I've pretty much decided that I want a Gallardo, but I have to admit that I'm worried about the quality due to the Audi factor. I think Audi makes nice looking and well performing cars (R8, TT) but they don't have the best track record for reliability. Before I bought my 350Z, I was considering a TT, but every forum that I looked in had people saying how much they loved their cars- when they weren't in the shop!

I'm not sure how much of those reliability issues will affect that of the Lamborghini side of things. I've been researching Lambo forums and it does seem that the clutch issue is pretty well known on the Gallardo. If I get one, it will be basically a daily driver, but divided between 1 or 2 other high end sports cars- and favored for sure. So, obviously, maintainence is key, but how much more is there on a Lambo? I used to sell Honda's, and they are known for their quality and longivity- how much difference will there really be?

Being new to the "Supercar" experience, what kind of things should I know about and look for when it comes to the differences between Lambos and say, "middle" grade sports cars such as the Z?

And one more thing: Why are there so many used Gallardos for sale? I know many Lamborghini owners keep the miles low and sell them early on, but is the low mileage the only reason? It's just a little scary to see so many for sale- it makes you wonder.

I guess I'm just looking for a little confidence in the product. Looks and performance-wise, a hands-down winner! Any honest and helpful advice will be truly appreciated. Thanks.

Wow, I've never heard anyone consider NOT buying a Lambo because of a drop in reliability due to Audi parenting. IMO, the dealers tend to be the problem, not necessarily the cars (Audi). We've come a long way from exploding Pinto's, flaming Fiero's, and leaking Jags. I also consider this quite odd coming from a Nissan owner. Having owned several different NEW Nissan's since 2005, I wouldn't trust them any further than a Lambo, let alone an Audi. Supercar experience, sorry, can't help you there. But, to put your mind at ease further, don't worry about all the Lambo's for sale. There are more second hand because they sold A TON of them new. Have you checked to see how many relatively new Porsches, Ferraris, Maseratis, and Astons there are? That's what a booming economy will get you. Then when the tide turns back out, you'll see a bunch for sale.

I'd like to clarify: I guess my question would be, does the Audi factor impact Lamborghini quality/reliability? And I know that Audi's aren't that bad, I just don't want to be making trips to the shop for little things all the time. It was seriously ridiculous to see the amount of TT owners saying the same thing.

As for Nissan, yeah, there are models that don't hold up as well as others, but in the main scheme of things, the Japanese brands still have a good name, and I haven't had any problems with my Z.

Overall, I'm not going to decide against the Gallardo unless I hear that it nickle and dimes you relentlessly and spends more time in the shop than with it's owner. I just want to know what i'm in for. But thanks for the response.

Spot on Chad - Gallardo is the first car of any volume for Lamborghini and in a slow market, used car supply is up. I'm guessing lots of first time buyers stretched to get into it and just couldn't make payments - so it is, and will remain, a buyers market for some time. As far as a daily driver - and I know my experience may be different than some - but the amount of attention you get will prevent this from being a daily driver, IMO. If you live in a city where these are a dime a dozen, you will be fine. For me, where they are a bit rarer (is that a word?) I'm afraid to leave it parked out of sight. Even people that mean no harm could end up scratching it by looking at the engine or worse. Minor problem but a major pain. The attention will get old in a hurry. Call me paranoid. But as far as driving - its the best. Cost of service - modest for a "super car".

Thanks Chris.

Now, Jeffro (really?), if you stick with us, you'll be fine. Where are you? As far as servicing goes, that will make a difference. Also, as it goes with the old Lambos, buy the best you can afford, so you don't wind up with a junker that has not been maintained. Seriously, if you are a payment buyer, financing another couple hundred a month is waaaay better than a suprise $5K service. There are plenty of guys here that know almost every car personally, and plenty of us that can recommend a shop or parts. You came to the right place. Do some searches here, look for dealer ratings, and see the huge variations in service prices. You will be suprised.

I didn't realize that the Gallardo was a high volume car- that explains a lot. And good point about the attention vs. daily driver- I didn't even think about that. I get a lot of attention now with my Z, so I'm sure it's got to be 100 times worse with a Lamborghini! Kind of puts a damper on my idea to make it my daily driver. Have you had any incidents involving curious on-lookers?

Well, I'll probably be either in one of the Carolina's or California when I get one. I'm going to relocate within a year or 2, just not sure exactly where, yet. And there is no shortage of low mileage Gallardo's for sale, so I'm not too worried about getting a junker in that respect (knock on wood). I can't imagine that there could be too may Lambo owners that wouldn't maintain their cars the way they should be, but you never know. And I'm not sure if I'm buying new or used yet- that will depend on availability at the time.

Well, lets not get carried away. They don't make TONS but certainly more than a Murci. Someone on this board will know exactly how many they make each year and how many in total! And yes, cost of service is one thing, but if you don't live near a dealer, the cost to get the car there and back could easily be $500. Just one more thing to think about. And always get a PPI, better safe than sorry. Don't stretch to buy one - you'll learn to hate it if it costs you every penny to maintain.

Wow! I'm really glad that I joined this forum. You guys have already given me so much to take into consideration. I will plan on looking for a place to move to that will be close to a dealership. Btw, what is a PPI? As far as stretching to buy one, I learned a lot when I sold cars- I know the right and wrong ways to buy a car. Though I wouldn't be against any buying tips for Lambos.

PPI is Pre Purchase Inspection. IF you were ready now, Roy Cats has a screaming deal.

Prod #'s
MY 2003 - 890 cars
MY 2004 - 1,215 cars
SE - 250 cars


Don't know about the 2005 and more recent #'s, but I know they were higher. Pulled this from the Lamborghini Registry (dot com).