Testarossa question from a newbie | FerrariChat

Testarossa question from a newbie

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by turbo9441, Mar 12, 2007.

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  1. turbo9441

    turbo9441 Rookie

    Aug 20, 2006
    13
    Tennessee
    I have found a 1988 Testarossa with 16,500 miles. All records and appears to be a queen. I am a Porsche fan through and through but, have always loved Ferrari's. In saying this I am very cautious stepping into your world. What would be a fair price and are there any quirks to the 88 model year? It has been checked out by Ferrari Atlanta. Asking price is $59,900. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Mar 3, 2001
    7,804
    LA
    Full Name:
    Frank
    When was the last major service with timing belts? What color combo?
     
  3. turbo9441

    turbo9441 Rookie

    Aug 20, 2006
    13
    Tennessee
    Red on tan. Service within the last 5000 miles.
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Years are more important. Officially timing belts should be done every 3 years.


    I have a TR and love it but may not be the best choice for a Porsche guy. They are old school. They are a big, heavy, GT car and are great for burning up highway miles. The are not a svelt, nimble car.

    Drive one if you haven't. Put a few miles on it.
     
  5. turbo9441

    turbo9441 Rookie

    Aug 20, 2006
    13
    Tennessee
    I plan on spending some time behind the wheel, what about the price. What would be a fair price for these cars?
     
  6. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Good price for a good car.
     
  7. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,424
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    is it a 5-lug wheel car? That helps a bit. I think the single-lug wheels look better but you are limited in wheel choices. The 5-lug wheels do have some advantages. Also after 1988.5 model year the suspension was upgraded a little. There were minor interior changes too. I would say if the car is in great shape with a recent service the price is pretty good. But that's just my experienced opinion. There are some who feel if anything is out of whack that the car should be a give-away. I don't subscribe to that way of thinking. A decent car is worth every penny of $60k in my opinion.
     
  8. ArtS

    ArtS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2003
    13,369
    Central NJ
    What is the last year of the tranny/diff issues?

    Art S.
     
  9. staceman

    staceman Karting

    Sep 23, 2003
    245
    At Home
    Full Name:
    SGT
  10. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2003
    3,066
    Kansas
    Full Name:
    Sean F
    I believe it was updates in either lat '92 or starting with the 93MY. Don't quote me on that. But I know all the testarossas have the issue but it wasn't updated until sometime during the 512TR run.
     
  11. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    35,532
    Victory Circle
    Full Name:
    HUBBSTER
    1996, when the 550 Maranello appeared :)

    the TR trans is easily capable of daily driving but it Really doesnt like to be abused, so absolutely no burnouts
     
  12. mgtr1990

    mgtr1990 Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2005
    1,580
    Naples Florida
    Full Name:
    Martin Graham
    Brian is right about the price but dont ignore his comments on the cars handling with no power steering at low revs its a handful and does not like tight spaces to move around in.

    Martin
     
  13. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    2,298
    northern va
    Full Name:
    john g
    i agree that it is a good price. for that mileage, prices are usually in the mid to upper 60s. and it's nothing like a porsche!

    john
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Well said.
     

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