11th Nov 2005, 07:05
Good review! I own a '91 Testarossa and the story is just as it is. The second gear "problem" is a thing that happens with most Ferrari before 2000. Just warm the gearbox up slowly and the machine will do everything that you want. The Testarossa is a dream car with exceptional features. The power is absolutely intoxicating. It is also a real neck-twister. People do funny things in traffic just to have a better look at the car. So be careful out there!
24th Nov 2005, 23:03
I am in Denver Colorado and I was just looking into purchasing a 1985 model and your review is interesting about the maintainance and the insurance. I love the Ferrari for what went into the design and the engine. I looked at a new Subaru with a friend that will go from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds which, yes, beats the ferrari, but for $40,000.00 and being an Amercian I feel a lot happier in this car. Hope all your Ferrari's are happy... Dave.
6th Jan 2006, 09:30
Absolutely spot on review-I have owned various exotic machinery over the years and now have a mint 1989 Testarossa which puts a smile back on my face whenever I drive it.Don't think you can compare it to a 911 though, completely different ethos behind the cars. Depends whether you want a fiery mistress or an obedient manservant.
20th Dec 2006, 15:05
I have had the pleasure of owning a 1988 911 since new and almost twenty years later I still love the car. I would venture to say that it is the last of the true 911s, meaning no power steering or brakes and a blast to drive.
I have recently made the leap into purchasing a 1985 Testarossa, a boyhood dream, having grown up in the 80s. And I can attest to all the comments that others have made. As much as I enjoy my 911 the Testarossa is in a league of its own from styling to performance to maintenance costs.
The 911 is a superlative sportscar the Testarossa is a super-car.
The only way to sum up the Ferrari driving experience is to say that after driving one you find yourself smiling and grinning uncontrollably.
2nd Jan 2007, 14:58
I own a 1989 Testarossa and words can't describe what its like to drive; well intimidating is one - you can never take the car for granted, the steering (none of that power steering stuff) is my biggest gripe (or pleasure). The looks you get driving around in it is amazing, specially on motorways when you pull in to fill up. I thought I was onto a good thing - the Testarossa will do about 300 miles if driven normally, that's about the same as my jag; only my jag as a 45 litre tank - this has 76 :)
Second gear is a a pain because starting off in 1st is sometimes a bit too high especially if wet, the torque is unreal - I remember pulling off into a services and forgot I was driving a manual and at around 15miles an hour in 5th gear the machine started to complain - but she didn't stall :)
It's off to the workshop for her 18k mile service, cam belts next year - replace them every 3 years, it's an engine out job so have the valves and stuff done as well to save a few hundred £'s; anyway - happy driving.
13th Dec 2007, 07:18
This is indeed a well-written review, and while I cannot confirm anything regarding the owning or driving of one, I must admit when visiting Meridien in Lyndhurst, UK, the one car, amongst all the Ferraris and Maseratis, that had me smitten was the Testarossa.
Always a fan in my youth, actually beholding one definitely lived up to the awe I had initially founded for them.
The sheer width, presence and beauty it paraded, bullish and raw... Even without hearing that engine, I was in love.
Alas, I am but 24 and not exactly financially equipped to own one, but it is definitely a dream to chase.
2nd Jan 2008, 13:21
Scott, would you care to elaborate on how you plan on attaining those Ferraris within your stated time frame.
1st Jun 2008, 21:27
I also own an '89 Testarossa, and it is a thing of pure joy. Yes, the 2nd gear problem exists - it's just tough to get into second, and is still a little tough once it's warmed up. I bought it with some minor problems - the A/C fan only works on high, the battery goes dead unless driven often (mentioned by someone else as well), and I've yet to get the glove box to open, even when pulling on the secondary cord, but I'll have them look into it when it's due for the engine-out service for the belts, etc., which is coming up shortly. I called my local Ferrari dealership (Orlando, FL) and they quoted me $6,500USD if everything checks out okay otherwise. Ouch. But hey, for the service, they said they'd pick it up and drop it off for free in an enclosed trailer, so, in reality, what a deal!
19th Jul 2008, 17:59
I own a 1964 StingRay and a 1985 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo I am going to trade both of my cars for a 1988 Ferrari Testarossa.
I almost bought that Testarossa a little over a year ago, and have regreted it every day since.
Put my two cars up for a sale/trade on a car market here in Norway and guess who called??? The bloke that bought the Testarossa I always wanted...
In a few weeks time I will know if the trade is going thru... Time will show... I have reserved the Porsche and the Corvette for the person with that beauty of Testarossa...
Claus Roger Schjerverud Norway.
3rd Jan 2009, 21:01
Great reading what everyone had to write. I'm buying a Testarossa or a 550 this year. Can't wait to get it! I'll write back about the ownership bliss later this year!
1st Sep 2010, 11:38
Hello! I am not sure if this forum is still active, but if it is, I want to ask about the investment side of owning a Testarossa.
I live in Scandinavia, and cars are usually a bit more expensive here than in the rest of Europe due to high taxes on cars, but I still really want to invest in a Testarossa.
The Testarossa must be undervalued, if you ask me. Other Ferraris (older cars) cost even more to service and restore, and many other older flat 12 cyl. cars must also have an engine out service that costs just as much, and they are still rising quickly in value.
I know many people have lots of good arguments for why the Testarossa should not become more valuable, but if you look at older Ferraris and Lamborghini's, or old US muscle cars, no one believed many of these would reach astronomical values either... before they suddenly did.
Anyway, the fall in Testarossa value must have stopped, and 2010 should be a low point in the value. They will go up from here, I believe.
When they start to increase in value, many people want to jump on that train...
What do you think?
16th Nov 2011, 10:39
I am looking to buy a 1984 Testarossa with 2900 miles. Have always been a fan of this Ferrari, and now I can afford one. Any comments on the approximate maintenance costs?
Kabir
Greenwich CT.
11th Sep 2014, 05:16
Full service, not so bad as you only do it every 30k miles or every five years, so what is typical is most people will not drive their Ferrari enough to demand a full service. You can expect to pay about 7k for that service, and it's not so bad for an exotic car that you can call an investment in today's car market...
Jim Mathy, California.
12th Sep 2014, 12:22
I would trade this Ferrari for a C2 Corvette and Porsche Turbo air cooled immediately. Or sell and buy a C6 Corvette with minimal maintenance. Faster, far more reliable, and use the unused scheduled maintenance savings to pay for over 5 years of insurance in my area in America. Ever wonder why you see so many low mileage Ferraris for sale? I started collecting die cast models of ones that I just look at. And I buy real cars that outperform them and are not the ones languishing in the shops so much.
13th Sep 2014, 12:48
This is a nice comparison.
I will take the Corvette Grand Sport vs this model as well.
2nd Sep 2005, 11:53
Great review really. Its nice to see some people aren't faking on this site. Keep up the good work and write more great reviews about your 911!