| Author |
Message |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 334
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 5:27 pm: | |
Beginning in 1984, Ferrari did a good job with rustproofing. Actually, it's worse to wash your car and stuff it in the garage to slowly dry than it is to drive it in the rain.
Dave |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 38
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 3:08 pm: | |
But the 328's are not well rustprotected are they? |
Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member
Username: Airbarton
Post Number: 67
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 9:51 am: | |
Ton, don't worry about the rain mine drives just fine in the rain! When I drive it the last thing I am thinking about is the rigidity, I am to busy enjoying the acceleration and the sweet sound of the engine! |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 330
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 4:56 pm: | |
V.Z.
Where are you now? Tell me about your GTB.
Dave |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 32
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 3:28 pm: | |
And I see that in Gstaad there is a 17,5% premium on top of the hammerprice and then another 17,5% tax. So I have to keep in mind that I am paying actually 35% more then what I am bidding. |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 31
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 3:16 pm: | |
Hi Jens,
Thanks for the message. I also found one on mobile.de. A first-hand '88 328 GTS with only 13,900km for 42k euro. And it is in Aachen!! I will call them tomorrow and have a look at the car on saturday.
Oh boy, I am really getting excited now! |
Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Junior Member
Username: Jh280774
Post Number: 134
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 3:02 pm: | |
Hi Ton,
Just saw that you are searching for a CLEAN 328GTS. This night I was surfing at the Bonham and Brooks auctioneer page and thought that this must be the perfect car for you. Just look at this beauty:
http://www.bonhams.com/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=29119++++280+&refno=++843641&saletype=
It is auctioned at the more than famous Bonham and Brooks auction in Gstaad at the Palace hotel on the 20th of december 2002. You should know that Bonhams is an auctioner with a very good reputation for Ferraris.
The data of this car sounds good:
11.996 km run
just one owner from switzerland
rough price range from 55000 to 65000 Swiss francs (Very good price for an almost new car IMO!)
Perhaps you just take a look at the site. I think it is more than worth to consider this car and perhaps place a bet.
Hope I could help you.
Con saluti cordialissimi,
Jens Haller |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 2:04 pm: | |
The reason that I would like to find a nice GTS is:
1. have my face in the sun and enjoy the wind
2. to be able to hear the engine and exhaust even better
I wonder how it must be to drive one of the full spiders (348/355) while thinking about the car's rigidity. |
V.Z. (Ama328)
New member
Username: Ama328
Post Number: 38
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 12:59 pm: | |
Ton, there's probably no way that a 328 is gonna hold it's own vs. a TR, but they're still hot little numbers to own/drive. As far as rubberneckers in 328 vs. TR, here in the states, Magnum P.I. REALLY brought up the visiblity of Fcars, and anything that looks remotely like a 308/328 is gonna get an extra little look(most people don't know the diff, but hey, "it's a Ferrari" kinda mentality). A TR would definitely get noticed, but lots of people would have to look twice to figure out just what it is.
I have a 328GTB for 2 reasons:
1) couldn't afford anything more expen$ive at the time.
2) was exactly what i wanted - favorite styling(GTB does have a little bit slicker design look than even the GTS, plus where i live, a 'B' is a bit more practical).
So, look around, get some $$ together, dive in.
------------------------
Dave328GTB - i didn't realize you were outa Denver - i used to work at the IBM plant outside of Boulder...reading this thread reminded me of a couple minor goodies outa Den/Bld:
1) went to lunch one day at Murphy's in BLD, just offa the Diagonal at Iris/28th with a buddy, lo & behold there was a 328GTS, standard red/tan parked normally in lot. I must say, there's really sumpin' nifty about seeing Fcars out in public, even if you're used to 'em, is nice & fresh to see others around town.
2) few yrs back, took the 328 up to Den/BLD a week or two before XMAS, ended up in Cherry Creek at the Tattered Cover bookstore(before the big malls went up in south Den and on Hwy 36 towards BLD), slid right into a primo parking spot right on the corner is FULL public view...dark, crisp, frosty evening(no snow), lots of XMAS lights, nice food in a restaurant, boy that car never looked better...
just one o' those nites when it wuz picture perfect. |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 24
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 10:41 am: | |
Charles,
You drive your 348 every day! That sounds so great. I will definitely not be able to drive the car every day because it rains here a lot. But I am happy to hear about your withdrawal symptoms. That is exactly what I am hoping for. |
Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member
Username: Airbarton
Post Number: 61
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 9:18 am: | |
Ton, If I don't get @ least one drive a day in my 348 I get withdrawl symptoms. I look for excuses to drive now. No doubt owning isn't exactly what I thought it would be but I sure wouldn't go back. If you never own one you will never know and some day when your old and grey you will wish you had. Just take the plunge you only live once! |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 3:36 am: | |
Will, Greg, Ernie and Dave,
Thanks for the words. I know that Ferrari is in my blood. Whenever I see one it is like walking around the corner and bumping into this girl that you have always secretely loved.
I can't wait for the day that I will bring my own Ferrari home. She will be cherished like a queen (yes we are a monarchie).
Untill then I will search every corner of the earth (maybe you should read Europe) for her. Of course I was dissapointed when I drove a long way for the other 328. It didn't blow my balloon. I felt sorry for the people who treated the car so badly. Luckily I know that there are a lot of guys/girls like you that cherish their cars the way that I would. I am patiently waiting to run into one and buy his/her dreamcar. Impatientely patient I continue the search.
Ton |
Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Member
Username: Ernie
Post Number: 450
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 11:14 pm: | |
Dave I think you missunderstood what I was saying. I ment it is an up and down fealing. Up when things are going good, and down only when the car isn't working right. I still get excited when I drive mine. As a matter of fast last Friday when I got out of the car I had the adrenaline jitters, hahahahaa, so yeah it is still exciting to have a Ferrari. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 327
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 11:00 pm: | |
Ton,
I do drive the cars year round. Most people think Denver is a frozen tundra with 12 feet of snow on it, but the winter climate here is very dry and days in the 60's, even 70's are not uncommon Dec-Feb. I do drive less in the winter, more because of left over gravel on the road from previous snowfalls than snowfall itself. Clean 328's are among the easiest Fcars to find in the US. I'm sure there are plenty in Europe as well. Patience will yield dividends in the long run. I tried out a number of cars before buying my first. Try to enjoy the search even though frustrating at times. It will make your eventual purchase all the sweeter. Some people find they really don't like Ferraris after their purchase, but that's OK too. At least they tried their dream and losing some money is better than forever wondering about it.
Ernie,
Perhaps I am unusual, but my pulse still quickens when I m heading to the garage to get the Ferrari out. And when I turn onto my road to bring it home, I am always disappointed I can't drive it more. I also have a 99 BMW M3 which is higher performance in every way on paper, but it's just a car. A Ferrari is a total sensory experience that I have been unable to come close to duplicating with any other marque.
|
Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Member
Username: Ernie
Post Number: 449
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:21 pm: | |
You know, for me it was like when you were a kid. When there was the one toy, or bike, or shoes that you just HAD to have, and then you got it. At first it is exciting because you finally have it, then after a while the excitement wears off. How ever, after a while the fealing comes back, especially when you go to a rally were there are others Ferrari's. But then it goes away when it comes time to put it in the shop. Then you start to miss the car and the excitement starts all over again. Then you get the car back from the mechanic and you are sooooo glad to have it back. You take it home and open it up and hear the wonderful song that only a Ferrari exhaust can make. Then you realise that yes it is better to own a Ferrari than dream about one.
Get the car. |
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member
Username: Owens84qv
Post Number: 574
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 7:46 pm: | |
Ton,
As a relatively new owner (one year anivesary this past October), I can tell you that if Ferrari is in your blood, nothing is like owning one. I still get the tingles every time I take her out. The 308/328 series is pretty reliable from Ferrari standards and the maintenance is easy to do.
As stated earlier, stay up on the maintenance, check and replace wear items in a timely manner and you'll be surprised how reliable they are.
Jump in and get wet...it's a hell of a swim! |
WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
Junior Member
Username: Fiorano1999
Post Number: 55
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 6:26 pm: | |
Not that different from women in my perspective. Some are better off left to dream about rather than to own and maintain.
But which ones?
It is not that hard to be disappointed when you are expecting so many wonderful things. Being let down on just one could burst your balloon - but just for a short period. However, if you buy a •••• car, blame yourself for the disappointment, not the car. And remember you are looking at cars that could be 20+ years old and the design amd manufacturing world has moved in leaps and bounds such that your Honda may be better in some if not many aspects. Just do your homework and be realistic and it will all be OK. Plus, you can always trade up.
Will |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 20
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 3:13 pm: | |
Yes, it is pretty easy to buy a car in one of the other european countries and import it. Especially Germany is a big market for Ferrari's. Unfortunately it is not easy to travel long distances to have a look at a car or testdrive one when your free time is limited. I recently drove a large distance to find a 328 in very bad condition (although the dealer convinced me through the telephone that the car was in good shape). I hope that this was just bad luck. I keep on looking (with the help of my local Ferrari mechanic).
I envy you for living in southern California. That means that you can actually drive your car every day of the year. |
Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member
Username: Bmyth
Post Number: 57
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 3:00 pm: | |
Ton, thanks. Luckily for me, I did not have to search long, but searched far (across the US) to find the right one. For me, it was all about buying the right car from the right source. I know your 328 GTS is out there waiting to be found. Are these cars hard to find in Belgium? Is it pretty accessible for you to find vehicles in neighboring countries and bring them over? |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 2:56 pm: | |
Byron,
I just admired your new car. It looks fantastic. Did you have to search long for it?
Oh men, I can't wait! I am spending days and nights at dealers/traders/internet looking for my 328.
Where is she? |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 18
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 2:51 pm: | |
Hi Dave,
That is roughly 6,500 miles annualy. Do you use the car all year round? |
Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member
Username: Bmyth
Post Number: 55
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 2:49 pm: | |
Dave, those are inspiring numbers.
Ton, it's time to live the dream. I've always admired these cars, but when you actually find yourself driving down the coast with your windows open, wind blowing... all to the sweet tune of the melodic V8 (or whatever your preferred engine displacement may me)... you realize that there are few moments in life that can equal that sense of pleasure and ectasy.
Live it now. Of course, owning one is far different than owning a japanese sports car, persay.. but there's something to be said for owning a piece of racing heritage... italian soul. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 323
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 2:43 pm: | |
After 7 years, 45,000 Fcar miles, I can honestly say, it only gets better.
However, I do love the "hunt" and so have had 6 different Fcars in that span. This experimentation led me to the 328 GTB which took 30 months to find and which I intend to keep indefinitely.
The good thing about dreams is that once you have fulfilled one, you can move onto the next one!
Dave |
Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
Junior Member
Username: Tbakowsky
Post Number: 84
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 1:32 pm: | |
Heck..I'm just a guy who is a mechanic. I f I can afford to buy and maintain my 308GTSI then I'm sure you can. There seems to be a big myith regarding the realiabiliy of theses cars. Sure their not as realiable as a Honda or Toyota, but their not Ferrari's!! Just keep up with all the maintance,if somthing doesn't feel right or sound rightl, fix it right away!! don't wait for it to get worse. Above all nothing is like driving down the highway with the roof off and the sound of that ferrari v8 at full song behined you,and all the admiering looks you get from every other driver on the road. Pull up to a cofee shop or restuarnt,better yet a patio bar and just listen for the comments. Makes ya feel good. Just go ahead and do it, you only live once,make it count. |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:29 am: | |
thought about it 50 times?
You mean 50 times a day!!!!
I AM going to buy it as soon as I find a clean example for a reasonable price. It's hard though to find a clean one. Who can you trust? |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 13
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:24 am: | |
Thanks V.Z.!
Is the rubberneck phenomenon just as strong in a 328 as in a TR?
What kind of 328 do you own? Did you have any problems with it? Do you use it regularly? |
joe saldana (Ironjoe)
Junior Member
Username: Ironjoe
Post Number: 138
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:24 am: | |
Ton, Just BUY IT ..... Use PREVENTIVE MAINTAINENCE. PRACTICE. N SKILLS....You can usually read people to tell if their going to be jealous morons (lazy too) so if the rides not present just call it your... Itialian car....if you have thought about ownership of this (or any other cool ride) more than 50 times.....Well there you go....... |
V.Z. (Ama328)
New member
Username: Ama328
Post Number: 35
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:11 am: | |
Ton, to me it's not so much better vs. worse, it's just different. I used to tell people it's a lot different looking out of an Fcar than looking in.
Is also the tinker toy complex; when you're a kid, tinker toys are really neat, but eventually, you grow out of them. With Fcar, tho, you don't have to grow all the way out...
Look, there is *NO* way that a muchly desired, muchly anticipated action/event/thing can end up in the long term being the same as what you imagine(babes, $$, toys, etc). BUT, neat thing about Fcars is that if you've REALLY got it in your blood, it'll stay with you in a very nice fashion.
When/where i grew up, nobody knew or cared much about Fcars(gimme a hot 60s 'vette, baby!). Fcars didn't hit mainstream until Magnum P.I., greater production numbers, and the gogo 80s.
I was looking to get a sports car, had my eye on 60s Stingray(would still like one, as matter of fact), just happened to check into Fcars a bit, thought, 'hmmmm...'. What did it for me was walking into parking garage at SFO airport, and THERE IT WAS - 308QV, dirty, but looking like a million $$.
Well, couple yrs later, got a 308, then yr or two later bought a new 328, and WOW, wuz really sumpin'.
BUT, it's still DIFFERENT than anticipated (better, actually).
Stuff you don't consider:
* Rubber neckers checkin' you out.
* Traffic coming to standstill.
* Moses' 'parting of the water', when you come up somebody's rear, they MOVE outa da way.
* Pulling up to a stoplight, looking at the G.M. car next to you, and you realize you're looking at hubcap level.
After all these yrs, is still neato having picked up a car with the looks, sounds that i really like.
|
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 10:08 am: | |
I agree that there is always a jealousyfactor present when I speak to other people about my Ferrari. But I have to admit that now that I am actually at the point where I want to buy my lifelong dream, there is sometimes this small voice in the back of my head saying: do you really need this? What if it breaks down?
Don't get me wrong. I REALLY want this car! But I guess it makes you more sensitive to what other people say. That is why I am very happy that I have found this site where I can talk to people with the same passion.
Thanks for the positive inputs! |
Jeff Green (Carguy)
Junior Member
Username: Carguy
Post Number: 63
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 9:31 am: | |
For me it's great to finally realize a dream. But what happens to me is I start dreaming about the next step....things to do on the car, changes and improvements. It may be philosophically true that "having" is not as emotionally intense as "wanting". But "having" allows new emotions into the picture. Like satisfaction, pride, and even though politically wrong.....envy of others. I am very happy to have my dreamcar. What could really kill the Ferrari passion is if/when you get your car it ends up being a horrible experience owning it. But I don't think that is possible. You must know what your getting into and accept the cars for what they are. They will reward you believe me. Bottom line, you'll never know unless you just do it. That's what I did and have never looked back. |
Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Junior Member
Username: Me_k
Post Number: 201
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 9:31 am: | |
I guess it depends on what you're expecting. I have a 308QV I bought a couple years ago and I just love it. When it is operating properly there is just nothing like it. However it is an old car and it doesn't always operate properly. If you are good about maintain it well (belts, hoses, battery,...every 5-6 years) will rarely fail you, but it will break down or leak from time to time. If you go into it with your eyes open and are comfortable with the facts, owning it will far surpass the dream IMO. |
Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Qferrari
Post Number: 133
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 9:24 am: | |
Can't speak for others..but the reality, for me, FAR exceeded the expectation/dream.
|
William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member
Username: Countachxx
Post Number: 1617
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 9:22 am: | |
those people are jealous & dont have a clue, buy yourself a 328 & have a great time. They just want to hold you back in mediocrity |
Scotty (Pzerowaster)
Junior Member
Username: Pzerowaster
Post Number: 51
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 8:43 am: | |
Isn't living the dream much better than dreaming? |
Ton Visser (Lion315)
New member
Username: Lion315
Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 8:19 am: | |
Finally somebody to talk to.
I am on the brink of buying my first Ferrari. I decided that it has to be a clean 328 GTS because I have been in love with this model ever since I first met her. But now suddenly people (read non-owners) start to warn me that having is not as much fun as wanting and that after you purchased one the "dream" is over. Of course I totally disagree with this since I am still as much in love with my wife as the day I met her. Are there any owners around with a different opinion? |