5L V8 with 255 horses. I am going by memory based on numbers I read a long time ago. I hope more knowledgeable people chime in as I'd like to learn a bit more myself.

 

just trying to help, and not trying to be rude.

do a search under my screen name, i had a 85 and posted some threads about it, including comparing it to my various 308 gt4, gtb and gts cars. the pics may be gone from some of the treads, byut the info should be there.

i am dead tired and will try to provide some info later.

happy hunting.

michael

 

They are all about the same, with not many changes through the years. The newest one you find would be good (improved oiling system, rev limiter), but condition is more important. They are pretty cool cars, and are geared better than the 308 for cruising, plus a little more faster(348 is fastest, but more $$$). There is a timing belt that drives the distributor which needs to be replaced, and it does have timing chains that have to be adjusted about every 6000 miles. Neither is a big deal, the timing chain adjustment is shown in the owners manual. There is no engine out service every 30k miles or so. Just look for all of the things that you would on any car. They drive nice, you could use one every day if you really wanted to. I have taken mine on a long drive, and it's pretty comfortable for me. I can't do. Parts have not been hard that I have bought. I think you have the best chance of price appreciation with the Jalpa, but any one of the cars you listed are a blast.

 

Michael -

No offence taken. I was actually hoping you'd chime in.

I did read a thread about your Jalpa..good info, but seeking to dig a little deeper.

Thank you.

 

Joey -

Great info...thanks!

I just sold my 348 Spider (fantastic car, btw), but was always a big lover of pre-Audi Lamborghinis.

The Jalpa is a car I want to experience and it fits the budget until the right time comes to buy my dream, a Diablo.

I love the looks of the Jalpa, and from what you say, it seems scheduled maintenance is not as "grueling" as the 308, 328, etc. if it's a well cared for example. No engine out service (a la 348) sounds good to me.

 

Nice cars, underappreciated, a bit more noise and power than a 308. No real maintenance issues that I'm aware of except perhaps that the car has McPherson Strut suspension and cartridges have been unavailable for many years. Most Jalpas that I've seen had worn (or broken) struts. I have repaired Jalpa struts on a number of cars and retrofitted aftermarket cartridges. Not a perfect solution but got undriveable cars back on the road.

 

post or pm your questions and i will help any way i can. i hated the sealed USA airboxes on my car, thats the main reason i sold it. i am exempt here from emissions and inspections and would rather have a euro car. sorry to be a broken record. otherwise i will be glad to help if you have any specific questions.

michael, soon to be non ferrari owner ( check ebay.... )