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Message |
Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member
Username: Davewapinski
Post Number: 178
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 03, 2002 - 7:34 am: | |
Thanks for everyone's comments. Much good information and will be used to make the decision.
Dave |
scott chivers (Spider_scott)
New member
Username: Spider_scott
Post Number: 27
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 11:27 am: | |
Dave, I have a 94 348 Spider that gets quite a bit of use, normally drive it twice a week ...depends if the sun is out here in the U.K. Ive had two problems with the car which were a power loss caused by a faulty Bosch exhaust ECU and a hot start problem (both of these I believe are quite common). Other than that the car has been great, Id have no second thoughts about taking it on a long journey.
My buddy had a 360 Modena(sold it recently for a 996 turbo)360 is great car ..unbelievably quick ,with both of us in the car we had the speedo showing 199mph the rev limiter cut in in 6th gear ...the car was glued to the road. The f1 gearbox jammed on that car and had to get replaced by ferrari under warrenty, would have cost �30 thounsand britsh pounds otherwise !! According to Ferrari it was the only case of that happening worldwide ... but goes to show that it can happen to even the new cars.
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Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
New member
Username: Jussumfastgi
Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 10:17 am: | |
Dave, if the 360 is what you REALLY want, and if you will be able to buy one in about two and a half years, I would recommend going for your dream. The 348 is a fine car, but if it's not what you really want deep down, you will grow luke-warm to it over time.
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Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 832
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 9:13 am: | |
Dave, the 348 Spider is a great choice, I have had my 1994 348 Spider since Jan. 2001 and have driven it over 6000 miles with no problems other than the jerk that sliced my tires one night while it was parked at Applebees. But, that was not the car's fault. The only maintenance required has been two oil changes, a transaxle fluid change, a radiator flush and fluid change, a brake fluid flush and fluid change. And most of that was done right after I took delivery of the car as a precaution. The only drawback to the 348 Spider is that the cam belt change requires an engine removal which results in a $3500 to $5500 cost depending on whre you have it done. But that is only required every 62,500 miles per the factory manual or every 30,000 miles per the dealer. Either way, that would be at least 3 years or more for the average Ferrari owner. Unless you have to have a red Ferrari, get the 348 Spider in another color. It's body lines look best in silver, blue or black IMHO. |
TomD (Tifosi)
Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 652
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 9:04 am: | |
Dave
After being at the WTC on 9/11, I can say any ferrari now is better than a ferrari six months from now - go for it |
Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member
Username: Davewapinski
Post Number: 177
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 8:56 am: | |
I guess my question really was, with very good (but not to the max) maintenance, will a Ferrari normally be reliable.
From posts on this board it seemed not. However, this is a board to solve problems.
From the answers, it appears Ferraris can be reliable.
From what I have seen, it appears that the only reason a 20 year old vehicle can not be made reliable is if the engineering was bad. Of course it will not have the latest technology. For example outside the hotel I have a 24 year old Mercedes with 263,000 miles on it. I use it for harsh conditions that are bad for vehicles. It gets good maintenance and is extremely reliable. Three weeks ago I took a 2,000 mile trip in it. The only problem was having to stop occasionally for go-juice.
From what I have read, Sam Walton (founder of Wal-Mart) drives a 20 year old truck. I cannot picture Mr. Walton driving an unreliable vehicle.
Last night I was flying a plane that is approximately 20 years old. It is 100 % reliable.
The answer to this question partially determines if I will buy a Ferrari (probably will) and which one.
I am a rag top man, so I cannot picture buying a vehicle like a Ferrari unless it is a convertible. So this limits it to spiders, S-models, and converted vehicles.
I like the knife front of the 308/328. To me it looks like it is moving when parked. I like the 328 a LITTLE better, but it is close.
I do not like the styling of the Mondial. However, a 2 + 2 Ferrari convertible has some appeal.
The 348 is probably the best compromise. It appears better for trips and is a true rag top. I do not know if it requires more maintenance or not. There does appear to be problems with things like the Slow Down sensors. Probably better technology and built a little bit better than the 308/328. More refined. I love the styling except for the front. To my eyes the front curves are a little off. Seems too feminine, not the knife edge of the 308/328. Does not seem to fully match the rest of the body.
I have heard that driving a 12 will take one�s breath away and is a thrill like few others. At some point in my life, I would like to own a 12 cylinder convertible. As a result a converted TR is intriguing. I love the TR styling. On the negative side, it appears that TRs have problems with the rear ends. There are things like weird tire sizes on some of them. I want the car to use on twisty roads for a large part. This need shifts the interest back to the 348s.
With my current knowledge, there does not seem to be enough of an improvement for the 355 over the 348 to justify the price increase.
I love the styling of the 360. Disadvantages are the price, hassles of getting one, and there seems to be more problems than there should be. But I still love the styling.
Everything is always affected by time and money. Many times things take longer than expected. There are always more things to do and try than one can fit into a lifetime. As a result, it is a choice of what pleasures do I choose.
If I go for a 308/328/Mondial, should be able to afford it in about three months.
If I go for the 348, probably 6 months to a year out.
If I go for the 360, probably 2 to 3 years out.
Right now leaning toward the 348, but willing to consider any thoughts about a better approach.
I believe in preventive maintenance, and reliability is important to me. If a vehicle cannot be made reliable, I do not keep it.
I used to work with a guy who really did not need an airplane. He said the happiest day of his life was when he bought a twin engine airplane. The second happiest day was when he sold it. I do not want to feel that way about a Ferrari. That is why I am asking the questions.
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Mark (Markg)
Junior Member
Username: Markg
Post Number: 186
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 4:54 pm: | |
My 308 GTSi made a perfect trip to Las Vegas from Colorado Springs, didn't die and leave me stranded until I got back (bad fuse). |
Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member
Username: Toby91
Post Number: 54
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 4:32 pm: | |
I have put 90,000 miles on my 328, 512TR and and new 360 and have been stranded twice. A failed starter and water pump seal on my 328. I do not consider these out of line on 10-13 year old cars. Buy, maintain and enjoy! |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1260
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 4:26 pm: | |
I think most everyone on this site maintains their cars to the max but I think the question is more along the lines that, can I go out and buy any Ferrari and expect trouble free service with a minimal expense, and my answer would be no. Also too when you ask about "Ferrari" you need to be more specific as to exactly which make and model of Ferrari you are refering to since there is a world of difference between the different years and models. |
Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 2040
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 3:52 pm: | |
Dave,
I drive mine daily. Never had any problems. Never left me stranded (which I can not say about my BMW that was 3 years younger).
I put a total of 7,000 Miles per year on my car. Long trips have been only Miami to Sarasota. (total of 400 Miles) so I can not freely comment on that, but I would not hesitate to do it!
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Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member
Username: Joechristmas
Post Number: 261
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 3:29 pm: | |
Ed makes a good point but still even the LS1 engine doesn't have DOHC. It is all aluminun, direct fire, etc but still this is 20 yrs. later. Personally, I would trust my 308s on long trips. I have driven both Cross-Country and both performed well. |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 828
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 12:04 pm: | |
I have driven several of my Ferraris on over 1000 mile trips with no problems. In Sept 2001 I drove my 1994 348 Spider to the USGP from Atlanta to Indy and back with zero problems. I drove my 1977 400GT from Philly to Atlanta with no problems. I have driven my 1986 328GTS to Daytona Beach and back from Atlanta with no problem. I have driven my current 348 Spider to Cape San Blas , Florida from Atlanta on more than one occasion with no problems. They are as reliable as any other car as long as they are properly maintained. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1256
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 11:54 am: | |
Keep one thing in mind, The cars we are talking about here for the most part are now considered antique automobiles. 308s and 328s and 348s are what most of us own are getting old and dated as compared to a modern automobile. Without doing some modernization to these cars you are ALWAYS at risk for a breakdown. Our cars may have been state of the art 20 years ago but they are now light years behind a 2002 car. I would never depend on an antique car if I absolutely, positively had to get somewhere. My Ferrari is a toy plain and simple. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 123
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 11:19 am: | |
Dave,
I have put 40K+ total on 6 cars. Some have been needy, but never left me on the side of the road. Longest trip was Atlanta to Denver in a 87 328 GTS I bought. The water pump began to leak late in that trip (with 33K miles on it, it was overdue) but made it home no problem. I would not hesitate to take one on a long trip after you have had it awhile and made sure it was sorted.
Dave |
Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member
Username: Davewapinski
Post Number: 176
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 10:13 am: | |
With everything, there is a down side along with the up side.
I like to know about the down sides so I can know what to expect and can plan around it.
What started this thought is reading last week in the technical section a thread called It Keeps Getting Better and Better plus other threads about the problems people were having with the 360s.
In �It Keeps ��, the owner did all the proper steps, but he was still having problems getting his TR to run right.
In the past, I have noticed threads asking is it safe to take a Ferrari on a trip.
Awhile back I corresponded with a gentleman who bought a Ferrari after the dealer gave it a clean inspection. Driving it home on the leg from Salt Lake City to Denver, it broke down in Denver � it is not that long a distance. In Denver it was placed on a flat bed for the trip to Texas. After being fixed in Texas, it shortly broke down again.
I do not know if this is the exception or the rule.
I have heard that 348s are high maintenance machines, others say this is not so.
I am only interested in Spiders, S models, or chopped Ferraris.
I realize that a Ferrari will not be as reliable as a Honda and that Ferraris were designed for racing. Sometimes in racing one has a mechanical support crew plus the engines are rebuilt after each race. This is different from almost everyday driving.
So I am trying to get a feel for how reliable a Ferrari is for almost everyday use. If I have a nice date or an important business associate, will the Ferrari probably start and continue to run?
So my questions are, besides major/minor service, how often in a year is your Ferrari down for scheduled or non-scheduled service?
After you get the initial bugs worked out, how reliable is your Ferrari? Does it not start or continue to run for any reason during a year.
Besides major/minor service, about how much do you spend in a year for service?
About how many miles do you drive the Ferrari in a year?
Any information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave Wapinski
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