Purchase Advice: Mondial T 1990 | FerrariChat

Purchase Advice: Mondial T 1990

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by MRONY, Feb 11, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    I am seriously considering buying a '90 Mondial T Cab. with about 33,000 miles on it, coming from a reputable dealer in Cal.. The car supposedly had about $10k in major engine-out service within the last year, has a clean provenance, etc. Car has never been restored, is mostly original, and is supposed to be a driver. That's what I want -- a realtively headache-free convertible that's not as boring to drive as my '95 Jaguar (for sale) and at least approaches the insane level of absolute joy of my Dino.

    The price for the car seems awfully high, but what do I know, I am a Dino guy? Any opinions (I'll bet there are) on roughly what this car should cost?? I would have a thorough PPI done by a great Ferrari mechanic I know nearby (did this for me before), and probably have to buy it without seeing it myself. Any tips on what to have him look for??

    PS: Will the boot fit a set of golf clubs??
     
  2. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 28, 2004
    3,762
    US of A
    Full Name:
    Michael
    THAT would be a nice pair.

    Yes, the golf clubs will fit! Under the front bonnet, or the rear bonnet, or the rear seats! Lots of choices. Mondials are good about that.

    Anything to look for?.. Look to the fuse box. Make sure its not melted plastic. Drive it for more than 20 minutes to see if it shows a slow down light, or some other malfunction. Check to see if all of the electrical switches function, including both bonnet release's and gas door. Confirm that the suspension switch activates the shock adjustments. Confirm that the ABS works. Check for tools & records.

    Enjoy one of the best and most useful Ferraris's on the planet.

    Edit: Oh, and as for the price. The Mondial T variant does command a premium, but it is worth the added expense.
     
  3. Hill Country Ferrari

    Mar 28, 2007
    83
  4. buzzm2005

    buzzm2005 Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,739
    NYC
    Full Name:
    Buzz
    I've asked before but is there an audible or slight vibratory clue that tells you that the shocks are adjusting? I have to confess I can't really tell the difference....
     
  5. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    I don't recall hearing ours but there is a very definite change in the feel of the car and the way it responds to the pavement while driving. It's almost as though the personality of the car changes with the different settings.

    We totally agree with the comment that it's one of the best and most useful Ferraris on the planet.

    John
     
  6. altaman

    altaman Karting

    Feb 25, 2005
    68
    michigan
    Full Name:
    BRYAN
    between 35K on the low good end and 45K on the higher good end for a driver.
     
  7. MRONY

    MRONY Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    707
    New York City
    Full Name:
    Mike O.
    Though I hesitate to post it for obvious reasons, the car I am looking at is at Fantasy Junction & shown on their site. I think their price is pretty high, but the car looks pretty nice, and I want something to drive without cosmetic neuroses. Think it's been there a good while.

    Any opinions positive or negative on this car? I hope they don't mind my asking... from my POV the only downside is someone else sees it and then goes and buys it. The upside is I find out something terrible and avoid a disaster. Before I bought my Dino, I got some awesome advice from the Dino forum, so I'm willing to take my chances with you wierdos in here!!

    If the car goes away, I'll survive... 246's make good consolation!
     
  8. Bad Dogg

    Bad Dogg Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2006
    433
    Avon, CT
    Full Name:
    Howard
    Overpriced, badly... wait

    H
     
  9. JF308

    JF308 Formula 3

    Jan 17, 2007
    1,263
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    John Feeney
    Hill Country Ferrari looks to be a decent one to consider. F-Ads, and now e-bay.

    See the other post re: Mondial Cab
     
  10. SEAL2CC

    SEAL2CC Formula Junior

    Jan 19, 2005
    352
    Seriously consider Jason, "Hill Country's" car in Ferrari Ads...I had an '89 and the car is so much nicer WITHOUT the goofy seatbelt contraptions fitted to '90 and above Mondials. JMHO
     
  11. rtking

    rtking Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2006
    703
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Bob King
    +3

    Looks to be a fabulous Mondial, and it's owned by a fellow F-chatter so you can get the history on it. Plus I agree with Seal2CC regarding the goofy seatbelts.
     
  12. Beau365

    Beau365 Formula 3

    Feb 27, 2005
    1,284
    Congested London
    Full Name:
    Beau
    Agreed. My passenger commented yesterday when travelling across Tower Bridge "this thing rides like a C Class". (in "soft" setting). Before getting to the golf course we switched to medium and then his smile widened - the T's definately have a split personality which I find a great asset.
     
  13. davebdave

    davebdave Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 18, 2007
    2,381
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Dave W

    I think the seat belt mice are fun. However, when they break, look at $$$$. I also prefer the three point Seatbelts in the back seats (without the bus like inertial lap belt in the earlier models) The motronic 2.7 electronics claim a few more horsepower also. In the end, I wouldn't let a couple of seat belt mice keep me away from a late model t.

    Having said that I will third the suggestion to look at Hill County's car. If we had not bought our t in March, I would seriously consider it myself.



    Dave
     
  14. Hill Country Ferrari

    Mar 28, 2007
    83
    thanks for all the support guys! i have communicated with mrony and he does not want a red car. bummer!
     
  15. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 28, 2004
    3,762
    US of A
    Full Name:
    Michael
    There are easy ways to tell. If you are really tuned in with your ears you can open the front bonnet and/or the rear engine cover while in a quiet garage and turn the key to on (but don't start the engine). You should hear the shock solenoids cycle back and then forth for about 2 seconds. Its obvious on my car. That is a self test mode that the Mondial goes through on startup. (Caveat: Don't do that more than three times or the system will go into a fault mode if it does not sense wheel movement within three attempts)

    Second suggestion is to remove one of the wire hold down clips for a solenoid on a rear shock top and have some one turn the key to the on position. Look inside the solenoid and watch the motor cycle either direction. Pop the solenoid back in place and slip the clip back on. Done!


    Howard, comm'on man. This car is right in line with where it should be priced. Nice "T's" bring good retail money.
     
  16. SEAL2CC

    SEAL2CC Formula Junior

    Jan 19, 2005
    352
    WOW..realistically just leaves black or white and really narrows any available cars...reduced options in this era..although a white has been floating around on ebay for 'bout a year
     
  17. WilyB

    WilyB F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 23, 2007
    4,272
    AZ
    #17 WilyB, Feb 14, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

Share This Page