[portofmanteau]

Hello all,

I know jack shit about cars, but growing up I was always psyched about the countach (micro machines + posters). Those cars still go for 100k+.

Lamborghini replicas generally use pontiac fiero chassis, any thoughts about these things?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-K...035wt_1182

Are these really worth anything? I've always gotten a huge kick out of the idea of these replicas, driving around in an imitation of an extremely expensive car is hilarious to me. I've read that the Fiero engines run hot and were prone to leaks, engine fires, etc.

[presidentcarter]

[germanico]

25k for a fake car?

There are a lot of classic cars you could buy in mint condition for a lot less than that, and you wouldnt be driving around in a fiberglass kiddie ride.

[Parlay44]

You're not gonna impress anyone, male or female with a fake Lambo.

Buy a classic muscle car or used BMW.

[porscheguy]

The Fiero was kind of a neat concept, but ultimately it was killed by bean counters. The engines in ALL of them were shit even by 1986 standards. That's a pretty good looking replica, but as I said, it's built on a shit platform (albeit the only platform available for such a thing.)

The other thing to keep in mind is that a Ferrari Mondial coupe or spyder, from the same year can be had for roughly $32K, and a later 4 valve Mondial may run about $40K. Ferrari 308s routinely sell in the $40K ballpark. Keep in mind a 30 year old 308 will get destroyed by a lot of contemporary, and rather pedestrian shit, but it's still a Ferrari, and no matter what anyone says, that means something.

If you're really stuck in the $25K price range, there's a lot of stuff out there, less than 10-12 years old that offers far more bang for your buck, and doesn't have the stigma of being a fake. Porsche Boxsters are plentiful in this price range. Earlier 996 type 911s can go for $22. BMW 3-series (E46 generation) are at or below $25K. A decent, well maintained Mercedes SL500 goes for $20K or less (R129 series, '89-02.) The next generation R230 SL can get as low as $25K but they're extremely complex, relatively poor reliability and prohibitively expensive to maintain. Still, there's a lot out there in the $25K range. You may not be looking at exotics, but a Countach replica with 110HP is hardly exotic.

[RXB]

I remember reading some car magazine, seeing that fake Lambo, and wanting it... When I was thirteen.

[portofmanteau]

(12-01-2012 08:10 PM)porscheguy Wrote:  

The Fiero was kind of a neat concept, but ultimately it was killed by bean counters. The engines in ALL of them were shit even by 1986 standards. That's a pretty good looking replica, but as I said, it's built on a shit platform (albeit the only platform available for such a thing.)

The other thing to keep in mind is that a Ferrari Mondial coupe or spyder, from the same year can be had for roughly $32K, and a later 4 valve Mondial may run about $40K. Ferrari 308s routinely sell in the $40K ballpark. Keep in mind a 30 year old 308 will get destroyed by a lot of contemporary, and rather pedestrian shit, but it's still a Ferrari, and no matter what anyone says, that means something.

If you're really stuck in the $25K price range, there's a lot of stuff out there, less than 10-12 years old that offers far more bang for your buck, and doesn't have the stigma of being a fake. Porsche Boxsters are plentiful in this price range. Earlier 996 type 911s can go for $22. BMW 3-series (E46 generation) are at or below $25K. A decent, well maintained Mercedes SL500 goes for $20K or less (R129 series, '89-02.) The next generation R230 SL can get as low as $25K but they're extremely complex, relatively poor reliability and prohibitively expensive to maintain. Still, there's a lot out there in the $25K range. You may not be looking at exotics, but a Countach replica with 110HP is hardly exotic.

Nice tip about the Mondial & 308 - looks like there are lots of low-mileage mondials on ebay in the 20k range, 308s for a little more. Agree w/ your assessment.

I didn't know fake lambos existed when I was 13, but I definitely would have wanted one. I actually think the fact that it's a fake is cool - a shame that the Fiero it's built on is basically a lemon.