| Author | Message | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2003 |
WBB, See my posts under the "Great News, My Valve Guides are Bad" thread. I can not say enough good things about Scottsdale Ferrari. Email me for more info as well as contact names and numbers. | ||
| WBB (Cavallinorosso)
New member Username: Cavallinorosso Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2003 |
Thanks for all of the good info! Does anybody know anything about the F-dealer in Arizona - Scottsdale Ferrari? Reputation for selling good used F-cars? Quality Service? Are there any Ferrari mechanics in the Tucson AZ area? Yoshi: I don't yet know where to put the golf clubs in a 512TR. Haven't driven one yet but I'm getting closer. | ||
| larrybard (Larrybard)
New member Username: Larrybard Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2003 |
$8,000 for servicing a 512TR sounds very high. Is that what you were charged by a dealer in CA? | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2645 Registered: 2-2001 |
welcome, I'd tell you to get a 512TR cus I already have 2  Its a great car & an incredible bargain these days. Just be prepared cus the maintenance bills have not gottn any cheaper just cus the price of admission has dropped. Expect to pay $8,000 for each major service every 15,000 miles. The 512TR has a lot more power than the 348 & I prefer her looks also | ||
| Yoshi Ace (Tiger_ace)
Junior Member Username: Tiger_ace Post Number: 53 Registered: 5-2003 |
WBB, Where do you intend to put your golf bag in T.R? I want to use my Ferrari for a drive to golf, too. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2003 |
WBB, Make sure you drive the different cars before you buy one. I almost bought a 348 without driving one.... That would have been a big mistake for me, because I did not like the car. I ended up with a 355 after driving many different Ferrari's including a 512TR. I personally do not like the styling on the 512TR.. | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
New member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 29 Registered: 5-2003 |
WBB, Consider a 550 Maranello. These cars are now at the 100G mark. They are the easiest to maintain and least expensive to own. The drive belts are up front. These Ferraris are solid, fast and should be considered. I loved my 550 so much I got the 575M. aehaas | ||
| larrybard (Larrybard)
New member Username: Larrybard Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2003 |
IMHO: Depends what your primary criteria are, how you intend to use the car (e.g., for time on the track, you'll want a 355 not a 512TR), sensitivity to maintenance costs, etc. A few random thoughts: it's hard to reach statistically valid conclusions about reliability from anecdotal evidence; buy a well serviced, well cared for (which means no garage queens), already sorted out car and do your research about recalls, etc.; if possible, of course try to drive each model you're seriously considering; my 512TR has been reliable and I haven't heard of common AC problems with this model; probably forget about getting a 512M in the immediate future for under $100k (and do you really like the appearance more than a 512TR? some do, some don't); Greg probably won't like hearing this, but search hard and you'll likely find (though not easily, I admit) a 512TR for under $90k; and don't bother with the FML unless you want it solely for the articles -- asking prices (and often stale ones) tend to be way off the real market. Good luck, Larry | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 5258 Registered: 8-2002 |
I agree, once the 308 is at speed, it's a hard car to catch. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 309 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have to agree with PeterS. The 308 is no dragster and the power to weight ratio isn't all that great either but once it is rolling it is a gas over 100 MPH. I went to a show in Vancouver B.C. on Sunday, chasing my friend in his 1988.5 TR all the way. My 308 was slower in the acceleration department but I had no problem cruising with him at 'spirited' speeds. My personal feelings about a 308? The styling is timeless, one of the most recognized Ferraris built. I can do all of the work on the car myself (carbureted/ no computer). The top comes off. Parts and services are less expensive. The downside is it's old and slow compared to the newer Ferraris. The A/C isn't the greatest. It doesn't handle as well. It could use another 100 HP. If you like the body style a later model 308 QV or 328 would be the way to go. The design is well sorted and they are faster than the earlier models. If you start looking at 328's you'll be approaching the price range of a some lower end 348's. Pro's and con's, they all have them. It is up to your ultimate preference. I HAD to have a car with an open top but if I ran across a TR for the right price I could probably live with the hard top. Funny how that works! So enough! I'm sure you get the idea. DJ | ||
| Greg (Greg512tr)
Junior Member Username: Greg512tr Post Number: 135 Registered: 2-2002 |
The 512TR's AC is good, I am in Dallas and it has no problems keeping up. If you decide on a 512TR call me, I might sell mine. I am in car-overload right now with 8 and am considering paring down a bit. 214-707-1046. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 794 Registered: 1-2003 |
WBB...Power on the 308 is pretty good...For my likes, anyway. I am more into the feel and the lines of the car Vs the power. It has plenty of HP to get all the tickets I could ever ask for. Its not the quickest car off the line, but hell, I'm not racing the ricers with their Honda automatics! I really like the top-end on the car. Its fun to be able to pull away from most anything behind you! | ||
| Peter (Bubba)
Member Username: Bubba Post Number: 422 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would go with the 512TR. IMO, it's a drop-dead gorgeous design. Sounds great and handles surprisingly well for a torquey and wide-assed car. I have a 512TR and live in Hong Kong, where it can get pretty balmy and hot during summers. Mine is a 94 model and the A/C is ice cold, though the fan is a little noisy at times. So far, it hasn't left me stranded even after popping one of the belts (forgot if it was the A/C or alternator) during the drive. It was a cheap repair job. So far 10 months of ownership, no major issues with it. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2495 Registered: 9-2001 |
WBB, I had a 1986 TR that I drove over 25k miles in three years and was NEVER left stranded. The only money I spent on that car was $5k for a major service, a few hundred for 5 to 6 oil changes and a few hundred for a clutch slave cylinder. | ||
| Raymond A. Castelhano (Oglmlw)
New member Username: Oglmlw Post Number: 32 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hi Cavallinorosso, What do you do to buy a Ferrari? You; 1, Take your time. You want to end up with a good car that is a good buy and that you will enjoy. That will take time and RESEARCH. 2, Research the cars. Lurk around the chat boards, read, read and look for more to read. 3, Join the Ferrari club(s) in your area and/or even the national clubs. Try to go to a meeting. Talk to folks you meet about service ask ask ask. 4, Buy a subscription to the Ferrari Market Letter and get a feel for asking prices of models that interest you. Remember - you will want to pay a bit less than asking price. 5, Avoid buying something less than what you really want. 6, Make this a fun activity !!!!!! That is my two cents. MrC | ||
| WBB (Cavallinorosso)
New member Username: Cavallinorosso Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2003 |
Thanks,everybody for your quick and educated responses! Of course, now I'm confused. I really love the looks of the T.R. and have heard that the 348's are noisy and have electrical problems but I'm smitten with the strakes on both of these cars. I have also heard that the 355 Spiders have issues with the tops. Would you buy a Spider or a TB/TS? Patrick D. - I am in the Tucson area. Do you know any good mechanics around the Old Pueblo? PeterS - Tell me more about the 308. Does it really have any power? Frank Parker - Can one get a F512M under 100Gs? I heard that they go for around $130 to 150,000 since only some 70 were made with US specs. What are the chances to get a 512TR that is in good shape and does not break down on the way to the golf course? Also, is the A/C standard in these cars and can it handle Arizona weather? Thanks! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2491 Registered: 9-2001 |
I would go with the 512TR or F512M. You will love the car with its wonderful 12 cylinder song and torque . | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1247 Registered: 11-2001 |
i was looking seriously at a 512TR (and someday i'll buy one) but my mechanic said that while they are TREMENDOUS cars, they will cause some maintenance headaches as compared to, say, a 355. i'm sure there are 100% trouble-free 512TRs out there, but according to him, on average they have many more issues than the later cars. even the anecdotal data on this board about 550s suggests that the 12s are STILL more challenging than the 8s. a 97 or 98 355 will be attractively priced, sorted-out, and will likely treat you well. that said, poke around - while you might not have an authdealer close by, you might have wildly competent mechanics nearby. you can life without an authorized shop, but you might not want to live without a talented mechanic ;-). doody. | ||
| Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
Junior Member Username: Mlambert890 Post Number: 97 Registered: 4-2002 |
I think the F355 offers the most bang for the buck in the under $100k category - looks great, daily driveable and still a modern car... plus its a personal favorite of mine =) | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 83 Registered: 4-2003 |
I would go with the 355. Much more of a daily kind of car than a 512 and much more power than a 348. I would actually get a 95. the 95's were pre OBDII and have dual mass airflow senosors and duel fuel pumps and make more HP than post 95 cars. They sound better also.... | ||
| Patrick Denonville (Arizonaguy)
Junior Member Username: Arizonaguy Post Number: 248 Registered: 4-2003 |
I would go with a 355 built after 1995,but that's just me...Buy what you will be happy with, not what others suggest. What part of the SW are you at? | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 792 Registered: 1-2003 |
Dear WBB..First off, welcome to Fchat. In your price range, you will be able to buy many nice Fcar's. Pick the style you want and shop. Not knowing your tastes, it would be hard to point you in any particular direction. For me, I am a 308 owner. To me, that car has the best lines of any sports car, but thats just my taste. Check the ads in this forum and talk to others. | ||
| WBB (Cavallinorosso)
New member Username: Cavallinorosso Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2003 |
Cari F-Car Amici, So, what do I do to buy a Ferrari? I want to spend less than 100G. I am looking for a troublefree car I can kick around town a few times a week. The nearest F-dealer is 150 miles away. I know very little about maintaining car. Need A/C here in the SW USA. In the 8C series, I like the looks of the 348. In the 12C series, I love the looks of the 512TR or F512M. Any advise is most welcome. Thanks in advance. |