Good day everyone! Is the 512 notably more reliable than the Testarossa? Anyone had both that cares to share the difference in ownership? ...maybe the diff in cost of ownership over 3-5 years? Thanks
When owners, and non owners, talk about the reliability of TR's and 512's, they're mainly concerned about the following: Differential Fuse box Catalyst temp. ECU's Mouse belts Timing belts Water pump All but '94 512TR are affected by Differential failures Mouse belts only on US TR's The rest of the issues affect both versions equally if I'm not mistaken.
I have owned 4 Tr's and one with twin turbo. All stock differentials and never one issue. Putting 800hp to one is a good test.
If for no other reason, one should buy a 512TR over a Testarossa because the 512TR is twice the car a testarossa is. Its better in every measurable way including reliability.
Certainly the electronic fuel injection is superior to mechanical but twice the car? Oh well, opinions vary. If the 512 had power steering then I would say its a lot better but that's about it. Both have the flagship look though. I think the 94 is much nicer with ABS and other features. Is a 512 150k nicer? My opinion, no. Would I rather have a 512, yes of course.
512tr nicer some ways as above but better looks? I dont think so. TR looks best as Pinninferina designed it with black side sills and black slats on engine cover. Once thats painted body color I feel a lot of the soul of the car is gone. 18” wheels look too big imo too. I agree that if the TR had power steering it would be much harder to choose, but it doesnt. To me its not worth the extra money, $50-100k. I accept im in the minority with these opinions.
I think its worth more for a reason and will return more when its time to sell. Ive certainly worked on enough of each and owned a testarossa that was essentially still in the wrapper and I sold it. I believe there are a about a thousand changes to the 512TR when they redesigned it to replace the Testarossa. Some cosmetic and then pretty much everything else under the skin was changed. Even the tail gate latch was different. Im sitting here trying to think of what was actually carried over, its a completely different car genetically speaking.
Yeah but, no flying mirror or single wheel nuts. Those are pretty cool. I want you to put F512M running gear in a flying mirror TR.
I did not realize they did so much Newman. It does no show up so much at a glance. You should know. I remember years ago someone on this site put electronic power steering on a TR. Do you recall? I remember 15 years ago a 512 was 100-120 when the TR was 70-80.
Drive one and trust me u will see a huge difference. The 512 is imo better looking but above all in every sense. Its also a much more collectible car with only 2k +made. Not worth 100k more for sure but 25/50...Yes ! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
None of them sell at that price. I just visited one last weekend in toronto 20k miles 165 after negotiation and it is pristine. So 50/60k is what in my opinion the difference should be. U can ask Vcolin on this forum who bought his 512tr recently; the original ask was much like the ones u saw but the sell price was much lower. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because i love u blkdiablo33 i am going to give u the exact numbers Year Us number 1984 0 1985 121 1986 300 1987 315 1988 390 1989 261 1990 452 1991 266 Total 2105 For the 512 its way less Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They have already gone up. Now they are settling to their spot in the market and they have a little bit to go in my opinion. If you own one you like to think its going up some day. I own a Lambo LP 670 SV. Only 43 in the USA and I've been told its the next car tp hit a million if you hang on to it. Reality is another story.
What do you consider known issues? A 512TR has better braking, better handling, better tires, a better gearbox, better dropgear setup, better fuse box, better fuel system, better ignition, looks better, lower center of gravity, solid frame, wont break a back glass going over train tracks or requires special lifting to prevent breaking the back glass. The interior is better in that it isn't brown for starters, Oh and the starter motor is better, the charging system is better, the climate controls are better, the seat belts are better, the seats are better, there seems to be 6" more leg room than a testarossa like they stretched the car. Im sure Im forgetting dozens of other things. Buy a 94 and no diff upgrade required. Does a 512TR have problems now and then? Sure, any car does but its like how reliable and refined a 1989 328 is vs a 1975 GT4.
