Gallardo Spyder buying advice..?
Discussion
Hey guys,
Visiting from the Aston section of PH! I presently drive a 2009 Vantage 4.7.
I've read various posts from the last 85 pages of this section of PH and gleaned lots of useful information. I wondered if anybody wouldn't care to venture any advice or useful tips for buying Gallardo Spyders, i.e. notable spec changes from MY to MY, things not to get, issues to watch for, etc.
I generally prefer a manual gearbox on sports cars as it more fun and engaging and I consider myself to be an enthusiast who likes driver's cars, although I've found the footwell space in the Gallardo to be a bit tight and not the most comfortable, which lends me to think that dropping a pedal and getting some extra foot room with e-gear might be an option. Any thoughts there? I've driven a Murcie with e-gear and found it a bit cantankerous at times.
Thanks in advance!
Visiting from the Aston section of PH! I presently drive a 2009 Vantage 4.7.
I've read various posts from the last 85 pages of this section of PH and gleaned lots of useful information. I wondered if anybody wouldn't care to venture any advice or useful tips for buying Gallardo Spyders, i.e. notable spec changes from MY to MY, things not to get, issues to watch for, etc.
I generally prefer a manual gearbox on sports cars as it more fun and engaging and I consider myself to be an enthusiast who likes driver's cars, although I've found the footwell space in the Gallardo to be a bit tight and not the most comfortable, which lends me to think that dropping a pedal and getting some extra foot room with e-gear might be an option. Any thoughts there? I've driven a Murcie with e-gear and found it a bit cantankerous at times.
Thanks in advance!
Want to swap cars for a weekend? ;-)
In terms of spec changes, I'm not an authority but I think the only significant one on the Spyder was when they went to the LP560 model. I've driven an LP560 e-gear and there was stuff I liked but other stuff I wasn't so keen on (doesn't sound as good as mine). Don't think I'd be able to justify the significant cost to trade up. Apparently the e-gear on the LP560 is upgraded but I wouldn't be able to tell as mine's a manual.
In terms of things to watch for, make sure the roof closes up properly. If the wheels have been kerbed it may not be tracking right which is likely to be a few hundred to realign (and could need new tyres if it's been out for a while). It's a convertible so it will almost certainly have a rattle or two and/or let in small amounts of water in places (mine gives a trickle or two when I have the hose on it but nothing when raining).
E-gear or manual is just a preference I think; I've just adapted to suit. The clutch rest is next to useless and I never use it. I put my foot to the floor under the pedal between changes, or across and under my other leg if I need to relax/change position while cruising. The manual takes time to warm up from cold and rewards patience, particularly with second. Once warm it works best if you either hurry the changes or take your time, but not something in between. E-gear by comparison always seems a more relaxing drive as there's less to concentrate on, but that's not necessarily a good thing. As with anything the best advice is to go and try both for yourself. I was lucky enough to do this at Millbrook back-to-back, and the Spyder manual was a clear and easy choice for me.
Could be worth you looking for one with electric seats as I think they *may* offer more adjustment on the seat base (tilt angle, which is fixed on the non-electric seats). Not sure what I'd say in terms of things to stay away from....perhaps a non-sat nav car or one that's been with a car hire co/supercar club. If it were me I'd stay away from certain colours but that's a matter of personal preference.
In terms of spec changes, I'm not an authority but I think the only significant one on the Spyder was when they went to the LP560 model. I've driven an LP560 e-gear and there was stuff I liked but other stuff I wasn't so keen on (doesn't sound as good as mine). Don't think I'd be able to justify the significant cost to trade up. Apparently the e-gear on the LP560 is upgraded but I wouldn't be able to tell as mine's a manual.
In terms of things to watch for, make sure the roof closes up properly. If the wheels have been kerbed it may not be tracking right which is likely to be a few hundred to realign (and could need new tyres if it's been out for a while). It's a convertible so it will almost certainly have a rattle or two and/or let in small amounts of water in places (mine gives a trickle or two when I have the hose on it but nothing when raining).
E-gear or manual is just a preference I think; I've just adapted to suit. The clutch rest is next to useless and I never use it. I put my foot to the floor under the pedal between changes, or across and under my other leg if I need to relax/change position while cruising. The manual takes time to warm up from cold and rewards patience, particularly with second. Once warm it works best if you either hurry the changes or take your time, but not something in between. E-gear by comparison always seems a more relaxing drive as there's less to concentrate on, but that's not necessarily a good thing. As with anything the best advice is to go and try both for yourself. I was lucky enough to do this at Millbrook back-to-back, and the Spyder manual was a clear and easy choice for me.
Could be worth you looking for one with electric seats as I think they *may* offer more adjustment on the seat base (tilt angle, which is fixed on the non-electric seats). Not sure what I'd say in terms of things to stay away from....perhaps a non-sat nav car or one that's been with a car hire co/supercar club. If it were me I'd stay away from certain colours but that's a matter of personal preference.
OP - I must admit a Vantage has peeked my interest a little from time to time but I've not done anything about it.
J220 - the backrests are always electric, but there's a full electric seat option that powers the base as well. It isn't just back/forward, it gives elevation of the base but I'm not sure if it has a tilt function or just lifting.
J220 - the backrests are always electric, but there's a full electric seat option that powers the base as well. It isn't just back/forward, it gives elevation of the base but I'm not sure if it has a tilt function or just lifting.
Agree the footrest is a joke and I thought I would struggle coming from Ferrari 360 but soon got used to it. You just adapt where you put your left foot. Just done 3000 mile trip round Europe in mine and perfectly comfortable and I am 6'4". I prefer manual having driven E gear but as previously stated it is personal thing. Dont agree that it needs lifting gear as mine does not have and have never had a problem with speed bumps etc. Go for it you wont regret it!!!
Test drove one today and loved it! Quite a lot more power than my Vantage, and I like how it still has torque low-down, unlike the Murcie for instance. Being a Spyder just improves the whole experience, particularly when the exhaust valves open up.
It had the full electric seats and I can confirm that you can tilt the seat and raise/lower it etc.
The Vantage is a stellar car, particularly the new 4.7 version (definitely the one to have, big difference compared to the old 4.3, with the Bilstein sportspack as well). But the Lambo is much more supercar-like whereas the Vantage is more sports coupe / GT, although I think the Vantage is a bit more feelsome due to it being RWD. The Vantage's interior is absolutely stunning as well and there's endless boot space and interior space. The Lambo has more excitement factor though and let's be honest, it's a supercar!
It had the full electric seats and I can confirm that you can tilt the seat and raise/lower it etc.
The Vantage is a stellar car, particularly the new 4.7 version (definitely the one to have, big difference compared to the old 4.3, with the Bilstein sportspack as well). But the Lambo is much more supercar-like whereas the Vantage is more sports coupe / GT, although I think the Vantage is a bit more feelsome due to it being RWD. The Vantage's interior is absolutely stunning as well and there's endless boot space and interior space. The Lambo has more excitement factor though and let's be honest, it's a supercar!
Edited by jus on Wednesday 29th July 15:40
"The clutch rest is next to useless and I never use it. I put my foot to the floor under the pedal between changes, or across and under my other leg if I need to relax/change position while cruising. The manual takes time to warm up from cold and rewards patience, particularly with second. "
Agree with UVB here, the foot rest was made for hobbits of middle earth. Just rest the foot under the clutch. 1st to 2nd gear when warming up disagrees with you, so I go straight upto 3rd gear, until 10-20mins in.
Speed humps are not a problem if you go slow - whilst no even the uplift tool will help you on badly designed dropped curbs...mainly because you cannot see if being a problem until its too late. But even then, the front under belly was made to withstand a good few crunches- so it would be mean to withold such pleasures...
Agree with UVB here, the foot rest was made for hobbits of middle earth. Just rest the foot under the clutch. 1st to 2nd gear when warming up disagrees with you, so I go straight upto 3rd gear, until 10-20mins in.
Speed humps are not a problem if you go slow - whilst no even the uplift tool will help you on badly designed dropped curbs...mainly because you cannot see if being a problem until its too late. But even then, the front under belly was made to withstand a good few crunches- so it would be mean to withold such pleasures...
With respect to front lifting, it really depends whether you ever envisage having to use city centre multi-storey carparks or have a steep driveway. I have had bad experiences with the Gallardo and badly designed ramps. Most speed bumps will be ok, it is just the badly designed again. The scraping of the underside of the car off concrete is awful. The Gallardo has very little front clearance - I was told by the dealer that front lift was a waste of money, I now beg to differ. However I do agree that for many drivers front lift may not be required depending where you will take the car. Front lift is standard on all US Gallardos due to the complaints they had when the car was initially released there.
I have had both a coupe and spider, one with lifting gear and one without and for me it is the biggest improvement between the two cars. I feel I can take the car anywhere now and not have the worry of car park ramps. My first car was a manual and if I am completely honest I did prefer it but the offset pedals especially the brake pedal put me off getting another. I wouldn’t worry too much about the reverse camera as I have found no use for it at all.
Peely said:
Are you planning to p/x your Vantage ?
If so, I would be interested in what sort of figure they would offer on such a newish car ?
Yes, I'm a little nervous to see myself what they quote, however the Gallardo market isn't in tip top shape here and there's stock about that isn't moving... so I get the impression they are keen to deal.If so, I would be interested in what sort of figure they would offer on such a newish car ?
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