| Author | Message | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
|
Thanks again to all who responded. Stu: I'm really glad to hear from you as I remember reading about your purchase process in one of the previous strings and really being impressed with how you handled things (all the calling and research sounds like it really paid off!) I definitely agree with everything you said; thanks for the wise words. Peter: Thanks for the tip and glad to hear you feel FML is worth it - I'll be joining soon. Peter Boray: That's VERY encouraging to hear you got an 85 OV for that price! I'd also be willing to spend a little more for a great deal like that. Thanks much for the Forza magazine tip, I'll check into getting a copy! And yes, as with Stu, despite my enthusiasm, I've learned not to rush in and that being patient really makes it worthwhile in the end. ChrisN: Thanks for the local tips, I'll definitely check them out before I leave. Yes, Dreamworks can be cheap, but I can't complain. We started out at the Marriott Renaissance on Wacker in the loop, then I moved into a great top floor loft in Bucktown with a great view, hardwood floors, fourteen foot ceilings, and two bedrooms - I'll be sorry to leave. James H: A very good point, and it was my primary concern about buying out of state, however, I read in here about certain smog stations which (if paid extra on the side) can make sure you pass, or have some clever ways around it. Don't know how much validity there is to this, and there are a number of "pros" to buying locally. I'll keep this in mind. William H: Thanks for the response, I feel like I almost know most of you guys with all the hours I've spent reading your discussions. Again, thanks for the hope that 30K or under is possible. Doug Meredith: Gorgeous! Saw your car in the showroom section, and that is exactly what I'm looking for! Red or possibly black are the colors I'm looking for, but I really like your gray 308! It's also nice to see how well you take care of it. I've got a newer Nissan 300ZX currently, and I've always enjoyed detailing it weekly. Thanks again everyone, and I'll keep you posted! ~Chris | ||
| Doug Meredith (Doug308)
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I bought my '84 for under $30k with all records from new. The mileage was higher than normal, 75k, but the records showed that it was maintained. The car runs great and I would have no problem buying a high mileage Ferrari again. Car pics are under showroom section currently. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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Actually, if u look around, u should be able to get a 308QV for under $30k these days. Sucks for those of us who bought in 1990 but good for u. U cant have mine for $30k but I'll trade u for a Viper GTS  | ||
| James H. (Jamesh)
|
Hi Chris, Like you, I was working in Chicago for a year but was from California. I made the mistake of purchasing an 84 European model 308 GTSI from someone in Texas. Although the car went through the EPA and would be able to be registered in most states, it did not pass the emission test in California. So my advise is to wait till your back home in Los Angeles and look for a Ferrari there. By buying a California Registered car, you should have no problem registering it and in California, the seller is responsible for the smog certification. An out of state car brought into California must meet California's emission standards and if it doesn't, they will require you to spend whatever it takes to make it pass. Also, living in Southern California, there is a guy down there who works on Ferrari's at a very reasonable price and is also very helpful. He may also have connection to finding you a nice car at a reasonable price. I also agree with Peter, you should try and stay away from the 2 valve injected models. If you like, you can e-mail me and I can give you that persons name in Southern California. Good Luck and take your time James | ||
| Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
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Chris , I hope Dreamworks put you up at the Ritz. Rumors are they are cheapo's on the fringe benefits. If you get a chance in Chicago go to Continental Autosports or Lake Forest Sports Cars they have the best Ferrari people around. You could do some window shopping , and they are helpful with questions. | ||
| Peter Boray (Gts308qv)
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It is personal choice, but I was told to stay away from the 2 valve injected cars, mainly because they do not have the performance the earlier cars or the later QV's had. I bit the bullet and took out a loan to purchase a '85 GTS QV. The extra $'s were well spent as I found a one owner car (24k miles)that had been "over serviced " all it's life. Cost( $32'000).I bought privately, but it did take me 6 months to find the right car. As 'stu' has indicated, DON'T RUSH IN. The Magazine FORZA did a buyers guide on the 308 (issue 25) still available from the publisher | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
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Don't forget about the 308 GT4! The best ones go between $25/30K. But purely a mechanical car they do NEED ALOT of fiddling with. Buy the best ones, stay away from under $20K (I know J, but I still love it). If you find a great one, they can be very reliable. The FML is a great resource. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
|
Welcome Chris, As the owner of a small dealership, I've always felt that a "local" source is best - i.e. your local Ferrari dealership or a dealer who specializes in quality high end cars. Next, is to buy from a private party, again local if possible. However, due to the nature of these particular cars, finding one locally is not always easy. You're going to get A LOT of excellent, well intentioned, different opinions on this site as to the best sources for finding the right car, as well as fair pricing, buying procedures and even transporting. My simple advice is "buyer beware" - always! Try not to let your emotions get in the way of making a smart decision, do your research and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by an independent (from the selling dealership) shop - I had two different shops look at mine before I bought it. Finally, contrary popular opinion, I think that Ebay can be a great source to find a nice older 308 - but again - proceed with caution! Good luck! | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
|
Hi guys, I'd love to benefit from the wisdom of all of you who were once in my shoes and looking to finalize their long held dream of owning their first Ferrari. My passion, aesthetic taste, and finances all lead me to the early 80's 308 GTS models. Would love to afford an 83-84 QV, but would like to keep a reserve for a repair fund, so the price range I'm looking for is 25-30K; as such, they're likely out of my range, but I'd be happy with an 80-82 as well. I've test driven a couple 308's so far, and have been battling "Ferrari Fever" and "gottahaveit" feelings ever since. What are the best resources to find a used 308? I've scoured sites online, and pick-up the duPont Registry. Am tempted to sign up for the Ferrari Market Letter - is this worth it? I've been "on location" on a film for Dreamworks in Chicago since November. I'll be returning to L.A. this month and thought I'd have better luck and more options if I waited until then. Still, any help or suggestions any of you might have would be MUCH appreciated. I have to say, yet again, how impressed I've been with this site and everyone involved; it makes me feel SO MUCH better that once I finally make my purchase, I'll have a group of enthusiasts to share the excitement and learn about maintenance, care, and upkeep! One last note: if there are any enthusiasts in this group or others who would be interested in selling their 308 (if they're moving up in the Ferrari world), I'd feel much better about buying one from someone who shares the passion for keeping one up, looking sharp, and well maintenanced! Thanks again, and I look forward to your responses! Best, ~Chris Cummings |