Lamborghini Gallardo buying guide

The biggest bills on a used Gallardo are the E-gear clutch and, on the earliest cars, the engine's weaker conrod bearings. The 2004 to 2014 run covers coupes and Spyders, a 5.0-litre V10 that grew into a 5.2, and a choice of six-speed manual or the automated E-gear.

Production reached 14,022 cars before the Huracan took over, and Magneto calls the Gallardo the best-selling Lamborghini ever. Our Gallardo Spyder listings and Gallardo Coupe listings show how the two body styles are spread across the market. If you are weighing it against its successor, we compare the two in Huracan vs Gallardo.

Budget for a specialist to measure E-gear clutch wear with diagnostic equipment, because it cannot be judged by feel. Then have the panels examined for repaired accident damage, since aluminum chassis and body repairs are expensive.

Most of these checks follow from the faults above, and a few need diagnostic gear.

• Have a specialist read E-gear clutch wear with diagnostic equipment, because feel will not tell you.
• Ask for proof that the E-gear software updates have been applied.
• Confirm the dry-sump oil is not overfilled, since too much can damage the engine.
• Run your eye along the panel gaps for uneven shut lines that hint at repair, as aluminum chassis and body repairs are expensive.
• Be wary of a wrapped car and ask to see the paint beneath, since a wrap can hide bodywork problems.
• Listen for the exhaust valves opening at 4000 rpm.
• Turn to full lock at low speed; loud grinding suggests the front differential oil is overdue.
• Compare the oil pressure with Ed Bolian's figures: at least 4-6 bar under acceleration and not below 1 bar at idle.
• Match the tires to Pirelli or an equal rolling diameter, because aftermarket wheels or other tires can cause differential problems.
• Inspect the rear bumper and lights for heat damage, and the rear view mirror for leak marks.

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for 2004 to 2014 Gallardos. One covers 2004 to 2006 Coupe and Spyder cars, where high pressure steering pipes near the power steering pump might leak. Another, for 2006, covers suspension double wishbone bolts that may come loose. A third covers 2007 to 2009 cars with carbon ceramic brake discs, where the screws securing the rotors may fail after exposure to salt. The fourth, for 2011 to 2014, involves ECU software that may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, so warning lamps do not light.

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, one each for components including the engine, fuel system and brakes. Three of them mention fires. They are reports, not proven faults. Check a car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the work was done.