Hey guys! It's been forever since I've posted something on this forum. I had searched a few years back to find a Murcielago and ended up picking up something else. I'm still wishing I would have purchased one. There have been a few cars in between now and then. Currently, I own an Audi R8, but I keep wanting to scratch that Lamborghini itch.
I have been keeping an eye out for the right one. I've wanted one forever, and I'm not sure I'll ever stop wanting one until I have one in the garage haha. I would be looking to pick up a pre LP with a manual. I have heard some horror stories about maintenance though... And some people tell me that I would be better off going with a newer car. I like to drive my cars and do a lot of work myself, so I'm wondering if most jobs can be taken care of in the garage?
Unfortunately, where I live, there aren't too many exotic cars around and I haven't ever had the opportunity to experience a Murcielago first-hand. I don't want to pick one up and then end up hating the car I have put on a pedestal for so long. Does anyone have any advice/experience? What should I be searching for if I were to get one?
How will this compare to my R8? I know they are in completely different leagues, but I enjoy my gated R8. My alternative would be something like a Ferrari 458, but I would much rather have a manual.
I do all of my own work on my Murci, and I have repaired a lot of little things (and done DIY's on this and the Lambo*Power forum). Those little things ended up being pretty inexpensive in parts and my free labor, but if I had taken it to the dealer for all those things in the past 5 years, it would have been around $30-60K in repairs.
You can definitely work on these cars in your garage as long as you do your homework before you start turning wrenches. Parts are so expensive, you don't want to shoot yourself in the foot by damaging something while trying to fix something else.
That is great to hear! Is it fairly small stuff that tends to need repair? Have you had to deal with any major issues? I feel like the regular oil/fluids wouldn't be a problem or minor jobs. I just don't want to be working on it more than I'm enjoying it.
It’s the little things. The major stuff is pretty reliable, thankfully. The alarm system is my current project right now. Previously, radiator fan, leaky shock, headlights clouded on the inside, headlight ballast, routine maintenance like battery, door shocks, spark plugs, air filters, brake pads, coolant hoses, all fluids, and other little things.
I literally just went through a full restoration of my Pre-LP Manual Murcielago. I am not the type of guy who is mechanically inclined and went the route of using my local shop who has been working on all of my cars for years. We have to remember that the Pre-LP Murcielago is quickly approaching the 20 year mark, designating it as a classic in many people's eyes. Obviously we don't look at it as a classic, but the parts have all aged for almost two decades and most of them will need some sort of work done. From the simple hose and clamp changes to the more nightmarish electrical gremlins / part replacements. I went the route of doing it all at once, essentially bringing the car to the most modern point I can get it. Proactively changing all hoses and clamps, replacing everything and anything that could fail or has the potential to fail due to age. If you can work on it yourself (like Stimpy), then this might be something fun for you. The gated manual is certainly the right choice to avoid the horror stories around the e-gear actuator, pump, etc. I was in the same boat as you and knew I needed to own one, but just prepared myself mentally and financially for what I just went through. Hoping to have years of great experiences with few shop visits now that I have pretty much completed all of the restoration.
I literally just went through a full restoration of my Pre-LP Manual Murcielago. I am not the type of guy who is mechanically inclined and went the route of using my local shop who has been working on all of my cars for years. We have to remember that the Pre-LP Murcielago is quickly approaching the 20 year mark, designating it as a classic in many people's eyes. Obviously we don't look at it as a classic, but the parts have all aged for almost two decades and most of them will need some sort of work done. From the simple hose and clamp changes to the more nightmarish electrical gremlins / part replacements. I went the route of doing it all at once, essentially bringing the car to the most modern point I can get it. Proactively changing all hoses and clamps, replacing everything and anything that could fail or has the potential to fail due to age. If you can work on it yourself (like Stimpy), then this might be something fun for you. The gated manual is certainly the right choice to avoid the horror stories around the e-gear actuator, pump, etc. I was in the same boat as you and knew I needed to own one, but just prepared myself mentally and financially for what I just went through. Hoping to have years of great experiences with few shop visits now that I have pretty much completed all of the restoration.
Hi guys. Great thread here. I was in the same boat 3 years back when i got the itch to buy my first exotic. My first exotic is my 05 Roadster. It was priced low and for a reason. It had so many problems with electrical thanks to all the aftermarket stereo crap the previous owners put in. So much of a hack that it became impossible to diagnose. that's where i came along. Like many of you, i am technically inclined. Been working on cars all my life. I decided to start over by replacing most of the harness that was hacked. I put her back together again and have had zero problems since. Mechanically, all she needs is oil change annually.
I would have to say that owning the Murci has been the best decision i've made (regardless of my friends trying to steer me away). There's a huge road presence so be ready. When Murci enters all other exotics seems to fade away. You asked how Pre-LP compares to R8. I say very little. The Pre-LP is very mechanical feel. Clunky is good word. R8 is great all around. It's definitely not a daily driver. Not very refined. LP is more refined but still not a daily in my opinion.
I am now onto my second Murci. I recently purchased a LP640 Coupe. So I have two bulls - one Open and One Closed. The LP640 has some worries but i justified the risk based on what i learned from owning the roadster. This has paid off - BIG. I got a great deal on the LP640 and the work needed was minor. Nothing close to what the haters were saying it needed.
Good luck on your search. Keep us posted on what you end doing.
Hi guys. Great thread here. I was in the same boat 3 years back when i got the itch to buy my first exotic. My first exotic is my 05 Roadster. It was priced low and for a reason. It had so many problems with electrical thanks to all the aftermarket stereo crap the previous owners put in. So much of a hack that it became impossible to diagnose. that's where i came along. Like many of you, i am technically inclined. Been working on cars all my life. I decided to start over by replacing most of the harness that was hacked. I put her back together again and have had zero problems since. Mechanically, all she needs is oil change annually.
I would have to say that owning the Murci has been the best decision i've made (regardless of my friends trying to steer me away). There's a huge road presence so be ready. When Murci enters all other exotics seems to fade away. You asked how Pre-LP compares to R8. I say very little. The Pre-LP is very mechanical feel. Clunky is good word. R8 is great all around. It's definitely not a daily driver. Not very refined. LP is more refined but still not a daily in my opinion.
I am now onto my second Murci. I recently purchased a LP640 Coupe. So I have two bulls - one Open and One Closed. The LP640 has some worries but i justified the risk based on what i learned from owning the roadster. This has paid off - BIG. I got a great deal on the LP640 and the work needed was minor. Nothing close to what the haters were saying it needed.
Good luck on your search. Keep us posted on what you end doing.
My LP arrived last week and went directly to get serviced. She checked out perfect and all she needed was a tune up. Cant wait to get her back this week. @zombiegarage, There's legit horror stories with Murcies but i bet you can find similar concerns with Ferrari and Mclarens as well. I like Murcies because they're more mechanical and less electronic. I suggest you try to test drive. But once you do, you'll be hooked.
That looks like Old Guy Garage’s LP-640, minus the plasti-dipped wheels?
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