[Peter]

Hi everyone
     I've just joined the forum,and am close to realising a lifelong dream of owning either a Ferrari or Lamborghini. I'm in the market for either an early Diablo or a Ferrari 456GT. While I'm sure the 456 will be better for everyday driving,I'm going to decide on the maintainance costs of the car. If anyone could share their experiences with maintainance on the Diablo and a good shop to take it to in Sydney that would be great!

          Many thanks for any replies
                     Peter

[allanuber]

Funny that. I've got a 456GTA and have looked at a few diablos 

If you go ahead with either I can PM you the details of our mechanic who's done a good job on a number of exotics. The Diablo is going to be more expensive to maintain, no doubt. Even the 456 needs a budget of 5ish K per year minimum and not counting big consumables like tyres.

Buy the best you can for either, 'fix ups' needed buying a cheaper, rougher car will cost you big and may lead to other holes you hadn't expected at the start.

There is a red diablo up in the hills in Sydney which is apparently in amazing condition and relatively cheap. There's a yellow diablo at one of the dealers which has lots of visible corrosion and a few stories attached. The black manual 456 up in brissie has been for sale for ever and would be half the price of the Diablo - you're talking about 2 quite different cars...

[allanuber]

By the way, why the 456 and not the 360? Either 360 or 430 is much more Diablo like...

[Peter]

Allanuber thanks for the reply! My alternative is the 456 because I am really after a V12. I was also considering the 512M for sale but that sold 2 weeks ago before I could make an offer and the other 512TR on the market is overpriced.

     I've seen the yellow Diablo for sale at Rick Damelian...definitely it needs work. They offered and allowed me to inspect a much better condition model of the same year and colour,it has had a major overhaul in the last few years but what I'm concerned with is the yearly maintainance costs of the Diablo with say 6000km per year.

      But I'm starting to lean towards the 456 with the 5K or so per annum running costs. I've just one question re the 456: How is it for engine noise (I've heard they are rather subdued -the more character the better in my book) and ground clearance?Thanks for the info again 
                   Peter

[allanuber]

Allanuber thanks for the reply! My alternative is the 456 because I am really after a V12. I was also considering the 512M for sale but that sold 2 weeks ago before I could make an offer and the other 512TR on the market is overpriced.

     I've seen the yellow Diablo for sale at Rick Damelian...definitely it needs work. They offered and allowed me to inspect a much better condition model of the same year and colour,it has had a major overhaul in the last few years but what I'm concerned with is the yearly maintainance costs of the Diablo with say 6000km per year.

      But I'm starting to lean towards the 456 with the 5K or so per annum running costs. I've just one question re the 456: How is it for engine noise (I've heard they are rather subdued -the more character the better in my book) and ground clearance?Thanks for the info again 
                   Peter

Have you driven either yet mate? Sounds like maybe not? If you want to spend diablo money, then you could get a Ferrari 550 or even a 575 for the money you're talking. Either will be as quick as a diablo, handle better but the looks are much less aggressive. The 456 is good, we've just had our shop do a custom exhaust for about 3500 and it sounds mean. Cheap in terms of the overall car cost and transforms the noise. Rick D's mentioned the other Lambo to me - can you remember the plate on it? If you haven't done it yet, go for a proper drive in one, until you've done that I think you might just be dreaming about an experience that the reality is not going to match. And on running costs, budget 5K/annum, but be able to spend 20 if you need...

[allanuber]

As for ground clearance, the 456 is easy to get around in but if you're seriously worried on that front, you really might be looking at the wrong cars 

[Peter]

Mate thanks again for the replies. I'll be sure to post some photos if I decide to go for it!

[allanuber]

Mate thanks again for the replies. I'll be sure to post some photos if I decide to go for it!

Give me a yell if you're seriously looking at anything in the Sydney area, I'd be happy to tag along if the times work out. I do think the red diablo up in the Hills is worth a look too.

[super squalo]

go for a Diablo, you will not be disappointed

post 94 with power steering a must , check , VFA ecu, coils and electrical system earths in particular, after market immobilsers are a pain and cause lots of problems if not installed properly, definately invest in a pre purchase inspection

a good one with history with a specialist service agent and not joes corner garage or auto masters

anything with doogy history avoid and cheap never works you pay later

only needs annual service , parts readily available

hope this helps