RE: Ferrari 512 TR: PH Fleet

[Johnnyforeigner]

ferrisbueller said:

hairykrishna said:

Main dealer prices seen to be the big downside of owning a classic Ferrari. Over 3 grand for fitting a rad and some gaskets seems mental but I suppose the residual value hit for having someone else do it would be even bigger.

I'm led to believe main dealers can be very reasonable for servicing and repairs and compare favourably with independents. Main dealer stamps and invoices in the history file are a very desirable thing.

Parts prices tend to be high whoever does the work.

Main dealers discount their labour rates for the older cars. I can't remember the exact numbers but I know that it's enough that my recent cam-belt service for the 512 was noticably less than when I first bought the car. Might be a premium over an indy but I can't imagine it would be a lot different.

As others have said above, while these old cars can sometimes be a money pit, if they're used regularly they tend to age better.
The only nasty surprise I've had in 5-6 years of ownership was an engine out service to replace a single gasket that had perished and given up due to lack of use in the years before I bought it.

They're pretty simple beasts, it's just parts availability and having to drop the engine out for some things that can make your eyes water when it's time to settle up.
Over the time I've had it, I wouldn't say the 512 has been an expensive thing to run. Planned to keep it for a year or so but I just don't see it going anytime soon.

[ferrisbueller]

Johnnyforeigner said:

Main dealers discount their labour rates for the older cars. I can't remember the exact numbers but I know that it's enough that my recent cam-belt service for the 512 was noticably less than when I first bought the car. Might be a premium over an indy but I can't imagine it would be a lot different.

I'm aware of at least one main dealer who will price match and has proven to be cheaper than indies.

[Europa1]

That is 80s-tastic, Harris!

Did it come with espadrilles and a linen jacket with the sleeves rolled up?

[carnut360]

Love it, gives me a thrill every time I take it out with my pastel linen suit..listening to Jam Hammer!

[Gixer]

LY99 said:

Pah - my Dads bill from Lovetts for his F430 was just shy of 5k

Getting my TR belts done next month, but won't be going to a main dealer. Its the first time it'll be serviced in my ownership (only bought it last october). Looking through the service history theres some monumentally scary bills including £16k (yes £16,000) for a gearbox rebuild....

Chris, I'm just glad you haven't sold it. As soon as you get it back, go for a drive, and change from 2nd to 3rd with the open gate, you'll have a massive smile on your face

Happy flat 12 motoring...

Friend of mine was telling me about some of his bills on his 512TR. One of those was just over £13k. That included the dreaded cam belt change, reprinting of the cam covers and anything else he failed to mention. Ouch!! He did mention a broken diff or gearbox or something too. Can't remember the amount but that was loads, fortunately it happened just in warranty.

[Gixer]

Davey S2 said:

SydneySE said:

I know the feeling running a 2004 Murciealgo....

But I've come up with a solution- I do my own oil change; fixed a door issue, and am about to do my own clutch change, as I'm outraged by what people charge considering how easily a garage can pull the engine (not that they need to actually lift the engine out). I did have to buy an an engine lift from ebay (£165 delivered for a 2 ton lift).

The good thing about older cars is that there is enough DIY support; on one of the USA lambo forums a guy documented his DIY at home clutch change, and i'm following that with along with the factory manual for reference.

Looks like it may also need a new oil pump, but I will just deliver the engine to the mechanic, so labour is just the actual change of oil pump; I just provide the unsophisticated grunt labour :-)

Well done for doing it yourself but that will affect the resale value so it's going to be a false economy unless you plan on keeping the car until the end of your days.

I always look after my own cars too as do some of my friends.. Not conceived it does, if the car and you are well known in Lambo (or whatever circles) and know you well enough to know its well cared for with proof of what's been done then I don't see the problem. Having caught various garages out so many times not doing what they should have, I take any garage history with a pinch of salt.

Anyway Sydney, you may find this useful as you work on your own car. If you don't know already

Kurt White is an English guy that lives in the US, invaluable for hard to get ZR1 parts, he branched out into his other hobby, Lambos a few years ago. Getting stuff over from the states is loads these days so it maybe no use for you but give it a look.

http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/

[Waynester]

carnut360 said:

Love it, gives me a thrill every time I take it out with my pastel linen suit..listening to Jam Hammer!

Jan Hammer - Crocketts Theme, I remember it well. Loved Miami Vice!
I still pull my sleeves up, to this day!

Wasn't it an earlier white Testarossa, with the single mirror?

[gavsdavs]

I have a file of receipts for my car going back to 1999. I dare not add them up.
There was ~£5k of expenditure in 2013 that didn't hit make the file and a little less this year, much of it in paypal transfers and tinternet purchasing.

Love or Lunacy - it's a tough call.

Very glad the 512TR is getting the goods.