Opinions of Testarossas

Anyone have opinions on TRs drivabilty, mechanical issues?

II took a 88 TR for a spin Sunday from a small dealership in Woodland Hills,Ca, it stated 25k miles but the interior was thrashed, the leather bolster eaten away and cracks and splits all over
Power seats were shot, as were many indicator lights. I'd say this car over 70k on it in reality at least

I have mixed impressions of the car, it felt very heavy but when you got into the upper rev band it was very fast, much less tossable than my 328 which may be why they are reccomended for GT highway driving.

The dash instrument layout seemed a little dated to me, with the 80s digital clocks and many idiot indicators such as the hoods, brakes etc, it seems they will fail over time and be impossible to replace.

Compared to my 328 the engine seemed deep and quiet until you get in the upper rev band, the V8 seem to have a raspy snarl at all times in the lower revs up to a high pitched whine in the upper.

Definately another neglected TR

Uhhhhh...you pretty much nailed all the angles...{}

I think a really nice one would be great to own and a dog would be a nightmare.

Also watch out for the "Pigs with Lipstick On".

You know the type....look so desirable around midnight all made up....and coyote ugly in the morning...{}

I agree JRV about the pigs issue seems more common with TRs

The issue is I am really not sure if I would like a TR, sure they are fast but the 328 is a fun car at any speed the TRs seem to shine when you are really hitting the revs which will get me in trouble, its a question of one or the other as I really don't want 2 Ferraris

I also don't like all bells and whistle crap such as the heavy power seats, multiple warning idiot lights that will fail I am sure over time etc as well as limited inflated parts availabilty, Ferrari UK probably wont offer parts for them for a few more years

I think if I purchased a TR I would regret it and wish I kept my 328

Jeff,

The 328 & TR are very different cars by design imo and not really a big brother little brother.

To me the 328 is alot more useable in the modern world even though it's an older car. Light, quick, nimble, classic....just an all around easier sports car to use often in a wider variety of circumstances. I think the size and expense of the TR's preclude them from being easy to use on a regular basis in a wide variety of different circumstances.

Each owner has his/her own certian lifestyle that also dictates what will fit well with their pre-existing conditions and the type of use they want or can derive from their toy..

TR's are very solid reliable cars if well maintained, but "well maintained" comes at a price. And like you mention all the Bling Bling bells & whistles of "modern techno-gizmos" comes at a price, which is in many cases expensive. "techno-gizmo" components can only be replaced and not repaired preventing us from keeping the cost of ownership down in many cases.

i'm far and away a Fan of Boxers over TR's because one gets essentially the same car less a few expensive techno gizmos, so the miles per dollar equation can be kept within acceptable realms. The Boxers have very few issues are are relitively inexpensive to own compared to a TR. And every bit as fast.

JRV

You hit the nail on the head, before drving one my perception of a TR was a bigger faster 328, not so.

I'll keep my 328, Its been a good car and I am spoiled and don't even realize it with its reliabilty and relatively cheap parts for a Ferrari

Regards

Jeff

JRV,

I think you are right about the Boxers, I have always liked them.

But they seem to have had a bit of a price pop recently, I dont know if its due to summer or just more interest in them, TRs are just dirt cheap and getting cheaper.

Jeff,

agree the Boxers are firming up. However the prices around $70-$80 for a nice Boxer (fully serviced of course) would be a steal imo and going forward they are likely to continue up or minimum level off and hold and they are much cheaper & easier to keep in perfect running condition over the long haul. Especially now that Ferrari UK is giving us all the old parts at realistic (half off) prices.

I think a Boxer might be closer to a Big Brother of a 328 and a little brother to a TR. Of course all this said, a TR in the $50-$60 range is one helluva car for the money. And there are some really nice TR's around.

Regards, JRV

JRV

TRs are cheaper than that for the owners that want to sell them

I found a 87 TR 20k miles mint cond other than a door ding and the usual dash problem for 45k, it would need a service as the belts where last changed in 98, he was asking 50 but quickly dropped to 45 I bet he'd take very low 40s or maybe lower

TR's are great GT cars...but can be very capable on the twisty bits.

My 87 Black/tan TR, 10K miles, all books, records, no damage or stories and fresh major service is for sale. Email me for more info...

I have a 86 TR single mirror with 10,000 miles, and I love it. Mine does not have electric seats, just the normal manual adjustments. When did TR's begin producing electric adjustments for seats?