early Gallardos - owners experiences?
Discussion
I've getting itchy and could be tempted to jump into a Gallardo
have had a quick look in here but as ever you only fnd people posting with problems (well, you wouldn't post a thread saying everything's working would you??)
what are these cars like to live with and are the specialists up to scratch with maintenance schedules?
have had a quick look in here but as ever you only fnd people posting with problems (well, you wouldn't post a thread saying everything's working would you??)
what are these cars like to live with and are the specialists up to scratch with maintenance schedules?
Mine was perfect (04) and never missed a beat........this is mine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BzRUCml06I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BzRUCml06I
My car was an 04 and I have to say that the build was not very good here is a list of the repairs that took place to my car over 10 months
Rear lights replaced( overheated by the bulbs)
Failed power steering failsafe shaft
Replaced RMS
Replaced Clutch
Fix gearbox Oil leak
Replaced clutch again( type C)
Numerous trim falling off and rattles
Clonking suspension( new bushes)
Another clutch!
New coil packs
Faulty ECU
All in 4K miles, and some of the above faults were never truly dealt with and keep recuring. Interstingly my associate purchased an 05 car- pretty much the same issues.
My feeling is that the clutch issue remains on 04/05 cars. It seems its connected with the tall gearing which was rectified on 06 cars.
Make sure you get a good warranty, and be prepared for a bath on resale.
The only way forward to be sensible is to buy one privately, and this shouold be 15K less than dealers- so at least your in with a chance. Ring round dealers to see if they would buy an 04 car and what they would offer you for it.
Post me offline if you like.
Rear lights replaced( overheated by the bulbs)
Failed power steering failsafe shaft
Replaced RMS
Replaced Clutch
Fix gearbox Oil leak
Replaced clutch again( type C)
Numerous trim falling off and rattles
Clonking suspension( new bushes)
Another clutch!
New coil packs
Faulty ECU
All in 4K miles, and some of the above faults were never truly dealt with and keep recuring. Interstingly my associate purchased an 05 car- pretty much the same issues.
My feeling is that the clutch issue remains on 04/05 cars. It seems its connected with the tall gearing which was rectified on 06 cars.
Make sure you get a good warranty, and be prepared for a bath on resale.
The only way forward to be sensible is to buy one privately, and this shouold be 15K less than dealers- so at least your in with a chance. Ring round dealers to see if they would buy an 04 car and what they would offer you for it.
Post me offline if you like.
thanks for the response guys - seems like it's a hit an miss afair on how reliable the car is
also, what an average cost for a big and small service and is the cambelt a biggie?
octane said:
be prepared for a bath on resale
hmmm - how much would you expect to drop on 24 months (%age wise)?also, what an average cost for a big and small service and is the cambelt a biggie?
More Gallardo owners posting would be able to give you more information...
but, there have been NO Lamborghinis built with cambelts since the Urraco 200/250/250S of the 1970s, so that's never going to be an issue!
Every other Lamborghini (including late 1970s Urraco 300), from the original 350GT in 1963 until now, use camchains... made of strong metal, not floppy bits of rubbery stuff with the strength 'qualities' of overcooked tagliatelle.
Good luck with your Gallardo purchase - there IS one with your name on it, it's waiting for you! Remember, though that the purchase price is one thing, the maintenance costs remains those of a £120,000+ car and always will.
LCUK welcomes both owners and non-owner enthusiasts - we just presume that if a person wants to join us, they'll end up buying a Lamborghini sooner than otherwise.
We always recommend that people join the Club BEFORE buying any Lamborghini.
There are numerous benefits for all Club Members from insurance discounts with some companies through to a bit of 'leeway and stuff' from most of the official dealerships and some of the semi-official people, (to some extent) and many of the tier 2/3 guys. This applies with the newer cars and older ones and we are able to give Members access to some crucial information and bits of service data that will be of great use. ..and we do a few great events, all over the country and abroad as well!
We have a great website, a corking magazine (published by, er, me, ahem) and also great links with the UK media - in the last 10 years you've hardly seen a car magazine in the UK with any older Lamborghini featured inside (pre current test 'fleet') where the car doesn't belong to a Club Member. You can join via the website: www.lamborghiniclub.co.uk
Here on PH we have our own little 'room' where only LCUK Members can go and we have some of the most knowledgeable people and owners whatever the Lamborghini in question here who can help you as well.
but, there have been NO Lamborghinis built with cambelts since the Urraco 200/250/250S of the 1970s, so that's never going to be an issue!
Every other Lamborghini (including late 1970s Urraco 300), from the original 350GT in 1963 until now, use camchains... made of strong metal, not floppy bits of rubbery stuff with the strength 'qualities' of overcooked tagliatelle.
Good luck with your Gallardo purchase - there IS one with your name on it, it's waiting for you! Remember, though that the purchase price is one thing, the maintenance costs remains those of a £120,000+ car and always will.
LCUK welcomes both owners and non-owner enthusiasts - we just presume that if a person wants to join us, they'll end up buying a Lamborghini sooner than otherwise.
We always recommend that people join the Club BEFORE buying any Lamborghini.
There are numerous benefits for all Club Members from insurance discounts with some companies through to a bit of 'leeway and stuff' from most of the official dealerships and some of the semi-official people, (to some extent) and many of the tier 2/3 guys. This applies with the newer cars and older ones and we are able to give Members access to some crucial information and bits of service data that will be of great use. ..and we do a few great events, all over the country and abroad as well!
We have a great website, a corking magazine (published by, er, me, ahem) and also great links with the UK media - in the last 10 years you've hardly seen a car magazine in the UK with any older Lamborghini featured inside (pre current test 'fleet') where the car doesn't belong to a Club Member. You can join via the website: www.lamborghiniclub.co.uk
Here on PH we have our own little 'room' where only LCUK Members can go and we have some of the most knowledgeable people and owners whatever the Lamborghini in question here who can help you as well.
Mine's been great, although did have the latest clutch fitted.
I had mine serviced at Lambo London - 1st class, not cheap, but very thorough.
Warranty covered a few minor things, and I have an extended warranty to December.
Sadly for sale at Elms (www.elmscollection.co.uk) as I just don't get to use it enough..
I had mine serviced at Lambo London - 1st class, not cheap, but very thorough.
Warranty covered a few minor things, and I have an extended warranty to December.
Sadly for sale at Elms (www.elmscollection.co.uk) as I just don't get to use it enough..
sleep envy said:
I've getting itchy and could be tempted to jump into a Gallardo
have had a quick look in here but as ever you only fnd people posting with problems (well, you wouldn't post a thread saying everything's working would you??)
what are these cars like to live with and are the specialists up to scratch with maintenance schedules?
Friend had a 04 E Gear for 10months bought from Birmingham that i would occasionally borrow and it was almost faultless bar the following that has already been mentioned:-have had a quick look in here but as ever you only fnd people posting with problems (well, you wouldn't post a thread saying everything's working would you??)
what are these cars like to live with and are the specialists up to scratch with maintenance schedules?
Numerous trim falling off and rattles (door handle and petrol cap came clean off in my hands )
Clonking suspension usually worse when you were turning right??? - new bushes(Lambo claimed they could never hear it when they looked at it)
Interior build quality is on par with my 996, i averaged 14mpg on the occasional commute to work,E gear does not like being stuck in heavy traffic, error codes occasionally flashed up but never ammounted to anything.
He paid £89k(14k miles on the clock) and Birmingham offered him £69k(20k on clock) 10months later - sold on Pistonheads for £75k privately. I think they have bottomed out at £68-70k. Fantastic "every day super cars" in my opinion.
Had my 2004 since Nov, so not that long in the scheme of things!
Compared to my previous 355 it's an every day car. I have done 3000 faultless miles so far
There is a clonking on bumpy roads and i know its the bushes, so being done next time it's in!
All in all, i love the car and all being well it shall be staying for a while!
I had an inspection done over xmas period and the guy was surprised how quiet and smooth my car drove compared to a couple of 2006 cars he'd had in for work recently..
As for value, i think buying an 04/05 is good value as the pain should be a lot less in pure depreciation, although running costs and service intervals are no different.
I can't imagine IMHO that on every day roads there is much of difference on later cars to warrant the additional premium??? Of course I am biased! :-)
They do seem to have settled between £75-85k.. i did notice when looking for mine, the lower priced cars are usually private, usually closer to needing a service and or tyres and clutch, hence the £10k differences for the same year.. Also colour seems to have some sway on residuals!.. Just my two pennith! Can't see them dropping sub £70k anytime soon, you are then into 360 money and i know which i would have! Its still a lot of car for what was £120k ish
Go get one! You'll love it.. quicker than a 430 and cheaper! Just don't scrimp on the maintenance!
Nick
Compared to my previous 355 it's an every day car. I have done 3000 faultless miles so far
There is a clonking on bumpy roads and i know its the bushes, so being done next time it's in!
All in all, i love the car and all being well it shall be staying for a while!
I had an inspection done over xmas period and the guy was surprised how quiet and smooth my car drove compared to a couple of 2006 cars he'd had in for work recently..
As for value, i think buying an 04/05 is good value as the pain should be a lot less in pure depreciation, although running costs and service intervals are no different.
I can't imagine IMHO that on every day roads there is much of difference on later cars to warrant the additional premium??? Of course I am biased! :-)
They do seem to have settled between £75-85k.. i did notice when looking for mine, the lower priced cars are usually private, usually closer to needing a service and or tyres and clutch, hence the £10k differences for the same year.. Also colour seems to have some sway on residuals!.. Just my two pennith! Can't see them dropping sub £70k anytime soon, you are then into 360 money and i know which i would have! Its still a lot of car for what was £120k ish
Go get one! You'll love it.. quicker than a 430 and cheaper! Just don't scrimp on the maintenance!
Nick
nick355gts said:
Had my 2004 since Nov, so not that long in the scheme of things!
Compared to my previous 355 it's an every day car. I have done 3000 faultless miles so far
There is a clonking on bumpy roads and i know its the bushes, so being done next time it's in!
All in all, i love the car and all being well it shall be staying for a while!
I had an inspection done over xmas period and the guy was surprised how quiet and smooth my car drove compared to a couple of 2006 cars he'd had in for work recently..
As for value, i think buying an 04/05 is good value as the pain should be a lot less in pure depreciation, although running costs and service intervals are no different.
I can't imagine IMHO that on every day roads there is much of difference on later cars to warrant the additional premium??? Of course I am biased! :-)
They do seem to have settled between £75-85k.. i did notice when looking for mine, the lower priced cars are usually private, usually closer to needing a service and or tyres and clutch, hence the £10k differences for the same year.. Also colour seems to have some sway on residuals!.. Just my two pennith! Can't see them dropping sub £70k anytime soon, you are then into 360 money and i know which i would have! Its still a lot of car for what was £120k ish
Go get one! You'll love it.. quicker than a 430 and cheaper! Just don't scrimp on the maintenance!
Nick
Well even when the bushes are done im afraid the clonking starts soon after all over again and its very annoying! there was also to me an unfortunate 'effect' of fitting the revised softer bushes- the car handled less favourably than i woiuld have liked- it had lost the hard edge.Compared to my previous 355 it's an every day car. I have done 3000 faultless miles so far
There is a clonking on bumpy roads and i know its the bushes, so being done next time it's in!
All in all, i love the car and all being well it shall be staying for a while!
I had an inspection done over xmas period and the guy was surprised how quiet and smooth my car drove compared to a couple of 2006 cars he'd had in for work recently..
As for value, i think buying an 04/05 is good value as the pain should be a lot less in pure depreciation, although running costs and service intervals are no different.
I can't imagine IMHO that on every day roads there is much of difference on later cars to warrant the additional premium??? Of course I am biased! :-)
They do seem to have settled between £75-85k.. i did notice when looking for mine, the lower priced cars are usually private, usually closer to needing a service and or tyres and clutch, hence the £10k differences for the same year.. Also colour seems to have some sway on residuals!.. Just my two pennith! Can't see them dropping sub £70k anytime soon, you are then into 360 money and i know which i would have! Its still a lot of car for what was £120k ish
Go get one! You'll love it.. quicker than a 430 and cheaper! Just don't scrimp on the maintenance!
Nick
These cars will be sub 70K soon ( in the trade they are that already)
Its a better car than a 360 for sure but the 430 is in different teritory! 430 a far far better drive i doubt the gallardo is quicker- the engine seems to lack torque low down some how. It feels less alive as a drive IMO.The steering is one really bad aspect of the gallardo
Biggest problem is lack of a proper warranty and sky high costs if you get problems.
Previous poster refers to a loss of 20K over 10 months- thats about right in both my expereinces with the car- be prepared for sub 15 to the gallon overal
Edited by octane on Wednesday 12th March 17:22
Edited by octane on Wednesday 12th March 17:52
sleep envy said:
£2k drop a month!!! I may have to revise my plans
just out of interest what's the life span of a clutch and the cost to replace?
someone please tell me the dark grey and black ones are £10k cheaper
Well clutch issue variues according to whom one speaks with.just out of interest what's the life span of a clutch and the cost to replace?
someone please tell me the dark grey and black ones are £10k cheaper
Some would say all the issues are over with the latest varient ' sintered clutch'
Its better life now I would say it was about 4-6K miles if ones lucky, its now probably 10-12K if ones lucky.
Not sure on actual replacment costs as mine were under warranty- I think its about 2K.
No cambelts of course, but check for chain replacement costs( not sure at what miles and cost)
If you want to lose less you need luck- luck that you find the right car privately, luck that it will have all the issues sorted , luck that it wont pack up and luck when you come to sell it again- a lot of luck for the latter!
ted 191 said:
sleep envy said:
looking at those prices I might hold onto my 993 a tad longer...
cheers all
Your experience is very 'unique' in the supercar market- you have lost 10th of the normal gallardo owner or indeed any individual in a 997, 360 ect
If the car has a revision E clutch, its bomb proof.. couple of guys on here have done 25k on one and still going strong. If you intend to use it in traffic, get a manual. Yes, a few have had issues, octane's are well documented. However, there are a lot of us on here who have or do own 04 cars which we have had no issues with. With regard to depreciation, if you buy from a main dealer, then sell it back to them then don't be surprised to take a bath. Buy privately, get it inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, phone Lambo main dealer who will confirm the service history and all recalls done properly and with the £15k you have just saved, buy a warranty, if you wish. In a year should you want to sell, you will probably lose about £5k, if you sell privately. Not all that bad, is it?
Ignore the horror stories and buy the best car £75-80k will get you. As you say, people only pipe up when things go wrong. Good luck with your search!
Ignore the horror stories and buy the best car £75-80k will get you. As you say, people only pipe up when things go wrong. Good luck with your search!
Edited by Jules360 on Wednesday 12th March 21:08
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