Hi all, I've developed a great interest in the Testarossa over the last few weeks and have been trying to gather as much information as possible. I remember the Testarossa as one of the ultimate Ferraris back in my college days in the 80's and hadn't really thought about owning one until I discovered what an incredible bargain these cars are nowadays... at prices near $50K, or even $70K, they seem greatly undervalued at the current market. Plus, I've always had a penchant for GT cars (my longtime toy is an '83 Porsche 928S -- which arguably shares many attributes with the Testarossa -- including age!) I have to admit I've had my eyes on the 360 for quite some time, but my interest in the Testarossa has been kindled anew. I've been hanging out in the forum for the past few weeks and have been doing a lot of searching but haven't found the equivalent of a Buyer's Guide for the Testarossa (have I somehow missed it?) However, in researching the Testarossa a number of questions have occurred to me. My apologies if these have already been covered (as I'm sure they have) but my searches haven't led me to the appropriate threads. And, I haven't driven a Testarossa yet. First, what is the handling of the Testarossa really like? There seem to be some comments in the various threads using terms such as big, heavy etc. I know I'll love the big V-12 but some of the comments about handling have me concerned. It's important to me to have a car with very high handling limits with decent/predictable behaviour at the limits. What kind of lateral acceleration are they capable of? How is transient response? Any issues with the rear weight bias? How is the lack of power steering? Any particular strengths and weaknesses? (I've seen the comments about difficulty in driving around town). Have there been any widespread issues with the fuel management systems? I have to admit I was surprised to learn that Ferrari kept the old K-jet system as long as they did (up until the 512TR switched to Motronic in 92 if I understand correctly) If it's been reliable, great, but if there's something to look out for (or if the Motronic is much more desirable) that would direct my shopping a bit more. Who are the major parts vendors for DIY types like me? What are the major things to look for when shopping? Thanks -- and my apologies if these topics have already been covered! Rick
The first 12 cylinder car I drove was an 88.5 TR and the memory has stuck. i want one too. They are heavy and if its handling you want a 360 is the ticket if thats your other choice and you only other choice. The 360 is so much lighter to toss than the TR, much more user friendly but it lacks the character of the TR in my opinion. The TR is a classic and feels like one, its dated but thats part of its charm and the 12 cylinder sound cant be duplicated with any V8 as well the power delivery from the 12 is more robust, more supercar like.
TR is a great car but is more old school GT. If you are going to judge by modern standards for handling and the technology go with a 360. They are a blast to drive too.
When parking my TR it is like driving an old bus. You have to muscle the steering wheel. And parallel parking ... nightmare. However, once you get rolling at all, it is not a problem. I have had mine for about a year now, and I have only had one occasion where I pushed it beyond it's limits. This was doing the 'on-ramp boogie' on a long winding on-ramp to I-4. There was no traffic in front of me so I decided to let it out. When shifting from 1st to 2nd (around 6-7k rpm) I was also entering a curved section and the rear end broke traction. However, I was able to steer into the slide and punch it in 2nd and recover (pure adreneline moment). I have over 60k miles and drive it 2-3 time a week. 12-cylinders baby!
get nice example. unless you can fix things yourself, repairs can add up quickly. make sure the clutch is good, no leaking fuel hoses, check for oil leaks. they are nice cars that are reliable to drive. i had one and loved it, drove it everywhere. john
I did the same thing with mine going into a slight left curve in a road. 7K rpm shift, let clutch out too fast, back end came around faster than I could imagine. Did a 360 degree spin. Got the adrenaline pumping. Ended up one foot to the left of where I was and kept going.
You need to drive one. Things like unassisted steering and K-Jet fuel injection sound scary and old, but in real life it all works nicely. Honestly, when I was shopping for my 328 I read a thousand posts on this site, talked to a few techs and dealers, and when I actually drove one I found some of the comments to be spot on, others to be way off, and figured out my level of comfort in the cockpit: changing lanes, backing up, taking tight off-ramps, etc. One caveat: $50K for a TR may sound like a bargain, but the price takes into account a fairly expensive major service (engine removed, every three years if you follow Ferrari's TSB) and Ferrari's usual obscene parts prices. They also have a known weakness in the rear differential design in which the casing can split, spilling gear metal, oil and your savings account all over the street. (The 512TR used a different design.) $70K is probably closer to what you'd pay for a nice one, IMO. Or stretch a bit and there's an incredible white one at Motorcars in Springfield, MO. I would say they're not undervalued. Great cars, incredible presence, but with enough scare factor to keep prices below what you might have expected.
I have owned my TR for 12 years. At this point, I'm not sure what I would call "a nice one" if I was in the market for one today. Deciding between 2 equal cars, one having had a recent major service, I would lean towards the one without the major service assuming that it was appropriately discounted. I'd rather have the work done to my satisfaction at the place of my choice rather than take someone else's word for what they did.
Thanks to all who have posted -- you comments have all been very helpful insights. I'll keep scouring for more information (thanks for the posted link) and go start looking at some local examples. Rick
Rick, I happen to have an 87 TR and a 2000 360, so I may be able to offer some relevant experience. The 360 is (save the 430) the best Ferrari ever made. Comfy and quiet and spacious when you want to go to dinner, go to Wal-Mart (Yes, i take the 360 when I shop) or cruise cross country. It is also a race car on the street. Quick, razor sharp, fast, the noise is great, I love tracking mine, etc. It is tough to top a 360. I truly am amazed at what this car is capable of. So what about the TR? Well, start it up, let it sit for 10 minutes to warm up, start driving it, steering is worse than a dump truck at slow speed, shift ever so carefully and slowly (and forget second!) the car creaks and moans and groans and I wonder, what the hell is wrong with this car? Ah, but wait.....let the engine and gearbox warmup, let the old girl stretch a bit and limber up. And then, at some point, the car changes- Now, find a road with some good sweepers and straights, something that can let her be opened up. Roll down the window, build up the revs and here that 12 banger starting to unleash herself. Tackle the sweepers with a bit of initial U/S but use the throttle to balance the car. Lift a little and feel the rear start to unload and swing, and then nail the gas when the car is set in the corner. She will dig in at the rear and just propel you out of the corner. As I have said before about the TR, other cars can do it faster, but none better. Yea, the TR had duff brakes, is no good on the track, is ponderous and big around town, but it is a 20 year old design. And parts are expensive (though not really more than the 360, in my experience), but my car has been more reliable than the 360. Maybe the best answer is thus: I have the 360, a Lotus, a Ford GT, Formula Ford 2000 and a bunch of bikes, so I have enough toys to keep me happy. So I keep threatening to sell the TR and buy a 550 or an Aston ragtop. So what do I do, I clean up the TR, get it ready for sale, place an add and throw a sign on the window. But then I take her for one "last" spin. And then I get home, toss the sign in the trash, cancel the add and go back to the garage and give the old girl another coat of polish. Sell her? I have tried 4 or 5 times and always backed out. I suspect I will still have when St. Paul comes a-knockin.
Hi Impdesigner, Great post! That gives me a great feel for the character of both cars. And of course now I am more conflicted than ever. Part of me prefers the 360 with its great handling, modern manners and zip factor, but part of me wants the classic, long-legged V12-powered TR. Having owned a 928 for many years, I want a modern supercar that's more tossable and for one where I won't have to worry about chasing down any new squeaks or rattles, at least for a long time; but at the same time respect the older cars, know their technology much better, and get a kick out of keeping them in top shape. As for looks, the cars are completely different but the Testarossa appeals to me just as much as the 360 and to me has a bit more of the 'unique' factor. Having said all that, I have to admit I'm leaning more the 360's way based on what I know at this point because I think I'd like a bigger change of pace from the 928. Of course it's all armchair quarterbacking until I drive both cars, but it is at least quite enjoyable doing the research along the way. Thanks for the great post -- and I love those toys!! Rick
I don't even want a TR but your description was terrific. Maybe I'm missing something! I've had cars that I did that exact thing with - threaten to banish them and later express forgiveness at the mere thought. One thing I wanted to ask: The TR more reliable than the 360? How so? Just curious if the 360 had one big problem that negated its record or if it has been a bunch of little ones. I feel you raised a few hopeful eyebrows in the TR camp with more "positive" reliability assessment.
I've owned 2 Testarossas (so far that is...) and I've found them to be extremely reliable. If you drive them every few days they just keep going and going. If they sit around for extended periods things can get out of whack. But if you drive them like Enzo intended they will reward you with great road presence, lots of torque, fairly comfortable cruising, and small crowds of onlookers at every stop. Testarossas are so unappreciated and undervalued....it seems they are always getting bashed by somebody. But they are good cars and don't deserve the bad rap.
Adams, Here is score, so far: TR: 1.) Oil leak from left hand cam cover. Repair: Replaced gasket (both sides, for luck!). About $60 for gaskets and red wrinkle paint (resprayed cam covers), total work time, about 1/2 day. 2.) New clutch, not a reliability issue, but normal wearand tear. I got clutch mucho cheap, but normal price is about $1600.00. I put it in myself over one lazy weekend. 3.) Right hand side ignitor box went south. New one $350.00 and 1 hour labor. 4.) Trunk cable broke (my fault) when I over tensioned it. Replaced cable with bicycle brake cable. Cost $1.00 5.) Currently I have a small issue with cold starting. Not a biggy, and I have'nt solved issue yet. Big thing is I have never been stranded on road with TR. 360: 1.) Fluid line from F1 pump to gearbox blew. Ferrari part cost $1000.00! I had aeroquip line made for $90.00. Dealer installed it for another $500.00! Failure left me stuck on road. $150 for flat bed home, $150 for flatbed to dealer next day. 2.) Rear tranny mount went bad. Cost - I think $600.00. Dealer found it when replacing above line. Labor another $600.00 or so. 3.) F1 electro-pump failed. Vert common problem on 360's. Stuck on oad again. $150.00 fo flat bed home. Ferrari wants $1500 for new pump. I had mine rebuilt for $90.00 and installed it myself. Car still needed to be flatbedded to dealer for flud fill, bleedng, etc. $500.00, plus $90.00 for new relay. 4.) F1 pump went bad again. Stuck on road again! Towed to dealer $150.00. This time it was pump fuse which blew! (I should have done more invesigation on my own, ut previos F1 problems mis-led me!) Cost to diagnose and replace fuse: $150.00 5.) Passenger door handle cable broke.(Common 360 problem.) I fixed myself. 6.) Car needs new clutch (clutch is okay but T/O bearing sticking, another 360 problem). Dealer figures 6K to do all the work. As you can see, most of my issues involve F1 pump and T/O! Most annoying, but still I love car! Just which it was more reliable! Big issue is lack of confidence that I will not get stranded on road again! I think I have cured most F1 pump problems now (still more "tweaks" I have to help problem!) and with new clutch/t/o I think mis-shift issues will go away.
Thanks Brian, sorry - very sorry - to hear of the 'stranded' issues with the 360. That will put your worry nerves on alert every time an errant noise, rattle, smell, or gauge flicker besets. Much harder to regain confidence than to lose it. The TR sounds user friendly enough though, and your being able to tackle the problems (or those thus far) has got to be even more reassuring than helping put the tow driver's children through school. Thanks again for the time you spent on your reply. Best wishes on both - and other - cars!
