| Author | Message | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 121 Registered: 1-2003 |
Yeah, and Charles, if you ever bring that black beauty up to the Smoky Mountains, give me a call!! I'd love to watch it as it runs quickly away from my 308! | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 605 Registered: 11-2002 |
Lee is correct about the newer 348,s but you can also accomplish this by getting one that has had several major services done on it. Ferrari came out with various service bulletins as they solved these problems. As each one came out they offered an update kit to fix the problem. Most owners that drove them alot did the updates while they had the car in for major service. This is easily verified in the cars documentation. There are really only two other major issues not covered by these updates. One is the clutch, and the other is the ignition. The clutch was changed from a dual disc to a single disc in the newer cars and the ignition was changed from the Motronic 2.5 to the 2.7, which is more reliable. The clutch is not a real big deal to switch. You can change out the clutch yourself in just a couple of hours for about $4K in parts. As far as the ignition goes, I have not had any real problems with my 348 which has the 2.5 Motronic. I have had to occasionally reset them by disconecting battery power from them but otherwise they have been fine. | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 119 Registered: 1-2003 |
A rented '89 348 TS was my first Ferrari experience. My first time sitting in one I was behind the wheel, roaring off into the Las Vegas sunset! That was it. I absolutely fell in love. It was dramatic and emotional, the 24 hours I spent with this car. I don't have a lot of technical knowledge about these cars, but some advice: if you have the means, DO IT! Oh, and I've heard to look in the '93 and newer range; all the bugs were worked out. If you like a drop-top, they were only made in '94 and '95, which I understand are the more reliable years in any iteration. GOOD LUCK! | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 361 Registered: 10-2002 |
The F355 are really good valve now. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 65 Registered: 12-2002 |
Why not buy a F355 and have even more fun! I am in the UK have a F355 berlineta '94 new belts tensioners and clutch. RHD for the UK. �44,000 or can be bought via a dealer with warranties for �46,500. | ||
| Craig Williams (Craigw)
Junior Member Username: Craigw Post Number: 144 Registered: 4-2002 |
Kemal, I have emailed you. | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 359 Registered: 10-2002 |
The Ferrari needs to have the steering wheel on the LHD thats a real/proper Ferrari. Not RHD. You can get a LHD cheaper in the UK then a RHD. Then when you come to sell it, sell it abroad for the same price as a RHD in the UK. Thats what I have done on a number of occasions. I have recently come back from Veinna, Milan and Germany and have seen LHD 348 spiders at �45,000. In the UK they are around the �35,000 for a LHD. Try Telacrest in Egham they are a good bunch of guys. Spoke to a few people and they believe the LHD handle better then RHD. That the norm for all Ferrari models !!!! Kemal, them main dealers in the UK are over priced and they do not want to know about LHD Ferraris. Best place seek advice is from Italy direct and the Specialists. The F348 Spider ,looks only good in Red, Black and Yellow not Blue sorry..... | ||
| kemal batu (Rogermelly)
New member Username: Rogermelly Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2003 |
Thanks all... Jeff - thanks. I will probably get there at the weekend... It looks lovely - I love the colour, and with the grey interior as well... Mmmmmmm! Right ball park on money and mileage as well in my mind. And summers almost here! MuhahahaHAHAHAAAAA | ||
| Jeff Howe (Ferrari_uk)
Member Username: Ferrari_uk Post Number: 299 Registered: 12-2002 |
Kemal - nice to have you on the site. While we are here primarily to help Owners' parts difficulties (and make a couple of �!) our own dealer here in the UK is Maranello Sales, The Home of Ferrari in the UK, and the guys there will be very pleased to offer any advice you need with regards buying a 348, even if you don't end up buying a car from them. They like us are in Egham, Surrey, less than a 2 hour drive from Pompy most days. Failing that there is a VERY VERY NICE metallic blue Spider at your local Authorised Dealer, Meridian in Lyndhurst. Certainly worth a visit. Hit this link to see the full details. http://www.ferrari.co.uk/frameworks/locator/details.asp?VehicleID=636 If you need ANY help speak to the Dealer or ring me on 01784-486260 and I'll put you in touch with the right people.  As for you guys in the 'States - you'll no doubt notice that the steering wheel is on the CORRECT side !! :-) | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 353 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kemal, I live in the UK and i bought my 348 Spider from germany. Best country to purchase one from. By law in germany you must report any minor accidents to Police and documentation is much stricter.... Do not buy from Italy they scam the system all the time. Check these wbsites out that I used to search for mine www.mobile.de www.autotrader.co.uk www.topmarques.co.uk www.findit.co.uk www.autoscout24.com They are really good sites and the lots of 348's listed I RHD and LHD. Its always best to buy the latest year of what model you looking for. The F348 GTB, GTS and Spider are the best. Get a 1994 to 1995 model. The 348 spiders had some further improvements made since they were used as test beds for the F355 spider. The best model... for the money.. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 537 Registered: 4-2003 |
Kemal, I'm in the 348 camp. I'm with Adrian, this car loves to rev, though the low end does make it very manageable around town. the lack of power steering makes it less so, though I have no complaints. Unless you're a big wuss it should be no problem. The 348's are known to have very strong and reliable engines and trannys, the shifting has been said to be a bit notchy, but that has not been my experience. It's a great car, lot of character, some quirks...it's a Ferrari. Another convert?  Vincent | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 166 Registered: 4-2003 |
Hi Kemal, Lots of info in the archives. Just type "348" and you'll get pages. There's basically 2 camps of 3x8 fans, those that love the 348, and those that don't! There's the subjective issue, as many feel it's too 80s with the "cheese graters". I happen to love it, but then again, my wife says I have no taste.! As far as performance, I have driven over 6 now, and aside from one "bad" experience, the others have all been very tight and wonderful to drive. I have not really experienced the notchy shifter...I guess I am not as fussy. I would still get 1 in a heartbeat, though it would be the convertible. Very few made, so it will likely hold its value well. As long as you get one with proper service history, maintenance should not be an issue. Might be more than a Porsche, but it would be a whole lot more fun each time you drive it. Get in as many as possible and drive for as long as possible. I've found that most dealers are reluctant to take you out until they qualify that you are really serious. Unfortunately, they get a lot of time wasters. Once you get past that, the dealers will usually be very helpful as a Ferrari owner tends to be very loyal. Speaking of driving it, make sure you rev the engine...power comes on really after about 4500 rpm. Good luck, and keep us informed. | ||
| Vasilis K. (Goyal99)
New member Username: Goyal99 Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2002 |
Welcome to the club! As a present Porsche owner (Porsche 928 owner) and PCA member I can give you my point of view about the 348 as compared to a 911.... First of all the 348 coupe is a great car (never driven a Spider) and a very quick one at that...The later cars ('92 and newer) had all the suspension upgrades that most critics complained about. A stock 348 is as quick as a late model 911s/993 with the same HP rating (pre 996)....I don't like not having power steering but other than that I don't have any major complains about the handling or power of the 348. Timing belt change/servicing is a concern with these cars but the motor is very solid and the trany notchy (like the early 80s SC/Carrera cars). Most people on this board complain about electrical issues (cheap connectors, faulty ground wires, ECU problems and such). Alternators and regulators are also sore points. Servicing the 348 is BIG money and even routine maintenance is probably twice the Porsche 911 money. As with most Ferrari cars, they can be very delicate on the road, unlike Porsche cars expecially the 911, which is bullet-proof and can run all day. My suggestion would be to read some 348 posts in the archieves to get an idea of the issues and concerns other owners have. It's also important to have a complete service history (as with any performance car) from the seller and have PPI done by a reputable shop. If you think you can get a better deal importing a 348 from Germany, go for it but I would think there must be some good used examples in the UK. I have seen plenty of them for sale in Auto Italia and several other UK magazines. Best of luck in your search....V. Karras | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 86 Registered: 4-2003 |
Kemal, look here for more information: http://www.ferrariclub.com/faq/348versions.html Looks like for you a 94 GTB/GTS is the best option. However, I do not know how easy it is to get one in the UK. If not a GTB/S, I would stay away from the 89s and get one with the 2.7 injection and single disc clutch. Make sure you get a well-documented car and must do a PPI. I can tell you that I have not met a TS that didn't leak, but since I only drive mine on sunny days (a rarity in NJ nowadays) that is not a problem. ECU is another common problem. This is a $1k+ US fix. Goodluck. | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 141 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kemal, Welcome to F-chat. I may not be able to answer your questions as technically as many here but I will throw in a brief point or two. I am only a few years older than you and have had 911's for the last 14 years - I went to upgrade my Cabriolet and walked away disappointed with the newer designs. My dealer then showed me an F-car and the rest is history - I have never been happier and I look forward to every drive. Being a top down guy I searched for a 348 Spider as my car of choice - Some will tell you bad things about the early 348's, some points are true but most have been sorted out by now. The later models had all the improvements, the newer the 348 usually the better. All I can say is be prepared for higher service costs but you will get a higher fun factor also. | ||
| kemal batu (Rogermelly)
New member Username: Rogermelly Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hi all... Firstly may I say this is one of the most informative yet funny forums I have ever had the pleasure of perusing... while some of the threads are very detailed, and obviously written by enthusiasts for this great marque, I also find myself creased up with laughter at others (eg) stating they saw some guys Fcar at Home Depot and it was a Fiero based copy! Absolute classic stuff - very funny... ANYWAY... I digress :-) The reason for joining this group of knowledgeable and humourous bunch is I have a problem... For the majority of my driving life (I am 33) I have been driving Porsches (since 21). I have had most iterations of the beautiful 911, culminating in an India Guards Red 1999 996 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S which is my pride and joy... The trouble is I went to AFN the other day, to look at a new face-lift model C2 cabriolet, and 2 things happened... (1) My mate took me in his 348 spider, and (2) when I got in the new 996 cab, I felt that I had 'been there, done that'! All the way home I was thinking this car (348) is superb, and how different it was from the Porsche... Long and short of it - I want one! I now find myself in unfamiliar territory. While I know what/where to look for 911s, I know very little about the prancing horse. I need some information from you lot... ie WHAT to look for when purchasing, what should ring alarm bells, (UK only) where/who are recommended for service, who to avoid, all the talk about cam belts etc what is the rule of thumb etc etc... basically a quick brain dump.....! I have had a little look round here, but a lot of talk is stateside, (which is absolutley no problem!) but as I am in the UK its more about dealers etc this side of the pond.... so if others have covered this already, I apologise... just a link to a thread would be good enough! for Information - I am hoping to buy in the next month... The car will be used for high days and holidays, I will continue to use the Porsche for daily driving, but at the weekend the 348 will come outand be lovingly abused! I am after a late 348 GTB/S... with as low mileage as possible... I was also considering personally importing from Singen in Germany. ( some 449 Fcars in their stable this week) I have done this in the past with Porsches and the legalities and mechanism of importing are known to me... but it is more of a lack of knowledge on the 348 I have a problem with... ENOUGH!!! I will stop now - I thank you all for taking the time to read this! ;-) Best Regards, Kemal |