| Author |
Message |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 9:05 am: | |
The bad rep the 348 suffers from in some circles is unwarranted. I have owned a 328GTS, 400GT, TR, 330GTC and now a 348Spider and it is the best Ferrari I have owned so far. Sure the TR was faster in a drag race and the 330GTC sounded better with its three Webers and the 400 had more room, but for all around enjoyment at a bargin price nothing beats the 348. The earlier cars had some build quality problems that were soon remedied. That was expected since the 348 was the first unibody build by Ferrari and it took them a while to get up to speed with that technology. My 1994 Spider has even body panel gaps and I have not noticed any problems whatsoever with the build quality. Other than a leaking cam seal the car is otherwise perfect and maintamnence free except for routine service. And I have driven it over 5,000 miles so far this year ! In 1990 Montezomela made a public derogatory comment about his personal 348 that has soiled its rep every since. In most other industries his public derogatory comment would have resulted in his immediate termination. But, Ferrari in Italy is a whole other world. I would recommend a 348 over a 328 any day of the week. It is a much better car in performance, looks and reliability. |
Martin (Miami348ts)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 7:45 am: | |
There is no right or wrong.
I own the 348 since almost 2 years now and drive it daily. I love the car and it does not give me any headacks. I have more problems with my BMW 840 and with my wifes new MB 430CLK.
I think the bad rap stands from the early models, 1989 when there were some flaws and from people that think the 328 is the last true Ferrari, which is wrong. Enzo died before the release of the 348 but all the engineering and designs were started in 1980 and were very much influenced by Enzo himself. So the last true Ferrari is the 348. Which does not make the car better or worse I might add.
I also owned a 328 and two 308s. They are great cars but the 348 is technically and handling wise much improved.
Electrical noting to report except that my interior lights went out a few days ago. See my technical post! |
1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 3:12 am: | |
jake, I had also the same problem. Everybody told me not to buy the 348 and finnaly I bought the 89 328 GTS like yours. I think you took the best decision. I am very happy with my 328 and I love it!!
In 2 years time, keep the 328 and buy a 355. That is what I am going to do. |
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 1:12 am: | |
I had to make exactly the same choice. All the dealers I spoke to said that the 348 was at least as reliable provided all the factory recalls had been performed.
The choice they gave me was:
An earlier generation car (328) with what are called the classic lines but noticeably slower and previous generation technology, only 1988/89 models had ABS, but lower depreciation ; OR
A newer generation new technology car with higher initial depreciation (how much lower can they fall now???) but much improved performance, handling, air-con, cabin and roomier.
I opted for the 348 ts ....but then I actually like the wide stance of the 348 and the side slats. If you do buy a 348 make sure it has good history and the Nippondenso alternator as this can save you a lot of minor irritating electrical problems.
Najib |
Mark McKenzie (Redcar)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 11:11 pm: | |
Although I hesitated to buy my 348ts because of their "spotty" reputation, I am more and more in love with the car every day. The handling, the power, the brakes, and the charm of the car are intoxicating.
I considered a 328, but decided on the 348 and despite some initial maintenence issues, have been very happy with my decision. Some day I'd like a 355, but for now I can't justify the added cost.
Mark McKenzie |
Joseph Buffa (Buffa27)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 8:43 pm: | |
Jake,
I had an early 308 GTB and now have a 1993 348. With the 348 you move into a new generation Ferrari,more power, handeling, brakes. But you lose the classic shape of the 308, 328.
My 348 has been modified, so it is a little different than a street version, but I love it and have had no problems other than normal service. I think it's a great car and I'm glad I made the choice, but I do miss my 308 sometimes. |
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 7:22 pm: | |
Guys,
It depends on what kind of driving you want to do as to which car is better. I've noticed that on our mini-rallys that TRs cannot keep up with 348s or 355s on winding roads. I would say on straight roads the TRs will go faster. However, how much faster can one go than the law or traffic denisity allows.
The 348 has plenty of punch, performance and great handling. Gas milage is great also!
Dan |
Michael A. Niles (Man90tr)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 7:03 pm: | |
Good luck finding an owner who doesn't love his car. What to move up, want raw power, want a neck snap that's available all the time. Get a TR. Anything from late 87 -91 is good. The 512TR is a better performer but cannot be found in the 348 price range. |
jake liddell (Enzoforza)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 5:37 pm: | |
I have afew questions for the 348 owners. I have noticed that the 348 series seems to have a bad reputation as far as the performance/reliablity goes. I have recenty purchased an '89 328 gts. I could have bought a 348 for only a few more thousand but have heard so much negativity toward the 348 that I passed and bought the 328. Does anyone feel that I made the wrong choice, It seems that all the 348 owners love them. I have heard that the early 348 suffered from electrical problems etc. but after '93 Ferrari had corrected most (or all) of them. I love the 328, but eventually want to move to a "newer" car in a year or 2. Any owners input would be great |
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