[BOB P]

I am new to Ferrari but love the Mondial Coupe, apparently most people don't which is great for me. Should I be looking for a late '80's 3.2 or a Mondial-t to make my introduction to these great cars as pleasant as possible. I need all advice even if I should be choosing another car.

Thanks

 

[Andrew]

Bob P,
Welcome to the forum! I too love this car. Here is another post which speaks about this car.
http://www.ferrariforum.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=114
Its a great starter (although I do not have one) but I see no reason why this couldn't be your first Ferrari. Other popular models for first time buyers are 308s and 328s. There are a number of owners on here that can give excellent advice on both. The only car I would personally stay away from and that seems to have problems is the 348. Good luck and please let us know what you end up deciding!

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

Bob, try to get your hands on a copy of the most recent "Classic & Sports Car" (UK mag), July 2002.

It has brief write-up on two Mondials: a 3.2 Coupe and a "t" Spyder (in addition to other great, classic, affordable Ferraris in their list!).

Both of your choices are modern, reliable cars. Since the "t" was the first car to use the F119 motor (348), they may have teething problems. Although the "t" is easier to service, since behind the rear seats is an access panel to the engine bay (no engine-outs for timing belts!!!).

"t"'s will be more expensive than 3.2's, so if you're on a budget, buy the best 3.2 you (and your mechanic) can find.

 

[Dj Dirk]

Thanks for the tip Peter
i'm gonna buy the mag this week

 

[BOB P]

do you buy from a dealer or an individual?

I talked to a few dealers(Florida, Ca.) about used Mondials and they seem slippery, more interested in image then car. Who do yall have the best experience with?

Peter. I have this months Classic and Sports car and if you look in the back where they rate their Top 1000 the have a reference to their july 2001 also on the Mondial 3.2. Has anyone read that or know if they have a archieve on line?

 

[Pete04222]

Bob,
I too like the Modial and one day plan on getting that or a GT4 for my future wife (just recently engaged). For the purchase, whether individual or dealer, I guess you just have to feel comfortable with who you are dealing with and if you feel the car is being accuratly disclosed.

For my Ferrari, I wanted a 308 GTS. I spent 6 months trying to find the right car. My limitation was distance (and price), I wanted to get a car in the northeast US so I could drive down with the trailer and come home in one day. I didn't find too many individuals selling at a price I was willing to pay. Also, you have to wonder why an individual is selling the car. If the car has major prolems an individual may not disclose them where a dealer would because he needs to maintain his reputation. (There are some good and honest dealer's out there. If you find one you feel is "slippery", look elsewhere.)

I spoke with a Dealer in CT, Forza Motors, he was nice but I was not able to complete a deal with him. I ended up buying from Executive Auto Gallery in Pennsylvania. I found him through Hemming's Motor News. I worked with him through phone and email, he gave me good disclosure on problems he was aware of, sent me all the photos I asked for and answered all my questions. He was very patient and did not try to SELL me the car. He knew what he had and knew that I knew what I wanted. He let the car sell itself. He even held the car for me for 2 weeks with NO deposit! It was an 8 hour drive down to get it and when I got there everything was as described. I took the obligatory test drive and loaded it up on the trailer. Overall it was a good experience and I would buy from him again. Another advantage to buying from a dealer is getting the temporary registration so you can drive the car immediatly!

 

[Dj Dirk]

Peter
the July issue was already gone and they had the august issue, so i bought that one.
There's an article in it aobut the 250 Europa

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

Dirk, alot of these Euro mags take a long time to get across "The Pond". The July issue is still on the shelf here in Canada.

(I'd say Auto Italia takes the longest, I just picked up the JUNE issue last week!)

 

[Dj Dirk]

damn, that's late, it seems that the other way goes faster.
Like I already have the Forza for august for about a month :-?

 

[b0rf]

Bob P,
Welcome to the forum! I too love this car. Here is another post which speaks about this car.
http://www.ferrariforum.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=114
Its a great starter (although I do not have one) but I see no reason why this couldn't be your first Ferrari. Other popular models for first time buyers are 308s and 328s. There are a number of owners on here that can give excellent advice on both. The only car I would personally stay away from and that seems to have problems is the 348. Good luck and please let us know what you end up deciding!

Hmm, i'm not sure i would stray people away from the 348. It is a very good driver's car and in its last two years of production, had no mechanical problems. I would opt for the TS or the TB, though...(can't stand spyders)

Maybe i'm just biased

 

[BOB P]

3.4l engine

Enzo, you suggested I stay away from the 348 as an introduction to Ferrari because of problems? If I'm looking at a Mondial-t doesn't it have the same engine and were the problems you heard about involve the engine and drivetrain? Thanks

 

[Andrew]

B0rf,
Would you agree that the 348 tends to be in the garage more than most other Ferraris that were made say + or - 10 years? Would anyone else agree with me?

BOB P,
Excellent question. It seems you are correct about the Mondial t, in 1989 with the introduction of the 348 came a new engine for the Mondial. Here is an excert from a book I have speaking about the Modial in 1989 at the Geneva.

..."But the most important change occurred under the bonnet. The engine, increased in size to 3405cc, put out 300 horsepower and was positioned longitudinally, while the gearbox was transversally mounted with a linkage to the clutch fitted between the tow main shafts.

This design reprised the one used on the famous Grand Prix single-seater Tipo 312 T from the seventies. It offered three major advantages: the engine and therefore the centre was 130mm lower; the length could be reduced; and maintenance was simpler."

I'm probably wrong about the 348 having problems. Here is a link with the service record for a 348 (scroll to the bottom of the link).
http://www.racecar.co.uk/talacrest/stock/85112.htm
This one has an excellent record, although I do not want to show my ignorance but I'm not sure if belts really need replacing that often (3 times in 14,000 miles). I have just heard via word of mouth that the car spends more time in the shop than it should.

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

Uhhh guys, I just mentioned that early on in this thread:....

[quote='75 308 GT4 (Peter)]Since the "t" was the first car to use the F119 motor (348), they may have teething problems. Although the "t" is easier to service, since behind the rear seats is an access panel to the engine bay (no engine-outs for timing belts!!!).[/quote]

The first use of the longitudinal 3.4 litre V-8, with transverse gear box was used in the Ferrari-IDEA PPG Indy Pace car prototype back in 1988. The engine code was F119D

The Mondial "t" used the F119DL and F119G motors, the 348 used F119D, the F119H (Serie Speciale/Competizione and I think Challenge) and the F119G (I think was the emissions equiped variant).

 

[BOB P]

are there teething problems with the Mondial-t

Anyone out there with a 1989=90 Mondial-t coupe experiencing problems. Maybe I should post this on the technical board?

OK Peter whats your gut impression 1888 Mondial or 1889-90Mondial-t coupe to be my first Italian bride, hopefully without an ugly divorce.

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

'88 Mondial 3.2 Coupe