Lamborghini Gallardo Insights

[Vega$ NSX]

I'm going to have to beg to differ. I have been seriously contemplating buying a Lambo G for about 3 years now. 3 years ago the average price I found on Ebay for an 04 Lambo G with about 10,000 miles about $100,000. I was just on Ebay the other day and the average price for an 04 Lambo G was about $95,000. These are actual numbers that I've been following REALLY CLOSELY. The prices seemed to have bottomed out much like '91 Acura NSXs.

But ok, let's just say the Lambo G depreciates $50,000 in 5 years from $100,000 to $50,000. That's still a $10,000 per year lease for a Lambo G. That comes out to about $833 per month with no milage limits. Even at those numbers, that is quite a steal. What other car can you get for $833/month that even compares to a Lambo G?

 

[Vega$ NSX]

You are right about a few things. The car will cost you money. It will cost you more than you plan on paying. It will depreciate way more than you expect. You won't be able to sell it as quickly as you think you can, even at a discount to market. Also what the hell is the sense in owning such a car if you don't use it. Mile matter when you buy but try and convince the person who buys from you that miles don't matter. So you don't drive the car? Then why even own the damn thing.

But again, money really isn't the issue. Rather having the money to spend isn't the issue. The issue is making poor decisions.

Secondly, quickly is a relative term. Since money isn't the issue, I can offload the car quickly enough for my needs, unlike, say a house or a boat. I can guarantee you that if I needed cash asap, I could sell a $100K car at $80K in no time flat. Now, I didn't say that it was cost effective, but that's liquid in my opinion.

Lastly, I have expensive watches I barely wear. I have rooms in my house that I don't use. I have clothes that I only break out maybe once a year. I have books, I haven't read or plan on reading. I have rare comic books that I don't read and wine and alcohol that I don't drink. I own an NSX that I barely drive. I live in a city with casinos where I don't gamble, shows I haven't watched, clubs I don't go to. You don't always have to "use" something to get enjoyment from it. Everybody derives pleasure in their own ways from things. Some enjoy the collecting of things, some enjoy the actual buying process or the hunt for the perfect item. Others might enjoy just fulfilling a childhood dream.

You are typically very wise in your comments and I do respect that, but to say someone needs to use something (like a car) to gain any value from it I just can't agree with.

 

[docjohn]

I hope for your sake Vegas you don't apply your logic twords your ding-a-ling

 

[VegasSpeed]

If the car depreciated 130K in 5-6 years then why would it all of a sudden stop depreciating and be worth only $10K less in the next 5-6 years. I would say a 2004 G is going to be a $45-55K car in another 5 years.

I can't agree with this either. I have been following prices on different cars as well. Here is the truth behind "most" cars. The first year they take a hit of roughly 20-25% of MSRP price. The following 4 years they drop about 8% and than it gets less and less. Why is that? Well, the car can't equal $0 value so it isn't going to drop to nothing. Now certain exotic, low production number cars are going to be treated different. Lambos, Ferraris, Morgans and Ford GTs all share that. Here is a great example. Go try and find a BMW Z8 for sale. See if you can find one for less than $120k to pick up right now. Now the Lambo didn't stop production so that is different but still very few are made. There is no way an 2006 Gallardo will end up at $50,000 over the next 4 or 5 years. I might hit high 60's on a really bad year if Audi sells off Lambo and Ford picks up the brand but otherwise I doubt it.

Second, I used to give VegasNSX Hell a year ago for not driving his car enough. I know what you are saying, "What is the point of owning a car if you won't drive it?" Go watch the movie with Eric Bana, Love the Beast and get back to me on that one. Jeremy Clarkson, Jay Leno and several others are in this documentary where they get in a discussion about Bana's Dad who has this old classic car sitting in his garage. He never drives it but he enjoys it nonetheless. Eric Bana questions it because he can't understand it. There is a certain enjoyment that comes from knowing the car is in your garage every night but they explain it much better.

Plus, Bryan has had his fair share of car trouble over the years that would make any of us curl up in the fetal position and never buy another sports car. Unless you know all of what he has been through it is hard to understand entirely his reasoning.

Anyway, I understand there all types of car owners from the Track-nut(weekend racers) to the showcar, garagequeen owners. They each have they purpose in ownership and who are we to judge what is right or wrong as long as that person gets enjoyment from owning the car.

 

[bboxer]

When you look at depreciation, you should figure out the MSRP discounts that were prevalent in the Gallardo's life. I got 27K off on my 04 and $39K off on my 06.

 

[jas303]

I agree, and I can help add something, in a brutal way.

Jay Leno doesn't care about driving some of his collection, because he simply has too many choices. It's not a question of he would or wouldn't; it's a question of could or couldn't. Personally, I'd rather be the person who owns every car I like in my garage but choose not to drive it, rather than being the "other guy".

The other important thing to understand is that, most of the true exotic car owner or collector don't give a rat's @ss about depreciation of 50k or 100k. They buy it, they keep it, and they get rid of it when they're tired of it. You should have full expectation about losing a good amount of money when you claim the ownership of a F or L Car, used or not. I lost 22k in about 18 months on my M5; the depreciation is still going, and it's only a BMW.

I can't agree with this either. I have been following prices on different cars as well. Here is the truth behind "most" cars. The first year they take a hit of roughly 20-25% of MSRP price. The following 4 years they drop about 8% and than it gets less and less. Why is that? Well, the car can't equal $0 value so it isn't going to drop to nothing. Now certain exotic, low production number cars are going to be treated different. Lambos, Ferraris, Morgans and Ford GTs all share that. Here is a great example. Go try and find a BMW Z8 for sale. See if you can find one for less than $120k to pick up right now. Now the Lambo didn't stop production so that is different but still very few are made. There is no way an 2006 Gallardo will end up at $50,000 over the next 4 or 5 years. I might hit high 60's on a really bad year if Audi sells off Lambo and Ford picks up the brand but otherwise I doubt it.

Second, I used to give VegasNSX Hell a year ago for not driving his car enough. I know what you are saying, "What is the point of owning a car if you won't drive it?" Go watch the movie with Eric Bana, Love the Beast and get back to me on that one. Jeremy Clarkson, Jay Leno and several others are in this documentary where they get in a discussion about Bana's Dad who has this old classic car sitting in his garage. He never drives it but he enjoys it nonetheless. Eric Bana questions it because he can't understand it. There is a certain enjoyment that comes from knowing the car is in your garage every night but they explain it much better.

Plus, Bryan has had his fair share of car trouble over the years that would make any of us curl up in the fetal position and never buy another sports car. Unless you know all of what he has been through it is hard to understand entirely his reasoning.

Anyway, I understand there all types of car owners from the Track-nut(weekend racers) to the showcar, garagequeen owners. They each have they purpose in ownership and who are we to judge what is right or wrong as long as that person gets enjoyment from owning the car.

 

[drtruong]

I can't agree with this either. I have been following prices on different cars as well. Here is the truth behind "most" cars. The first year they take a hit of roughly 20-25% of MSRP price. The following 4 years they drop about 8% and than it gets less and less. Why is that? Well, the car can't equal $0 value so it isn't going to drop to nothing. Now certain exotic, low production number cars are going to be treated different. Lambos, Ferraris, Morgans and Ford GTs all share that. Here is a great example. Go try and find a BMW Z8 for sale. See if you can find one for less than $120k to pick up right now. Now the Lambo didn't stop production so that is different but still very few are made. There is no way an 2006 Gallardo will end up at $50,000 over the next 4 or 5 years. I might hit high 60's on a really bad year if Audi sells off Lambo and Ford picks up the brand but otherwise I doubt it.

I believe these exotic cars will depreciate further depend on the mileages of the cars. What if G car has 60k; 80k or 90k miles, which I never heard of it or can it last that many miles?

 

[Cozmo]

I recently realized the enormous drivetrain loss these AWD cars have. The power to weight of a Gallardo is actually worse than my turbo NSX. I was thinking someday I'd want to upgrade to a Gallardo, but not if it is slower!

I think I'd have to hold out for a Murc.

 

[Deltron Zero]

I recently realized the enormous drivetrain loss these AWD cars have. The power to weight of a Gallardo is actually worse than my turbo NSX. I was thinking someday I'd want to upgrade to a Gallardo, but not if it is slower!

I think I'd have to hold out for a Murc.

I couldn't imagine many cars having a better power/weight ratio than a turbocharged NSX.

I think the drivetrain loss is worth the ridiculous handling.

 

[2slow2speed]

My Toyota Celica just arrived. Yay!

Sweet looking Celica , enjoy it in good health

 

[Cozmo]

I couldn't imagine many cars having a better power/weight ratio than a turbocharged NSX.

I think the drivetrain loss is worth the ridiculous handling.

Yeah don't get me wrong, I'm totally jealous. I'd just be afraid that after the new car smell wears off I'd be disappointed based on what I'm used to now.

Then you'd just have to get the Underground Racing twin turbo and you'd be set. :biggrin:

 

[Vega$ NSX]

I couldn't imagine many cars having a better power/weight ratio than a turbocharged NSX.

I think the drivetrain loss is worth the ridiculous handling.

I think the drivetrain loss is worth the ridiculous hotness of the car! :biggrin:

 

[NSX 2]

I think the drivetrain loss is worth the ridiculous hotness of the car! :biggrin:

Im still in the poster on my wall stage. I got a few Murciealgos on my wall right now. Its a bit depressing to think that if someday i was like you and could actually afford my dream car i wouldn't want to buy it....:frown:

I dont think they will depreciate much at all, 5 years of a gallardo is worth 10k all day long. Just imagine the hit the first owner took

 

[NSXLuvr]

I can't agree with this either. Go try and find a BMW Z8 for sale. See if you can find one for less than $120k to pick up right now. Now the Lambo didn't stop production so that is different but still very few are made. There is no way an 2006 Gallardo will end up at $50,000 over the next 4 or 5 years.

-You can't compare a Z8 with total production of 2500 cars to a G which is being produced every year.

-I said 2004 MY - the 1st year which is considered the least desirable(no offense Deltron). I know of a clean 2004 that sold for $70K when the economany tanked. So $45 - 55k isn't unrealistic in 5 years.

 

[M Baker]

Automobili Lamborghini celebrates production record with ten thousand Gallardo models

June 25, 2010. Automobili Lamborghini has achieved a new production record in 2010, with Lamborghini Gallardo number 10,000 rolling off the production line at Lamborghini’s factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The V10 Lamborghini Gallardo, with its permanent four-wheel drive, has become the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. Starting with the original Gallardo Coupé launched in 2003, the model range was extended with Gallardo Spyder and the Gallardo Superleggera models as well as special editions such as the Gallardo SE and Nera.

The current Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé was launched in 2007 with increased power denoted by its ‘560’ badge, and permanent four-wheel drive signified by the ‘4’. The same enhanced performance and technical modifications characterize the LP 560-4 Spyder, which was announced in 2008.

The limited edition two-wheel drive Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni was revealed in 2009 and at the most recent worldwide premiere at Geneva Auto Salon this year Lamborghini presented the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera: a lightweight version of the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, with a top speed of 325 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h of 3.4 seconds.

All clients are able to take advantage of the Ad Personam programme, which allows owners to customise further their Lamborghini car to create a unique super sports car.

“Production of car number 10,000 is a very important milestone for Lamborghini,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Lamborghini brand is extreme, uncompromising and Italian, and the Lamborghini Gallardo has played an exemplary role in defining and delivering our brand reputation into our worldwide markets. Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of our brand.”

The Lamborghini Gallardo has won numerous international awards for its dynamic performance, design and brand integrity, from media, international automotive groups and design councils. The Lamborghini Gallardo has been famously featured in music videos and films, and its client list features numerous celebrities, sports stars and VIPs.

A couple of Gallardo have been donated to the Italian state police, and a race version of the Gallardo LP 560-4 features in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo: the one-make race series running in Europe, launched by Automobili Lamborghini in 2009.

The achieved record with the Gallardo number 10,000, in yellow “Midas” and destined for China, will be celebrated also during the ‘Lamborghini Day’ in Shanghai, 25th June, before being delivered to its owner. In the first event of its kind in China, Lamborghini will showcase eight cars from its super sports car range. http://www.hrowen.co.uk/Lamborghini...i-celebrate-ten-thousand-gallardo-models.aspx

 

[DCNSX]

All these posts make for great information on sportscar ownership in general. As someone on a recent Lambo forum wrote, you can get a WRX modded to over 500hp that will smoke a Gallardo. There is always something cheaper and faster out there. If absolute speed is what you want. And the millions driving Camrys think you are crazy for doing even one mod to your car - much less driving an (impractical!) sports car in the first place.

I track my NSX and am thinking about a 360 or Gallardo. And yes, I'll probably drive it more carefully (i.e. s-l-o-w-l-y) on the track than I do the NSX... until I get used to it. I didn't track the NSX in my first years of ownership. Now I wouldn't think of NOT tracking it.

It's all about choices an personal preferences. My '91 is basically stock. I've passed a lot of Ferraris and almost any Lamborghini I've encountered on the track. And I have been humbled by a well-driven stock RX-8, etc.

All that being said, my NSX still gets compliments around town or at the track and I will keep it if I can. But I would loooove to add an Italian car to the stable.

 

[M Baker]

More insights: http://www.lamborghini-talk.com/vbforum/f4/help-i-cant-stop-driving-my-lamborghini-15813/

 

[Deltron Zero]

More insights: http://www.lamborghini-talk.com/vbforum/f4/help-i-cant-stop-driving-my-lamborghini-15813/

I can relate to those guys. I stayed sober most of this labor day weekend so I could drive more. And I'm a raging alcoholic, so that's really saying something.

 

[TyraNSX]

Z8 for 81.5 http://inventory.switchcars.com/cardetails.asp?VIN=WBAEJ13451AH61044

Anyone looking at Gallardos better be under 6ft tall or have very short legs. I just looked at one the other day & leg room is limited. Ford GT door closure would have sliced the top 3in of my head off. Murcie has less legroom than Gallardo. Something to consider if you're tall.

 

[Deltron Zero]

Anyone looking at Gallardos better be under 6ft tall or have very short legs. I just looked at one the other day & leg room is limited. Something to consider if you're tall.

I agree if you're looking for a 6 speed, only because the dead pedal is really close. I heard you can have it removed if it really bugs you. Other than that the car should fit a fairly tall person without any issues.

 

[TyraNSX]

The car I sat in was e-gear and leg room was iffy. Only tried because they are getting a used 6 spd in soon. For $100 big ones I expect to be totally comfortable which was not the case.

I agree if you're looking for a 6 speed, only because the dead pedal is really close. I heard you can have it removed if it really bugs you. Other than that the car should fit a fairly tall person without any issues.

 

[tosugrad]

I watched the G market for the last few years as well. It was one of 3 cars I was considering when I sold my NSX. There is NO WAY anyone can say with a straight face that the average price of a G has held steady in the last 3 years. Its just simply not true. They have all taken a huge hit.

Its an amazing drivers car, and a nice small package with AWD. Id still love to have a 06+ with a manual. White is gorgeous.

Bottom line was they are depreciating too fast for the money I have.

 

[tosugrad]

Ford GT door closure would have sliced the top 3in of my head off.

6'2" seems to be about the limit for the FGT. You can have the seat lowered, if you want.

 

[Energy1]

6'2" seems to be about the limit for the FGT. You can have the seat lowered, if you want.

Im 6'1 and my head hit the roof on a FGT that is why i didnt buy one..my gallardo had a lot of head room, without power seats, power seats raise the seat level somewhat.(there is power back tilt standard) leg room in the Gallardo was ok..not the best...

 

[RPM217]

The Gallardo is a great car, personally I like the look of the R8 better, but the "Lambo" name has more of a draw, but dollar for dollar, angle for angle, I know where I would put (and did) my $$$$, but that's what makes "horse races". You have to get what stirs your soul, not anyone elses. I still think the Cadillac commercial that asks "when you turn your car on, does it return the favor" says it properly, just not in a Caddy!!!