TR guys - a couple Qs and opinion needed

Not a TR owner...perhaps one day...but my choice would be the #2 car at the #1 price. The two biggest things it has going against it are the "off-color" combo you described (what is it, blue over red?) and the fact that it will need a 30k. The second item there - the 30k - you can fix, but the off-color combo is something *you'll* have to deal with again when it comes time to sell.

Best case scenario: Talk him down on the price b/c of color, and see if he'll split the cost of a 30k with you (just worked into purchase price). You decide where/when/who does the service, but if it were me, I would take the keys/title from the guy, and drive the car straight to the shop for the belts to be done. Maybe even flatbed it there....

Best -

Aaron

 

You are not going to like the metric wheels, it forces you to keep the TRX tires which are expensive and very ordinary. There is no question that those cars got better in many ways every year and the savings you get buying a gray market car up front will be lost at time of sale.

I don't know what you mean by off color but the 90 is a better car. Get an estimate in your area for a major and use that and the list of needs you get from a PPI to negotiate the price down.


Unless you consider one of the 2 cars to be "The" car walk away. Don't be in a hurry, find the right car.

 

I had a later TR that never had an issue, so I would recommend you go for the 89 and up, much better in my opinion, less probelms down the road. The fatc that you can get any 5 lug wheels and not have to stick to metric tires is worth it alone.

Stephane
Scaledetails

 

I had a 90, the mirrors and wheels are big improvements. An 85 euro car with little history (what is the mileage really) seems like a very low dollar car-mid 40s at best. Go with the 90, offer 52k and see what happens. PB 2 cents

 

Agree with what's already been said, but one other difference is that the early "Euro" TR will be a K-Jet without Lambda injection system more like a BB512i, and the US version TR will be KE-Jet with Lambda injection.

If the "Euro" TR (or the US TR for that matter) doesn't have cats installed, I'd deduct another couple $K for that.

 

all things being equal between the two cars, i would opt the for the newer car. the 85 without history is a risky proposition, definitely a 40K's car. but since both cars are probably not equal, i would go for the car that is in better condition. i'd rather buy an 85 TR in great shape rather than a 90 that has a few issues. in the end, go see them both, and choose the car you like better.

i wouldn't worry about the off color on the newer car. i have an off color 308, and my assumption is that if you're here to see it, then you must like the color at least a little. so you won't get any leeway from me in that department.

 

I agree with the others! My choice would also be the technically better '90 TR.
But in your case I would wait!!! Don't compromise!
If you really want a yellow TR than wait for a yellow TR. My opinion is that the most difficult part of finding your dream Ferrari is finding the patience to wait for the right one. But in the end this is the most rewarding part!

Good luck!

Ton

 

FWIW My early 85 Euro only had cats when it was DOT federalized and apparently they didn't last long. The car hasn't had them since and has never had a problem passing emissions testing. And I've gone 3 times here in MA who's emissions standards are the same as CA. Also another benefit, if you will, with an early TR is that they were made when the TR production volume was low in numbers. Because of that I believe my car hasn't had many of the typical problems later higher production volume TR's are known for.

 

Then buy a yellow one and pass on these two. You will be spending money on any color TR after you have it home. Might as well get what you really want.

There are dealers that handle a lot of '80s/early '90s Ferrari's. Drop them a note.

 

What color is the 'off color' one?

 

"if you really want a yellow TR than wait for a yellow TR"
i couldnt agree more. if you buy another color, you will spend many a sleepless night standing in your garage trying to convince yourself you bought the right car. trust me on this one.

regards,

joseph

 

I would not rush this one. When I bought my tr which was an 89. I looked for over a year and found one. I would suggest going with the later model; the wheels for one and the other improvements made it worth it for me. My car was trouble free; very reliable. Good luck in your search. Keep searching the web and ferrariads.

 

Always go with the later version if you have a choice.
If the later version of the tr needs a major, low 60's sounds bit high.
Problem with these cars is that there is no KBB price guide for it.
I hear people finding and selling great tr for low to high 40k and I see people buying junk tr for 60 to 70k. Personally I have seen great trs offered at high 40k to low 50k. I have seen these in person and yes they were in great shape inside and out. It all depends on where you are and how lucky you get I guess. All in all be patient and do not try to go cheap, get the best condition tr at best price. Purchasing time is not the time to go cheap.

 

I've got a 90 with almost 40k miles. More reliable than the 94' Viper I had 8 years ago. Great car, wouldn't trade it for anything. I think the 88.5 and newer is the way to go. You'll want the 5 lugs and double mirrors.

 

I agree with you, that single mirror on tr is very exotic indeed

 

I have owned an '85 and a '91 TR. There are so many TR's that are available I would not even consider anything older than the 88 1/2 model unless is was very cheap. I traded my '85 in and got $32k for it so that gives you an idea. Traded it in on a '90 model and it was siginificantly better.

That being said if possible go for a 512TR, even if it is higher miles.