Panteras reliable?

Assuming you buy a Pantera that was well maintained, sure they're reliable.... as any 33-yr-old car can be. Quite a few So-Cal Pantera owners drive their machines every day and a few have over 200,000 miles on their Panteras.
The Merak has a Maser' V-6 SOHC engine and a Renault transaxle, roughly equivalent to an earlier version of the Pontiac Fiero. This engine/trans are nowhere near as reliable as the bullet-proof Cleveland V-8 and its ZF transaxle, and you have far fewer places to go for service. When my friend popped a bearing in his Merak, the replacement parts came from France via an East Coast dealer, who sent the wrong paets- twice. I also suggest joining a local Pantera club and getting every pertinate manual ever printed; even if you don't do your own work, the shop you select will appreciate the references.

You'll find a wealth of knowledge about Panteras from owners and vendors. Pantera owners are PASSIONATE about their cars and are more than willing to pass their passion on to others. As Jack said, do your homework. Use every resource available, especially BB's like this one. I'd wanted one for 30 years and finally got one 2 years ago, the restoration is in progress. I wished I had Jack's advice when I first strted, I probably would have done some things a bit differently and probably saved some time and money. The POCA website is a great place to start with information and links. Some owners have very informative websites. I've also found vendors who are extremely helpful. Good luck in your search. As has been said on this BB before, nothing is easy on a Pantera, but oh, those results!!!!

Much Pantera info is available at: http://www.panteraplace.com/

Also, you may want to join the deTomaso list at: http://realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/detomaso The Pantera community has a full range of cars - from trailer queens to daily drivers to all out road racers.

And if you want a chuckle, read Mike Dailey's requirements for taking his Pantera out. He is quite fussy about his car. I doubt that the back two barrells of his carb have ever been opened and I would bet that he has never used the right side of his speedometer. http://www.panteraplace.com/Page102.htm