Buying Gallardo with or without warranty

[topcat1]

Hi,

I know from the outset this is a how long is a piece of string question, so I can only claim that I'm asking it for peace of mind!

I am planning to pull the trigger on an early pre-LP Gallardo, which has a good service history and reasonable mileage. It seems completely stock (including the cats which I would change ASAP) and it seems exactly as one should expect without any issues following a viewing.

Unusually I have the choice of buying direct from the private seller, or through a dealer at a premium, which would include a few months of warranty.

I'm just struggling to justify the extra cost of buying through a dealer, as my only experience of aftermarket warranties is dire! However, if I have a major failure then it could of course be helpful.

If the cars are generally reliable, then I am leaning towards buying privately to avoid the dealer tax, but if it's a given that I will have issues then it makes sense to have the warranty.

Any own experience that can help my decision?

[matlotus]

I would think the answer to that is fully dependent on the coverage, terms and conditions of the warranty, and what exclusions are in it.

[Trev450]

Have you considered having a PPI? A whole lot cheaper than purchasing a warranty and common issues such as oil leaks that a warranty probably wouldn't cover, would be picked up during the inspection and could provide a means for negotiation.

[Spindoctor]

I bought my pre-LP from one of those semi-retired dealers who works from his house (well, country estate actually). It came with a 3-month warranty - it was a glossy booklet but I wouldn't have fancied my chances trying to use it. The car had a complete service history, no known faults and was well looked after. The only non-consumables work it needed throughout my ownership was when the exhaust valve stuck closed. There are some dogs out there, but it sounds like you've found a good one. For peace of mind, you could get a PPI and/or put aside a slush fund with money saved from not buying a warranty.

[topcat1]

Thanks, yes indeed the warranty is very comprehensive when you speak to the dealer, but the small print exclusions list is reasonably hefty:

Exclusions
Chassis, bodywork, interior and exterior trim, locks, glass, tyres, batteries, exhaust systems, fuel tanks, brake friction material, wiring looms, road wheels, clearing of fuel lines, injectors, oil seals, satellite navigation, seized brake callipers and all service items, heater elements, centralised locking pumps, car telephone, air bags, sensors, keys. Air conditioning recharging, remote fobs, anti-freeze, lubricants, filters, transmission fluids, external oil or fluid leaks, hardware e.g. bolts and fixings, pulleys/dampers, serviceable and ancillary items. Instrument gauges are covered only in the event of a single gauge which can be replaced separately not as a cluster.

Also it's only 3 months cover as standard, and I am planning a trip to Le Mans so it would be up by the time I take it for a 1500 mile drive which isn't ideal either.

Generally I opt to self insure, and it's rare that I regret that choice, it's just this is a bit more extravagant than usual! Hopefully the "generally good" reputation is a nod in the right direction to not needing a warranty.

PPI is a good idea, I will look into this too.

[Billy_Rosewood]

Extra things to go wrong on the e-gears and spyders, but for the most part people are mainly scared of cat ingestion and clutch wear. Neither of which are covered by warranty. If it's an e-gear you can get a clutch wear reading, if manual I believe there's a service access panel to check.

Is it a very early pre-lp? The 500PS 5.0 or the 520PS 5.0?

[topcat1]

2006 E gear, clutch replaced last year. I believe it has the slightly shorter gearing given the year, but may be a cross over model?

I have to say all the talk over the years had put me off E gear models but I'm actually looking forward to experiencing one now...

[Billy_Rosewood]

E-gear wouldn't usually be my first choice though it is growing on me. It's perfectly flawed. Its clunky, but that makes it feel more old school and mechanically involving.

And the downshifts are pure heaven!

[NRG1976]

Unless it’s a reputable Indy or main dealer, the warranty is probably worthless.