1990 Ferrari Mondial t from North America - Comments

Hi all fellow Ferrari Lovers.

I have read all your comments regarding owning and running a Ferrari. I also am looking at entering the world of Ferrari ownership and appreciate the information. The model I am checking out is the 1984 Mondial Quattrovalvole version. Having owned Fiats, I just love the Italian cars. The Mondial can seat my family in reasonable comfort and allows them to enjoy the fun with me!

I must admit I am concerned about the maintenance costs as they can be relatively expensive, especially when something vital breaks. It's not like you can go down to the local wrecker and pick your parts!

Still, like you all say, it's the car, the brand and the noises that make it extra special. Would like to here any more comments or experiences from fellow Ferraristi.

Greg

Melbourne Australia.

I have an 89 Mondial t and I have had the usual problems that come along with a car that only has 23,000 miles on it. The electrical components, pumps and connection have needed some attention, but I think that's to be expected when these things are not used. In fact, since I got my Mondial t 2 years ago, it seems to drive better and better each time. I have put 7,000 miles on it and have loved driving it. Some people who know all the Ferrari models have told me that they think the Mondial t was one of the best cars Ferrari ever made. More comfortable ride, good looks and very nice performance. You can get a faster car, but for a weekend trip, I don't know of any other car that is as fun to take along.

Dennis

California.

I find myself searching the web for Ferrari references the night before my first Ferrari (1990 t Cab) arrives by truck. I first fell in love with a 1983 Mondial convertible that a car dealer neighbor brought home for the weekend nearly 20 years ago. My Dad and I got a ride to the gas station and back. The 2 mile trip is the most memorable automotive experience of my life. The Mondial drew attention, but its lines were not outrageous. I think car enthusiasts recognize the car's appearance and everyone becomes suspicious with the exhaust note.

My obsessive hunt is over. Three years of Internet searching, six months of repeated test drives and $1,700 in airfares to see Mondials. I love all Mondials. Tomorrow night after the sun goes down I'm going to reunite myself with youthful enthusiasm and just go for a short drive with the top down and the stereo off. I won't go far from home because it will be our first date. After two wars, marriage, kids and four mortgages I know to be prepared. I'll have the cell phone, a number to a flatbed towing service and $200 cash in pocket for mad money.

Paul

Las Vegas.

Hi.

I have owned a 348 1992 since June 2003. Since I got it I had to change the timing belt (15k$), the electrical water pump, and now the alternator is gone. Yes that car is expensive to run.

Yvan from Canada.

"This does not happen (getting a thumbs up) to Porsche owners, suffice it to say."

I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm driving my very reliable 23yo 150+mph 310hp V-8 powered Porsche 928S and I get a thumbs up from a dumbstruck 30 something at a light.

Porsche...there is no substitute. :)

Yup, I have to agree.

No matter how far car designs evolve (and I think new Ferraris are ugly), the Porsche 928 will continue to be one of the most stunning pieces of automotive sculpture ever.

That said, the Mondial is my favorite Ferrari design ever, even though it's not as highly regarded by the collector community as other models.

Someday, if I have enough spare cash around for its upkeep, I would love to have a Mondial of my own.

I have owned a Mondial t since 2004. It is the best car I've ever had. No problems at all! Indeed it seems to drive better and better every day... I need to change the belts in June. I know a very reliable specialist who also maintains my Lancia Thema Ferrari 8.32. Both cars have reliable Ferrari engines. It's important to regularly service these cars. Take care; when you want to buy one, have it inspected very well, otherwise it might cost you a lot of money afterwards.

Wim, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

OK. I'm in the market for a Mondial. It's the only Ferrari that meets my needs - four seats, convertible. They are not my favorite, the 308 GTSi has always been my favorite, but I can't buy a Ferrari that my whole family can't enjoy.

I plan on maintaining it myself. We'll see how that works out. I've always maintained my own cars, Fiats, Porsches, Alfas and Healys.

I agree with both of the Ferrari/Porsche sentiments expressed in this thread. Let me summarize how that works. Ferrari's are fundamentally different from Porsches. Porsches are excellently engineered mechanical devices built with sole intent of straightening corners and flattening your eyeballs. They do that well.

Ferraris on the other hand are the next best thing to God, himself. They're about sex, emotion and passion. Who cares if Porsches are faster. Sheesh, there are Hondas and Toyotas and Mitsubishis that will flat suck the headlights out of a Mondial,a 308 or even a 348. Who gives a crap? At the end of the day your still drivin' a jumped up, corrigated, utility contrivance.

Have you ever seen a Porsche or Mitsubishi at the Olympic opening ceremony? No. Why? They aren't Ferraris. They don't stir the soul. They aren't about passion.

Having said that. 928's are just about the most gorgeous car ever built. They're amazing.

That's my two bits.

Hal.

I recently acquired a 1990 Mondial t Cabriolet which was well-maintained and in specimen condition. The car has around 15,000 original miles. Like others, I heavily recommend a pre-purchase inspection performed by a well-qualified and referred mechanic. That said, some of the comments regarding costs of belt repairs, etc., seem way out of order. A belt repair needs to be done about every three years and should cost less than $3K. In general, one should budget $1K-to-$2K of service costs per year, and a major service every three years for around $3K (belt, etc.), after the car is put in top-drawer condition, addressing any ignored problems by prior owners. And like anything, sometime repairs will crop up from time to time, after all it's a 15 year old car.

The car is a blast to drive, and if you enjoy an adrenaline rush--this should do the trick. Yes, there are faster cars and it is shunned many Ferrari-philes, but ironically many mechanics believe it to be one of the best built cars made by the Italian icon. The styling is classic, and the tail light design is pure Enzo, not like other cars of the 1990s that remind me of the VW Scirocco. Note the new F430, reverting to the round tail light design; this happened for a reason.

Personally, I don't like the modern Ferraris but the older ones designed during Enzo's life are a different story. Sure the F1 paddle shifting is fast, but how reliable will it prove to be over time? Also, for me, it kills the driving experience.

My advice is to drive the Mondial t (1989 and later), enjoy it, push it, maintain it well, and it will be your friend. There are faster cars, but how many people complain about the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder's speed limitations? So, if you have the millions burning a hole in your pocket, buy one? If not, the 1989 and later Mondial t's are a great deal (if you get one that has been well-maintained and loved). Also, the clutch repair isn't your typical Ferrari nightmare, it's a 2 hour job--something worth considering.

Thanks for your post, it was great.

$1K - $2K isn't that much to spend on an exotic per year, especially since I was spending that much to keep an old BMW 318i going in one year.

I've always thought the Mondial was the best looking Ferrari ever, and the fact that the Ferrari fanatics shun it is even better since its price won't skyrocket in the atmosphere.

The new Ferraris, from the Enzo (or FXX now I guess) down simply aren't the design stunners Mondials are.

I have yearned for a Mondial Cabriolet ever since the Worlds Fair in 1986 in Vancouver, Canada. The Italian Pavilion featured a red one as an example of beauty and design. Maybe hard core Ferrari types don't like it, but the Italians thought enough of it to allow tens of millions of the eyes of the world to see it for half a year at Expo 86.

It had to be the nicest design I could have imagined.

Now 20 years later I am scouring the globe to find my ideal Mondial soft top. From the commentary I take it it is best to go with the latest model. Maybe the 1993 with the automatic clutch? Anyone's views are appreciated.

Hi guys, love all your comments. I'm an owner of an american muscle racing shop, so keep in mind I get all my parts from wholesalers or distributors.

I now own a Mustang GT, with 500 pony's under the hood and 10:1 compression. When you tell this pony to giddy up, it will giddy up!!! And put you in the back seat to boot. This car is beautiful in and out.

Now I'm looking for my first love, another bad horse which is Ferrari. I've been doing some research on these cars. I spoke to a Ferrari mechanic in Costa Mesa California, and I asked him about the 1985 to 1987 328 GTS. He expressed that this model is pretty much sound proof, which can go over a 100.000 miles plus with the right upkeep and maintenance of course.

I've also been looking at the 89 to 93 Mondial Cabriolet. How would you compare the two Ferrari's to each other? Meaning reliability, cost, performance, and so on? I need your help from you Ferrari experts and owners. I can't make my mind up. I love both styles of these cars.

Thanks a great bunch.

Ronald from Glendora California..

As to 89-93 Ferrari Mondials being the best choice I get split feedback. The 328 has gotten better reviews than the 348 and it's the 348 engine that is in the 89-93 Mondials. Go figure. I hear about gremlins in the Mondial t/348 and reviews of the 3.2 Mondial or even quattrovalvole Mondial that sound easier to live with than the newer and faster 89-93 Mondial t. What is the way to go? Maybe it all boils down to avoidng a Monday and Friday manufactured car than choosing any particular model.

No offense to Mondial t owners, but Michael Sheehan in Keith Martin's Ferrari book (compilation of articles from Sports Car Market magazine) suggests that the 3.4 engine (also in the 348) is a nightmare. Sounds like the Mondial t has lots of pluses, but definite shortcomings. I picked the same sentiment up in the Forza Mondial Cabriolet Buyer's Guide of October, 1999. Is it wiser to get a nice 3.2 Mondial Cabriolet and forego the faster car with power steering and wider fenders?

I think I just might go with the 328 gts. Everything that I hear about this car is positive, even though the Mondial is a sharp looking car. It seems there might be some gremlins in there I don't want to encounter. Keep the comments coming. Thanks Ronald :)