| Author |
Message |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 183
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:56 pm: | |
Theo,
As it happens, I once owned an 87 328 GTS and now own an 89 GTB. I have also driven some others. Both the cars you describe sound fine but I wonder if the 87 has had belts done yet. If not, they need to be done yesterday and this is expensive.
I resisted buying an 89 becuase I did not think they were worth the extra money, but I have changed my mind mainly because of the suspension changes which actually occurred in 88.5 cars. They drive and feel like much different cars, tighter and more modern. To the seat of the pants, they handle better, but I do not know of any direct comparison tests. I have a parts book covering the whole range of 328's and was surprised to see a large number of parts upgraded as time went along. Besides ABS, 89's have a number of small features upgraded, even from 88.5's, including shocks and valve seats.
Whether or not 89's are worth as much extra as they bring is open to debate. If at all possible, drive them both and see if YOU think the 89 is better.
Dave |
Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member
Username: Jimpo1
Post Number: 544
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 1:41 pm: | |
I'm with Rob, I like the 'hidden' door handles. It's fun to mess with your passenger and see if they can find it. My wife still has to stop and think about where it is. |
Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Qferrari
Post Number: 66
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 11:07 am: | |
Hey, I have an 88-1/2, with the later style, and some of the blondes I've had in my car can't find those either!!!
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Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator
Username: Rob328gts
Post Number: 1828
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:06 am: | |
No one can ever find them though! Which is kinda cool in a way. |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1030
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 8:53 am: | |
I believe it is the change in the interior door pulls on the 328 that John was referring to. I too prefer the interior door pulls on the earlier 328s than on the 1989 model. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Junior Member
Username: Lens
Post Number: 195
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 7:53 am: | |
Depending on the serial number, some early 87s were affected by service campaigns (recalls) 143, 144, and 146. (I think I got the numbers right.) Do a search on this site because I know its been discussed before. If its affected, make sure the 87 has had the recall work done by the dealer before you buy.
Good luck! |
Alberto (Aabreu)
Junior Member
Username: Aabreu
Post Number: 66
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 8:44 pm: | |
Theo:
I purchased an 87 328 in December. I did not believe that the price increase to the 89's was worth it. Based on my 10 month search all conducted last year, the prices you quote seem to be fair, assuming condition is very good and the major service has been done. I would say that the dealer should throw in the 30k service on the 87, if not done, or have owner deduct $2000 or so for it.
Good luck, you will not regret the purchase. |
Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Qferrari
Post Number: 62
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 5:00 pm: | |
Bobd, I agree with your take on the exterior door handles. The only difference being the black trim ring on the later models. Aside from that, there is no discernable difference.
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BobD (Bobd)
Member
Username: Bobd
Post Number: 493
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 4:09 pm: | |
As I understand it, the convex wheels were required for the new suspension and had nothing to do with ABS. ABS was an option in late '88 and became standard in '89.
Wasn't I told the new suspension on '88.5 & '89 328s is what ended up in the 348??? I can't imagine Ferrari re-designing the suspension for a car that's had a 10+ year run (including the 308) and was a year from being discontued in lieu of the 348.
Jack, Ferrari didn't make the ABS system, they were supplied by Teves and had been used in other cars for years.
The exterior door handles on early and late cars are identical (I believe).... the later cars just added a small black trim ring. There was no major overhaul of the thing.
Also Theo, pick up a copy of the book, "FERRARISSIMA 4". It's THE definitive book on the 328. I belive it's out of print (could be wrong about that) but sometimes you can find them on eBAY... expensive but worth every penny if you own a 328. |
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 446
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 2:59 pm: | |
Theo, I love my '87. I actually shied away from an '89, since the thought of 1st-generation ABS sounded like a headache. Plus, I just didn't see the difference in value being what was quoted. I'll also join consensus by saying that I'm not a fan of the '89s convex wheels. IMO, they affect the look way too much. Good luck, and have fun. |
Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member
Username: Jimpo1
Post Number: 539
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 1:27 pm: | |
Bobs car has been bulletproof, but they shoot small bullets where he lives!
I don't understand why they changed the exterior door handles on the later cars, I don't like the look as much. I prefer the concave wheels over the convex, but would like to have the ABS. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 1187
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 12:04 pm: | |
The convex wheels means it had ABS, right? That could be considered an advantage. |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator
Username: Rob328gts
Post Number: 1821
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 10:37 am: | |
The '89 will always keep it's value over the '86-'88, so although you pay more now, you'll still get that margin later. |
John Delvac (Johndelvac)
New member
Username: Johndelvac
Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 9:11 am: | |
I don't like the '89 wheels or cheap looking door pulls. I believe '86 -'88 cars have the same suspension after the recall. I definitly don't miss ABS. |
jake liddell (Enzoforza)
New member
Username: Enzoforza
Post Number: 22
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 8:09 am: | |
theo, is the '89 in New Hampshire? if it is It is my 328 that I just sold. I could tell you more about it if you email me. [email protected] |
Anders J Lamberth (Andersjl)
New member
Username: Andersjl
Post Number: 20
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 08, 2002 - 3:14 am: | |
Hi,
Bob is right, there is not much of a difference.
Choose the one that is in the best condition.
Mine is an -87, and it took me a couple of years to find "the right car", i.e. low milage, few owners, good history etc.
Good luck and much fun,
Anders in Sweden
|
BobD (Bobd)
Member
Username: Bobd
Post Number: 492
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 7:29 pm: | |
Theo, other than what you've described, there's not that much difference between the '87 and '89 328. A couple of other small differences include changes to the interior door pulls (openers)... and the support which holds up the front hood doesn't use a release button on the '89s. I also believe the exterior door pulls (handles) are trimmed in black on later cars. All small stuff.
Bottom line, it's a great car no matter what year you select... virtually bullet-proof. I have an '89, personally I like the wheels on the earlier models better.
Get it inspected, good luck and have fun... you'll love it. |
Theo Pappas (Theo)
New member
Username: Theo
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 7:05 pm: | |
I am looking to purchase my first ferrari, a 328 GTS. I have looked at 2 so far. One is an 87, red/tan with 17000 miles. It has the service history stamps for 7.5k and 15k. The seller wants $46,000. The second one is an 89, red/tan with 29,000 miles. It, too, has the history stamps for 7.5k, 15k and 30k service. The seller wants $52,500. Both cars are in excellent looking (visually) condition.
Is there much difference between the 87 and the 89? I know that the 89 has ABS, different suspension (anti-dive?) and convex wheels. Is there anything else? Would any of this make a difference to you? I will not bring the car to the track, but would drive it fairly agressively.
Would the 89 be worth the extra $6,500? Are these (any, both) prices reasonable? Your thoughts and advise would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Theo |