| Author |
Message |
Peter (Bubba)
Member
Username: Bubba
Post Number: 334
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 10:35 pm: | |
If I have to do it all over again, my first Ferrari would be any of the following:
308
328
Mondial
pre-91 Testarossa
These 4 should fit all, maybe except for the looks, your criteria, Scott. |
Peter (Bubba)
Member
Username: Bubba
Post Number: 333
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 10:29 pm: | |
Personally, I don't care how fast my car can go against the ricer next door. Any Ferrari of any age will beat them down to the pulp in the looks department. The performance of today's cars may leave many older Ferraris in the dust, but they still have a long way to go in catching up with the Ferrari presence on the road.
My first Ferrari is a Mondial, which many don't think too much of. But, it is still quick and commands a fair amount of respect on the road. Most of the time, people will give way to my Mondial the same way they give way to my 512TR, |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 550
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 10:17 pm: | |
Scott,
I believe the best starter or ender Ferrair is a 328. I have owned 6 Ferraris and settled on my 89 GTB as a keeper even though I can easily afford much more expensive cars.
Reasons:
Classic great looks (ditto 308's)
Usable real world performance
Considered most reliable Ferrari ever made
Relatively easy to work on and parts relatively cheap
Not powerful by today's standards but great fun to drive
Models with updated suspension starting in late 88 are better handling and have a more modern feel to the steering.
Since you can spend up to 75K, I'd get a mint '89.
I always recommend GTB's but they are rare in the US.
Dave
|
wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 10:10 pm: | |
Ahh, i love the 328, but guys, its a little long in the tooth peformancewise, particularly given what one can buy today, for say 30k dollars. (Subaru WRX Sti anybody). I've owned a 328 and enjoyed it, but frankly, it was a bit underpowered. For the buck, i'd say 348 spyder, in the quoted budget, alot of car for the dough, has that "modern" look (frankly, by dismissing the 250 series, you have eliminated a vast body of classic ferraris). MY .02, and not intended to diss anybody who owns a 308/328. I'd still buy an early 308 for kicks, but for a "first" ferrari, i'm gonna bet the guy is gonna piss rocks when that hot hatch takes him down for his 75k. With respect, |
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda
Post Number: 735
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:56 pm: | |
It is possible that one might find such a 355, but there can't be very many to choose from; let's face it, most of these cars are "garage queens" and have less than 20k miles on them.
And I really think one should try to leave at least 7-10% cushion on the cost for "incidentals" that often crop up with these cars.
I still think the 328 is where the "smart money" is for a first Ferrari experience for under $75K. But the 355 would definitely be the next step up....I'm looking! :-) |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 1632
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:55 pm: | |
If you're very, very careful. There are some high mileage cars out there, with good cosmetics, and good maintenance. If you take the time, you can find something. It'll be a Berlinetta, and probably a 96, or a 95, if a 95 make sure that all of the recalls, and service bulletins have been taken care of.
Art |
Scott Mandell (Semandell)
New member
Username: Semandell
Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:48 pm: | |
Can a 355 be had for $75k range?? |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 1628
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:46 pm: | |
Get a high mileage, well maintained 355 for your 1st Ferrari. If you can, stay away from the 1995s.
Art |
david handa (Davehanda)
Member
Username: Davehanda
Post Number: 733
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:45 pm: | |
Scott,
The 328 would be the one.
The earlier carb V8's and V12's would probably be a less than satisfying "first Ferrari".
Join the FCA and get involved with your local chapter. Members will be more than willing to share their experiences and take you for a ride. |
BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bobd
Post Number: 1183
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:24 pm: | |
Omar, you took the numbers right out of my typing hands. |
Dennis Arner (Dennis_in_se_pa)
New member
Username: Dennis_in_se_pa
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:21 pm: | |
FWIW, from what I have researched, the 3x8 series is the Ferrari starter car. Works for me! And while it is not the venerable 12 cylinder "real Ferrari" I will lust for a 246 GTS until I can afford one.
You don't need no stinkin' 12 cylinders Mon! |
Omar (Auraraptor)
Member
Username: Auraraptor
Post Number: 564
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:15 pm: | |
328 |
J. Grande (Jay)
Intermediate Member
Username: Jay
Post Number: 1281
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:11 pm: | |
Scott, before you dismiss the Dino GT4 go for a ride in one that is running the way it should be, it'll change your mind in a hurry. The car also looks 100 times better in person than it does in pictures. Great price, great engine, great handling. It's been said it is the best of the 308 series. Easy enough to work on, no electronics, and the sound of those webers! Nuff said! |
Scott Mandell (Semandell)
New member
Username: Semandell
Post Number: 25
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 9:07 pm: | |
Sorry the search engine is down it seems, so I'll ask the question that has probably been asked a million times before.
I've been researching buying an older Ferrari for a while -- would like to spend under $75k. LOVE the look and feel of the Dino 246GT, but not sure if it should be my first?
Of the cars in that price range I like the 308 series, 328 series, the 512 Boxer, Testarossa, 348 series, and of course the Dino 246.
I don't like the Dino 308 or the Mondials at all (sorry). I'd rather get a more modern look than the 250 GT*, 330 GT*, 365 GT*, 400*, 412*. Am I missing any?
Of the ones I like, which would:
> Be fun to own and drive.
> Be "relatively" reliable.
> Be "relatively" easy to find parts for.
> Price doesnt matter as long as it's around $75k (give or take) or less.
Thanks for any advice!!
Scott |
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