Thinking of Buying a 512 TR What should I Pay?

I wouldn't pay more than $90k for a 512TR unless it was under 5k miles. If under 5k, I would research history for verification. There is no doubt that a low mileage TR is worth good money.

 

Scroll down the page a bit to the 'TR Prices Tanking' thread. There are also several other threads regarding pricing, repair costs, problems, etc here. Read everything you can find here and you'll have a very good idea of price and costs.
Look for the best car you can afford, one with service history, preferably one with the major service recently done, has books and tools, and have a good PPI done before purchase.
Good luck and remember that the search is half the fun!
John

 

Are you in US or Europe?
Cia
Eugenio

 

PPI = pre purchase inspection. Do it.

Major service can easily be 7-10k depending on whether an independant or dealer does it.

 

I seriously considered a reasonably priced 512TR before I got my Testarossa. The three that I looked at (one black/black, two read/tan) were all priced at around 115 - 120K. The black one had 12K miles and questionable maintenance history, and somebody had chromed the wheels. I think it would have easily gone for less.

The best red one had only about 2.5K miles, and a fresh major! The owner wanted 125K, but I had the feeling that he might have been willing to let me have it for 120.

I would have done it, too - except that it was still a little out of my price range, hence starting off with a Testarossa and keeping my other cars. Bottom line is, I could not find anything under 100K; but would have been real happy to find a 90K good example.

James

 

Check out the threads on the pre-1999 Ferrari 355's - gorgeous Ferraris but you'll want to be informed regarding exhaust manifold, valve and clutch maintenance issues, these can quickly eat up your budget. Seek out a 1999 355 in your price range.

 

355 is nice ... but gotta have 12 cylinders baby

 

IMO, 512TR owners think all their cvars are golden collector editions. Most are overpriced by thousands. Naturally, there is the rare situation. TR's are a great deal if you are careful in your selection. Until prices get more realistic for 512's, I'd pass. You can almost buy 2 TR's at this rate! Or, get a nice '91 and modify it to near 512TR level with the savings.

 

Pay very close attention to the car's history.

 

There are real reasons that 512TR's are priced above the prior generation. The car has big improvements in every area, inside and out. The TR is a great car and a classic, but the 512 is a significant leap. I did not consider the earlier car, and I don't think I am alone. The prices will never intersect for same condition cars, ever. It is a better built car than the 355 (I have owned both) and it is only a matter of time before it is worth more than a 360 coupe, based on availability and the simple fact that it is the last midengine V12 Ferrari that mortals can buy ( I don't think the Enzo is in the same league).

With a car like this, the same good advice is just as important here as it is with other Ferraris: buy the best car you can afford. It think a good car is going to be near 6 figures, if not over. I bought a "high" mileage car, so I got a "deal." But I still paid close to that figure. Good luck, it is a worthy hunt!

 

Sorry to be off thread - but do you prefer your 512 to the 355 you had in terms of just the driving experience?

They are two of my favourite cars and I have not driven the 512 - so I'd appreciate your feedback - Many thanks.

 

They are different cars, but there is only one thing about the 355 I miss: the open top (mine was a GTS). The 355 sounds incredible when you are following the car, but the engine note in the cabin with the 512 is better, and there is nothing like the sound of a 12, period.

The 355 is lighter, and has very light steering. It feels more tossable. The gear lever is quicker and smoother. The cabin feels thinner; it's well built, it just doesn't feel very substantial, especailly not after driving the 512.

The 512 is built like a bank vault. I am amazed at how tight the cabin is - not a squeak or rattle anywhere. The leather is sooo much nicer than the 355. Even the doors feel impressive in their solidity. The steering is heavy at a crawl, but it lightens up immediately and has wonderful feel at speed. The torque is a big difference. The 355 and the 512 are similar in speed, but on the road, the 512 feels faster, especially as the speed builds. The gear box is heavy, but I love the feel - it feels like a classic, like you are working with something sturdy and substantial.

The 512 is the prefect blend to me. It is comfortable, it has a high quality feel, it is a wonderful long distance car. But it is also involving to drive quickly, and yet pretty easy to just tool around in. It has a quiet cabin and a wonderful engine note. It has poisoned me against newer cars, because it makes them feel sterile. The 550 is supposed to be a great car, but the presence of the 512 and the midengine layout puts it in a completely different class, regardless of the performance.

You will definitely want to drive them both, as they are very different. It does amaze me how the both have that Ferrari feel that you just don't get anywhere else. You can't go wrong with either!