Run costs for a Countach 25th Anniversary
Discussion
If was thinking about purchasing a 25th Anniversary Countach with 45K on the clock, what unexpected bills should budget for?
How much is a clutch and how long do they last?
Typical cost for a service?
High or low mileage, does it matter?
Is a full Lambo service important?
On high mileage cars, what items wear out on them?
I assume large prices from Lambo specialist but what about normal garages?
What do Countach owner do?
Any info would be appreciated
Cheers
Andy
How much is a clutch and how long do they last?
Typical cost for a service?
High or low mileage, does it matter?
Is a full Lambo service important?
On high mileage cars, what items wear out on them?
I assume large prices from Lambo specialist but what about normal garages?
What do Countach owner do?
Any info would be appreciated
Cheers
Andy
Hi there
I had these exact questions before I bought mine and I researched this a huge amount prior to my purchase. I have owned my car for 7 years and can offer the following advice:
How much is a clutch and how long do they last? To replace the clutch, one needs to remove the engine and thats what makes up a great deal of the cost. Saying this, for a full clutch replacement you are looking at a bill of about £1500 approx. I changed my first clutch with Mike Pullen a few years after purchasing the car and the clutch had done a documented 27000km!! Don't believe the myths about regular clutch changes (they scared me too prior to purchasing the car), drive the car badly and disrespectfully and you will need to change it more often. Drive it with respect, knock it into neutral when stopped at lights etc, avoid 0-60 tests, showing off, doughnuts etc and you will be rewarded with a wonderful lifespan - trust me!
Typical cost for a service?
A decent yearly service will cost you about £650-£1000 so long as nothing important needs to be done. Remember, with careful servicing and maintenance, these cars are incredibly robust and reliable. In 7 years of ownership, I have NEVER had any mechanical or electrical failure that has prevented the car from being used. Few cars of any kind can boast that.
I would always recommend known Lamborghini independant specialists for servicing as they will have had passion, respect, education, experience and know-how of these older cars. Thats invaluable as these cars have quirks that can easily be overlooked by a standard mechanic - however shiny and professional their garage might look.
High or low mileage, does it matter?
I would personally always steer clear of low mileage cars as these cars really need to be used regularly or else they can run into problems (engine parts can rust or seize, the seals can perish, joints can stick, rubber can degrade etc). Seemingly, the most common reason for an engine rebuild in a Countach was that the car had barely been used and stored for years. I had the opportunity to buy a very low mileage immaculate Countach about a year after I purchased mine. I was promptly scared off it by Mike Pullen, as he warned me of the costs involved in getting a barely used example back into an everyday useable condition, including engine rebuilding, re-wiring etc!! These engines are bomb-proof when regularly used, respected, serviced and well maintained.
Providing they have been properly serviced by reputable Lamborghini specialists, the only items that tend to wear are the usual ones affecting any normal car. Clutches, tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, wheel bearings etc - nothing out of the ordinary at all. People have said that the Countach's Achilles heel is its clutch, I disagree as I said earlier. Drive it properly and it will never be an issue to really worry about.
Lastly, insurance costs are simply amazing!! I have been with the same insurance company since buying the car and I get yearly rates of about £380-£420 per year!!
I hope that I have been some help to you. If you have any more questions, please do let me know. It was other owner's and specialists advice that originally helped me - so its my duty to pass it on as best I can.
I had these exact questions before I bought mine and I researched this a huge amount prior to my purchase. I have owned my car for 7 years and can offer the following advice:
How much is a clutch and how long do they last? To replace the clutch, one needs to remove the engine and thats what makes up a great deal of the cost. Saying this, for a full clutch replacement you are looking at a bill of about £1500 approx. I changed my first clutch with Mike Pullen a few years after purchasing the car and the clutch had done a documented 27000km!! Don't believe the myths about regular clutch changes (they scared me too prior to purchasing the car), drive the car badly and disrespectfully and you will need to change it more often. Drive it with respect, knock it into neutral when stopped at lights etc, avoid 0-60 tests, showing off, doughnuts etc and you will be rewarded with a wonderful lifespan - trust me!
Typical cost for a service?
A decent yearly service will cost you about £650-£1000 so long as nothing important needs to be done. Remember, with careful servicing and maintenance, these cars are incredibly robust and reliable. In 7 years of ownership, I have NEVER had any mechanical or electrical failure that has prevented the car from being used. Few cars of any kind can boast that.
I would always recommend known Lamborghini independant specialists for servicing as they will have had passion, respect, education, experience and know-how of these older cars. Thats invaluable as these cars have quirks that can easily be overlooked by a standard mechanic - however shiny and professional their garage might look.
High or low mileage, does it matter?
I would personally always steer clear of low mileage cars as these cars really need to be used regularly or else they can run into problems (engine parts can rust or seize, the seals can perish, joints can stick, rubber can degrade etc). Seemingly, the most common reason for an engine rebuild in a Countach was that the car had barely been used and stored for years. I had the opportunity to buy a very low mileage immaculate Countach about a year after I purchased mine. I was promptly scared off it by Mike Pullen, as he warned me of the costs involved in getting a barely used example back into an everyday useable condition, including engine rebuilding, re-wiring etc!! These engines are bomb-proof when regularly used, respected, serviced and well maintained.
Providing they have been properly serviced by reputable Lamborghini specialists, the only items that tend to wear are the usual ones affecting any normal car. Clutches, tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, wheel bearings etc - nothing out of the ordinary at all. People have said that the Countach's Achilles heel is its clutch, I disagree as I said earlier. Drive it properly and it will never be an issue to really worry about.
Lastly, insurance costs are simply amazing!! I have been with the same insurance company since buying the car and I get yearly rates of about £380-£420 per year!!
I hope that I have been some help to you. If you have any more questions, please do let me know. It was other owner's and specialists advice that originally helped me - so its my duty to pass it on as best I can.
Edited by 25th Anniversary on Friday 24th September 11:10
Mr Sheen said:
Zippee said:
Hi Andy 
Would this mean 2 Countachs in town or is Roger thinking of selling his?
Hi Zippee, Roger maybe selling not sure yet............need to way up the pro's and con's, V8S may have to go Would this mean 2 Countachs in town or is Roger thinking of selling his?
Thanks "25th Anneveray" some good info, I'm sure I'll e-mail you at some point
I know I keep saying this but we really must catch up soon - find a free Saturday for lunch with Trevor maybe?
I can back up everything that has just been said.
Okay I have an early Diablo but they are not *that* different.
Get a regularly used, well maintained car and you will only ever deal with minor niggles and, as has been said, the sort of things that go on *any* car.
More than anything DRIVE IT! The only times mine has thrown up issues has been after the winter lay up. Even then the worst thing was a new Dizzy Cap (£80 as it's a direct copy of a Jaguar XJS V12 cap! Or you can pay £600+ if you want an identical Lambo one! lol)
I really toyed between an Anniversary Countach and the early Diablos when I was buying but I realised that my budget at the time wouldn't quite stretch to a GOOD Anniversary plus the Diablo is just plain quicker and I'm a sad adrenaline junkie! hahaha
Just make sure you get a GOOD car to start with from a ** REPUTABLE ** dealer
I can't stress that last bit enough! Ask around a bit and you'll soon know what I mean!
Get one which has recently passed through the hands of the wrong dealer and it could perhaps affect your saleability in future or possibly even the value. I know I wouldn't touch a car that had been to the 'wrong' place unless I knew the previous owner personally!
Okay I have an early Diablo but they are not *that* different.
Get a regularly used, well maintained car and you will only ever deal with minor niggles and, as has been said, the sort of things that go on *any* car.
More than anything DRIVE IT! The only times mine has thrown up issues has been after the winter lay up. Even then the worst thing was a new Dizzy Cap (£80 as it's a direct copy of a Jaguar XJS V12 cap! Or you can pay £600+ if you want an identical Lambo one! lol)
I really toyed between an Anniversary Countach and the early Diablos when I was buying but I realised that my budget at the time wouldn't quite stretch to a GOOD Anniversary plus the Diablo is just plain quicker and I'm a sad adrenaline junkie! hahaha
Just make sure you get a GOOD car to start with from a ** REPUTABLE ** dealer
I can't stress that last bit enough! Ask around a bit and you'll soon know what I mean!
Get one which has recently passed through the hands of the wrong dealer and it could perhaps affect your saleability in future or possibly even the value. I know I wouldn't touch a car that had been to the 'wrong' place unless I knew the previous owner personally!
I agree with all this except the electrics bit. Having said that there is nothing to be scared of! Low milage cars can be a nightmare even if they have been well cared for. The cars are well made and if looked after properly they are reliable. If you are looking at a particular car then ask around as it's a small world. Pm me if you want to chat. James
Hi Mr Sheen,
Some great advice here!
I had a QV Countach for approx four years. If you look after them, they will look after you!
Re the clutch, I would also add try and pull away with as little revs as poss, once the clutch is you can give it the beans all you like!!!!!
There are lots of myths about these cars (usually spread by people who have never owned one). For me, it was a pleasue and a dream to own one!
PM me if you'd like to know anything - but you are doing the right thing asking lots of questions!
Also, before buying - do you homework regarding that car!! ask questions on here, we can always advise on good cars (and on the not so good!!!).
Hope this helps
Ian
Hi
I have a QV. Sad news is a complete clutch unit including flywheel etc is £4500 plus Vat plus fitting and would reckon costs of about £1500 for that! You could refurb your clutch but would mean the car lying around a workshop whilst it is being done.
I have done about 6000 miles ( need to check that poss more) and would agree it isnt a worry if you drive sensibly.
A few specialists about. Mike clearly, otherwise Colin Clarke. he looks after mine and drive 800 miles round trip for major work.
nice cars and don't believe the crap that so many people say about these cars. Most have never owned one or possibly driven one. It isnt a car that is easy to aquaint yourself with on a quick drive and needs a bit of learning. they benefit from regular use like any old car.
Paul
I have a QV. Sad news is a complete clutch unit including flywheel etc is £4500 plus Vat plus fitting and would reckon costs of about £1500 for that! You could refurb your clutch but would mean the car lying around a workshop whilst it is being done.
I have done about 6000 miles ( need to check that poss more) and would agree it isnt a worry if you drive sensibly.
A few specialists about. Mike clearly, otherwise Colin Clarke. he looks after mine and drive 800 miles round trip for major work.
nice cars and don't believe the crap that so many people say about these cars. Most have never owned one or possibly driven one. It isnt a car that is easy to aquaint yourself with on a quick drive and needs a bit of learning. they benefit from regular use like any old car.
Paul
Check Eurospares web site
It is £4500 plus vat for the kit, plate bearing matched flywheel
I know! I had to buy one!!
Tried around to find one cheaper and the factory prices are the same. may be cheaper form USA but have to pay carriage for a very heavy unit plus 10% import duty then 17.5% VAT
Paul
It is £4500 plus vat for the kit, plate bearing matched flywheel
I know! I had to buy one!!
Tried around to find one cheaper and the factory prices are the same. may be cheaper form USA but have to pay carriage for a very heavy unit plus 10% import duty then 17.5% VAT
Paul
Why are you selling this so quickly after buying it? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2147607.htm
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