Ok I'm still saving and still researching more info on these cars. Still to this day I'm wanting to find a Jalpa, restore it and make it mine. New condition or used it's what I want to do.

Anyway, to get to the point (and spare you paragraphs of rambling on about random things) I was wondering as far as money input - How much do you (speaking from an owner's perspective) spend per year on maintenance on these cars.... Now given some people like to work on the car themself and do it themselves on some things, others will pay to have it all done without the hassle. I plan on doing some or most of the work myself, I like tinkering with things and spend almost all of my free time working on my 2 lovely projects right now. But either way, there is always the cost of parts... so how much am I looking for things like parts, problems, etc. I would simply just like some input from some owners if you have any time. Also, are there any oddities in these cars that make daily driving a pain? I know that I've found website listing off specific problems with specific cars (not the Jalpa as an example, actually I haven't found one yet) but as an example some cars make an odd sound when you shift (only to find out that's just how the throwout bearing is made, etc..) or a light doesn't come on (specific wiring in specific years.... bad fuses in specific years....) things to watch out for basically. Is there anything listed that you can think of? I just want to be prepared if or when I do find one and have the chance to begin restoring one of these cars.

Thanks for your time for reading and responding,
Derek.

If your worried about costs don't buy an exoctic, Lambo or other.

Best information site on the Jalpa, Raymond's site
http://www.jalpa.ch/index_a.html

Cost of parts, when you can find them, is quite high.

Cost of repairs, plan high then double or triple it.

If you can afford it the car is a lot of fun. It won't out run a lot of current production cars out there but then it is +/- 20 years old.

Expect most of the issues you would have with any car that age plus the quirks of any other Italian car.

Not worried about it, just am looking for numbers to weight and see what I want to get into as far as an exotic. So far I'm convinced a Jalpa would be a fun 1st. Thank you much for the link, I'm looking at it now.

Just got done reading through some of it. Very informative, thank you, I'll be looking at it more when I get back from work tonight. Once again it is much appreciated, thank you.

Most Jalpas are in good running condition. The question is whether you want to replace the older leather, fix the little this, and the little that, put a new stereo in it, etc.

But when it comes down to it... it is all based on each car. My new Jalpa only has 11,000 miles on it and the engine and trans feels like it is brand new. Howeer, I am spending a lot on little things. New leather, new stereo, new paint, pre oiler, new exhaust, etc. Most of things were not needed to keep the car running, but will be nice to have.

As for average upkeep. If you know how to tune a carb and change the oil you can save a lot of money. Use a color tune spark plug if you are learning to tune and watch the pros do it once or twice before you try it. There are also many parts from fiat, Alfa, and other cheaper Italian car companies that you can use instead of the Lamborghini OEM part at 5 to 10 X the price. example. distributor cap from lamborghini over $100 from auto zone $12 to 15 dollars rotor over $50 from lambo. Auto zone $7.95

I would most definitely plan on cleaning up the little things and what not. As far as the common problems, etc, the site was a good reference. Looks like I'll still be aiming for a Jalpa

Just remember little things add up. Leather, stereo, A/c, heat, carpet, etc. I have spent much more than I hoped to on the little things!

I too have spent more than I have really planned for. Parts are hard to come by and pretty pricy!! However, I wouldn't trade it for the world!!

Well, if you enjoy it, it's worth spending the money to enjoy it. I just wanted an estimate. Hopefully in the next however many years I'll be able to look forward to this opportunity.

Derek,you have the right attitude.Just do your homework on the car before you buy it.

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FRANK GOODSON