Another 328...348 or 355?? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Edit Profile

FerrariChat.com » General Ferrari Discussion Archives » Archive through December 25, 2002 » Another 328...348 or 355?? « Previous Next »

Author Message
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Junior Member
Username: Jscott

Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 11:39 am:   

It's a deal guys. Look forward to getting together whenever it works.
Scott
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355

Post Number: 861
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 4:43 pm:   

Scott:

Great idea, I'll keep you posted when I come by your way.

Art
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Junior Member
Username: Jscott

Post Number: 244
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 4:35 pm:   

Sounds great, I'm ready. If you get too lonely without your car, give me a call and I'll let you get behind the wheel on a clear day.
Scott
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 13
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 2:54 pm:   

Scott, We spoke on the phone a few months ago. We were going to get together to admire each others cars, but business took me away....then I sold my baby :-(. Now I am looking for another Ferrari. I will have one hopefully by March, if I find the right one. I look forward to getting together.....maybe take a drive to Oakhurst to the Daily Grind for coffee.
Reagrds, Mark
j scott leonard (Jscott)
Junior Member
Username: Jscott

Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 12:19 pm:   

Mark and Art: If you get together in Fresno, give me a call. I will buy lunch.
Scott
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 12
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 8:30 am:   

Worth it,
Thanks for the heads up. I really want a Red/Tan though. But keep passing the info. I do appreciate it.

Art355,
If ever in Fresno, e-mail me. I'd love to meet you. I have an FBO hanger at FCH in Fresno...Lunch is on me.
Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member
Username: Frankie

Post Number: 118
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 - 12:32 am:   

2000 355?
i thought the last production year was 1999,is it a leftover first registered in 2000?
just wondering.
David C. (Worth_it)
New member
Username: Worth_it

Post Number: 36
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 9:12 pm:   

Mark,

Here is another small world item - Stopped by an independent dealer that I have purchased many Mercedes from over the years. To my suprise they are washing a '00 355 F1 Black / Tan with 3k.

This is not the type of car he carries, again MB and BMW etc.. Occasionally a P car but never an F Car. He tells me he is going to help the owner try and sell. Nothing wrong with the car, I think a sudden divorce or something similar. I will be back there tommorow. If you want more information let me know. If the color is good and you want the F1 transmission I think it could be a great deal due to the circumstances.

Just thought I would mention it - stranger things have happened.


arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355

Post Number: 856
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 8:48 pm:   

Mark:

You may be right. Mine is a 73, with new paint, 2000 interior, factory remans, Garmin, etc. I've had it almost 20 years, and wouldn't trade it for anything. I've been to Europe in it, and to South America in it. Great Airplane. Bill Cox rode in it and said it was the newest 73 he'd ever ridden in. The next time I'm in Fresno, I'll let you know. I've got one case there, which is due to go to trial sometime next year.

Art
Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Junior Member
Username: Rickyn_f355

Post Number: 123
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 8:14 pm:   

Not sure of how many of you guys actually have bought/sold a 355 in the recent past but the market is not as soft as you onlookers profess, especially if you are looking for something specific. For example, let's say you were looking for a red 95 GTB...a national search at www.carbuyer.com will come up with 4 cars that fit the criteria (this search also identifies 2 cars that would come up for a similar search at www.ferrarina.com). The average asking price of those 4 cars is $92,625 with the range being $87,000 and $99,000 (cars range from 6400 miles to 47,000 and include private sellers and authorized dealers). So let�s say that $92,000 is fair market value since some of those cars will sell for the asking and some will sell for less. I guess the point of the story is you get what you pay for. A clean low mile 95 from an authorized dealer will print a high $90K bid. A high mileage car with questionable history from a private seller will probably print a mid $80K to low $90 bid. Considering that in 1995 F355 GTBs had MSRPs of $120,000, I don�t think it�s fair to say that these things are depreciating that badly. For those of you who think ebay is a good indicator of fair market value, go try and sell a stock or a convertible bond on ebay and see what kind of offers you get...not sure if I�m the only one who thinks this way or not but ebay is probably a great place to bid on things like Eminem's house, not Ferraris. Just my $.02.
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 7:04 pm:   

Art355,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the 58s have gone down around 20K in the last 1 1/2 years. I have a 1981 58TC, cherry, was offered $349,000 2 years ago.... now would sell it for $280,000. That will change though, as will the depreciating 355 market.
Look at the bright side, you cant fly or drive a bank account, CD or stock certificates!!
Have Fun.
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355

Post Number: 855
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 6:57 pm:   

Mark:

While my 355 may be depreciating, I bet my Be58/G is appreciating. What do you think?

Art
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 6:43 pm:   

Worth It. You are correct. Pete D..P... is the guy. Small world.
Thanks for the offer.
This board is really helpful. I will let you all know when the new (to me) F car arrives. I am in no hurry, but will by fast if the right car comes along.
stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member
Username: Balataboy

Post Number: 322
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 6:23 pm:   

They keep going lower & lower (he'd probably take $80??)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1875049213&category=6212
Crusing (Crusing)
New member
Username: Crusing

Post Number: 42
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 5:57 pm:   

I happened to be asking a similar question to the authorized dealer salesmen the other day. Both agreed that the 355 is better in every respect, but both noted that 348 owners seemed to love the cars and have no complaints. Seem somewhat typical of this board. One of the guys did say that the 355 could be a daily driver due to its improvements, if that is important. Although there a quite a few guys here that use their 308 as a daily.
With the way that the prices on 355 are dropping, I'd get a 355 if I were you. My 2 pennies.
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355

Post Number: 852
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 5:46 pm:   

Mark:

It looks like a lot of 348 owners are giving you advise. I owned two of them, and while I loved them, when I got the 355, I promptly forgot about them. The 355 is better looking, more reliable, faster, and generally works better. While there is a difference in price, if it doesn't make any difference, go for the 355. Prices are dropping, and you'll probably never get as good a deal.

I've driven mine over 10k and have never had any trouble with the car, it always started, it always runs well, and other than an expensive 30k service, it has been a reliable reasonably cost effective piece of transporation.

Go with the 355 if you can afford it.

Art
Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member
Username: Airbarton

Post Number: 93
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 5:38 pm:   

I have a 348 that has had no major problems. If money is no issue, I know where you can get a beautiful BB512 red/tan for $70K. It is absolutely Gorgeous and low mileage. Ferrari of Atlanta has it on consingment. If I had the cash and the extra garage space I'd buy it myself!
neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member
Username: 95spiderneal

Post Number: 60
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 4:21 pm:   

i agree with 348 preferable to 328 for performance improvement and over 355 for economy.
never heard of any "lemon" 348 spiders so id stay away from closed cars. since all these are relatively exotic, id much rather have 348 spider to 355 berlinetta with enough $ left over for maint for entire ownership time 3-4 years.
good luck but reality is u cant go wrong with any if you love ferraris
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop

Post Number: 354
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 4:08 pm:   

Mark,
I have seen the 1990 white TS at Ferrari of Denver. It looks fine and from Bill Orth's description it has had a good life. They have had it a year and I think they just want to sell it. Started out at least 60K. 348's and 355's have been coming down in price. 348's may be done for a while, but I'll bet 355's continue downward. There are a lot for sale.
I had an 87 GTS which was a great car for me. Then I bought a 94 348 TB which was a good car for me, but I never warmed up to it. Mine was very probelm free over the course of 15K miles. Someone else mentioned that there seem ot be real bad ones and others are OK. A neighbor friend has a 90 TS that's been just fine for 2 years so far. Some others I know have had nightmares. Even with no problems, 348's are more expensive to maintain than either 328's and 355's. By the way, I now have an 89 328 GTB which I plan to keep until I die. I would suggest testing out a 328 with suspension upgrades done in late 88. They do feel much different from earlier years. Some people think they are worth the extra, others don't.

Dave
David C. (Worth_it)
New member
Username: Worth_it

Post Number: 33
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 10:03 am:   

Mark,

The dealership "Sportauto" opened about a year ago. Very reputable because the owner's name is Steve Barney - a well respected man int he Ferrari world. He was very involved with Foreign Cars Italia since the 80's. Many others on F-chat probably recognize his name.

In addition to Sportauto a new independant opened in Greensboro, NC - www.f1import.com - Currently he has a 348TS and 2 - 355 Spyders etc.. on the floor. They have been open about 2 months. Inventory looks nice. The main sales guy left Foreign Cars Italia to work with these new guys.

Hard to believe so much F car activity with in 15 miles of Greensboro, NC = 2 independents and 1 factory dealership.

Again I have no affiliation with any of them, but I know people at all the shops. I can help with providing names and some starting prices if you request. Remember I purchased my car in Texas.

Small world about Pelco - I know many of the top management their as my Company was one of their first Distributors going back to the 70's ( before Clovis owners ) We talk to them daily. You mentioned flying and Church together, I would guest that would be Pete D. - most of the other owners can't do both. Am I right ?? I have only talked him 1 or 2 times. He does not do anything with sales or marketing.

If you want me to do some leg work now or in the future let me know.
Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Member
Username: Davewapinski

Post Number: 433
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 9:06 am:   

Does anyone have the Forza 355 Buyers guide that Greg is referencing?

If so, can you mail or email me a copy?

Will gladly reimburse costs.

Thanks, Dave
jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Junior Member
Username: Atheyg

Post Number: 128
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 12:01 am:   

Mark,

You'll find the right one I am sure, someone has your next Ferrari right now, just don't get the fever (which I had but luckily turned out a great car) and buy something too quickly (not one to follow my own advice though)


I'll keep and eye out for you here in Vegas for Ferraris shoot me an email when know what you are looking for.

Jeff
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 11:44 pm:   

Jeff,
You have been on my mind. My wife said call "call him, maybe he will sell it back to you"
But I know better.
I hope you are having a blast in the car. I sure did. I have 4 airplanes but no Ferrari....so I am in need!!
Mark
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 11:39 pm:   

David (Worth it) Thank you for the link. Actually I saw what appears to be a super nice 328, that really turned me on (on that site). I think the 328 still has a place in my heart, but....I am open to new loves.
Is that dealership reputable? I would consider flying out to NC to see that car and the 348 and 355s they have. Their prices seem in line.
I actually know one of the owners of Pelco. We go to the same church, and we both used to fly doctors to Mexico on humanitarian flights together. (I am a pilot).
There is a 1991 348 TS here in California with less than 8000 mile, with the 30,000 done for $55,000. He says it is cherry. Seems pretty cheap, or am I way off? Also, Ferrari of Denver has had a 348 TS White/Tan for sale for 8 months. They want $49,000. Any body have a scoop on that car, or is the color the reason for the lack of sale, and price?
P.S. I bought my 328 in Boston and had it shipped to California, so "will travel for car"

Whart, thanks for the advice.
Warm Regards!!
jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Junior Member
Username: Atheyg

Post Number: 127
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 11:32 pm:   

Hey Mark.

I don't regret that you sold it!

The car is better than ever,

I've heard from many other mechanics to stay away from 348s also, they have alot of issues and engine out majors are expensive

While 355s are nice I don't see the value of them 1.5-2x the costs of 328s, In my opinion they are very similar to 348s appearances other than the cheese graters or rear lights.
These Ferraris are superior compared to other makes but don't do that much for me personally

If I was in your position I'd get a 87 or newer TR, they are bargains for what you get, or a Boxer both are less than 355s and some 348s



Regards

Jeff
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart

Post Number: 647
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 10:05 pm:   

If money is not the major issue, the regular cost of maintenance for any of these cars should not be a problem. A car with issues is one with issues, regardless of the model. I've owned all three of these cars; aesthetically, i think the 328 was the nicest, the 348 had the most performance for the buck, and the 355 was probably superior to both in virtually every respect. Given the economy, and the continued downward trend on most noncollector exotics, why not a 355? I say this with the recognition that each of these models has its strengths, its critics and some compromises, but on balance, if money weren't a huge issue, you'll be getting more performance, along with sexy looks, from the 355, even if it isn't the "classic" look of the 328.(And, there is something to be said for trying a different one; what's the worst that could happen? You sell it and get another)!
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member
Username: Owens84qv

Post Number: 586
Registered: 10-2001
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 10:00 pm:   

Mark, the 355 is also an engine-out for belts and tensioners. Before choosing a 348 over the 355, read the Forza 355 Buyers guide from 2000. It goes over many of the 355's improvements over the 348.
David C. (Worth_it)
New member
Username: Worth_it

Post Number: 32
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 9:54 pm:   

Mark,

During my search I found a lot of 90/91 348TS - be careful as many of them were cosmetically nice but did not have great road manners. Warning lights that never went out, rattles, etc..

Being a previous F car owner you will probably notice right away if it does not feel right. As many people told me look for a glove box of receipts for the ealrlier cars, receipts are a good thing for these models. The later GTS/GTB/Spyder received the previously mentioned mods. Don't be afraid as long as the records are complete.

Personally I drove the car linked below. If this link fails go to www.sportauto.cc and click on the inventory. I am sure the price quoted is lower now. I am not affiliated, they are just in my town.

Noticed you are in Fresno a long way from North Carolina but I found my car in Texas. You never know.

By the way, do you no anyone that works at Pelco in Clovis ??

http://www.sportauto.cc/B061fer91red/B061fer91red.htm
Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
New member
Username: Jlm348

Post Number: 25
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 9:25 pm:   

I puchased a 348 Spider about 5 months ago, and love it, starts all the time, and has never let me stranded. Because of the recent depreciation I believe it to be a wonderful buy
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 9:14 pm:   

Thank you all for your advice. Money is not an issue in the purchase of the car as much a reliability. I do not want a car massed with issues. I am going to look at a 91 348 TS this weekend, and an 88 328 GTS, both Red/Tan. Keep the messages coming as the advice is very helpful!
Also, please clairify, the 348, unlike the 328 is a engine out procedure for belts and tensioners. How about the 355?
Many warm regards!!!
David C. (Worth_it)
New member
Username: Worth_it

Post Number: 30
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 8:51 pm:   

Here comes a biased opinion.

I just made my first dive into the F car arena, unlike you I only had P cars prior. However, I asked a lot of questions and did a lot of research. My findings were similar to the other comments here, I purchased a '95 348 Spyder. This model benefited from all the improvements since 1989. Electrical, clutch, exhaust, ECU's, Bosch system, etc.. all improved.

Yes, it is an engine out service for belts and tensioners but the later models reportedly are better all around.

As for the 355, can't comment. I fell in love with the 348 and I am still smiling. JMO.

David Jones (Dave)
Member
Username: Dave

Post Number: 516
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 6:31 pm:   

Mark, If you love the classic lines of the 328,
I suggest you test drive an 88 1/2 328.
It has the updated 348 style suspension and handles a tad better then the early models without any mods.
Like Ric said, the last of the series, well sorted out...
May I also suggest a nice cabernet to go with the main course. :-)

Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member
Username: Miami348ts

Post Number: 3480
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 2:11 pm:   

I have driven my 348 almost 20,000 Miles in 3 years and have had no major problems to report. Same story from most other 348 owners.

there is a lot of rumors out there mostly from people that have never owned one.

clutch at 25K - normal and mainly my fault.
major 30K at 32K - normal like all of them
clutch resurface at 37K - again my fault, track time is so much fun!
some other sh*t here and there but overall nothing out of the extraordinary. Most of the things have been my fault, like: filling in too much oil, breaking the door handle cable in a rage, boiling the brake fluid and 3times front bumper repairs.

Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Member
Username: Ricrain

Post Number: 313
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 1:57 pm:   

Like any Ferrari, there are good and bad in every model. I've put 14,000 street miles and about 2,000 track miles on my 1991 348 ts with no significant problems. I did have the starter rebuilt about a year ago.

The prior owner had problems with the clutch slave cylinder and the alternator. Once he installed the updates ($$$), he quit having those problems.

Some 348s seem to be real lemons, while others are not. The same can be said (but less so) for the 355. I guess the point is, if you do consider a 348, get one that has had as many updates as possible and get as late a model as you can afford.

The 328's are generally well sorted out and probably have the least amount of design problems. This is mostly due to the fact that it's an evolution of a car that started life in 1975, and was improved upon through 1989.

The 348 is somewhat of a fresh sheet of paper, so to speak, and the 355 is an evolution of that design. The 360 is also a evolution in many ways, but unique in others.
Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member
Username: Jussumfastgi

Post Number: 362
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 1:13 pm:   

Save yourself some money and buy a 348. IMHO
Gene Agatep (Gagatep)
Junior Member
Username: Gagatep

Post Number: 124
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 1:10 pm:   

when I was shopping for my F
I chose the 348 over the 328 due to its power

As a do it yourselfer (mechanics standpoint)...
I prefer the 328 over the 348 due to its
relatively easier maintenance.

Overall... I prefer the 348 better than the
328 due to its performance. It is just way better
at a very comparable purchasing price.
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi

Post Number: 2059
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 12:34 pm:   

nothing ventured nothing gained- all ferraris have issues find a well sorted one and go for it
Mark A.Diaz (Zaidria)
New member
Username: Zaidria

Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, December 16, 2002 - 12:28 pm:   

I recently sold my 1986 Red/Tan 328 and regret it!! I forgot how hard it was to find a good 328. Here is my delima: I love the 328 for its classic style and low maintainance costs. But I am thinking, maybe I should try another model. I have heard nothing but bad things about the 348 from my mechanic, who works on many 308, 328, 348 and 355s. He said avoid the 348. I think the 355 is the most beautiful design Ferrari ever built, but I have heard they have expensive engine/rod problems. So... here is where you all come in. Is the information I have been given about the 348 and 355 valid? I have no problem with a 328 being my final Ferrari, but would'nt mind trying something different.

Add Your Message Here
Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration