Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

The case for the Gallardo LP560-4

The Gallardo LP560-4 arrived in 2008 as a facelifted version of Lamborghini's entry-level supercar. It uses a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 producing 552 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm, with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed E-gear automated manual and all-wheel drive. It was the first Gallardo to use the 5.2-litre engine, and it remains one of the best-sounding V10s ever made.

The Gallardo is smaller and more usable than the Aventador. The cabin is cramped but comfortable enough for a short trip, and the visibility is better than you might expect. The V10 sounds magnificent, and the all-wheel-drive system gives it traction in the wet. It is not as sharp as a Ferrari 458, but it is more dramatic.

The LP560-4 is also a relative bargain in the supercar world. It is not cheap to run, but it is cheaper than a Huracán or a 458. The manual cars are rare and much more valuable. The E-gear cars are more common and less expensive, but they need a careful inspection.

What it costs to run

A minor service at a Lamborghini specialist is £700 to £1,000, and a major service is £1,500 to £2,500. The V10 uses a lot of oil, and the gearbox fluid and filter should be changed at the recommended intervals. The E-gear clutch wears like a manual, and a replacement is £3,000 to £5,000.

Tyres are £900 to £1,200 for a set of 19-inch rubber. Brake discs and pads are £2,000 to £3,000 for the steel system. Carbon-ceramic brakes were optional and replacement is £6,000 to £8,000. Fuel consumption is 15 to 18 mpg on a run and the low teens in town. High insurance and top-band road tax add to the running costs.

Known weak points

The E-gear gearbox is the biggest weak point. It is jerky at low speed, and the clutch wears quickly if the car is used in traffic. The actuator and sensors can fail. The E-gear is not as smooth as a dual-clutch, but it is more engaging when you are pressing on. The front lift system can fail, leaving the nose low, and even with the lift raised the nose scrapes on steep drives. Inspect the adaptive dampers at each corner and scan for suspension faults. The brakes can wear and the carbon-ceramic discs can crack.

The V10 is generally robust, but it can develop oil leaks and coolant leaks. The exhaust system can crack, and the catalytic converters can fail. Electrical issues can appear after long periods of disuse, so test the battery and charging circuit. The interior has sticky buttons and switches, a common Lamborghini issue. The nose takes stone chips easily because the paint is soft.

The E-gear clutch is a wear item, and a replacement is £3,000 to £5,000. The gearbox actuator and sensors can fail. The front lift pump is a known weakness, and the nose is low. The 5.2-litre V10 can suffer carbon build-up on the intake valves, and the coil packs can fail. The exhaust system can crack, and the catalytic converters can fail.

What to check before buying

Ask when the last major service was done and who did it. A full Lamborghini dealer or specialist history is essential. Check that the major services have been done on time and that the clutch wear has been measured. Ask for a fault-code scan and a report from a Lamborghini specialist.

Inspect the E-gear system and the clutch. A car with more than 50 per cent clutch wear will need a clutch soon. Check the front lift for operation and the suspension for leaks. Check the brakes for disc wear and cracks. A car with carbon-ceramic brakes needs a careful inspection; replacement is expensive. Check the paint and the body panels for accident damage. Ask for the clutch wear reading, check the E-gear actuator and operate the front lift. A car with a full service history and a recent clutch is worth a premium.

Run the engine from cold and listen again when warm. Check for exhaust leaks, oil leaks and coolant residue. Check the gearbox on a cold start and again when fully warm. Check the steering, brakes and suspension. Inspect the interior for sticky buttons and worn seats. Test the screens, climate system and driver aids before you commit.

Market and depreciation

The Gallardo LP560-4 has been a strong market performer. At the time of writing, a good E-gear car with 20,000 to 40,000 miles was £70,000 to £100,000. A manual car was £120,000 to £150,000. The Superleggera was £100,000 to £130,000. Low-mileage, high-spec cars were at the top of those ranges.

The market has cooled from its peak, but the Gallardo remains desirable. The V10, the Lamborghini badge and the relative affordability make it a popular entry point. The Superleggera is the lightweight version, with more power and less weight. The Spyder is the open-top version and carries a premium. The manual cars are the collector's choice, with a gated shifter and a much higher price. A complete history and desirable spec support stronger resale values.

Who it suits

The Gallardo LP560-4 suits the owner who wants a V10 Lamborghini without the running costs of an Aventador. It is not a daily driver, and it is not a practical car. It suits someone with a garage, a second car and a maintenance budget. It also suits a collector who wants a manual supercar.

If you want a more modern car, the Huracán is the obvious alternative. If you want a more extreme car, the Aventador is the next step. If you want a more reliable V10, the Audi R8 is the sensible choice.

Alternatives

The Audi R8 V10 is the Gallardo's cousin, with the same engine and a more comfortable cabin. The Ferrari 458 is more modern and more focused, but it is more expensive. The Porsche 911 Turbo is more usable and more affordable, but it lacks the Lamborghini's drama. The McLaren 570S is faster and more exotic, but it is less reliable.

The Gallardo LP560-4 is a modern classic. It is not the fastest car in its class, but it is one of the most dramatic.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Lamborghini's published technical and service information, owner reports from Lamborghini Talk and the Lamborghini Owners' Club, UK Lamborghini specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. UK prices are indicative and vary with spec and condition.