First Lambo- Gallardo purchase

[ElanS]

Hello All, I am looking to purchase my first lambo in the shape of a Gallardo. I have been reading up on a lot on the web and forums. I currently have a 997.1 Turbo manual and a 996 C4. I am hoping to part ex the C4 towards the Gallardo and still keep the Turbo. I have never owned an Italian exotic and always loved the Lambo, the dream car would be the Murci but that's out of my budget. The budget is max £90K (inc £13k part ex).

I have viewed a couple of cars, first one was a blue 2008 pre LP egear car with 24k miles, which had a bit of rust. I have ruled this one out for now.

The second car is late 2008 LP egear car with 30k miles. Most of the mileage of around 12k was done over 6 months. I assume some kind of European trip? It did have service twice that year. Will this put you off buying the car?

I am hoping to buy the variant with the least depreciation so any advice on if I should buy coupe or spyder? Are there any advantage to buying a older manual v the LP egear car?

Thanks in advance and sorry for newbie questions.

[ElanS]

Thanks. What do you guys think of these two cars:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ElanS]

Thanks for the advice guys, very useful. I am leaning towards LP so its "softer" to drive. The looks wise, I find the back end is prettier on the LP cars.

The blue one I went to see had a Quicksilver exhaust which I found to be too loud. I was just concerned there could have been some issues with the car and I couldn't hear it over the exhaust. Also it was 2008 (58) registered car and I thought the LP cars came in 2009? The engine size was 5l rather than 5.2 on the V5, even though it has the LP bumpers etc.

Nico, I would be interested in the car but not sure if its within my budget. Thanks

[ElanS]

The grey one has a better service record with annual service and lower mileage. The dark blue one did look great in the flesh. Is cream interior undesirable?

Nico, I have updated my PM settings.

[ElanS]

70proof, thanks for the advice and links which are very useful.

never you mind, we cant chose our neighbors Fortunately my neighbor's kids love cars.

Are there any variant of Gallardos within my budget that will depreciate less? I am hoping its a long term purchase.

Quite enjoying the search process!

[ElanS]

My 997.1 Turbo is manual so I can always turn to this if I feel the need for the third pedal

I haven’t driven a manual Gallardo and there doesn’t appear to be many manual for sale? I wouldn’t like to go for a car older than 2006 for reasons mentioned. Prindiville have manual 2006 but it has 46k miles. Too high?


How about this one ? Seems to have been around for a while.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

This one looks nice and a manual but tad too loud for me:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

I am planning to see the grey LP car this weekend.

[ElanS]

That’s a lovely looking car. I am not a fan of loud yellow but that green is perfect.

It looks like the grey SL has a dubious past so will give that a miss! Thanks for the PM with the details.

Are the SL cars generally with harsher ride? They seem to be light weight race spec? How are they around town compared to the standard LP? Sorry for all the questions.

Edited by ElanS on Thursday 24th May 22:33

[ElanS]

Thanks David, the grey SL does seem to be too good to be true.

There are two manual LP cars but both are above my budget unless I sell my 911 Turbo.

One of the traders with Ferraris and Lambos mentioned that I would be better off with F430. Apparently the F430 will appreciate and Gallardo will depreciate, any truth to this? Anyone owned both?

[ElanS]

Agreed MrC, I never bought a cat registered car and won’t buy anything with questionable history.

I am still tad confused with what to buy. Do I increase the budget or wait for the right manual car to come along? I just need to get out and try a few more cars?

[ElanS]

I went to see the grey LP car. It was clean with a good service history, annual service plan with main dealers. The car drove well and they are willing to take it to Lambo dealer for inspection, no movement on price though.
The only tiny doubt I have is whether the grey is tad muted? The Mrs thinks Lambo doesn’t need to be in shouty colours.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ElanS]

70proof said:

There may be wiggle room with the yellow lp550-2 to get it close to budget

Where is this advertised please? I would prefer green or orange to yellow though. If it a citrus shade then I would prefer a coupe.

As it’s the 4th toy, I fear I have to be sensible with the budget

[ElanS]

70proof said:

How bizarre

Just had a text from the owner of my old car who is selling as he's got a hurcan performante.
Can put you in touch if you like, he's not on PH. Pre LP , Verdi Ithaca, egear coupe

Do you have any details of the car please? Year and mileage? Better to get the basic details so not wasting his time.

[ElanS]

Thanks Todea, lovely looking car. If I am still in the hunt in Sept then I will send you a PM.

[ElanS]

The search continues and I contacted VVS regarding the grey SL but it transpires that its a Singaporean import.

This SL looks interesting but has near 40k miles, is that too high? Would I struggle to sell it in the future? Anyone know this car? The orange is a lovely colour though: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Since I don't track car am I better off with this one which has lower mileage, great history and clean?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ElanS]

Can you guys please advise on pricing for a car that I am looking at. It's a 2009 LP560-4 with manual transmission, 23k miles and good spec (nose lift, rear camera, clear engine bay). As there are not many LP cars with manual transmission, I am looking to get an idea of what the price range should be? Thanks in advance.

Edited by ElanS on Tuesday 28th August 19:39

[ElanS]

I have now bought my first Lamborghini, which is a Gallardo LP560-4 with manual gearbox. I am really excited with the purchase and looking forward to driving it more. I have to do a few things like change tyres over the next few months.

Thanks for your advice, especially 70proof. I will be posting some pics once it’s cleaned!

[ElanS]

There you go, one soapy Gallardo! Not a great pic and it was too dark by the time I finished cleaning.

Edited by ElanS on Tuesday 4th September 22:31

[ElanS]

andrew said:

lifting gear, or have you run someone over ?

It’s lifting gear, as I didn’t want to damage the bumpers after owning it for one day.

[ElanS]

Thanks guys, I think it looks better in the flesh (rather than covered in shampoo) . I do like bright colours (green & orange) but a tad too loud for me.
On the first day, I had a group of kids asking me if they could take a photos and videos. Also a few commented about the car at the petrol station. More attention in day than my 997Turbo in a year.

Edited by ElanS on Wednesday 5th September 22:02

[ElanS]

70proof said:

So did you get it in budget.... Well done again

Thanks, it needs a few minor things addressing so the seller took that in to account. Apparently VVS offered to sell (SOR) the car for £105-£110k. Pricing the car was tricky as there are not many manual LP560. I was fortunate that I was first person to see it. A nice guy who has now bought an aventador. It was a nervous time buying privately but I got to see how the owner kept and maintained the car, rather than some spiel from the salesman
I now have to sell a 996 privately though.

Edited by ElanS on Tuesday 4th September 23:15