| Author | Message | ||
| Erik R. K. Jonsson (Gamester)
Member Username: Gamester Post Number: 385 Registered: 11-2000 |
I drove my 77 GT4 from Houston to Twin Falls, Idaho with no problems. I did check the car carefully when I arrived in Houston. The best part of the trip was being able to meet Jeremy Lawrence in Houston, and Rob Lay and Jim E in Dallas. I will certainly never regret this trip. Line up (post) a summary of your proposed route and I am sure you will meet many F chatters along the way with warm smiles. It is up to you to make the trip positive! 2cents I did bring a snap on socket and wrench set- just in case. | ||
| Ed P. (Ebp)
Junior Member Username: Ebp Post Number: 171 Registered: 12-2002 |
My vote goes for shipping it. I think your first drive in your car should be stress and anxiety free. Sounds like you are already stressing out just making the decision. Have it shipped and enjoy it for the first time in familiar territory. Good luck with your new car in any case.... | ||
| JP Lavigne (Jpl)
Junior Member Username: Jpl Post Number: 94 Registered: 12-2001 |
If you are buying the car to drive it, then drive it. If you are worried about the car letting you down during the drive, may I suggest you are buying the wrong car. I didn't think twice about driving my car home when I bought it as I bought a good dependable drivable car and I trusted the dealer I bought it from. Just my 2 cents. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
New member Username: 911fan Post Number: 39 Registered: 5-2003 |
If you ship it, you'll probably always regret not driving it. If you drive it, you'll probably always regret not shipping it. Does that make it any easier?  | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 128 Registered: 8-2003 |
Look at all the people who drive a long way to attend meets,and shows,in other states,or cross country. Obviously,wouldn't do it if they didn't ENJOY it. Cross country rallies. It takes a lot to do something like that. I have a bad back,but,for some reason,really doesn't bother me that much when I am driving my Ferrari! It is actually,more comfortable for my back,when I drive one of my sportscars,especially,the Vette with the inflatable lumbar supports in the seat. Maybe,I will take out the seats in my 308,and save them,so they stay nice,and find an aftermarket seat with air bladders in them. But,it is neccessary to stop and get out,walk around,stretch a little,in ANY car. But, anyway ,it pretty much looks like a 50/50 split...some did do it,and would reccommend it. And,some didn't do it,and reccommend it. But...if they DIDN"T make the drive,then,how would they even know? | ||
| Ray T. Leong (Need4speed348)
New member Username: Need4speed348 Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2002 |
Drive it! Drove my first F car '73 Dino from east coast to west coast in 4 nites no problem. The drive was fantastic and memorable. Having any breakdown never entered my mind, except blasting through the mid NW states at 100 mph. If you think the car is going to breakdown, don't buy it. A well service F car is meant to be enjoyed, not parked or shipped. | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
Junior Member Username: Abarre Post Number: 55 Registered: 7-2003 |
Not being a formally-trained psychologist, from your last post I'd say you are leaning towards shipping it. If you are going to worry the whole time, you won't enjoy the drive anyway. The best you could hope for is a sigh of relief when you get home. Flying single-engine planes, we have this condition called "autorough". It's basically your mind playing tricks on you. You hear every little stumble or miss the engine makes. Usually worst at night, over mountains... | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 583 Registered: 2-2001 |
Bought mine in Chicago, live in Colorado; was going to fly/drive since car had major srv 18 months prior to sale (ALL receipts included). Thank God I changed my mind and had it shipped. Cost me close to $12K first month I owned it (sitting idle for 1-1/2 years kills thses cars; oil leaked due to dried up seals soaked timing belts). Needed clutch, flywheel, belts and timing gears and seals, rear wheel bearings, fuse blocks etc. Never would have made it. on the road: Cell, AAA a must, as is a large cash reserve. Water pump can be done by any shop once you get the pump and belt shipped; if car has 390mm wheels and you get 2 flats, its a paper weight until someone makes and ships you spare tires. For first year after getting mine I had a simple rule: never drive it further from home than you are willing to walk back. Now I drive it cross-country as often as I can, Vegas last year and will again this October 15th; several trips to Albuquerque including weekend of Sept 21 comming up this year. Once sorted out, its just a car with only 2 'Ferrari only' quirks: fuse box failure (they WILL need to be replaced at some point) and timming belt failure. Take care of these and its just a car like any other from a mechanical angle. | ||
| Kevin Deal (Tube_guy)
New member Username: Tube_guy Post Number: 43 Registered: 5-2003 |
On a 308 I would first get it where I have a safety valve for service in case there is a problem. You have to ask what "will I do" if ANYTHING comes up. It could be anything from overheating to electrical. | ||
| Ron Feaster (Rfeaster)
New member Username: Rfeaster Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2003 |
Thanks for the responses, All! I'm still undecided, but I have a better perspective on the issue now. I don't mind the heat, uncomfortable ride, etc. (I've made long trips in a Chevette...of all things). The issue for me is going to be the stress of something breaking. (What was that klunk?? What's that smell??). I guess it all comes down to whether or not I trust the condition of the car, and whether or not the fun will outweigh the stress. | ||
| Kevin Deal (Tube_guy)
New member Username: Tube_guy Post Number: 42 Registered: 5-2003 |
It will wear you out and bum you out...and you will get rock chip or something no doubt. I flew to Phoenix once and drove a car back to L.A. Never again. 2K trips should be done in a super comfy car. Can still be a sportscar mind you. I have a friend that drives her Alfa all over hells half acres. But not this kid. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 112 Registered: 8-2003 |
You are buying the car to,(hopefully) DRIVE IT! Not a trailer queen,going into a garage with a car cover on it,right! Ask YOURSELF this: are you really going to drive it on any long trips like that again? Is it a well kept,SERVICED car with paper to prove the service history? Do you have good insurance and/or a Motor club avilability? Use YOUR OWN gut feeling. Do you (think) that you have enough confidence in this cars service history? Then,look at all of these posts. You either do,or ya don't. But,it IS a good opportunity to get to know your car. And it's a matter of peference. Do YOU like to take long drives in a car? If so,what better car,than YOUR new Ferrari! | ||
| RS Biomedical (Rsbiomedical)
Junior Member Username: Rsbiomedical Post Number: 55 Registered: 9-2001 |
"I'd ship it. I bought my 308 (first Ferrari) from a private seller who was about 500-600 miles east of me, and I drove the car back. I had no problems, but the long trip didn't add anything to the ownership experience. It was a chore mostly. I spent the entire trip listening for any problems with the car. Didn't enjoy it at all. It was cramped and hot. I'd say ship it back and fall in love with it in a non-stressful environment. Then if you want to take it on a long trip you can do it on your own terms." BINGO on that one!!!! Been there done that SHIP IT! I must say it is possable to be happy when a truck driver is at your door step! | ||
| Grant Gilmour (Grantgilmour)
New member Username: Grantgilmour Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'd ship it. I shipped my 308 the 1000 km to it's new home and discovered on the drive from the shipper that both distributor caps were shot. The car would not have made it. It's easier to discover a new car's quirks at home. Grant | ||
| Don Norton (Litig8r)
Junior Member Username: Litig8r Post Number: 222 Registered: 6-2001 |
I'd ship it. I bought my 308 (first Ferrari) from a private seller who was about 500-600 miles east of me, and I drove the car back. I had no problems, but the long trip didn't add anything to the ownership experience. It was a chore mostly. I spent the entire trip listening for any problems with the car. Didn't enjoy it at all. It was cramped and hot. I'd say ship it back and fall in love with it in a non-stressful environment. Then if you want to take it on a long trip you can do it on your own terms. | ||
| JP Lavigne (Jpl)
Junior Member Username: Jpl Post Number: 93 Registered: 12-2001 |
Drive it home, this is a great way to learn what your car is about. I bought mine 8 years ago now and drove it 1800 miles home over a long week-end. I checked the oil everytime I stopped for gas and didn't run into a single problem. BTW it was also a 78 GTB. Ft Lauderdale to Ottawa. The only thing I did was bring my brother along for company on the drive back. | ||
| Jim Avery (Boxer12)
Junior Member Username: Boxer12 Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2003 |
I shipped my TR (which had only 6000 mi). The clutch was burned out loading it (I suspect) onto the trailer. $2000 repair bill. Ouch. (Drive it...enjoy it...) | ||
| Peter Barbin (Sophia)
New member Username: Sophia Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2003 |
I picked up my '78 308 GTS from a dealer, then put some 200+ miles on it on the way home. Being a euro-mechanic (German stuff) in my former (now hobby career), I was nervous with excitement as well. My wife rode along in all her glamour often asking me if I was okay? So I watched the temps climb and fall on a twisty mountain road. I started to relax...A little. The car had some degree of a 30K service at the dealer, critical fluids were new, belts were new. But the whole experience, driving position, ergonomics...watch out for low curbs! Watch out for looky-loo idiots...ETC, ETC. The only negative thing was when it got dark...The instrument lights are dim...the lamp under the e-brake handle lost its green coating, so it was blinding when the illumination was turned up high enough for the dash lighting to be useable. I cursed the design of the clock and oil temp gauges now being obscured by the headlamp arm in its on position... I love the car...DRIVE IT! | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 104 Registered: 8-2003 |
I was really lucky...I got my car from a Ferrari dealer only about 30-40 miles away. But... MAN,I WAS SHAKIN' the whole ride home! (with excitment,not fear!) | ||
| Simon Langridge (Simon)
New member Username: Simon Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2003 |
As I said "JUST DO IT" If you're happy with general condition of the car then not a lot can go wrong. A lot of scare mongering goes on with Ferraris (that doesn't mean take them lightly) but by far the most reliable is the 308. Be sensible, watch the oil/water temp/pressure and anything else shouldn't be a problem...BTW you'll also get to know your car much better after a long journey. I was scared sh/tless driving my 308 when I'd just bought it (my first Ferrari etc). I'm not wealthy, so a big problem would have hurt big time. To begin with I barely broke 4000rpm but then I realised that these cars really only do come to life when they're used. The problem is with people who confuse "USE with "ABUSE". Drive it and enjoy it. See ya Simon | ||
| Mike Fisher (Mikef)
Junior Member Username: Mikef Post Number: 208 Registered: 11-2001 |
Drive it home. Make it part of the deal that if you don't make it home, they refund your purchase price and pick up the car where it quit!!! I've done this on every car I have bought long distance and it works. Never had one quit or blow up on me, but one guy knocked $1,500 off the price if I bought it as is, where is. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1342 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ron, how about this for a compromise: Pick a dealership about 500 miles from home, have it delivered there and drive the rest of the way. When I bought my 328 I was tempted to pick it up and drive it home, but didn't think I wanted to get intimate with the car 1000 miles from home. Plus, when the hauler pulled up, I received a freshly detailed car, rather than one with 20 hours of road grime on it! I have nothing against getting my car dirty, it was just nice to have it pristine-looking that one time. | ||
| James Lee (Aventino)
Junior Member Username: Aventino Post Number: 84 Registered: 6-2003 |
1 in 5. Andy, I got $20 says he makes it without it missing a beat. | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
New member Username: Abarre Post Number: 49 Registered: 7-2003 |
Just a guess, but I'd say your chances are 1 in 5 of making it. If the thrill of adventure overwhelms you - AND the flexibility of abandoning the car to a wrecker (plus you catching a plane) doesn't scare you, then go for it. You'll have nothing to lose. I got stranded once in a Volkswagon Beetle that had set up for a few years. It went 350 out of 1200 miles and then blew a hard-to-find-in-a-hurry bearing. Oh well.... I also once bought a single-engine plane in CA and flew it back over the desert southwest to Knoxville. All went fine. Just ask yourself if you'd be willing to drive a 20-30 year-old Alfa-Romeo or Fiat 2000 miles. Answer should be the same. | ||
| Malcolm Barksdale (Malcolmb)
Junior Member Username: Malcolmb Post Number: 68 Registered: 4-2002 |
Just do it, take your mobile phone and a road atlas and your sense of humor. If it breaks and cant be fixed, fly home and call the truck. If you get it inspected by your mechanic before purchase[you did, right] then odds are with you. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5991 Registered: 8-2002 |
Hey, Ron, let me know if you're looking for a driver if you decide to ship it... | ||
| Don McCormick (Dandy_don)
Junior Member Username: Dandy_don Post Number: 91 Registered: 2-2002 |
Ship it. I bought my 308 2 years ago in Pennsylvania and considered driving it home to Kansas City. Sure glad that I didn't. I flew out to PA, bought it, drove it 100miles to a friends house in DC and had the shipper pick it up from there. Car had 20k miles on it and needed a service. I got it off the truck in KC, drove my daughter around the block and the water pump seized up and burnt the drive belt. I managed to shut it down before it overheated. I towed it home with a rope and my wife's car. Ignominious! But it would have cost me a bundle if it had happened in Indiana or Ohio in the middle of the winter. If you are just buying the car you just don't really know its condition. Turns out my car had sat for years and the seller never told me about it. Too much for the water pump and it went. I like to think I dodged a big bullet. Don | ||
| 308 GTS (Muteki)
New member Username: Muteki Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2003 |
If you owned the car and you know that its capable or no known problems, I would say drive it. If this is newly purchased and you are relying on the seller's promise that it was taken care of, then ship it. Don't trust anything the seller says, the car is what will carry you, not the sellers words. Once you get the car, then plan a road trip if its reliable. Trust me, you do not want to get in a new ride and expect the world and get off to a bad start in the middle of nowhere with the car of your dreams. I had something like that happen with my 308 and I began to think it was a mistake purchasing it when I first got it. I am over it now and I am restoring it now. 7 years later. | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 263 Registered: 4-2003 |
Ship it. Never drive a Ferrari into unfamiliar territory. Besides, you'll never make it. My 2 cents. | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 732 Registered: 6-2002 |
Why not call the trucking service, and hitch a ride in the cab of the truck? You get the thrill of the drive, and the car doesn't suffer the wear and tear. Enjoy the 2 days of conversation with Bubba. Jim S. | ||
| Simon Langridge (Simon)
New member Username: Simon Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2003 |
Just do It. I drove my '77 308GTB from Bologna to Zurich in the middle of summer and through holiday traffic. OK, it was only 7 hours so not the distances you guys in the states are used to...but I was as fresh as a daisy when I got out. If you are worried about a mechanical problem that will end up costing loads...just keep an eye on the water/oil temperatures and the oil pressure. Generally, as long as they are ok you should be laughing. Enjoy the drive... and let me know what goes wrong ( :-) only kidding) See ya Simon My first post. No longer a virgin, ooohhh it feels good. | ||
| Kevin Marcus (Rumordude)
Junior Member Username: Rumordude Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2001 |
My sister drove my 328 from seattle to san diego some time back and didn't have any problems. But I am sure that's just because ferrari of seattle was taking good care of it (and now ferrari of san diego). So I would ultimately say that before you go on a long trip -- regardless of the car -- make sure it gets a nice checkup -- fluids, tires, brakes etc. A radar detector (valentine1) might be a nice addition if you don't have one. | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1759 Registered: 5-2001 |
take along "biker's survival kit"...sawed off 12ga double barrel shotgun! :-) | ||
| Doug meredith (Dougm)
Member Username: Dougm Post Number: 359 Registered: 2-2001 |
If you're buying the car to drive it...then just drive it. All you need is a cell phone and AAA. If you're buying it to drive 500 miles a year and admire it sitting in your garage...then ship it. Long distances are slightly uncomfortable and tiring in the smaller cars, but you will always remember it, both the good and the bad. Also, don't forget a toothbrush to clean the bugs off your teeth from the perma-grin you will have for the whole drive. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 1199 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ron, Normally, I would say "DRIVE IT" but seeing how you may not know the exact road conditions, or how your car will fair up in those conditions, it may not be worth the risk. A 2000 mile trek has to be very well planned, especially in a Ferrari, IMO. I would get it shipped for $1300-1500 (shipped my car from FL to CA in 3 days for $1400) and let them worry about the "unknowns." After you've had a chance to get acquiainted with your car, then plan for a 2000+ mile adventure in your new toy. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 775 Registered: 6-2002 |
Take food, water, blankets, cell phone, and "biker's survival kit" Enjoy the once in a lifetime expierence! I sure did (proof: I still can't go back to Utah for fear of prosecution!) Best! Ben. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 537 Registered: 9-2001 |
Succeeded in both pickup trips, as well as on the FRC Rally. Maybe lucky but maybe the car just likes to kit the road. Take a set of spares, tools and supplies and have a nice slow safe trip. - JMG | ||
| Ron Feaster (Rfeaster)
New member Username: Rfeaster Post Number: 17 Registered: 5-2003 |
Thanks for the replies guys. To make thinks a little more specific: Yes its a new-to-me purchase; plane fair is 'free' (FFM's); quote for shipping from Intercity is $1700; actual distance is 2,500. I'm leaning towards driving because I think it would be a blast, but the mental picture of being stranded in the desert with nothing but the rattlesnakes is not too pleasing. Both arguments provide excellent points. I was just wondering the percentage of people who "succeeded" in such endeavors. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 536 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have driven both of mine back...what is the fun in owning the car and only getting to take it for spins after it gets home? Drive it! - JMG | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 87 Registered: 8-2003 |
Sure...you can do it all by flying,but what fun is that? No,breaking down and waiting for Bubbas tow truck in the rain sure aint,either! But,thats why you got good insurance that will cover your expenses,and pay for reputable service. And what are the odds that thats gonna happen,anyway? Same odds as getting in a plane crash? Driving across the country is a blast... if you have the TIME (and $$) to take your time,...enjoy the DRIVE,'cause,thats what Ferraris are for,right? To be DRIVEN! You can't get that same experience just putting around the city, dodging those big,lunkin' SUV's all day! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 1465 Registered: 5-2002 |
Shouldn't it all be a simple matter of mathmatics? Are you talking about flying out 2000 miles to pick up a newly purchased car and driving it back? Seems pretty cut and dried. Add the cost of the plane fare out to the car, the cost of your time, the cost of the gas for the return trip, the cost of anything unexpected like a blown tire, SNAPPED TIMING BELT, tow truck, etc. Add the cost of a motel plus meals for a night or two. Plus the wear and tear on your mind and body in general from a 2000 mile trip. Wouldn't it all be easier to simply pick up the phone and call one of the reputable transport companies and pay $1000 or $1200 or whatever they charge? Then you simply sit back, watch TV, flip the steaks on the grill, and wait for the truck to arrive. THEN, you can evaluate the car at your leisure in your own garage; NOT while you're stranded by the side of the road in the middle of the desert or in the pouring rain, waiting for Bubba's Tow Truck who will get dollar signs in his eyes when he sees a rich guy in a Ferrari. | ||
| Paul Wehmer (Pwehmer)
Junior Member Username: Pwehmer Post Number: 198 Registered: 10-2002 |
Frank- The pre-cut clear adhesive kits help out with bug build up on the front. I've seen them on a red car and you can barely see the film. I saw them on cars in Vegas where they put it on for protection from the sand that blows up. But on dark cars it shows up pretty well. Search the achives there has been a couple sources for these. | ||
| James H. (Jamesh)
Junior Member Username: Jamesh Post Number: 217 Registered: 5-2001 |
I drove my 308 from Midland,Texas to Chicago when I first purchased it. Flew into Dallas, got a connecting flight to Midland, purchase the car and drove it back. It was a very nice experience even though there were some minor problems with the car. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 77 Registered: 8-2003 |
I always have the urge to drive from my home outside of Chicago,out to Phoenix,AZ. to visit relatives. I have the time,so why not. Referred to the previous posts,regarding up to date service and condition of car,route,motor club,etc...(maybe take whats left of old route 66!) but,MY concern is the BUGS that your front end acquires at high speeds/long drives. Would just a really good waxing help prevent paint damage? I really dont like "car bra's" but,suppose that I could just install one for the trip,and take it off when I got there. Where can I find a car bra for an '81-308?(also fear too many rock chips!) | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 311 Registered: 7-2001 |
Depends on the condition of the car as far as the current service. Hows the clutch and cooling system and the route. Good roads, bad ones, mountains etc. Plan a route near some places that might be able to help you fix the car along the way and also get AAA or another good towing/road assistance plan. Other than that, how often do we actually drive across country anymore? We fly so much and feel so time compressed. Enjoy your car and drive it as long as its in decent shape. They were built to be driven. I bought my 94 Lotus and drove it home from Scottsdale AZ to Atlanta. Had a blast. Did it in August heat as well. Car was fully serviced and had no problems at all. Got some great memories out of that road trip. I suggest the same for you PS most members here near your route would be happy to meet you or help if need be..you have come to a good site by the way | ||
| Newman (Newman)
Intermediate Member Username: Newman Post Number: 1297 Registered: 12-2001 |
Ive put 14000kms on mine without a problem, many long trips at a time over the last 2 years. | ||
| Ron Feaster (Rfeaster)
New member Username: Rfeaster Post Number: 16 Registered: 5-2003 |
I've read all kinds of opinions on this subject, but for those of you who actually made the journey, was your experience good or bad? I know it depends on the car, but I'd to see what my chances are of having an uneventful trek. Thanks |