1990 Ferrari Mondial t from North America - Comments

Power window (driver side) failed.

Power side mirror (left) failed.

Coolant hose in the engine ruptured.

Computer chip failed and shutdown the engine.

Motorized seat belts failed.

Thermostat failed.

Clock failed.

Fuse box failed.

Exterior black trim fades badly.

Windshield trim de-laminates quickly.

Original paint is thin in places.

30,000 mile service costs $10,000.

Look folks, this car is not for the faint of heart or the light-of-pocketbook. It costs a small mint to keep running. The cabriolet ragtop on it takes 10 minutes to put up or down (yes, it's manual), the car fishtails around turns, handles abysmally on wet roads, only does 0 to 60mph in about 6.6 seconds, and is not reliable enough for road trips of over an hour or two.

I've spent about $17,000 on maintenance in the three years since I've bought it. It's now 12 years old.

That said, one does not buy this car for reliability or financial reasons. The reason to buy this car, if you can afford it, is that it's rare (only 1000 Mondial t's were made worldwide), it's a Ferrari, it looks beautiful with the top down and the engine makes beautiful noises.

Driving down the highway in Chicago on a sunny day, I get stares and thumbs up signs from significant numbers of other drivers. This does not happen to Porsche owners, suffice it to say.

Hi,

From all the comments I've read, I liked yours, and I don't have a Ferrari, but I dream about it. I have a friend who owns a Ferrari 348 and it's a 'perfect' machine. Yes it's true that sometimes some small problems come, but with money, everything is possible.

I think when we drive a Ferrari, something inside us changes, and it's like a drug, we become dependents of that Italian machine (the engine noise, feeling the vibrations, people looking at us...) and when we drive a Porsche, the sensations don't come to us, it's only a fast car (sports car), German made, nothing more. I drive a small Boxster.

I think you say all the truths about the car.

I'm from Portugal, sorry about my English.

I don't own a Ferrari, but dream of owning one. It would cost too much for me to buy a brand new one, so I have no choice but to pick from what is available. I will likely put down my hard earned cash saved over years for a car that is 10+ years old, expensive to maintain with low reliability, but is a dream come true. If I want reliability, economy, or even speed, I know where to find them. I have had all of these, I want something I never had before, my dream coming true...

I have owned a 89 Mondial t for four years now and I don't understand all the complaints about the operation of the top - mine seems to go up and down just fine (the top boot is another story).

Reliability has been good except for minor electrical glitches that come and go, seemingly at random.

My only real complaint is the terrible ergonomics - control switches mounted where you have to take your eyes off the road to operate them, and the hard, narrow seats that don't fit my big Slavic butt.

And, yes they are prone to oversteer when the throttle is lifted in a corner, but not as pernicious as in Porsches and other high performance cars.

I have a 308 of roughly the same age. No 30k service alone ought to cost $10,000. In all fairness a 30k, at least on a 308 will run in the low three thousands to the high four thousands depending on where you have it done and the little things that may need done. If the car needs a zillion things done to it (which sounds like your case) and they're done at the same time as the 30k you cannot count these repairs into the cost of the major maintenance.

While I'm not saying it's great for a car to need a lot of repairs a lot of factors need to be taken into account. Any low mileage car with shiny paint may look good, but may need thousands to get into tip-top condition be it a Ferrari or a late model Mercedes or Lexus if nobody put the money into regular maintenance.

I'm sorry to hear you found your Mondial to be a repair headache, but again these are older cars and between their age and previous owners a lot can go wrong.

Forgive me, but when you buy a Ferrari you should not have to compromise, I think by choosing the Mondial model you are doing just that...

I would guess none of you have ever driven the incredibly underrated Porsche 928. If you want fast, reliable, handling and simply nirvana, drive one. I love the looks of the Ferrari Mondial and I intend to get one in addition to my world class Porsche. One thing I have learned, is one needs to educate themselves on any exotic car before purchase. Learn all that you can about the vehicle before you reach into your bank account for that hard earned cash. AND, the number one rule in ANY vehicle is to have a pre purchase inspection performed by a qualified Ferrari (or what ever manufacturer) mechanic. If there is a PPI fee, it is money well spent!

I have read many reviews of this car and they do vary as in any vehicle. I have heard more good than anything else and have found that this is probably Ferrari's most reliable car to date. Because it is a small V8, it is not prone to self destruction as in there monster torquing other models. 200-300HP is a nice number for a sports car, but the rear wheel torque is your biggest generating factor in car construction and destruction.

Take your time, look for a year if necessary, they are out there. Find the one that has been taken care of by an enthusiast, not a rich geek who could care less. Check to see if the previous owner has ALL records. This is your key to the cars past. AND, by all means, DRIVE IT!. No car is intended to be shelved. Seals dry up, hoses become brittle and so on and so on. This is not, nor ever was a $200,000+ car. It will not appreciate at such a rate that you will make major cash. It will only depreciate, so enjoy it and drive it like you stole it! Trust me when I tell you that if you drive this car often, it will be much more reliable than if you let it sit. You can find a fine specimen for $30K. Just take your time and do the "smart" thing...learn!

Keith.

Jan 19/2002.

Thanks to Steven for providing a site to share praise, criticism and concern as all comments are beneficial.

Personally I own an 89 Mondial t cabriolet, black w/red interior. Although not the original owner I purchased this car 5 years ago with 10k. It now has 37k on it and yes I have done the 30k maintenance (by myself) with the exception of the actual timing belt install and valve shims. $2500 US for everything including shipping, parts from Atlanta, and about a week of work with just jacks, no hoist.

I have found the original service and parts manuals to be extremely helpful for doing any work on the car.

It has been extremely reliable in consideration of the regular hard driving which I do. Not so the case with my previous Porsche.

I have taken this car on many road trips (note the mileage) with little to no difficulties, and I can only drive this car for 6 months a year.

As for driving technique, as this car has a transverse acceleration detection system built in, I have found that the less you try to "drive" this car in the turns the better it handles. I know it is hard to trust the computer chip, but it really does handle better if you just let it do its thing. I am race certified so I do know how to drive, and I will agree that it does not handle as well as the Porsche did in corners, however, the wheel base is much longer, it drives better, rides better, brakes better, costs LESS to repair, and is just a way cooler car to cruise around in. After all, not many Porsches turn heads the way this Ferrari does. And frankly, I love the conversations at 7 Eleven, the gas station, the car wash etc.

I enjoy tinkering with the car in the winter, and have learned much about it. I would enjoy anyone sharing experiences good or bad about the car with other owners as I am sure I still have a lot to learn about it. I expect to keep this car for many more years as it fits all of my requirements for a friendly exotic (family?) sports car.

Zac

Canada (yes it's cold dammit)

P.s. Yeah the paint sucks (urethane), but I understand from my buddy who repaints some Ferraris, including his 355 (base/clear and beautiful), that in his opinion they all have less than show quality paint. Use a little 3M color match, it does wonders.

I am considering the purchase of a 1990 Mondial t with 32K on it. The asking price is $47K. 30K mile service is done.

Have been admiring this car for a bit and find this www page helpful as I have just begun to do my reserach.

Owning 2 Porsches, 1974 911 Carrera 2.7 w/duck-tail and now a 1994 Speedster with 40K hard driven I am ready for something even less common. Here in Marin CA Porsches are too common. Aston Martin and Ferrari are often seen, though perhaps not driven much. I would be driving the 90 Mondial t 4-7000 miles/ year and will look for as many owner comments as possible before purchase. realizing this is not a $200K car and will probably depreciate $3-5/yr for 3-5 more years. Any one care to tell me more I welcome the news.

Alan in Sausalito.

Hi.

I am looking for a 1981 308 GTSI to purchase. I am a little afraid to purchase it because of something going wrong with the car, especially in the winters while it's stored. I wish I could speak to Zac, a fellow Canadian like myself. I would like to learn how to work on a Ferrari, I have worked on Porsches. I guess valves are valves. I would like to know if anyone can give me some advice on how difficult it is to work on these cars. If anyone has any advice, please do not hesitate to give me some.. My e-mail address is Ftrun@yahoo.com. I wish all you Ferrari owners the best..

Hi All.

I have owned a 1989 white with tan leather interior Mondial t Cabriolet for about 6 months now. It frustrated me when it broke down, but I have learned to accept it. She only had 12,000 miles on it and because of the lack of driving it had many repairs in the first few months. Overheating, hoses leaking, electrical problems, even an alternator needed replacement and so forth.

HOWEVER, when you drive this car, especially with the top down, most everyone will look and admire. The sound that emanates from the 4 exhausts is one that a Porsche could only imagine. I've had Porsches, and when you have stepped up to a Ferrari, especially one with a 348 engine or better, it is music to your ears.

The uniqueness of the body drives onlookers to question if it is a new body style of this year! Women stare and wave, men weep in their practical Hondas or family mini-vans wishing to have a second chance at life.

When you are feeling a little depressed, just turn the key and your problems vanish... it is that simple.

And as a matter of fact, since I have started driving the car, the malfunctions, breakdowns, etc... also seem to disappear. This car was meant to be maintained as well as driven.

It's practical and elegant with 4 seats & two trunks! It's modestly priced as well. It's the family Ferrari, or one for the golfer... I would recommend a 1989 or newer as the engine, ABS braking system, interior and so on were upgraded substantially. Expect to spend around $50,000 for a high quality specimen with low miles. Note: The roof is temperamental so be extra careful - it does tear easily. This car also seems to need warm up time of about 10-15 minutes before serious acceleration. Once it is warmed up, it is an extension of you. The sound, power and handling will make any driving enthusiast smile as it does me, even on the darkest of days. Safe driving!

Bradford, New York City.

I have 70,000 miles on my 85 Mondial, and have had very few problems, I do have it serviced by a competent shop for the major services, but I also do small things myself. Electrical could be better, some minor ghosts in the machine. Normal stuff like brakes alternator and A/C repairs I don't count, all cars need maintaining. Now, what is this with all of us coming from Porsches to Ferraris???

I too have two porsches, a 72 911 T and my favorite, egads, a 944 Turbo, you wanna see repair bills, buy a 944. Hard to work on, buy a 944. The 944 outhandles the Mondial easily. But the Mondial handles me, if you get my meaning. I live in Southern California and nothing really gets people curious here, EXCEPT FERRARIS, LOL. So even if it broke down and was really unaffordable, I don't care, I like it and I like driving it, and I plan on keeping it.

Nick.

P.S. Maybe it helps that I am Italian, hahahahahha.

Hi all.

Although I don't own a Ferrari I have always dreamed of owning one and the Mondial seems to be the most 'affordable'. Having read all the reviews and comments on this car I'm surprised about the unreliability of not just this car, but Ferrari's in general. When you're spending this kind of money on a supercar I expect it to be screwed together with oversized bolts and hand built by Mike Tyson, honestly there is no excuse for it. Yes maybe a Porsche doesn't make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck when you floor the throttle and doesn't have the exotic italian stallion looks, but at least you can drive it with the peace of mind that it won't break down on the side of the road and make you the laughing stock of every passing motorist!!

I have owned an 85 Mondial quattrovalvole cab and a 90 Mondial t cab. I would not recommend the earlier car because of the primative electricals. I have owned the 90 Mondial t cab for 8 years and have had no problems, it's a much better car than the 85 car and the 3.2 Mondial, just keep it properly serviced. I agree that the rag top can be a pain, but I never go out in the wet and its always top down.

Nothing compares to a Ferrari, any drive is an occasion, the sound over 5000rpm, the smell, the looks. If you want to be safe, buy that Poorshe (is that how you spell it?), if you want to know what life is all about only a Ferrari will do and entry point is a Mondial t. James S UK.

I own a 1990 Mondial T with 26,000 miles, the car has been very reliable and I drive it hard. I think the main problem with these cars are the mechanics who work on them! The car handles well, has very good brakes and sufficient power. Make sure that the person who will service it is qualified and you will be happy!

Hi.

I live near Paris, France, and I just acquired my first Ferrari last Saturday : a 1989 Mondial t. Who cares about repairs and maintenance when one hears the magic sound getting out of the exhausts? Some would say that a Mondial is not a "real" Ferrari. I disagree (and my wife and sons disagree also!!!). This is the best way to get driving sensations all together with your family. Really fantastic. A really nice toy...

Fred (apologies for my poor English).