Testarossa? Should I? What are they like?

[lambo_xx]

After watching a few clips of them on youtube I can't stop thinking how cool they really are. I've been thinking of trading in 911 for something else and I just can't seem to get the "itch" of a testarossa out my head.

Anyway, I've just got a few questions that I hope you lot could answer:
1) What are they actually like to drive? I know Gordon Murray (Mclaren F1 designer) didn't like them, but, people who have actually driven them, what are they like?
2) What's the visibility like? My 355s is pretty good, is it similar to that?
3) How reliable are they? Obviously it wouldn't be a daily driver, but can I actually use it say a few times a week without having to rely on the AA to get me home?
4) How roomy is the cabin? It looks good enough in photos, but it's always difficult to tell.
5) Anything else I should know? Any owners or people with Testarossa experience appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

[evil_dr_fish]

Sorry, sadly, no first hand experience but still needed to ask:

Is this in addition to or instead of the 355?

I can't help thinking they're different cars (cruiser vs hooner) and so if it's a replacement then I guess it would depend on what you want from your car?


That said... I f*ing love them!

[AndrewW-G]

lambo_xx said:

After watching a few clips of them on youtube I can't stop thinking how cool they really are. I've been thinking of trading in 911 for something else and I just can't seem to get the "itch" of a testarossa out my head.

Anyway, I've just got a few questions that I hope you lot could answer:
1) What are they actually like to drive? I know Gordon Murray (Mclaren F1 designer) didn't like them, but, people who have actually driven them, what are they like?
2) What's the visibility like? My 355s is pretty good, is it similar to that?
3) How reliable are they? Obviously it wouldn't be a daily driver, but can I actually use it say a few times a week without having to rely on the AA to get me home?
4) How roomy is the cabin? It looks good enough in photos, but it's always difficult to tell.
5) Anything else I should know? Any owners or people with Testarossa experience appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

1. compared to modern things the steerings heavy, clutch is on the heavy side, other than that easy to drive.
2. visibility is good
3. quite a few out there with over 100k on them, as always a car thats driven will be more reliable than one that isnt
4. roomy and light as long as your not over tall
5. buy one now before they do a Countach and go up in price, post 1988.5 series two cars are the ones to go for (normal rather than centre lock wheels, normal wing mirrors and a host of other little improvements.

[lambo_xx]

evil_dr_fish said:

Sorry, sadly, no first hand experience but still needed to ask:

Is this in addition to or instead of the 355?

I can't help thinking they're different cars (cruiser vs hooner) and so if it's a replacement then I guess it would depend on what you want from your car?


That said... I f*ing love them!

I would be keeping the 355 can't see myself getting rid of that for a long long time .

I realise they are very different cars, as you said cruiser vs hooner, but I can't help thinking I could be Sonny Crocket .

[jules martin]

I had a Testarossa and loved it. As has been said, they are quite heavy cars, especially on tracks, but eminently drivable. Great for touring and long distances. However, don't buy a Testarossa, go for a 512 TR. They may look the same but are totally different cars. I had two and regret selling my last one though I must say I love my 360 Spider.

Jules Martin

[lambo_xx]

I do like the 512tr the thing is though, there aren't that many for sale. The other thing is, I didn't want to be spend £60k on another "toy".

I've just had a look at servicing costs and they are more than my 355, but not hugely more. Reliability is my main concern, is it going to brake down every time I even go near it?

Thanks for the help so far.

[AndrewW-G]

lambo_xx said:

is it going to brake down every time I even go near it?

No

Just buy one that's been used as well as been looked after

[JoyZipper]

AndrewW-G said:

lambo_xx said:

is it going to brake down every time I even go near it?

No

Just buy one that's been used as well as been looked after

I agree.

[Kylie]

The 512TR is my fav of the fezzas. I am sure they are heavy, hard to park, back and expensive V12 to service, but who cares in my eyes they are timeless and the sound of the V12 behind yr head ....wow!!

[Le Man]

It's got to be the 512TR because it has an oval tubed chassis which is much stiffer and far better brakes. Oh, and it will cost you more to service than a 355. Lots more. 19 hour belt change services see to that. Despite this, they are exciting and very competent relaxed fast tourers if not quite at home on tracks.

[AndrewW-G]

Le Man said:

It's got to be the 512TR because it has an oval tubed chassis which is much stiffer.

They all have oval tube chassis

Edited by AndrewW-G on Tuesday 21st July 00:52

[jules martin]

I did many track days in my 512TR and had little trouble keeping up with the racing 355's. You just need to know that when it breaks away it REALLY breaks away.

As for costs, I agree the cambelt change is eyewateringly expensive but, over 7 years of 512TR ownership (two cars) my annual service costs averaged £630.00 There were no repair costs.

Buy one - you know it makes sense !

Jules

[Testarossa Dave]

My Testarossa is my first Ferrari, total pride and joy, Yes it has heavy steering, heavy + poor brakes but Im 6ft 8ins and am able to travel distances with comfort so internal space is no issue, reliability is ok as long as you get a car which has been driven aswell as looked after, when I bought my car it had done 500 miles in 7 years so had alsorts of problems from sticky calipers to cracking rubber seals etc. but now Im on top of it, its fine, you will never completely eliminate Italian Electrical problems but that just part of owning a Testarossa, As already stated above it is a very different car to your 355 so it depends what you want it for but using it a few times a week can only be a good thing really.

[lambo_xx]

Ok thanks for all the hlp so far.

Is there any know faults i should be looking out for with the Testarossa? For example the buttress area on 355s can rust, anything like that on Testarossa?

[Sneak]

I've had a few 911's and have just bought a 512TR myself. It's a bit early to give you a detail run down on the car as I've only had it a few weeks but so far, I frickin' love it. It's a pretty simple car and seems to be pretty solid and reliable.
As far as driving goes, they are a bit heavy (no power steering), and the gear change isn't as easy as your 911 - but I think that for me is partly due to a low mileage car. The steering isn't heavy to the point of being differcult either, even in town at low speeds.

There's plenty of space, I'm 6'2" and am comfortable but I wouldn't want to be much taller - it even is ok for luggage space. Overall, I'd say jump in there! I haven't regretted it for a second. It's gorgeous to drive, and the engine note is fantastic. The flat 12 is a great engine.

So to sum it all up from my brief ownership, yes you should.

[Pvapour]

I’ve happened upon what looks to be a cracking price for an impeccable 87 lhd car, everything checks out..

My first dip into the classic supercar market (or any classic) and wandering where prices might go with these considering the countach appreciation.

65k should get it, would this be sound? I mean uk RHD are north of 80k and lhd prices are normally higher.. if they’re selling for that or not I don’t know, not been studying auction prices, anyone any info?

[yzr500]

Owned a 1986 for 11years before selling on Ebay to a Australia buyer best buy a 1988 model the series 1 has those knock on trx tyres very expensive to replace the only probelm was the back window screen cracked due to body flex.

[Pvapour]

I appreciate it’s the least desirable version but my budget is topped out at this, still seems cheap even for the less desirable, I can’t see any series 1 south of 80k and even the first available are nothing like the quality of this one, it’s low mileage but been used and serivced annually for the last ten years and immaculate

[silber]

Pvapour said:

I appreciate it’s the least desirable version but my budget is topped out at this, still seems cheap even for the less desirable, I can’t see any series 1 south of 80k and even the first available are nothing like the quality of this one, it’s low mileage but been used and serivced annually for the last ten years and immaculate

Buy it. Have a go at making an offer, but ultimately don't miss out on a good one you can afford. You will enjoy every moment.

[AmoCS]

Had a 512tr for 5 years, zero issues, just usual maintenance.
One of most reliable cars I've owned.