22nd Sep 2006, 14:50

I've run an '89 Mondial T for 3 years, and it's been the best all-round car I've owned.

Long distance it's superb, and it's handling is very progressive on the circuits. Pirelli P Zero C's give additional benefits when exploring the limit while on track.

People seem to forget that Enzo Ferrari put this together with the best elements from the 328, 348 and 355 (power steering, adjustable dampers). For once a Ferrari is all things for all purposes. Sure there were a couple of quicker cars built in '89, but this is a Grand Tourer that is just as happy through the Alps as it is on a track. Bravo Mr. Ferrari - we salute you.

Beau - London.

24th Sep 2006, 13:51

I think that the Mondial t Cabrio is the ultimate Ferrari for the Ferrari lover who wants to just drive for fun and not have to be overly comfortable with mechanics. Maybe it also makes a great fashion statement. I guess that means the Valeo clutch is the one for me.

2nd Oct 2006, 13:48

Hi I have owned a Mondial 3.2 cab for 10 yrs now, no real problems and its been reliable!. Took it across the alps back to the Ferrari factory,been to the south of France 3 times now. Great all round car, my kids loved it. Last year bought a 355 GTB. I liked the car, but missed the benefits of the soft top and 4 seats so that car has gone and I now have a Mondial t cab with low miles and excellent condition. I like the fact that they are cheap to buy and they are rare! Look after it and you will love it. Regards. Rob in the UK.

22nd Oct 2006, 08:43

I just bought my second Mondial T cab (another 89 model- red/tan with 7200 miles). I sold my first one a few years ago and got the itch again. By way of comparison, I have 3 Porsche's (89 Turbo Cab, 96 911 Cab, 73 911T Targa) along with a 00 BMW M5. The Mondial doesn't have the performance of many cars, but in my view it's styling is unsurpassed. It's also the most fun car I've ever driven. Porsche's are outstanding vehicles and I believe the 911 to be the best all around sports car ever made (performance, reliability, style, etc). However, it doesn't hold a candle to the Mondial's pizazz. They can be a little tempermental and prone to erratic electrical problems. As a whole, they aren't any more expensive to keep running than a Porsche.

Enjoy!

Gil - Texas.

7th Nov 2006, 09:53

I have a Mondial T Valeo and absolutely love this car. Its quick and has a lot of spunk to it. Again, its not the fastest by any means, but it is fun to drive.

The Valeo has been reliable to me with no major problems. I do drive the car at least once a week and ("knock on wood") have not had any problems with the car thus far.

I have had other Ferraris as well as Lamborghinis and never had problems with them. I maintain them and drive them frequently - I believe that's the secret to these cars.

3rd Jan 2007, 23:40

Hi guys!

I've owned a Porsche 924, 944, 928s and a 2004 911 cab. and they were all great cars, especially the 928s and the 04 cab.

But nothing, and I mean nothing compares to my 1988 Ferrari Mondial coupe, black/tan and my 1990 mondial t cab.white/red. Like my 3 year old daughter told my wife " its not just a car mommy it's a Ferrari". when I'm feeling depressed I hop into one of my Ferrari's and I get lost and feel unbelievable. they are not the fastest, but they don't need to be, it's all about the ambiance, like a wood burning fireplace, while not the most efficient heat somtimes it will get you and your honey in the mood. I like my "T" the best, but the coupe is a close second. c o n r a d.

1st May 2007, 10:07

$10,000 for a 30K service? You're nuts. $5,000 k covers it all.

I have put 20,000 miles on mine and have had to replace a left wheel hub bearing ($800) and an alternator ($500 for rebuilt core) and a new bracket for the top latch ($500).

The top is finicky until you learn the process (hold the moving tubular cross member when putting top down.) Don't put the top down when it's cold (below 50 degrees) you'll never get it back up because the fabric retracts in the cold.

Lastly, like all pre 2000 Ferraris, you can't use 2nd gear until the transmission warms up.

It's a great car.

11th May 2007, 15:18

I live in Pasadena (i.e. hot part of Southern California) and have owned a Mondial t for the last 3 years. First of all, I haven't had any problems with overheating even in the middle of summer (unless you count me overheating with the top down on a 100+ degree day). I have truly enjoyed this car. I found the electrical "gremlins" to be simply solved by keeping the car on a trickle charger. If the battery isn't optimally charged, there can be issues. Other than that, no complaints. I recently completed the major service for around $5K, but there have been no unforeseen issues. The biggest cost difference between the 3.2 and 3.4l cars is that the Mondial t needs engine-out service while much of the 3.2l Mondial service can be done without dropping the engine.

27th Sep 2007, 07:38

This is a great survey. Your comments and experiences are very useful.

I am currently looking for a Mondial coupe since a convertible is not very useful here in Scandinavia... Besides I do love the design.

I guess like most aspirant Ferrari owners my main concern is the possible maintenance expenses. But having consulted a local Ferrari workshop and looking at your experiences in this area the maintenance expenses should be OK if one buys a well maintained example.

The car I am considering to purchase is a 1988 Mondial 3.2 with 86,000 KM's on the clock. Someone told me that the clutch of this car needs to be exchanged every 40,000 KM's. Can anyone on this survey confirm this? Thank you.

Marc

Denmark.

1st Oct 2007, 18:42

I own my 1988 Mondial for almost 2 years. I use it way more than I ever thought I would. One thing I learned is to just go with the flow, when using the car. Don't take things to serious. Mechanical things I mean. For a while my turn signals did not work when I turned the lights on or sometimes my starter clicks a few times, before he decides to crank the engine. I rolled out of my driveway once and my dash told me to " slow down" while I was going about 3 miles an hour, but all those things come and go and the turn signals work great now. Just give your Italian engineering a little time and live with it. Don't call your mechanic right away and enjoy the little things that makes a Italian car so much fun... the starter still clicks sometimes, though.

Bernd San Diego Ca.