| Author | Message | ||
| Craig (Beachbum)
Junior Member Username: Beachbum Post Number: 137 Registered: 9-2002 |
Collin, dont let the leaky top bother you, all the early 348ts had the same problem, there was a factory fix where you sent your top in and they replaced the seals, some people took advantage of and some didnt, im not sure what year 348 they solved the problem very fun car, i havent had the top on my car in 4 months,just got home from one of the local hot rod meets, my 348 attacts more attention then most of the hot rods | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
Junior Member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 70 Registered: 9-2002 |
Wouldn't bother me - only because so many other board members have the same problem.... Still get it cheked out though... Phillip - can you believe this weather!? perfect timing my friend! | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1525 Registered: 11-2001 |
fwiw, my 355 spider doesn't leak at all. it's even been through a flash-storm, one of those horrific act-of-g-d jobbies dropping a zillion gallons a microsecond. dry as a bone. i had it at the office for that one. when the storm passed i went out to check on it thinking "oh •••• - this might really suck". a whole bunch of the guys were out having a smoke and when i came out they gave me all sorts of crap about checking on the car to see if it had become a wading pool  . i've driven it through "normal" rain a few times as well - no problemo whatsoever. doody. | ||
| Michael Green (Michaelg)
New member Username: Michaelg Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2003 |
Collin, wouldn't worry about it. My 355 leaks. I've asked a shop to fix it and they literally laughed at me. Would cost $$ for the new door seal(with no guarantee that it would fix the leak), I've since learnt that most/many leak, and also Ferrari is having problems with the new 360S leaking as well. Consider it an F-car problem and ensure you keep a towel/ tissues in the car with you. | ||
| Norm (32storm)
New member Username: 32storm Post Number: 31 Registered: 5-2003 |
Wow a Ferrari that leaks. Not a big deal. As already been stated spyders leak, so do Mondial cab's, as well as a number of 308 & 328's. Could be as simple as new rubber seal. I am also in the camp of my car doesn't get driven in the rain, so a leak wouldn't scare me aware. I would have a strong look under and check area for any major rust. Every convertible I've ever owned leaked. That's with new tops, adjustments, rubbers replaced, etc. Even had (1)old Corvette my wife called "Christine" (after the car in the movie)as it would only drip on her side, as I did drive that one in the rain. | ||
| Randall (Randall)
Member Username: Randall Post Number: 595 Registered: 1-2003 |
Do a thorough check to see if the car was in an accident also. Don't trust Carfax or the owner, check yourself for bondo or any other signs of an accident. If it's just the rubber, I'd ask to have it fixed before buying; maybe offer to even pay for the parts as long as the replacement does the job. | ||
| Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member Username: Bighead Post Number: 170 Registered: 2-2003 |
Collin -- I wouldn't worry too much about it. The 348ts leaks a fair bit from the targa seals, and also from the less than perfect window seals. Frustrating, but that's the Ferrari way of life. As for how MUCH it may have leaked, it probably wasn't a whole lot. When you have your pre-purchase inspection, have the shop take special care to inspect places where water may have accumulated. I've probably seen a half-dozen cases (not just 348) where the manual has gotten wet and damaged, either behind/under the seat or even in the trunk. vty, --Dennis | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 143 Registered: 4-2003 |
Wash the car yourself and see how much water is leaking. I wouldn't worry too much if a very small amount of water leaks into the interior from the corner edges of the hardtop. However, "it (water) even ruined the manual." worries me. Where was the manual placed? If the manual was placed behind the driver seat then looks like you really have a leaking problem (hint: move on). Goodluck. | ||
| john beaucher (Spider348)
Junior Member Username: Spider348 Post Number: 82 Registered: 11-2002 |
I would not be too concerned. My 308 GTS leaked(carried towels). Replaced seals etc. Still leaked. My current 348 spider leaks but hell, the owner�s manual tells you the car leaks. Who else but Ferrari can charge over $120k new for a car that the owner�s manual states the top will leak? | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 344 Registered: 2-2003 |
I'm with Dave, if the leak had been serviced, and the rest of the car is good, I'd go see the car personally. In your own words, if you never plan on driving the car in the rain...........leak fixed! My .02 | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1240 Registered: 5-2001 |
It would concern me a bit, but the bigger concern is that this sounds like a cheap owner. These types of leaks while common, can usually be corrected. At the very least, I would like to seen some service records showing that he at least attempted to get this fixed. If not, I would wonder what else was "neglected" during his ownership. | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2002 |
I'm strongly considering a 348 ts. But the roof leaked some several years ago. The previous owner says "it (water) even ruined the manual." Now, I'm not so concerned about the leaky targa top. My cars never even see a drop of water. But...could this have damaged the car to any extent? (rust, electronics, etc.) The only repair items I have seen since the leaking according to the records is usual 348 stuff - new clutch, check engine light keeps coming on, etc. The owner who experienced the leaking said "I kept towels in the car at all times in case a rain storm caught me." So is this a big deal? Unusual? Deal killer? Thanks for the input!!!!! |