Used car buying guide: Lamborghini Diablo

Buyer beware

â–  Engine: Rev the engine, then listen for the cam chains rattling on the overrun, a sign they’ve stretched. Valve clearances require checking every 18,000 miles. It’s an expensive, engine-out job. Look for oil leaks between the engine block and sump caused by perished sealant. Check the condition of the radiators and that the cooling fans cut in at the right temperature. Later models with variable valve timing can get variator problems caused by degraded oil.

â–  Transmission: Single-plate clutch lasts no more than 25,000 miles. Early cars use a pull-type rod to the slave cylinder, which breaks. The push-type rods on later cars are more reliable. The gearbox is fragile and the gearlever is prone to snapping where it enters the gate.

â–  Steering, brakes and suspension: Early cars have very weak brakes. The wishbone bushes at the chassis end are likely to be perished and are expensive to replace. The rear dampers carry most of the weight and get very hot so expect them, too, to need replacing.

Body and wheels: Poor quality control at the factory means the steel chassis and aluminium body can come into contact, causing galvanic corrosion. Check the car thoroughly, especially door bottoms, wheel arches, boot floor and fuel filler.

â–  Interior: Check sills and switchgear for damage, often caused by people getting in and out. The leather trim is poor quality so expect it to be coming apart.

Also worth knowing

Early Diablos had hydraulic cam chain adjusters that became tighter until they broke one or both of the chains. From 1994, new Diablos had more reliable mechanical adjusters. These were also made available as a service item for earlier models and most cars should have them but be sure to check.

How much to spend

£105,000-£149,999: Early (1990-94) Diablos in poor condition rising to cars with part-service history and in much better order. Includes a 1993-reg car with 60,000 miles for £125,000.

£150,000-£199,999: More of the above but in better condition, with lower mileages and good provenance.

£200,000-£250,000: Low-mileage right-hand-drive SVs and more roadsters but also low-mileage 1998-onwards VT coupés, including a 2001-reg VT 6.0 with 21,000 miles for £234,950.

One we found

Lamborghini Diablo, 1992, 25,000 miles, £149,000

This car ticks all the important boxes, having a reasonably low mileage, great provenance and an excellent service history. It’s in top condition, too (it has been kept in a dehumidified garage), although a specialist inspection is advised because this is a private sale. 

READ MORE

A trip down memory lane as the Lamborghini Diablo turns 30

Five used Lamborghinis that you might just be able to afford

Lamborghini boss details 2023 super-hybrid and new models