| Author | Message | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5048 Registered: 5-2001 |
348 has great power and modern handling as well as a functioning AC | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 339 Registered: 2-2003 |
Dr., You have mail.  | ||
| BILL CHIUSANO (My355)
Junior Member Username: My355 Post Number: 151 Registered: 3-2003 |
348 | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
Philip, I just sent you a message about your post and the offer about the 348. I am very interested and would like to talk to you about it. My info was in the note, please contact me and lets start talking about this. Joseph | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 52 Registered: 5-2003 |
Wait a minute, a 1988 testarossa for $40,000 YOU ARE CRAZY, without a question I think you are nuts man... | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 51 Registered: 5-2003 |
I will post pics of my cars very soon,,, Henryk, are you a car salesman? Where do you buy your Ferrari's? I have never known of Testarossa's that are not a piece of junk for the value you think they are worth, a Porsche dealer wanted me to buy a 996T.T. and they were offering me 55,000 for my car and that was with around 22,000 miles and without the $30,000 major and that was 1 1/2 years ago, I didnt do it, for me the TR. its got a magic that even the Porsche twin turbo wont give me back. Sometimes you sound to me like you are giving trade in numbers. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 889 Registered: 8-2001 |
I think you could buy a TR for well under $50k, and I am talking about an 87-88 model.....actually close to $40K. That should get you a VERY good car, needing nothing, or very minimal. It will have higher miles than most. I feel that those asking over $50K just aren't getting that kind of money, unless it is a low mileage car, and can be proven to be low miles. I speak from experience. I don't think ANY 328 is worth anything near $50K. | ||
| Tyson Hall (Trhall)
Junior Member Username: Trhall Post Number: 126 Registered: 6-2003 |
L. Nice list of cars in your profile. Do you have a picture of your Testarossa and NSX? They are two of my favorite cars it would be kinda cool to see them together. | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
New member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2003 |
And again I will say this, a Testarossa isnt a $50,000. Maybe there are some '85 and '86 in the $50's, but the best ones are from '87 and up, and no '87 or '88 is in the $50's unless its a basket case. If I were to buy a ferrari for $50,000 then it would be a 328. If you got $50,000 to spend in a Ferrari dont get a Testarossa unless you can afford a lot of $$$ to keep it running, this is a car that to run 30,000 miles will cost you no less than $15,000. But its worth every dollar. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2008 Registered: 7-2001 |
Buy a 86-88 328 for $40k, drive the snot out of it, have $10k left for maintenance. | ||
| Scotty (Pzerowaster)
Junior Member Username: Pzerowaster Post Number: 100 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think Philip's car is the ticket! Scott | ||
| Peter B. (Gts308qv)
Junior Member Username: Gts308qv Post Number: 249 Registered: 5-2001 |
Testarossa 1987/8. Navy blue/tan. End of story. | ||
| John (Johno)
New member Username: Johno Post Number: 32 Registered: 2-2002 |
My game plan for justifying a car purchase, or any other major purchase for that matter, is to read as many independent reviews/opinions as possible. This book was my bible when deciding between a 328 and 348: http://www.ferraricentral.net/BookDetail.asp?textfield=328&Submit2.x=19&Submit2.y=19&ProductID=48 Click on the cover picture to navigate to the table of contents page. I'd give you my personal opinion, but I'm a 328 owner, so I guess you know what I would say! ;-) Happy hunting! Best wishes, John | ||
| Dr. Erik Nielsen (Judge4re)
New member Username: Judge4re Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2003 |
If you have the garage space, a 308 GTB/GTS and a 400i/412 GT. One for the twisties, one for serious motoring. | ||
| Paul Wehmer (Pwehmer)
Junior Member Username: Pwehmer Post Number: 175 Registered: 10-2002 |
There has to be more to consider other then $50K. Like will you have money to repair and service the car beyond the $50K? One car not mentioned is the Dino GT. It is possible to find them for $50K. But this wouldn't be a flawless example- you should be able to find a decent driver for that price. If you want to consider the resale value the Dino is a better buy then the newer cars. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 338 Registered: 2-2003 |
Dr., I am considering selling my 348....it is a 1993 348 Speciale, number 55 of 100........I'll sell it for 50,000.00.....If you fly out, I'll subtract the price of the airline ticket....(reasonable ticket of course! ) This car is in great shape...no paint chips and runs ROCK SOLID! I have COMPLETE service history for the past 7 years from Ferrari of Washington...Red, with Tan Interior....really great shape, no misrepresentations. Martin, if you're out there, and think this is something you'd be interested in, let me know. Thanks, Philip.... ps. Picture of car in my profile. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 622 Registered: 1-2002 |
Dr. Diaz, I had a choice of any Fcar under 150K and chose an 89 328 GTB. Took 18 months to find. I have had 5 other Fcars previously. My experience taught me that fixed roof cars are always much better drivers than their open roof counterparts and, in most cases, prettier as well. However, many, if not most, buyers are willing to give up the better driver for open air. I have been researching 328 GTB's in the US with the help of a few other owners for a number of years. The best estimate we can come up with is that there are about 125 in the US with most being 88's and 89's. My theory is that in the mid 80's almost all US buyers wanted to be Magnum PI. QV GTB's are even rarer with maybe 50 in the US. Good luck with the hunt! Dave | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 750 Registered: 11-2001 |
DrJ, While production data is always debated, the source I have indicates less that 1400 328GTBs were produced over 4 years, compared to just over 6000 GTSs in the same time period. Couple that with the fact that relatively few of the GTBs were delivered to the states, and you have an apparent shortage. They are out there, it'll just take longer to find the right one. | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
Could someone answer why the 328 GTB is difficult to find? There seems to be no shortage of GTS's but what about the GTB, they look great! | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Intermediate Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 1196 Registered: 9-2001 |
77 308 GTB 84 to 85 308GTB QV 86 to 88 328GTS (GTB's are very hard to find, but i would still consider it) 92 Mondial T convertible | ||
| Dr. J C928 (Attitude928)
Junior Member Username: Attitude928 Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2002 |
What's the purpose of the car? Daily driver - 328>348 in view of reliability Historic (>25yrs) - 365GTC/4, Mondial 3.2 or 308GT4 Overall performance - TR>348>328>308>365GTC/4 Looks - TR or 328 Headroom - TR Safety - ? Maintainence costs - 328 Sorted car for that price - 328 Non-generic Ferrari - 365GTC/4 (500 built) | ||
| Darryl - TR&328 (Tr328)
New member Username: Tr328 Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hello Doc, I would go with a 328GTS, Red, with tan interior. I really comes down to your preference. Unless you have an extra 10K I would stay away from a Testarossa. Overall maintenance will cost you an arm and six legs. Everything is expensive for a Testarossa. My 328 can be driven every day and is very dependable. My Testarossa was in the shop for 6 months to get tranny rebuilt plus a few other things. | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 136 Registered: 5-2003 |
There will always be 12c/8c camps in ferrariland, but my take would be that if you do most of your driving around town, the mid-mounted V8 will be more fun in tight quarters, while a 12c would fit highway driving better, where it can stretch its legs. The 365GTC/4 might not look quite as "ferrari-ish" to the average viewer, but the sound is bella -- and it has a rear seat. For our service experts: Would a front mounted 12 be just a smidge cheaper on service than a TR? (Possibly offset by the 365 being older.) But buy the car you want. My black 328 has been described by passerbys as "a magnum car", "a tester rassa", and "oooh, shiny!".  Any Ferrari is a good Ferrari -- buy the one you'll drive. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member Username: Peters Post Number: 1056 Registered: 1-2003 |
Kick in another $10K and have two nice 308's in your garage... | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 153 Registered: 1-2003 |
Personally, I love a TR and feel that the V12 is the truest spirit of Ferrari, all due respect to my 308, which I love. If I were in the market with $50k in mind, I'd look at a TR Martin is selling (he's a sponsor of this site...www.4ferrari.com). It seems well sorted and serviced. As he puts it "not a concourse winner, but a driver....1986 Ferrari Testarossa, red/tan 42K miles, 30K done, documented, great driver, clean car Asking $ 48,900" I have no affiliation with Martin, but feel that he really represents cars well. I thought this was a nice-sounding car, and I thought I might pass it along. As I said, I'm NOT in the market right now, but if I were... | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 300 Registered: 2-2003 |
DrD, To address your question of 328 or Mondial 3.2, they are both great. I've had a 3.2 coupe for 7 years, and used it daily for most of those, even on trips. I'm guessing maint. is a wash, as mechanicals are identical. Many would say the 3.2 liter is about the most bulletproof package Ferrari ever made. Not being the greatest driver in the world, I found the Mondial's longer wheelbase very intuitively controllable and confident, ergo a lot of fun with a great ride (after replacing the POS Goodyears). Easy to control the back end pitch with the throttle. The 3.2s are about as fast or a little faster than previous 308s, and that's fast enough for me. The Mondial is all about balancing engine, gearbox and chassis just right. Having had the car with me for three years on windy German back roads really gives you an immense appreciation of these cars you don't see in the US. Can't go wrong either way. Hope this helps, and have fun! rt | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 524 Registered: 4-2001 |
With that budget in mind, my first pick would be a 76 or early 77 glass/dry-sump 308gtb in pristine shape. My second choice would be an 88.5 328gts in like shape. But you really need to get out and drive what your interested in, because these cars are all very different. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1386 Registered: 12-2001 |
I concur, Drs. (of ferrariology). My old 328 is for sale at Fox Motors, it was a good straight car, don't think much happened to it since i owned it, was an 89, still has low miles. Only drawback (for some) the color: white over red. Most people like red ones the first time out. Frankly, the car looks bewitching in black, and in dark grey or blue; hell, even yellow looks good on these suckers. The have one of the best lines of any ferrari, regardless of price or vintage. I had a 348 as well, and while it definitely has more get up and go, i doubt you'll find a spider at 50k that's worth owning. I therefore agree that the 328 is the way to go. Good luck. Have fun. And enjoy. They are great cars. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1930 Registered: 10-2002 |
I agree with L. re a TR. They are great cars but service costs are as he described. I'd look at a really pristine 308. I drove mine 85,000 miles and really enjoyed everyone. | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
New member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 40 Registered: 5-2003 |
You said 348, 328 or TR., I have a 328 and a Testarossa, for me the 348 its not worth it since the performance over the 328 it isnt that much really and then it is more expensive to run. Also the looks of the 328 are what many believe to be 100% Ferrari. FORGET a Testarossa for $50,000, a TR means 30,000 majors of $10,000 or more. People say they are about $8,500 tops but I know of two other ones that paid over $10,000. My last major was a little over $12,000 including new tires, and a new clutch that it isnt part of the major was another $4,000 plus. And more to the point no TR for $50,000 is a good TR. | ||
| James J. McGee (Dr_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Dr_ferrari Post Number: 126 Registered: 7-2002 |
A 1989 328 would be my choice. The ultimate 328 with all the improvements from years past plus anti-lock brakes. One of the best under $50,000 ferrari I`ve ever driven. And it has that enduring Ferrari shape. An excellent choice I would think. Regards, Jim | ||
| Scotty (Pzerowaster)
Junior Member Username: Pzerowaster Post Number: 99 Registered: 10-2002 |
I like brother DES's answer... that's exactly what I did, and let me tell you, I'm a VERY happy boy! Put 60 miles on her tonight. I'm still basking in the afterglow. Good luck Dr. Diaz. Whatever decision you'll make, you'll be in a Ferrari. How can you possibly go wrong? Scotty | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 647 Registered: 11-2002 |
365GT 2+2, 365GT/C, 308 (maybe 328) or even a 308 GT4. If you are into the v12s then maybe the first couple of cars on my list are worth a look. I think they would be under the $50K. Always by the best car you can afford, and one with a good service history. Have some money put aside for a huge first service to make sure everything is okay ... before you let rip and break things! Good luck ... wish I had your problem. Pete | ||
| Ron Vallejo (Ron328)
Junior Member Username: Ron328 Post Number: 223 Registered: 3-2003 |
A 328 would be first on the list for reasons that have been mentioned. I love the looks of the Mondial Coupe. Either a 3.2 or a T. (One of the "negative" aspects of the T is the "engine out" major service; there is not a lot of T's in the US, too). Since the Mondials are 2+2, it will be a plus if you have small kids (although there isn't much space in the back). Bottomline is what do you like? Anyway, as Jim stated, any F-car would be a joy to own and drive. Just do your homework. Buy from a reputable dealer. Good luck and keep us posted. | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1508 Registered: 7-2002 |
I would go for a nice clean 328 86,87 or 88. They can be had all day long for $40K in great shape. Some higher some lower. I agree the TR might be too much for that budget hence I want one, but keep waiting til I can afford it. Don't want a broken toy I can't afford to fix. I personally don't like the mondial coupes, but they always look better in person than in pics. The convertibles are not too bad if you want an open top. However, the 328 just does something for me. Very simple, sexy, elegant, affordable yet still gets the wow factor from every day folks. Good luck! Any F car will be a joy to own/drive. Go with your gut and you won't go wrong. | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 749 Registered: 11-2001 |
I own a 328GTS and drive it as a daily commuter car. It's reliable, fast enough, and the looks really work for me. The AC is marginal at 95+ degrees, but I suppose that's not so much an issue in MN. The equivalent Mondial is the 3.2. You could easily pick up a cabriolet in your price range and have quite a bit left over. The coupe is even cheaper, and a steal. Advantages of the mondy coupe over the 328 and the cab is in sealing -- fewer leaks, from what I hear. Electronics are supposedly notorious on the Mondial. I think the added headroom and the adjustable wheel would be a big advantage if you are planning on using it as a real car. Just a couple of thoughts | ||
| stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
Member Username: Ethans_dad Post Number: 343 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dr.J, I'd agree with the others that a late model 328 might be a perfect candidate. A well sorted 89 would bring you plenty of enjoyment. But be warned, once tasted, nothing else will do ; ) A late model 308QV would also be an excellent choice, and leave plenty in your budget for a healthy maintenance allowance. My thoughts on the 348 and Testarossa are that your budget leaves very little room for a proper maintenance budget. I strongly believe that anyone considering Ferrari ownership should also be willing to maintain the vehicle properly. I pains me to see owners neglect and abuse these wonderful cars. Lastly, take your time and enjoy the search. You'll be amazed at how much you actually learn about the cars as you take the first steps to ownership. Welcome ! Regards | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2003 |
I originally posted this message and am wondering what anyone thinks about buying a Mondial, rather than the 328? Which is prefarable? Which is more reliable and the better "ride"? | ||
| Lawrence Yee (Ferrariguy)
Member Username: Ferrariguy Post Number: 258 Registered: 8-2002 |
Actually a TR for under $50K will not be a well-sorted out car IMO. You are looking at major servicing to fix any issues. I's go, like almost everyone else here a late model 328. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1438 Registered: 12-2002 |
I second the 328 GTS idea! Reliable and still very quick! About the easiest Ferrari to own from what Ive heard. | ||
| Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
Junior Member Username: Azzuro328 Post Number: 107 Registered: 4-2003 |
328 GTS! Absolutely beautiful, reliable, and fast enough to get anyone in trouble on American roads. I bought my first in April and I love it to pieces! Good luck with your search. You'll find the F-Chat crew to be very helpful and informative. Keep us posted. | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2003 |
I KNEW this would be a good place for info. Keep the suggestions coming, they are invaluable so far! One of the greatest attractions to the Ferrari is the passion the owners have for them, and I appreciate your willingness to share some of that! Anyone else who wants to offer me advice on the issue, please do so! I am very anxious for your expertise. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 856 Registered: 8-2001 |
If you don't mind going slowly, then consider the 328. If you want a wild ride, go for the TR. I personally don't care for the 348.....it looks just too "stubby" for me. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2015 Registered: 6-2001 |
You have probably researched the issues, but here are my thoughts: 1. If you get a 348, I would think that you might be looking for trouble. A 348 for under 50k is apt to be in need of a major service (5 to 8k), and might have other issues, however, if you are very, very careful, you might be able to find a good one in that price range, but you'll look for quite a while, kick more than a few tires. 2. A 328, late model, say an 88 will easily fall within this price range, and if you are careful, you'll get a great one in that range. A 89, the last year, can be found in that range, and again, if you're careful, you can get a really good. As to the Testarossa: unless you have a decent maintenance budget, I'd stay away from a 12 cylinder. The service is outrageously priced, and a car that old will require quite a bit of service. As to all models, make sure that you get a pre-purchase inspection, by someone you can trust. If you and the car are close enough, and there is a factory authorized service near enough, I'd have them do the inspection. If not, use this board, I'm sure someone here can make a good recommendation. Good luck in your hunt, you'll really enjoy the car. Art | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5139 Registered: 8-2002 |
Doc, congratulations and welcome to FerrariChat...! If it were me, i'd probably go with a 348 and milk it out something fierce, , but that's just me - the important question is what do YOU like...? | ||
| Dr. Joseph Diaz (Drjosephdiaz)
New member Username: Drjosephdiaz Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2003 |
I want to buy my first used Ferrari and would like some advice. I would like to stay under $50,000 and am wondering about which models I should consider. I know only the exterior style of the cars, and little about the mechanical side (outside of the basics), but I seem to lean towards the 348, 328 and Testarossa. Any advice? |