| Author |
Message |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 4:41 pm: | |
I'm just speaking as per the official words of Ferrari. I'm sure that owning a Euro has to be manageable, if it wasn't then no one would import them. |
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 6:45 am: | |
My 328 is a "Euro" and was imported legitimately back in 1986 (I do have all the papers). But... It was not "federalized" and consequently doesn't have all the emission equipment (no cat converters). Of course, the problem with my car is that you couldn't own it if you lived in or around a large metro area where they do emission testing(unless thay had a provision for low usage cars). In this case, the resale value would be lower because your potential buyers are less. The good thing about the car is that it isn't choked by the emission controls and is rated at a higher HP.
As William says, I'm not sure what "Euro" and "California" car means...unless the car was converted for emission testing in CA.
One way to tell if it is a "Euro" is by the VIN. Digits #9 & #10 tell the story. If your car is a unconverted (to US)"Euro", these will be zeros. Other numbers/characters in the VIN will also tell you if the car started out as a "euro". |
Paul308qv (Paul308qv)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2001 - 10:00 pm: | |
Bret, my 308QV is a Euro and I have not had ANY issue with my local authorized dealer working on it or having part, etc. In fact, after almost three years of ownership I have found no negatives of owning it. Certainly if you live in a place where emissions testing is strict, you will need a way to work around this. I don't so it has not been a problem. My car was 'Federalized' back when it was brought into the US. This means all necessary changes were made to get the USDOT and EPA paperwork. I think a legally imported Euro car is nothing to be intimidated about. They are certainly 'pure & simple' since they don't have a lot (or as much) of the suffocating pollution equipment or the US bumpers that take so much negative press.
Please don't think I am putting down a US car. Having a US car in the US is CERTAINLY the path of least resistance and you will not have to do any explaining or justifying when you buy or sell. I just regret that at least half of the 'stigma' associated with Euro cars is based on false information and fear mongering. |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2001 - 6:16 pm: | |
I have a '85 308GTSqv US version. The only real differences are like William said about that bumpers, possible added structural strength to the US, the gauges of course, the headlight grills are painted body color on the Euro's, and then there is a whole bunch of emissions equipment aft of the engine in the US versions, often times Euro cars were tuned with slightly harder suspension in response to their better roads. The big difference is that US dealerships will not work on Euro cars because if they do Ferrari will revoke their rights as an authorized dealership. So, all authorized places wont want anything to do with a Euro car, which can complicate things. Also, some parts places don't want to deal with "gray area" cars as they are called. But, nonetheless there are still quite a few Euro cars that are successfully imported here each year. I personally wouldn't look to buy one though. There are benefits in that they are slightly faster and less expensive, but you have to decide if it is worth it for you. |
William H (Countachxx)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2001 - 3:21 pm: | |
Euro cars tend to bring a bit less than US spec cars
I have an 84 308, its actually called a 308QV cus its a 4 valve, the GTSi were built from 80-83 I believe.
The euro cars have smaller, shorter front & rear bumpers, probably less smog equipment & may not have side impact beams inside the doors & a few more minor differences.
I dont quite understand your last part about the 308 being a euro car & a California car simultaneously |
DAVE SHEARS (Daveshears)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 18, 2001 - 10:46 am: | |
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1984 308 GTSI AND WAS STILL LOOKING AT THE FOR SALE ADDS. A FRIEND OF MINE WANTS A 308 AND I FOUND A 1985 GTSI EURO CAR.
IS THERE A RESALE PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND DO THEY GO FOR LESS MONEY IF THERE IS A RESALE PROBLEM? ALSO THIS CAR IS A CALIFORNIA CAR AND PASSES OUR TOUGH SMOG RULES BUT DOES ANYBODY KNOW THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE USA AND THE EURO 1985 GTSI? |
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