Hi all. I'm smitten by the Gallardo & thinking about a 2004, 6 speed, w/ 7,000 miles. My DD is a 2009 C63 tuned to 540 HP, so that's my rocket, and my kid mobile. I'm not going for all out speed and performance, rather, I'm looking for an exotic that turns heads, makes me feel like I'm truly in an exotic (unlike a 997 IMHO), and does not cost a fortune to maintain like other exotics.

All for the latter point I believe the Gallardo will fit the bill. However, I do believe the Gallardo (given its Audi underpinning) is likely less expensive to maintain/repair than a Ferrari, AM, etc. Yes, a new clutch will still run me at least $5K, but is it true that a Gallardo is rather tame with repair and maintenance expense over the other exotics?

I plan to hold the car for 1-2 years, and put about 5k miles per year on the car. After 2 years and 17K miles total, assuming terrific condition and good maintenance, what can I expect in terms of % YOY depreciation?

Any other thoughts, comments, jabs, etc., welcome. This is exploratory for me, so I will be happy to have general feedback to my otherwise general post regarding whether to take the Gallardo plunge or not.

Cheers

 

I've had my '04 6-speed for the last two years. The car has been rock-solid. Other than replacing the factory battery, I've only had to do scheduled maintenance. Definitely get a PPI on the '04 you're looking at, and make sure that it's had at least one clutch replacement (a lot of '04's had weak clutches from the factory and were replaced under warranty). Just make sure you're comfortable with a lot of attention...it's very different from a Porsche 996/997.

Now is probably one of the best times to buy a Gallardo, although given current market conditions, I would anticipate values will continue to fall.

 

FYI- 04 G's were I dont know...$165k new? Now they are in the high 80s to low 90s wholesale. Thats not quite 50% in 5 years. And the eco suks. I bet 2 yrs from now Gs are in the 70's wholesale.

 

I had an 05, go for the 05 over the 04... 05 has front lift and better performance, clutch etc.

 

the 05s and the 04s perform the same. They changed the gearing in 06 along with a myriad of other improvements. The front end lift on the 05s is a plus, but even that was improved later. Check the clutches on the early cars to make sure you have one of the newer clutches. Many of the older cars had their original clutches replaced with a newer clutch (often under warranty).

 

Thanks all, I appreciate the feedback. Any other feedback welcome. May test drive next week.

 

I took the jump with an 05 and have put 3500 miles on it in 3 months and the car has been rock solid. The only down side if you can call it a downside at all is the attention it receives, and it will receive a lot of attention. The car just flat out look exotic. As for the performance, It might now be the fastest thing on the rode but it will still get your blood racing. I would say jump, I'm sure glad a did.

 

its a very bad car. dont get it :-)

 

I got to drive the new LP 560-4, wow that was a surprisingly nice car. Dare I say daily drive qualified...
It will be interesting to see how the new Audi R8-10 compares.

 

I love the Gallardos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ESP with TT's

 

Let me know when you are ready...I will get you the right car at the right price!!

 

dude; got the G last week it is the bomb

you can pick them up for cheap

06 Titanium:

if you are going to buy, contact Jason Applebaum and Grady Davis @ Davis Exotics -- they will find you a smoking deal

 

do it

 

Just passed 40,000 km, last 12 months service was just a $2000.00 bill. I have an 04 and take it to work about once a week. About 3km. The rest of the kms seem to add up on weekends. As a Porsche reliability fan my experiance after 4 very pleasurable years has been nothing but fantastic. Most clutches would have been replaced by now and that is the only issue but mine has been in for almost 30,000 km now. And its parked 4 levels down in a basement requiring a bit cluch work easing it out - regularly.
I have an orange Egear, race exhaust and clear engine cover and it still tingles my ***** every time I drive it. I did a quick calculation the other day for a porsche mate and worked out all servicing, parts and tyres in the 4 years wouldnt added up to $15,000 and its in perfect order. That is small change compared to owning a Porsche GT3 or Gt2 and tracking it occasionally by the way. Reckon I have spend well over $100,000 in repairs and maint and still cant get the same buzz as the Gallardo approaching redline in a tunnel..
Did mention that the G pulls over 100kph (60mph) in 1st gear? What a sound. Cant image what the TT would be like.
I have just had the Sat NaV screen retrofitted and installed by the Lambo dealer. Looks trick and I rcommend for early Gs.
Good luck finding your Lambo and starting your automotive love affair all over.

 

I think if you're going to buy a used gallardo now, it has to be an 06+. The price difference is fairly small, but improvements on 06+ cars are very significant. The main changes are more power (04 had 493hp, 06 has 520hp), revised gearing, and sportier suspension.