| Author |
Message |
Lewis (Lewis)
New member
Username: Lewis
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 5:38 pm: | |
This site is amazing, thanks for all of your input. I will be sure to post the pictures when I pull the trigger.
Thanks again! |
Theo Pappas (Theo)
New member
Username: Theo
Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 7:22 am: | |
Lewis,
I am in your shoes exactly. I am looking for my first fcar, a 328 GTS. It has taken me 8 months to find the right one (Red/Tan, 17K miles, mint condition). I have bookmarked about 18 or so websites that sell Ferrari's that I have looked at each day when I was searching. I am making an offer today on it.
Take the advice that fellow Ferrari Chatters have given you: take the time to find the right car for you. It will be well worth it. And when you find it, pay the money for a PPI. It's the best $$$ spent. I spent $300 on a PPI for the car I am going to buy. The guy spent 4 hours on it inspecting it from top to bottom. It has given me the confidence that I have purchased the right car for me.
Good luck in your search. If I can help in any way, call me at 617-957-5282.
Theo |
Anders J Lamberth (Andersjl)
New member
Username: Andersjl
Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 1:55 am: | |
Lewis,
It is bumpy, it is noicy, it is small, it is uncomfortable (just back from a 3.000 km round-trip in Europe with my 6-months pregnant, but understanding wife (?!?). but still, I must admit that I regret one thing: -That I should have bought the car much, much earlier, just so that I could have enjoyed it even longer than up to today(however, I somehow get the feeling my wife does not fully agree...)
I was just made a serious offer from a well-known F. dealer paying $8.000- more than I bought the car for, but I refused to sell it. Honestly, I had this dream since I was 12, and I will NEVER sell it. If I have to, I rather pro...ute myself !
I love the car !
Get one a.s.a.p.
Ciao, Anders |
terrence edwards (4re4t)
New member
Username: 4re4t
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 9:15 pm: | |
Lewis--
Ive had my 328 for about a 1.5 years. I love it. Its been wonderfully reliable (accept for a rt window that sticks occasionally) Just follow the advice of people on the list and drive the thing. The more you drive it the better it will run. good luck |
Alberto (Aabreu)
Junior Member
Username: Aabreu
Post Number: 70
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 8:15 pm: | |
Lewis:
I purchased my 328 in December. I drove about a dozen cars before I found the one for me, and it took me about 10 months to find it. Bottom line: be patient and stick to your guns until you find what you are looking for. Depending on what you want to find, you may find one sooner than I did. Once you do get it YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!
Good luck. If you have specific questions, post them, including about any specific car you may want to ask for opinions on. I did. You'll get a ton of worthwhile advice. |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 495
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 12:20 pm: | |
After you buy your car it's going to be like a family pet. When it's sick, you'll throw money at it until it's well. With a Ferrari, LOTS of money. You won't be able to help yourself. Therefore, before buying a rough car, be prepared for the sacrifice. |
D.E.S. (Sickspeed)
New member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 10:55 am: | |
i think it should be noted that the people on this site are extremely helpful... i never thought someone could obtain such a plethora of information from a posting site... with so many references and offers of phone numbers to continue discussing, in detail, what some people are looking for and want... i have alot of respect for the people on this site and i know where i'll be looking for advice if (and when) i ever have the chance to start looking for a Ferrari.
-des |
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 434
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 9:35 am: | |
The '89 (last year) had ABS and fetches a premium over otherwise comparable 328's. I had one, it was great, but a little underpowered (you've got to rev the •••• out of it to make it fly compared to the later 348 and 355) and for my 6'1" 200lb frame, a bit tight with the roof on; perfect if I took the roof off and cranked the seat back semi-horizontal, but if you stow the roof behind the seats, you loose a couple inches of seat room and for me, could not crank it back to perfection.
BTW, these cars handle great, they are relatively small, wonderfully direct steering (no power, thanks to Allah) and can corner (tire choice may make a difference here). Find a well loved one with service records; there are no bargains in ferrariville; if somebody else didn't take care of it, you will, at even higher prices, greater down time, etc. |
Russ Moore (Rem9)
Junior Member
Username: Rem9
Post Number: 89
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 8:52 am: | |
Lewis,
The 328 is a nice start. I first looked at the 308s and then decided to go the 328 route as they were, for the most part, lower milaged and 10 years newer with some improvements and a bit more space (I am 6'4"). I have not regreted my purchase. In terms of telltales, avoid any car with obvious rust, not only is it something to be repaired but it also is an indicator the PO didn't tend the car carefully. Aside from what has already been said, be sure to carefully examine the underside of the engine area for any leakage. It's not a terminal problem but one you should be aware of. Driving the car will also lend credence to any claims of excellence. It should shift smoothly and run responsively with no hesitations after warmed up. No excessive noises and the suspension tight. After driving, then check out the records and paperwork. There was a recall on them to replace some suspension struts that should have been done on the earlier non-ABS cars. Mine is an 87 and as such is a non-ABS car. I saw no reason to pay a premium for something I did not want. Seek a car with between 20 to 40K in milage. The service records will help in establishing true value. Better to buy the best car you can afford than to buy the cheapest and have to dump lots of dollars into it. Many folks have gone the latter route and found in hindsight they would have been way ahead to have started with the better car. A poorly maintained car will usually be somewhat obvious. Avoid cars that don't have a good fit on the body panels. It generally indicates a past calamity and ham fisted repairs.
Best of luck. You'll love it!
Russ |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Junior Member
Username: Lens
Post Number: 202
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 7:40 am: | |
Lewis,
Try and see as many as possible, and drive them whenever you get a chance. You need to build a database in your mind so that you will have a frame of reference to help you decide the condition you can live with and the amount of money you want to spend. All manuals/books/tools are important, because although they are available, they are not cheap. Make sure the car comes with service records, especially for timing belts! 328s are twenty-year-old cars; the belts should have been changed at least twice, if not three times, based on time elapsed, not mileage. Also, make sure all interior controls/switches are working. You can eMail me if you like, or give me a call at 201-692-0379 in the evenings. I bought my car last year, and really appreciate the peo-ple who took the time to talk with me about 328s. Enjoy the car with your heart after you have purchased it with your head.
Good luck. |
Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Junior Member
Username: Lawrence
Post Number: 141
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 6:07 am: | |
I've owned my '87 328 since 1988. Very reliable car. Only big thing that happened was a main seal at the clutch side of the engine. |
Anders J Lamberth (Andersjl)
New member
Username: Andersjl
Post Number: 27
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 4:31 am: | |
Hi,
I bought mine 3 yrs ago (328 GTS -87), and so far not problems, just great fun. It seems to be a very reliable car.
The only irretating detail is that when driving in heavy rain (which seldom happens...), there will be water leaking in between targa top and rubber sealing.
Before buying the car, I read the "Road & Track" booklet which holds a great number of tests on 308, 328, Mondial and 348.
Good luck !
Anders |
L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
New member
Username: Lwausbrooks
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 6:35 pm: | |
Lewis, the following is taken from Forza Magazine, Feb 1999 "328 Buyer's Guide":
Buyer's Checklist:
Green Flags:
1. Good compression (avg 155 psi) & leak down test (no more than 10-15%)
2. Good 2nd gear synchro
3. Interior showing minimal/no wear
4. Service records and tools/books on hand
5. Recent major service
Red Flags:
1. Leaking oil from shift shaft seals, cam seals, cam covers
2. Oil or coolant seepage from head gaskets
3. Spotty service history
4. Damage to front decklid under structure
5. Flexible oil cooler lines (Recall #143, affecting s/n 60053-63809)
6. Fuel return hose (Recall #144, affecting s/n 60053-66711)
7. Front lower suspension arm forks (Recall #146, affecting s/n 60053-66711)
GOOD AND BAD
Good:
1. Incredible reliability
2. Robust, flexible engine
3. Exhilerating to use, yet friendly enough to be a daily driver
4. Very Few rusty/tatty examples exist
5. Large production numbers insure a good choice/selection
Bad:
1. Large production numbers hinder potential appreciation
2. Compared to a 308, supplemental controls are expensive to replace
3. Potentially rapid tire wear
4. Unnecessary premium for low mileage (under 10,000) ABS models with tools and books
I hope this is helpful to you. You might consider calling Forza at (415)382-0587 to order a back issue to read the rest of the article. It was issue #15.
Wayne
|
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 525
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 6:25 pm: | |
Lewis, if you do some searches on this site, you will find a wealth of information for 328s. In the long run you will probably decide that the bottom line is to get one that has been well inspected by a reliable mechanic. Don't be afraid of one with mileage, but be sure it has had its service intervals performed. Take your time, and be sure not to jump at one that seems like too good a deal. There is a guy selling one on here that looks very nice and it's 40K. I've had mine for 4 months and love it. Have fun, and good luck. |
Lewis Schoenwetter (Lewis)
New member
Username: Lewis
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 6:16 pm: | |
I am looking to buy my first ferrari (finally). I have chosen to go with a 328gts based on good rumored reliability, price, looks and maintenance costs.
Is there anything I should look out for (i.e. one particular model year has more problems, telltale problem signs by looking at the engine or other, etc)
Any views would be GREATLY appreciated - I am about to purchase my dream, and I am trying to avoid a nightmare.
Thanks
Lewis |
|