| Author | Message | ||
| Chris Scott (Jcscott)
New member Username: Jcscott Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2002 |
I would agree that on an earlier car a C4 would be a nice pick. You would have to shop to get one at 50K though. You do not want to skimp on an older V12. You can find a TR now pretty easily for 50K in good shape. They make a geat buy and would be better than a 348 IMHO. Without having all 348 owners attack me, I would suggest buying the last year or so of this car. They had quite a few engine problems early. Check out some of the articles related to this from Mike Sheehan or SCM. I would save money on either a T or 348 and buy a QV or 328. If you want to spend the 50K, buy a TR or C4. That is a big variety though and you even mentioned spyder. Figure out what you want most, drive them all, and remember it is a buyers market now so be patient. SERVICE RECORDS AND PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION! Good luck. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 690 Registered: 12-2001 |
The earlier 348's (the ones in your price range) were problematic. The Mondial is not a well-loved ferrari. If you are inclined toward the 8 cyl. cars, why not buy a very good 328, and get the handling of a ferrari sports car with the open top you desire, in a model that, with few exceptions, is almost unimpeachable in performance, reliability, parts availability, etc. If you were going to buy an older twelve, in the price range you are discussing, i would look closely at finding a good 365 gtc/4. Also less than fully loved, but its style seems less dated now, has one of the nicest road car engines, and a gorgeous exhaust note. Upkeep on any of the twelves may be prohibitive if there are engine problems, though. | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
New member Username: Peterp Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2002 |
I really wanted a 328, but purchased a Mondial 3.2 to have room for my family. After living with the Mondial for a while, I actually prefer it to a 328 because it's a more comfortable car and the extra space makes it practical to drive every day. I don't drive it daily, but would if I could. Knowing what I know now, I would choose the Mondial even if I didn't have family concerns. I would love to have a 328 for an occasional high-speed run, and I think it's much more attractive than the Mondial -- but the Mondial is more comfortable to live with and use (for my purposes). Drive both and see what you like. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3722 Registered: 5-2001 |
Your yearly maintenance cost can vary. On average I spend $ 3,000 per year. One year may be higher due to the engine out service, next is less because just oil changes. As for the Mondial vs 348. That is a pure personal choice. See both and see what you like. Service wise they are both the same. Eurpo is out of the question since it will cost $10K to convert the car and the prices are not $20K less than here. I have yet to see a 348 in Europe for $ 30K. Some early 355 could make sense if you buy them at the right price and tax is deductable. Since prices on the 355s are down a lot that may not be so lukerative anymore. Make sure the 348 in Denver is a 2.7 Motronic not the old 2.5. They upgraded them in 1990. The VIN will give that away. ZFFF is a 2.5 and ZFFR would be a 2.7. The 2.5 is also an option but you should discount that. In that case I would not buy a 348 for $ 50K in white. | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Junior Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 70 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hi Jason, I was not going to comment here until Byron mentioned my name because I did not feel really qualified to offer you advice. I have only owned my 87 Mondial Cab for 2 months. Here is a link to a couple of pictures of my car http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/18/184387.html?1043425959 I love the Mondial looks. I love that it is a little bit bigger (I had 3 adults in the car today) and I love the shape. As discussed in some threads in the So Cal section of this forum, it will need to be modified if I want to do track days with some clubs, like the Porshe Club and SpeedTrial and I really don't want to add a roll bar, so it is limited in things like that. The car handles like a dream though. I let my partner drive it for about 30 miles today including on a back road with a lot of curves. He could not believe how well it handled and ran. This from a guy who just bought a $100k 500SL. I my opinion, however, as nice as his car is, he just bought a ride. Granted one of the nicest rides, but still a ride. There are a million Mercedes on the road and as nice as it is, the average person would look at his car and not look back. Driving or owning a Ferrari however, is a different experience altogether. People will walk by his car to look at mine and it is 16 years old and cost less than half. My only advice to you would be to buy the best car you can afford. The engine in the Mondial is the same as the 348. It is marginally heavier I think but if you put wheels and tires like mine you can really make a difference. I have the 3.2 QV, not the T. For what it is worth I have heard the owner of Blackstone Motors say the T was a much better car than the 3.2 but my mechanic likes the 3.2 better and says that the 3.2 is much easier and cheaper to maintain. If you like the 2+2 arrangement go with the Mondial. If you like the 2 seat only arrangement go with the 348. You won't regret either decision. Good luck, Ron | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 54 Registered: 1-2002 |
Incidentally, if you have any real interest in a 330 you have to check out www.tomyang.net. | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 53 Registered: 1-2002 |
Interesting... I was just saying yesterday that someday I'd like to upgrade from my 3.2 Mondial to a 348 spider (that day won't be soon). I've never done a side-by-side comparison, but if I were you, I would try and drive both and see which one you like better. I would imagine that the Mondial t is going to be a bit cheaper to buy, and probably a bit more expensive to maintain, but that's just a guess. As far as vintage cars go, I also own a 365 2+2. My 365 has cost considerably less to maintain than my Mondial has. However, that's because I have a nice 365 and a lousy Mondial. The vintage car has a very different feel, so before you get too far, you should sit in a 330 and if possible drive it. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 190 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jason, 348 over Mondial T? Hmmm, for the same reasons that some of the other guys have mentioned, the Mondial, to me, is more of a sports touring car (also, if you have the need to take more than 1 passenger at a time, you might consider this) Take to Ron Shirley - he just bought a beautiful 87 Mondial Cab...I'm sure he went through some pro/con weighting prior to making his decision. But I chose the 348 b/c to me, it had the perfect balance of an entry-level ferrari. Combine stunning looks of the 348 that is similar to the F355 and some of the other modern FCars and the added reliability as compared to some of the earlier 12's and some of the Mondials, it just made sense. And for 45-70k, you can take your pick of the exact model and style you want. Give Martin a call (www.4ferrari.com) - he's always got a few of these 348's in his garage or at least on his radar screen. I'm in California, and in terms of buying out of state, it really should be no problem. The main thing to remember is to have a proper PPI done prior to committing yourself to the car. I'm not a big eBay shopper, but it appears that there are a few good 348's on there as well... you might want to try and contact some of the sellers independently and see what the story is on their cars. Mileage doesn't necessarily mean that there are less valve, electronic problems...however, sometimes it does mean that all the other little gremlins have been worked out on the car. The general advice with 348's is to try to buy as new as possible (93-4..95's are harder to come by). They've made many changes and upgrades through the years, especially with the ignition systems, improved the oil circulation, little things like repositioning the stereo antenna in later models, improving the car with a wider stance.... etc.... there is a Forza buyers guide with valuable information as well. Annual cost?.... I was told 40-60cents/mile is generally the ballpark. Good luck and remember to test drive/do ppi on as many models before committing... I got lucky, working through Martin to get mine, but some haven't been as such. Be patient, and good luck! B. | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Junior Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 89 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks Matt, Jason, Have you seen or inspected any car yet? | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 1567 Registered: 8-2002 |
Might I add that Jean-Louis car is stunning in person. It looks more like a 355 then a 348. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 401 Registered: 1-2002 |
Jason, You might want to start at Ferrari of Denver where there is a 1990 348 priced at 50K. It is white and they have had it for a while. I have seen it, and it looks fine but know of few other details. I think it has about 30K miles on it, so any of the bugs that came with these cars should be sorted out. Check out the website Ferrariofdenver.com or call Bill Orth to talk about it. If you don't mind white, it may be as good as you can find for that price range. Dave | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Junior Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 82 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jason I was in your exact same situation, I love both cars equally but for different reasons. My suggestion to you is not to be in a hurry, go look at a lot of 348's & T cabs, and when you find the one you like buy it. I came so close to purchasing so many mondials and 348's, and then when I went to look at the vehicle, it was not how the seller discribed or mechanically did not check out. Be Patient is all I can say. I similiar to you have alwasy been an avid fan of sports cars, so I knew what i wanted in my price range. I began looking seriously for a car in 11-01 and finally purchased in 7-02. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 453 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>1) Generally, why should I get a 348 over a Mondial T or vice versa?<< both cars are, in essence, mechanically, the same, but to me the 348 is more of a sports car, and embodies more of the conventional ferrari design; 2 seat sports car. while the mondial is also a great car, and is exactly what the owners want, for my tastes, i'd pick the 348 over the mondial. >>2) What about importing either model from Europe where they run up to $20k less?<< you could do this, but you run the risk of getting the car hung up in dot/epa paperwork, then you have to get teh car shipped, approved, change out the speedo/turn signals, etc. and, as ferrari parts aren't cheap, sourcing all of this yourself, compounded w/ the added expense of legalizing the car, might not yield a suffiecent delta in cost to be justifiable, much less viable (fiscally.) >>3) Low mileage = higher value, but higher mileage cars = less valve, electronic problems. Thoughts?<< the early 348's did have quite a few 'issues', and imporved over time, and the later models we're the best, circa 93/94. IMO, a driven car will be in better shape, if maintained well, and will be a more assuring buy than a garage queen, since the owner has driven the car, notice issues, had the remedied, and has maintained the car in good running order. therefore, in some cases, a good, driven older model may prove to be more reliable than a garage queen newer. >>4) Since Goldie Hawn drove the Mondial in the 80s, is it seen as the "chick" Ferrari?<< no comment. >>5) Any advice on where to buy from (I'm in Colorado and will travel)?<< I would start with martin/cavallino motors off this board (especially if you're consdiering a 348, as he's the resident 348 guru, and sold my friend byron his 348.), and consult the dealers that are site sponsor, all of which are known to have good repore w/ the members here. >>6) What is a ballpark estimate of the annual cost of upkeep on either or both?<< this will depend on how and how often you drive. but i'd set aside, at least, 2,ooo per year. this is not including consumables; tires, brake pads, rotors, which will compound the annual costs quickly, should you avidly track your car. >>7) If neither a Mondial T nor a 348, what? I'm open to classics (some of the 330s are reasonable).<< i really, really love the older 'vintage' 12's, they have a certain sense of character and are endowed with a nearing sense of divinity, IMO. the 330's are, as you said,reasonable, and a very nice 330 2+2 should run in the $40k range, and $50k should be the top for a very, very clean 330. they do have their advantages; i.e chain driven, mechanically simpler (no ecu's, fuel injection, map sensors, and no smog issues), but some cars can be 'rough', and will require work, so where you may save, over time, on routine maintanace (chain driven = no 30k $5k belt services), you may end up investing in cosmetic/aesthetic issues (borriani wheels, proper engine accessories, etc.) i've only covered your questions with a broad, quick brush stroke, and from my personal point of view, but i hope it'll be enough to start you thinking. i'm sure the rest of the memebers here can add with their more matured and experienced insight. regards. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 2441 Registered: 9-2001 |
1) Generally, why should I get a 348 over a Mondial T or vice versa? - 348 is more of a sports car where as the mondial t is a touring car, 348 will be a little faster and better handling 2) What about importing either model from Europe where they run up to $20k less? - tempting but prob not worth it at this stage 3) Low mileage = higher value, but higher mileage cars = less valve, electronic problems. Thoughts? - diff views on this check the archives 4) Since Goldie Hawn drove the Mondial in the 80s, is it seen as the "chick" Ferrari? - it does have a conotation but who cars what others think - I look at is that means chicks like it  5) Any advice on where to buy from (I'm in Colorado and will travel)? search the US, then ask for advise when you find a particular example and dealer. no need to view car first others can help 6) What is a ballpark estimate of the annual cost of upkeep on either or both? - can depend, tought to predict - could be a couple of hundred to couple of thousand depending on your mechanical inclination and the particuaar car 7) If neither a Mondial T nor a 348, what? I'm open to classics (some of the 330s are reasonable). older 12s while nice are also expensive to upkeep - all depends on what you like - you may find an early tr for your price Thank you very much | ||
| Jason Wesoky (Wesokyjb)
New member Username: Wesokyjb Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
I am looking to buy my first Ferrari in the next several months. I have been a exotic car nut since a little kid. While most 10 year olds were buying comic books, I was buying Road & Track's and druling over the 288GTO. Anyway, my price range is about $50k. I don't like the 308/328 body style (my mom loved Tom Sellek, so that ruined it for me) and I can't quite afford the 355. So, I'm looking at getting a 348 ts/tb or a Mondial T. Like the convertible aspect of the Mondial T. I don't have kids, so no practicality concerns. Obviously, price is a concern, but I have seen some 348s selling in the $50k range. I have the following questions and am seeking advice on all: 1) Generally, why should I get a 348 over a Mondial T or vice versa? 2) What about importing either model from Europe where they run up to $20k less? 3) Low mileage = higher value, but higher mileage cars = less valve, electronic problems. Thoughts? 4) Since Goldie Hawn drove the Mondial in the 80s, is it seen as the "chick" Ferrari? 5) Any advice on where to buy from (I'm in Colorado and will travel)? 6) What is a ballpark estimate of the annual cost of upkeep on either or both? 7) If neither a Mondial T nor a 348, what? I'm open to classics (some of the 330s are reasonable). Thank you very much |