need help on Gallardo
Discussion
Have an order in for the 997GT3, a long wait looks likely, so toying with a second hand Gallardo (or perhaps an AMV8!?)it would probably be an early 04 car. can owners help with an idea of
realistic private/trade value
what are the must have extras
what "issues" aside from THE CLUTCH!
how much to service
how much extra year warranty
can you use it daily, are they reliable
any general advice appreciated I know Pork backwards, but don't have much of a clue on lambo's!
thanks in anticipation
realistic private/trade value
what are the must have extras
what "issues" aside from THE CLUTCH!
how much to service
how much extra year warranty
can you use it daily, are they reliable
any general advice appreciated I know Pork backwards, but don't have much of a clue on lambo's!
thanks in anticipation
I had an early 04 for 32,000km from new and the car was a good thing. If you buy from an enthusiast, it is likely that any early bugs will be fixed by now, not that there were too many. The car is OK for daily use, but a little less practical than a Porsche as it is harder to park etc and attracts too much attention for some. Service costs are comparable with a larger Benz or BMW. Insurance is likely to be more of an issue, depending on your profile and address. It likes a drink but what do you expect. I'm not in UK so I can't comment on values.
I'm not sure about "must have" options - mine was e-gear but that is a matter of preference. Other options are electric seats, glass engine cover, sports suspension, pearl paint, coming home function, coloured calipers - all nice, but none essential. As always, look for decent service history and evidence of a caring owner. I replaced my car with a new Gallardo - nuff said.
I'm not sure about "must have" options - mine was e-gear but that is a matter of preference. Other options are electric seats, glass engine cover, sports suspension, pearl paint, coming home function, coloured calipers - all nice, but none essential. As always, look for decent service history and evidence of a caring owner. I replaced my car with a new Gallardo - nuff said.
As far as daily driver, that depends on the individual. V NEO uses his every day, 400+ miles a week, rain or shine. Probably the most experienced owner/driver in the country. I've done 8500 miles in 14 months and it's run like clockwork, I've even been known to go to my local Tesco (4 bags of shopping is about the limit for the boot, FYI).
It's practical for a mid-engined Supercar. There are more practical performance cars but not more practical Supercars, though.
Recently had a 7500 mile service (oil + filter change, safety checks, etc) for £1000. 15000 miles service is over £2000, but you do get new plugs for that! Rear tyres lasted 5500 miles and were £300 each to replace. Tyre availibility can be a problem but that's not Lambo's fault.
Fuel economy is obviously variable. I've seen 4.5mpg at 160mph in fourth gear, which changed to 72mpg when I lifted off! At a steady 90-100mph cruise the Gallardo will average 20mpg so long as you don't touch the throttle.
Clutch shouldn't be an issue. All the early cars that were affected should have been sorted a long time ago. At 7500 miles my clutch was 37% worn.
E-gear or "flappy stick" depends on your predjudices and how you drive.
Insurance will depend on you and your driving history.
I'm over 40 (ahem!), full NCD. Cover is £1650 a year, which is a bargain.
As far as prices go, they seem to change with demand so just keep an eye out £100K as a guide for a low mileage early car, possibly less. There is a lot of "gamesmanship" going on at the moment. Prices being advertised for cars that don't exist, etc.
It's practical for a mid-engined Supercar. There are more practical performance cars but not more practical Supercars, though.
Recently had a 7500 mile service (oil + filter change, safety checks, etc) for £1000. 15000 miles service is over £2000, but you do get new plugs for that! Rear tyres lasted 5500 miles and were £300 each to replace. Tyre availibility can be a problem but that's not Lambo's fault.
Fuel economy is obviously variable. I've seen 4.5mpg at 160mph in fourth gear, which changed to 72mpg when I lifted off! At a steady 90-100mph cruise the Gallardo will average 20mpg so long as you don't touch the throttle.
Clutch shouldn't be an issue. All the early cars that were affected should have been sorted a long time ago. At 7500 miles my clutch was 37% worn.
E-gear or "flappy stick" depends on your predjudices and how you drive.
Insurance will depend on you and your driving history.
I'm over 40 (ahem!), full NCD. Cover is £1650 a year, which is a bargain.
As far as prices go, they seem to change with demand so just keep an eye out £100K as a guide for a low mileage early car, possibly less. There is a lot of "gamesmanship" going on at the moment. Prices being advertised for cars that don't exist, etc.
The daily driver issue depends on you, as much as the car.
As a Low Slung Mid-engined car it will never be as good a daily driver as a 911. The major issues are:
- Its low. But it does have a protective plate underneath. Even so, as long as you pay attention most of the time you'll be fine.
- Visibility. Not poor. But not the best. Definately shouldn't stop you using it daily, just a little harder in some circumstances.
- Width. IMO its just the right side of useable on a daily basis.
- Trunk space. Although there is space behind the seats, concealed storage is limited. So can be a problem where your carrying stuff from A to C with a stopover at B.
- Turning circle. Big wheels and sleek body don't make for a good turning cirlce. Probably the thing that will annoy you most.
- Attention factor. Really depends on you and where you go. Some people may not feel comfortable leaving it parked in certain places. It attracts so much attention, that if your one of those people, there will be far more of these no go places then with a 911.
But I have to say IMO all those compromises are worth it.
WRT options, I would get the Navi (improves the interior look, and safer then aftermarket systems), alarm (yes its an option), OBC. Heated seats are also nice, since you want to drive it regularly. Other then that everything else is down to personal preference.
Prices, I suggest you phone around. Here you'll get alot of people saying 80's, yet they don't seem to be able to find a car for themselves. And others at the other end of the scale, but they could well be owners.
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
P.S. If you plan to buy within the next 2 months, I would suggest buy sooner rather then later. As prices in this market generally firm up in summer. With a hot June/July predicted its only going to get stronger and its also great opportunity for you to enjoy the car.
As a Low Slung Mid-engined car it will never be as good a daily driver as a 911. The major issues are:
- Its low. But it does have a protective plate underneath. Even so, as long as you pay attention most of the time you'll be fine.
- Visibility. Not poor. But not the best. Definately shouldn't stop you using it daily, just a little harder in some circumstances.
- Width. IMO its just the right side of useable on a daily basis.
- Trunk space. Although there is space behind the seats, concealed storage is limited. So can be a problem where your carrying stuff from A to C with a stopover at B.
- Turning circle. Big wheels and sleek body don't make for a good turning cirlce. Probably the thing that will annoy you most.
- Attention factor. Really depends on you and where you go. Some people may not feel comfortable leaving it parked in certain places. It attracts so much attention, that if your one of those people, there will be far more of these no go places then with a 911.
But I have to say IMO all those compromises are worth it
. WRT options, I would get the Navi (improves the interior look, and safer then aftermarket systems), alarm (yes its an option), OBC. Heated seats are also nice, since you want to drive it regularly. Other then that everything else is down to personal preference.
Prices, I suggest you phone around. Here you'll get alot of people saying 80's, yet they don't seem to be able to find a car for themselves. And others at the other end of the scale, but they could well be owners.
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
P.S. If you plan to buy within the next 2 months, I would suggest buy sooner rather then later. As prices in this market generally firm up in summer. With a hot June/July predicted its only going to get stronger and its also great opportunity for you to enjoy the car.
Edited by 5to1 on Thursday 15th June 14:55
I had mine for 1 year and 5Kmiles
Insurance was £1500, service was about £960
Mine was a manual car 04 and the build quality is a bit patchy, window seals comming away on side 1/4 lights and had the clutch updated on 2 occasions.
On the manual car although we are now on a c version clutch prepature wear problems seem to persist.
I had the rear main seal replaced, the rear lights melt( look inside the refelctors) numerous rattles behind the dash that drove me mad!
A great car- I wont repeat my earlier comments on here about values- all i can say is that one poster on here says 'should get a low miles early car for 100K!!!!
Now back in the real world! an 04 low miles car should be bought for less than £82K now. and the trade price near to 78K for an 04 car.
Bear in mind that these cars are just going out of warranty now and tehre is no aftermarket company to my knowledge that is covering the car
Insurance was £1500, service was about £960
Mine was a manual car 04 and the build quality is a bit patchy, window seals comming away on side 1/4 lights and had the clutch updated on 2 occasions.
On the manual car although we are now on a c version clutch prepature wear problems seem to persist.
I had the rear main seal replaced, the rear lights melt( look inside the refelctors) numerous rattles behind the dash that drove me mad!
A great car- I wont repeat my earlier comments on here about values- all i can say is that one poster on here says 'should get a low miles early car for 100K!!!!
Now back in the real world! an 04 low miles car should be bought for less than £82K now. and the trade price near to 78K for an 04 car.
Bear in mind that these cars are just going out of warranty now and tehre is no aftermarket company to my knowledge that is covering the car
Didn't take long to find you a car then!
You did mention an '04 though, so I'm guessing you want a bit of warranty, but Octanes comments are still valid.
Octane. Did you have an early car? Sounds like you had a terrible experience. As I said, I've had mine from new (last April) build quality a match for anything else and 100% reliable and rattle free. I know what you mean by prices though. As I said there have been some low prices quoted, I just don't know anyone who's landed one at a low price. I'm sure they're out there but even 5to1 is as sceptical as me.
You did mention an '04 though, so I'm guessing you want a bit of warranty, but Octanes comments are still valid.
Octane. Did you have an early car? Sounds like you had a terrible experience. As I said, I've had mine from new (last April) build quality a match for anything else and 100% reliable and rattle free. I know what you mean by prices though. As I said there have been some low prices quoted, I just don't know anyone who's landed one at a low price. I'm sure they're out there but even 5to1 is as sceptical as me.
Someone said to me last week, oh the new turbo is faster than your G, I think they were missing the point. Both are great cars, but with very different public images. You will never, well in my experience, get a bad reaction from anyone about the G, but for some reason, people seem to resent the Turbo. So from a owners view, the main difference between these cars, is in a G, all you have is fun because everyone is happy to see you, wants to talk to you about the car, once a week i get a big wave from someone pulling alongside me on the motorway. It's also a good community of owners, about 30 of us are going to goodwood festival together with Lambo organising hospitality at the event.
The service from Manchester is without parallel, Simon the lead tech is a god of engineering. All this adds to the experience of ownership.
For me, at first issues like the huge turning circle felt like a problem, but with a bit of practice, you learn to compensate for this.
Like Mike said, I drive mine 400+ miles a week and have done though the worst weather we had early this year.
For travelling, I use the Merc bag made for the back shelf of the SL - it's huge and fits perfectly on the rear shelf, £50 form any Merc dealer.
MPG - steady at 17.5, original PZero front tyres lasted 12,000 for the rears i fitted the Mich. CS which are still looking good after 10,000!!!!
I know of 2 Turbo owners that have traded in the T for a G! in the last month.
Do it, even if you only own a G for 6 months, it's a thrill 100% of the time. I was in Manchester last week, they had a 04 with 750miles on the clock! rear camera fitted and park distance control.
Simon
The service from Manchester is without parallel, Simon the lead tech is a god of engineering. All this adds to the experience of ownership.
For me, at first issues like the huge turning circle felt like a problem, but with a bit of practice, you learn to compensate for this.
Like Mike said, I drive mine 400+ miles a week and have done though the worst weather we had early this year.
For travelling, I use the Merc bag made for the back shelf of the SL - it's huge and fits perfectly on the rear shelf, £50 form any Merc dealer.
MPG - steady at 17.5, original PZero front tyres lasted 12,000 for the rears i fitted the Mich. CS which are still looking good after 10,000!!!!
I know of 2 Turbo owners that have traded in the T for a G! in the last month.
Do it, even if you only own a G for 6 months, it's a thrill 100% of the time. I was in Manchester last week, they had a 04 with 750miles on the clock! rear camera fitted and park distance control.
Simon
Brilliant guys thanks for your help, there are a few around 04/53 in the low to mid 80ks, this is what has aroused my interest!
Do Lambo do an extended warranty, for Pork it is only £750 for a year.
No one seems to be mentioning "must have" extra's, is there anything you must have for best re-sale?
Personally I want a manual car, yellow is too flash for me , fancy blue or maybe black, am I right that they are VERY mileage sensitive?
Do Lambo dealers do a 111 point check like Porsche do?
Please keep the advice coming, I can feel myself weakening towards the dark side!
Do Lambo do an extended warranty, for Pork it is only £750 for a year.
No one seems to be mentioning "must have" extra's, is there anything you must have for best re-sale?
Personally I want a manual car, yellow is too flash for me , fancy blue or maybe black, am I right that they are VERY mileage sensitive?
Do Lambo dealers do a 111 point check like Porsche do?
Please keep the advice coming, I can feel myself weakening towards the dark side!
Just go do it!
After 6 TVRs and 2 Ferraris the Gallardo is the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on!
I've had one niggle but the build quality seems great, a lot of the interior parts are shared with Audi so you won't find better and I use mine every day, rain or shine.
In fact I dropped my lad at pre-school this morning in it as I have a few times and it elicits quite a response from the other mothers!!!!
Do it!
After 6 TVRs and 2 Ferraris the Gallardo is the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on!
I've had one niggle but the build quality seems great, a lot of the interior parts are shared with Audi so you won't find better and I use mine every day, rain or shine.
In fact I dropped my lad at pre-school this morning in it as I have a few times and it elicits quite a response from the other mothers!!!!
Do it!
porkernut said:
Brilliant guys thanks for your help, there are a few around 04/53 in the low to mid 80ks, this is what has aroused my interest!
Do Lambo do an extended warranty, for Pork it is only £750 for a year.
No one seems to be mentioning "must have" extra's, is there anything you must have for best re-sale?
Personally I want a manual car, yellow is too flash for me , fancy blue or maybe black, am I right that they are VERY mileage sensitive?
Do Lambo dealers do a 111 point check like Porsche do?
Please keep the advice coming, I can feel myself weakening towards the dark side!
Do Lambo do an extended warranty, for Pork it is only £750 for a year.
No one seems to be mentioning "must have" extra's, is there anything you must have for best re-sale?
Personally I want a manual car, yellow is too flash for me , fancy blue or maybe black, am I right that they are VERY mileage sensitive?
Do Lambo dealers do a 111 point check like Porsche do?
Please keep the advice coming, I can feel myself weakening towards the dark side!
Low 80sis what you should pay for an 04 car with updated clutch( its 4K for a new one) there is no aftermarket warranty at all and if there was bank on it costing about £2500 a year at least.
I think they will take the miles better than a ferrari but if you do big miles expect to be crucified when you px it!
With only 2 dealers in the uk ( soon to be 3) and they dont buy cars in- you are left with trying to find a private buyer or sell to independants. I would say for that reason its as mileage sensitive as Ferrari.
Manual is the way to go, just check for very crammed footwell with nowhere to rest your foot, Caleam blue looks nice with 2 tone leather???
watch for clonking 9 they did a bush upgrade which helps and watch for lower wishbone rattles as well.
I think its as reliable as say a ferrari but although some have done many miles reliably- my experience dicated otherwise.
After a series of F cars and other exotica, it ios without doubt a good car but after the intial enthusiasm I found it...... quick but a little dull.
But if you buy it right its a better car than a 360- oh keep plenty of cash for fuel!
We all have different experiences; every G owner I've talked to (about 15) loves the car. The UK now as four official dealers, and 5 official service centres. All 4 dealers are at this time actively buying cars, a few weeks ago Manchester almost sold out of stock and had a empty showroom.
To give you some idea of the service offered last week i dropped in, car was feeling a little rough, the engineers spent 3 hours on the car, upgraded software, checked all injectors etc, went for a test drive. While I was in, I spotted a set of 20" rims they had just taken off a customer’s car because he wanted the suspension reset and to try driving on the original 19 rims for a while - just great service.
You can argue about spec, cost and everything else, but for me it's all irrelevant because the car, service, community, public reaction all mean that ownership is a pleasure.
Simon
To give you some idea of the service offered last week i dropped in, car was feeling a little rough, the engineers spent 3 hours on the car, upgraded software, checked all injectors etc, went for a test drive. While I was in, I spotted a set of 20" rims they had just taken off a customer’s car because he wanted the suspension reset and to try driving on the original 19 rims for a while - just great service.
You can argue about spec, cost and everything else, but for me it's all irrelevant because the car, service, community, public reaction all mean that ownership is a pleasure.
Simon
v-neo said:
We all have different experiences; every G owner I've talked to (about 15) loves the car. The UK now as four official dealers, and 5 official service centres. All 4 dealers are at this time actively buying cars, a few weeks ago Manchester almost sold out of stock and had a empty showroom.
To give you some idea of the service offered last week i dropped in, car was feeling a little rough, the engineers spent 3 hours on the car, upgraded software, checked all injectors etc, went for a test drive. While I was in, I spotted a set of 20" rims they had just taken off a customer’s car because he wanted the suspension reset and to try driving on the original 19 rims for a while - just great service.
You can argue about spec, cost and everything else, but for me it's all irrelevant because the car, service, community, public reaction all mean that ownership is a pleasure.
Simon
To give you some idea of the service offered last week i dropped in, car was feeling a little rough, the engineers spent 3 hours on the car, upgraded software, checked all injectors etc, went for a test drive. While I was in, I spotted a set of 20" rims they had just taken off a customer’s car because he wanted the suspension reset and to try driving on the original 19 rims for a while - just great service.
You can argue about spec, cost and everything else, but for me it's all irrelevant because the car, service, community, public reaction all mean that ownership is a pleasure.
Simon
I am delighted to hear that all four dealers are now buying cars. Thats very god news for the owners and indeed if the poster needs a rough idea what an 04 car is really worth - he can call them for an excellent offer to give an idea of realstic trade pricing.
Many love the car as did I for a while. One only really gets individuals true opinions when they sell it-
So London have an Oranngggeeee one for just under 90k 04 car. I like this colour and could be swayed to swap but like everyone else i would like some warranty oh yer and to pay a lot less. So when you buy a car from the main agent do they not even give you one year's warranty? Im waiting from someone in sales to call but im sure someone on here will be quicker.
Used Lambos are a bit of a gray area for everyone.
At one time there were only about 500 in the country and it stayed that way for a long time, hardly increasing at all.
Then along comes the Murci and, (critically) the Gallardo, and people are all excited again. And actually driving the damned things!
I waited a year or so for the bugs to be worked out. Some of the earlier cars had a few teething troubles. The first 500 were even built in Neckersulm! All early cars should be sweet by now, though.
If someone's looking for a safe bet, a Maranello Taxi or Stuttgart Express represents more of a known qauntity. And there's a huge industry of people out there who will look after you.
As far as Lambos go, now that there are a few out there, I dare say someone's looking at extended warranty. The Gallardo engine is VERY strong (at 100hp per litre the engine is actually restricted) so I don't see why an extended warranty should be particularly expensive. Lambos have never been fragile and weak points have tradionally been clutches, brakes and (eventually) suspension.
At the moment it's "suck it and see" I'm afraid.
I agree with what NEO says about the ownership though. Everyone I've met with a G has done the usual Fezza or 911 Turbo thing. The Lambo must have something the usual suspects don't.
Oh, I'll start blubbing in a minute!
At one time there were only about 500 in the country and it stayed that way for a long time, hardly increasing at all.
Then along comes the Murci and, (critically) the Gallardo, and people are all excited again. And actually driving the damned things!
I waited a year or so for the bugs to be worked out. Some of the earlier cars had a few teething troubles. The first 500 were even built in Neckersulm! All early cars should be sweet by now, though.
If someone's looking for a safe bet, a Maranello Taxi or Stuttgart Express represents more of a known qauntity. And there's a huge industry of people out there who will look after you.
As far as Lambos go, now that there are a few out there, I dare say someone's looking at extended warranty. The Gallardo engine is VERY strong (at 100hp per litre the engine is actually restricted) so I don't see why an extended warranty should be particularly expensive. Lambos have never been fragile and weak points have tradionally been clutches, brakes and (eventually) suspension.
At the moment it's "suck it and see" I'm afraid.
I agree with what NEO says about the ownership though. Everyone I've met with a G has done the usual Fezza or 911 Turbo thing. The Lambo must have something the usual suspects don't.
Oh, I'll start blubbing in a minute!
As an impartial observer, debate on used prices are always polarised like this.
Your best bet is to phone up a dealer (or indie) and get a trade in quote for a car of your spec. You'll know for sure then.
Expect a big difference between the figure you're given and the figure you see them on the forecourt for...
Your best bet is to phone up a dealer (or indie) and get a trade in quote for a car of your spec. You'll know for sure then.
Expect a big difference between the figure you're given and the figure you see them on the forecourt for...
The lack of an extended warranty is an issue for re-sale of 03/04 cars that will shortly be out of warranty. shame Lambo can't see this. Because of things like the clutch issue, confidence isn't high with the Gallardo!
But clearly the car gets under your skin, as you guys seem to enjoy the beastie very much!
I must confess that I would like one, but if I get an early car in the £80k's what will it worth in 6 months when I sell it as the warranty expires!
Going back to the spec, no one has mentioned Xenons,Sat Nav, alarm, upgraded stereo, aren't these worth looking for?
But clearly the car gets under your skin, as you guys seem to enjoy the beastie very much!
I must confess that I would like one, but if I get an early car in the £80k's what will it worth in 6 months when I sell it as the warranty expires!
Going back to the spec, no one has mentioned Xenons,Sat Nav, alarm, upgraded stereo, aren't these worth looking for?
Edited by porkernut on Friday 16th June 23:05
porkernut said:
Going back to the spec, no one has mentioned Xenons,Sat Nav, alarm, upgraded stereo, aren't these worth looking for?
Edited by porkernut on Friday 16th June 23:05
Already mentioned a few of those in my previous post.
Xenonx are standard.
Alarm is an option, which I would suggest you look for.
Sat Nav makes the interior look better IMO. However, it wasn't around in the early cars. So you'd probably have to go for a later 04/54, and also restrict your choice.
I think you'll have to choose between spec and price. As the earlier cars are largely speculator cars, and so are specced to maximize profit (99% are probably Yellow/Black).
If you were to buy a G now for, lets say £90K or £100K, and sold it in a years time what sort of depreciation do you think you would be hit for.
I am in the process of selling my house and I am sorely tempted to have a year of supercar ownership while I build my own house as I will have loads of money in the bank that will not be required for about 18 months.
It's just an initial idea but maybe an opportunity not to miss!!
I am in the process of selling my house and I am sorely tempted to have a year of supercar ownership while I build my own house as I will have loads of money in the bank that will not be required for about 18 months.
It's just an initial idea but maybe an opportunity not to miss!!
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