Gallardo... what's the catch?
Discussion
Be gentle, this is my first foray into the Supercar forums here.
I've been looking at the possibility of getting a pre-LP Gallardo. Budget is about £50-55K so we're looking at the entry level in the market, so my expectations have been adjusted accordingly and I know I'll be looking at a CAT car or 60K+ mileage which I'm OK with. It's an Audi after all.
From doing my research and looking at as many forums and forum posts as I can find I can not find any reason why I shouldn't get one. Clutch is £3K which I'm OK with because it would be that on my Evora anyway, discs are £200 each if you shop about, pads are £50 and the other stuff is able to be sourced from other Audis or the like. Servicing is £485 interim and £895 major service inc spark plugs at Audi which isn't far off what anyone would pay for a 'normal' car anyway.
I'm really wanting to know all the horror stories, awful ownership experiences and the horrific running costs which will ultimately put me off them because at the moment I'm scratching my head trying to understand what the catch is?!
I've been looking at the possibility of getting a pre-LP Gallardo. Budget is about £50-55K so we're looking at the entry level in the market, so my expectations have been adjusted accordingly and I know I'll be looking at a CAT car or 60K+ mileage which I'm OK with. It's an Audi after all.
From doing my research and looking at as many forums and forum posts as I can find I can not find any reason why I shouldn't get one. Clutch is £3K which I'm OK with because it would be that on my Evora anyway, discs are £200 each if you shop about, pads are £50 and the other stuff is able to be sourced from other Audis or the like. Servicing is £485 interim and £895 major service inc spark plugs at Audi which isn't far off what anyone would pay for a 'normal' car anyway.
I'm really wanting to know all the horror stories, awful ownership experiences and the horrific running costs which will ultimately put me off them because at the moment I'm scratching my head trying to understand what the catch is?!
Just read it now so thanks for the pointers chaps.
Let's say worst case scenario the engine needed a rebuild, what ballpark figure would we be looking at all in... £15K ish? Considering it's about that for a decent rebuild of a 996 engine it still points to remarkably good value.
Thanks also for the cat problem heads up and I presume someone who knows what they're looking for on an inspection would be able to tell me if there is a problem on the horizon?
Let's say worst case scenario the engine needed a rebuild, what ballpark figure would we be looking at all in... £15K ish? Considering it's about that for a decent rebuild of a 996 engine it still points to remarkably good value.
Thanks also for the cat problem heads up and I presume someone who knows what they're looking for on an inspection would be able to tell me if there is a problem on the horizon?
Spindoctor said:
p4cks said:
Not sure what you mean. Why would I take it to somewhere miles away when I can drop it off round the corner at Audi who can do the service?
Crossed wires I think. PompeyReece was talking about an engine rebuild, not a service. But you're not planning to get one that needs an engine rebuild. On servicing costs, the Audi quote sounds quite low and as already said an Audi dealer is unlikely to have Lambo software. No idea what this guy is like but he's close to you: http://www.davewaltoncars.co.uk/Great cars, happy hunting.
Thanks for the link too, I had no idea there was someone in my area that could work on these cars so I assumed I'd have to travel up to Edinburgh or the like to get it looked at.
Again, I'm not seeing/hearing any catches. In fact it's all helping the cause...
Fair comment about the Audi vs Lamborghini servicing, I'd be looking at a decent indy anyway as they're always my preference over a main dealer.
I've emailed Dave and will see what he says. Also for me, the assets of a mechanic aren't a measure of their competence so I'll keep an open mind in that regard.
Once my situation changes (I stop contracting and get a FT perm job) then the Evora and Clio V6 will both be making way for a Gallardo and it'll be pre-LP but I'll be looking at getting an HR Owen assessment before any purchase. The cat issue is a new one to me so I'll be doing more research regarding that too.
I really appreciate all of these comments chaps, I'm learning all of the time.
I've emailed Dave and will see what he says. Also for me, the assets of a mechanic aren't a measure of their competence so I'll keep an open mind in that regard.
Once my situation changes (I stop contracting and get a FT perm job) then the Evora and Clio V6 will both be making way for a Gallardo and it'll be pre-LP but I'll be looking at getting an HR Owen assessment before any purchase. The cat issue is a new one to me so I'll be doing more research regarding that too.
I really appreciate all of these comments chaps, I'm learning all of the time.
Spindoctor said:
p4cks said:
So if I’m reading that correctly, I want to see smoke on a cold start up?
I think what 4321go is saying is that if the Gallardo smokes on start-up you exit stage left. Unless you fancy a bit of a project.Superleg48 said:
A pre-LP with the Cats by-passed is a good thing.
Replacing the Cats like for like does not make the problem they cause go away. It is an inherent design flaw in the positioning of the Cats so far up the headers. A standard car, over time will not “be fine”. Don’t take my word for it, read 4321Go’s engine rebuild thread, especially the beginning which explains why the engine is being rebuilt. Also go to Lambotalk the topic is discussed there and feel free to solicit opinions perhaps of the guys working on 4321Go’s car in Swindon, or indeed any other experienced specialists that work on these cars.
Anyway, no doubt you’ll do your research and all the best with your search. You will thoroughly enjoy whatever car you choose to buy, I am sure.
Cheers for that. I've been on lamborghinitalk and had a good look at the threads, but is there one you'd recommend that discusses the cats on pre-LP cars?Replacing the Cats like for like does not make the problem they cause go away. It is an inherent design flaw in the positioning of the Cats so far up the headers. A standard car, over time will not “be fine”. Don’t take my word for it, read 4321Go’s engine rebuild thread, especially the beginning which explains why the engine is being rebuilt. Also go to Lambotalk the topic is discussed there and feel free to solicit opinions perhaps of the guys working on 4321Go’s car in Swindon, or indeed any other experienced specialists that work on these cars.
Anyway, no doubt you’ll do your research and all the best with your search. You will thoroughly enjoy whatever car you choose to buy, I am sure.
Almost a year on and I thought I should update the thread.
Whilst ownership of a Lambo would be great, I just couldn't part with the Clio V6 that currently resides in the garage for 99% of the year.
It was a very informative thread and I appreciate the information that each of you have supplied - I hope you all enjoy your gorgeous, gorgeous Gallardos.
Whilst ownership of a Lambo would be great, I just couldn't part with the Clio V6 that currently resides in the garage for 99% of the year.
It was a very informative thread and I appreciate the information that each of you have supplied - I hope you all enjoy your gorgeous, gorgeous Gallardos.
k it, I'm on the lookout for a Gallardo now. I've hummed and harred too much about it, and life's too short. Gassing Station | Gallardo/Huracan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff