Discussion
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone can give me a bullet point list of differences between the Diablos since the original to current spec?
I'm very intrested in the second hand market, however in reality I won't be in any rush to purchase and would rather wait for the "right" car to come along.
However at the momment I don't know what the "right" car would be!
If anyone can point me to any resources on the net, for the layman then that would be appreciated aswell.
I'll be honest, I've always loved the diablo since I first saw one, but I don;t really have any knowledge on them.
Ideally, handling is key to my personal needs as I love cars that handle well - like the Esprit for example. I'm presuming now, but even though power outputs may be different throughout the range, I'm sure none of them are slow??... So that would be a secondary consideration.
As I say, I'm trying to get my knowledge up now, before I even walk into a show room or take a test drive.
Any advice or net resource links appreciated and any personal insight would be appreciated too.
I've tried the usual searches but it's all a bit of a jumble out there!
Many thanks,
JC
Just wondering if anyone can give me a bullet point list of differences between the Diablos since the original to current spec?
I'm very intrested in the second hand market, however in reality I won't be in any rush to purchase and would rather wait for the "right" car to come along.
However at the momment I don't know what the "right" car would be!
If anyone can point me to any resources on the net, for the layman then that would be appreciated aswell.
I'll be honest, I've always loved the diablo since I first saw one, but I don;t really have any knowledge on them.
Ideally, handling is key to my personal needs as I love cars that handle well - like the Esprit for example. I'm presuming now, but even though power outputs may be different throughout the range, I'm sure none of them are slow??... So that would be a secondary consideration.
As I say, I'm trying to get my knowledge up now, before I even walk into a show room or take a test drive.
Any advice or net resource links appreciated and any personal insight would be appreciated too.
I've tried the usual searches but it's all a bit of a jumble out there!
Many thanks,
JC
I'm a bit busy to give you loads of detail at the moment (will add more later if required, but I'm sure you'll get input from a few other regulars), however check this thread from a couple of weeks ago:-
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=63&h=&t=59925
Also you can check www.lambocars.com which will have more than enough info to start you off, i.e model line-ups, etc.
BTW what is your budget as that will be a big defining factor.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=63&h=&t=59925
Also you can check www.lambocars.com which will have more than enough info to start you off, i.e model line-ups, etc.
BTW what is your budget as that will be a big defining factor.
tony_996hasgone said:
I'm a bit busy to give you loads of detail at the moment (will add more later if required, but I'm sure you'll get input from a few other regulars), however check this thread from a couple of weeks ago:-
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=63&h=&t=59925
Also you can check www.lambocars.com which will have more than enough info to start you off, i.e model line-ups, etc.
BTW what is your budget as that will be a big defining factor.
Thanks, I'll go through the links and try and soak up the info.
Budget - I'd rather wait a bit longer and put a bit more cash than try and do it on a shoe string. The only thing I could say really is that I certainly wouldn't contemplate buying a new car - I can't justify the depreciation new cars get when you take them out of the showroom. So it will definately be a second hand well looked after car.
Again, not being in the circle of running a Lambo before, I have no experience of the dealers and garages. For instance, on my Esprit I could have said which dealers stamps meant something and which didn't. Things like this you only tend to learn through experience and with a car like the Diablo, it's an experience I'd rather learn from someone else.
Still, I'll plod through the threads and see where that takes me.
Thanks again.
Hi John,
Thre have been a staggering number of minor changes - very much doubt anyone in the world (except maybe people who work there) would know....however...I've asked the sec of the owners club in this country if he has an overview list (which I'll post if he does!). I also wrote a long and rambling email for one of Domsters friends about the differences AGES ago - will dig it out and post on here.
cheers
Night
Thre have been a staggering number of minor changes - very much doubt anyone in the world (except maybe people who work there) would know....however...I've asked the sec of the owners club in this country if he has an overview list (which I'll post if he does!). I also wrote a long and rambling email for one of Domsters friends about the differences AGES ago - will dig it out and post on here.
cheers
Night
Nightmare said:
Hi John,
Thre have been a staggering number of minor changes - very much doubt anyone in the world (except maybe people who work there) would know....however...I've asked the sec of the owners club in this country if he has an overview list (which I'll post if he does!). I also wrote a long and rambling email for one of Domsters friends about the differences AGES ago - will dig it out and post on here.
cheers
Night
Many thanks,
I'd appreciate it.
I've been meaning to phone Tony over the last day or so, but I've beeen run ragged.
The biggest problem I'm having right now is I can slowly feeling my sensible side slipping away and my "lets go and buy one now" head coming on
Sant Agata have an SV which looks exactly what I want - Titanium, not the later revison with the different headlights.
Oddly enough, that SV is now my backdrop, which I'm convinced is not going to help the sensible side of thinking..
Thanks,
JC
Hi John,
Sorry for delay over this - Piet (Lambo sec) seems to have vanished! Here was the note I wrote for someone else ages ago - if not relevant pls let me know!
cheers
Night
1) Silly thing to say but he must remember that this is a big, expensive car,. Nothing about Lamborghini's is cheap (except build quality, aftersales care, etc...sorry!). Some little t*sser decided to smack my wing mirror off once and it cost him 285 quid to replace (and 2 broken fingers but that's another story) I've put well in excess of 100 quid in the tank on occasions and the servicing is Ferrari levels (though only every 12K kilometres.)
2) Its VERY wide. Every review Ive ever read of one says this makes them hard to drive. I disagree - you get used to width in things quickly (assuming you have a reasonable grasp of spatial awareness) - but parking it in the garage is an amusing proposition. It wont fit in a standard one unsurprisingly.)
3) all reviews also state "you cant use it every day" "you wont enjoy it on anything other than 'A' roads" - total toss in my opinion. It IS a heavy car, so it takes more effort to drive than an elise - but that's it. At the end of the day its a car and that's all - 4 wheels, one engine. Having driven from St Albans to Munich in mine (in one go, minus ferry), I felt absolutely fine when I got there - just as comfy as a Merc, you just need a little more concentration - and deep pockets cos it does about 14 mpg most of the time)
4) Evolution......(this is from memory so treat all dates as a bit approximate please!).....launched in RWD format in 1990/91 as I recall. Apparently these originals have very heavy steering and a slight tendency to overheat brakes. They released the VT version a few years later (about 94) - which had the amusing part-time 4WD system. Was a bit heavier, but they DID make engine mods to improve reliability I think - improved bottom-end for definite.....and most importantly their first lot of serious power-steering. Everyone I know thinks this IS a worth-while addition to the car. If your mate is dead hard he probably wont care though! They released the SE30 (what I have) in 95 maybe? or 96 - anyway, there aren't many and JK knackered his....big power hike of course, and weight reduction. It also has a new clutch I think and various other bits and pieces (which in my view are largely irrelevant) Someone has mentioned that all earlier diablos had 17" rather than 18" rims too (which appear here) - but I haven't a clue to be honest. Then there was the additional JOTA kit. To the best of my knowledge there were only 2 officially imported - Ive never seen the other. However, the kit could be fitted aftermarket so likely there's a few more around than that. It basically gives an extra 75 brake and looks cool Since this one we've had the roadster (which I know little about), then the SV in 96 - which is brilliant and definitely my recommendation for someone to buy if they have the cash.....it was cheaper anyway and lighter and louder. The steering rack was re-geared too - a definite improvement. They changed it in a big way again sometime round 99 I think - the things I remember as most important being the first addition of ABS and braking stability system of a sort. (they had always avoided ABS after an accident where Valentino was braking hard on a test system, one wheel lifted on a bump, confused the system and it basically chucked him into a wall at about 120...) There were lots more changes here too - airbags, and ECU . Then lately they faired in the headlights, stretched the engine to 6 litres and created the first 'audighini' - which is so far better than mine they almost arent worth comparing!
5) Interior. They have been 3 types...it was updated for the SE30, then again a bit for the SV and then finally for the 6.0 It is WELL worth making sure you see an example of each cos they improve dramatically as time goes on. The first one reminds me very much of an early esprit binnacle set-up. The later ones are far more 'professional' (for want of a better word)
6) Insurance - bastard expansive unsurprisingly...mine is about 2 grand....
7) with regards to what to avoid - utterly standard. don't buy really high milers and certainly don't buy a 'garage queen'. Make sure it has a good service history..pay particular attention to the condition of clutch (cos its rather costly), windscreen (over a grand sir?) and brake discs as they're 330 - 400 notes. Check rear wheel arches very carefully for sign of accident patch up. The car IS a wedge shape, and lots of owners have managed to scrape a rear wheel arch. Not that this is a problem, but it might be a good bargaining tool money wise. It is a very reliable car though. I have had piffling problems only with mine - the only majorish thing being my own fault through the mods made. Somehow I doubt there are any other 'seriously' modified Diablos in the UK - the owners club seems to frown on it a bit....
The only thing else that seems to have changed a fair bit is the rear wing and the rear design. Ive seen lots of little variations and to be honest don't know what belongs to what year - doubt anyone else does either so go for what you like! I personally think the newer wing looks like a surfboard and is very ugly - but it's all about personal taste!
Sorry for delay over this - Piet (Lambo sec) seems to have vanished! Here was the note I wrote for someone else ages ago - if not relevant pls let me know!
cheers
Night
1) Silly thing to say but he must remember that this is a big, expensive car,. Nothing about Lamborghini's is cheap (except build quality, aftersales care, etc...sorry!). Some little t*sser decided to smack my wing mirror off once and it cost him 285 quid to replace (and 2 broken fingers but that's another story) I've put well in excess of 100 quid in the tank on occasions and the servicing is Ferrari levels (though only every 12K kilometres.)
2) Its VERY wide. Every review Ive ever read of one says this makes them hard to drive. I disagree - you get used to width in things quickly (assuming you have a reasonable grasp of spatial awareness) - but parking it in the garage is an amusing proposition. It wont fit in a standard one unsurprisingly.)
3) all reviews also state "you cant use it every day" "you wont enjoy it on anything other than 'A' roads" - total toss in my opinion. It IS a heavy car, so it takes more effort to drive than an elise - but that's it. At the end of the day its a car and that's all - 4 wheels, one engine. Having driven from St Albans to Munich in mine (in one go, minus ferry), I felt absolutely fine when I got there - just as comfy as a Merc, you just need a little more concentration - and deep pockets cos it does about 14 mpg most of the time)
4) Evolution......(this is from memory so treat all dates as a bit approximate please!).....launched in RWD format in 1990/91 as I recall. Apparently these originals have very heavy steering and a slight tendency to overheat brakes. They released the VT version a few years later (about 94) - which had the amusing part-time 4WD system. Was a bit heavier, but they DID make engine mods to improve reliability I think - improved bottom-end for definite.....and most importantly their first lot of serious power-steering. Everyone I know thinks this IS a worth-while addition to the car. If your mate is dead hard he probably wont care though! They released the SE30 (what I have) in 95 maybe? or 96 - anyway, there aren't many and JK knackered his....big power hike of course, and weight reduction. It also has a new clutch I think and various other bits and pieces (which in my view are largely irrelevant) Someone has mentioned that all earlier diablos had 17" rather than 18" rims too (which appear here) - but I haven't a clue to be honest. Then there was the additional JOTA kit. To the best of my knowledge there were only 2 officially imported - Ive never seen the other. However, the kit could be fitted aftermarket so likely there's a few more around than that. It basically gives an extra 75 brake and looks cool
Since this one we've had the roadster (which I know little about), then the SV in 96 - which is brilliant and definitely my recommendation for someone to buy if they have the cash.....it was cheaper anyway and lighter and louder. The steering rack was re-geared too - a definite improvement. They changed it in a big way again sometime round 99 I think - the things I remember as most important being the first addition of ABS and braking stability system of a sort. (they had always avoided ABS after an accident where Valentino was braking hard on a test system, one wheel lifted on a bump, confused the system and it basically chucked him into a wall at about 120...) There were lots more changes here too - airbags, and ECU . Then lately they faired in the headlights, stretched the engine to 6 litres and created the first 'audighini' - which is so far better than mine they almost arent worth comparing! 5) Interior. They have been 3 types...it was updated for the SE30, then again a bit for the SV and then finally for the 6.0 It is WELL worth making sure you see an example of each cos they improve dramatically as time goes on. The first one reminds me very much of an early esprit binnacle set-up. The later ones are far more 'professional' (for want of a better word)
6) Insurance - bastard expansive unsurprisingly...mine is about 2 grand....
7) with regards to what to avoid - utterly standard. don't buy really high milers and certainly don't buy a 'garage queen'. Make sure it has a good service history..pay particular attention to the condition of clutch (cos its rather costly), windscreen (over a grand sir?) and brake discs as they're 330 - 400 notes. Check rear wheel arches very carefully for sign of accident patch up. The car IS a wedge shape, and lots of owners have managed to scrape a rear wheel arch. Not that this is a problem, but it might be a good bargaining tool money wise. It is a very reliable car though. I have had piffling problems only with mine - the only majorish thing being my own fault through the mods made. Somehow I doubt there are any other 'seriously' modified Diablos in the UK - the owners club seems to frown on it a bit....
The only thing else that seems to have changed a fair bit is the rear wing and the rear design. Ive seen lots of little variations and to be honest don't know what belongs to what year - doubt anyone else does either so go for what you like! I personally think the newer wing looks like a surfboard and is very ugly - but it's all about personal taste!
Nightmare said:
Hi John,
Sorry for delay over this - Piet (Lambo sec) seems to have vanished! Here was the note I wrote for someone else ages ago - if not relevant pls let me know!
cheers
Night
Thanks for that.
I managed to sneak in a phone call to Tony, for which I'd like to publically say thanks - found out more in 20mins phone call than 20 hours on the net!
It's amazing how much information is out there, however when you start speaking to people like yourselves it becomes apparent that they are not entirely the unruly beast you hear about - not that it ever put me off anyway!
Thanks again, and I'll keep you updated on the search, however things seem to be a little quiet at the momment in the second hand market. I'll certainly ramp things up in the new year and hopefully have one in time for my 30th in March!
It would be great if Supercar Sunday comes off in the July too.
Ta
JC
JC, Don't mention it, any excuse to talk cars
Have seen a couple of SV's over the last few weeks, the yellow one at LL is very nice... well, it was until the salesman broke the door!
BTW Jason.... any news?!?
True, this would be a great day out.... but there's always "Supercar Weekend" at Le Mans in the middle of June
>> Edited by tony_996hasgone on Thursday 30th October 15:24
jconsta6 said:
... however things seem to be a little quiet at the momment in the second hand market. I'll certainly ramp things up in the new year and hopefully have one in time for my 30th in March!
Have seen a couple of SV's over the last few weeks, the yellow one at LL is very nice... well, it was until the salesman broke the door!
BTW Jason.... any news?!?
jconsta6 said:
It would be great if Supercar Sunday comes off in the July too.
True, this would be a great day out.... but there's always "Supercar Weekend" at Le Mans in the middle of June
>> Edited by tony_996hasgone on Thursday 30th October 15:24
tony_996hasgone said:
Have seen a couple of SV's over the last few weeks, the yellow one at LL is very nice... well, it was until the salesman broke the door!
BTW Jason.... any news?!?
I notices LL had some and didn't think they are too badly priced either, however I haven't looked over the last week.... I'm assuming that if you buy from them, any warranty you get should be pretty solid?
Cheers,
JC
jconsta6 said:
I noticed LL had some and didn't think they are too badly priced either, however I haven't looked over the last week.... I'm assuming that if you buy from them, any warranty you get should be pretty solid?
I personally don't know what the LL customer service and warranties are like. You'd be better off getting the opinion of someone like Anjum, who's had plenty of experience with them.
BTW Jason.... any news?!?
I bought a 97 SV off Lamborghini London when Jason Barker was still there. As it was older than their normal stock I was given the aftermarket warranty. Eleven months in I noticed a clonk from the rear diff. LL took the diff apart and found significant amounts of metal swarf in the oil and badly scored diff clutch plates. Replacement of the lot would have worked out at £10k. I tried to claim on the warranty but their engineer claimed it was wear and tear. My engineer thought otherwise and we reached an impass. LL eventually repaired the plates and put the diff back together. Didnt have any problems in the next 5000 miles. Overall though I would be very cautious about LL and their aftermarket warranty.
Thanks for that.
Any information I can get will allow me to make a better descision when the time comes.
I must admit, I have been speaking to LL over the last few day and one thing in their favour they have been very happy to discuss different cars and aspects of ownership. Obviously though, the proof is in the pudding so any experiences like the above are all welcomed.
JC
Any information I can get will allow me to make a better descision when the time comes.
I must admit, I have been speaking to LL over the last few day and one thing in their favour they have been very happy to discuss different cars and aspects of ownership. Obviously though, the proof is in the pudding so any experiences like the above are all welcomed.
JC
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