| Author |
Message |
Paul Newman (Newman)
Member
Username: Newman
Post Number: 303
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 8:21 pm: | |
Sometimes, like in my case, I wanted one that needed some attention. The reason is, I was able to buy one then and there rather than wait another year saving my pennies to get one that needed less work. Even if I bought Ed's car for say $30k US, thats $45k cdn to me and no promises that I wont have anything go wrong with it. I bought mine in need of servicing, tires and no documentation. Im enjoying it everyday and I didnt replace every dam hose on the car. I rebuilt the engine out of choice for more performance and to know what I had, turns out the internals were new, oh well. I wouldnt part out the example shown especially if its rust free. At least it would get someone into a ferrari which means alot to some even if it isnt like new. I would buy that car and fix it over time while still being able to use it. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1716
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 6:09 pm: | |
By the way I had MUCH rather have one once owned by Edward Gault than one owned by Magnum PI. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1715
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 6:07 pm: | |
I think the fellow on EBAY is just implying that his car is LIKE the one on Magnum but it was actually owned by Cannell at one time. That is the way I read it. |
Mark Foley (Sparky)
New member
Username: Sparky
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 3:09 pm: | |
One of the actual Magnum PI 308's is currently on display in LA at the Peterson Auto museum.
I plan to see the display within the next couple of weeks. |
Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member
Username: Joechristmas
Post Number: 422
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 4:21 pm: | |
I actually looked at one forsale before. I have been offered two of them so far. It wasn't in the best condition either plus the prices were higher than they should be. ($41K for one of them) They come with a letter usually written by Larry Manetti. I think I still have a copy of one. |
Bill V. (Doc)
Junior Member
Username: Doc
Post Number: 76
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 2:23 pm: | |
Re: the Magnum car--a friend of mine worked for the Ferrari dealer in Hawaii which supplied the cars to the studio at that time. He indicated the they characteristically used 3 cars per season--one for all moving shots, another for any scenes of the car parked, and a replica, built on a vw chassis, for any damage scenes.As the series progessed and the models changed, they were upgraded for the show. So, there were actually a few authentic Magum cars out there. I have no idea about the car on ebaay though. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 121
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 8:07 pm: | |
In reference to the Magnum PI 308 for sale on e-bay: Is the guy trying to say that it is the ACTUAL car that was used in the TV series? He drops the name of TV producer Steven Canell. Is this suppose to make us believe that it's the actual car used on Magnum PI? I noted a contradiction. He says that it always has been a California car. Didn't they film Magnum PI in Hawaii? Then how could it be the same car used on the TV series if it has never left California?
Sounds like someone is blowing smoke. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1709
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 4:52 pm: | |
The factory manual gives all the engine specifications needed to overhaul the engine but does not give step by step proceedures. |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 3:46 pm: | |
George, I agree with your opinion to turn your own wrenches, and save a bundle. I am not a mechanic, put have been rebuilding my own dirt bike engines, and working on my own cars. And at times I still don't think its that simple..I truely believe that being a technition like Ed makes things a whole lot simplier. However, a good workshop manual goes a long way. ED Gault since you rebuilt your own engine, would you have any advice on a good workshop manual for ferrari owners????. George, what kind of experience do you have on working with ferrari's???
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Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1706
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 9:39 am: | |
Even doing it yourself, that car cannot be economically repaired versus what you could purchase one for already restored. Even if it was "free" |
George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member
Username: Oof_n_goof
Post Number: 9
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 9:31 am: | |
You guy's need to learn to turn your own wrenches and save a whole bunch of $$$$$$$$$. Nothing to pull an engine, put it on the stand, take it apart, take it to a reputable machine shop, have the necessary machine work done, and if you are not comfortable assembling the motor, have the engine builder put it together for you...all you have to do is install it.......i'm fortunate, the one i purchased does not smoke, nor leave a single drop of oil on the pavement, but when it's time for the rebuild, I will get the parts, and do what I can myself....not that I'm cheap, just can't justifiy paying someone big bucks for something I can do myself. |
Richelson (Richelson)
Member
Username: Richelson
Post Number: 780
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 8:50 am: | |
Ed is right. If it is burning oil then the engine needs to come out to get to the rear head. Most times it is the valve seals but it also could be a cracked piston. Most 30k services run around the $3K or more range. To pull a 308 engine and have head work done will cost considerably more than $5K. Once you are in there I am sure you will find many more issues that need addressing. This car would have to be purchased extremely cheap for it to be worth it unless the new owner plans on driving this way until it quits. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1703
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 8:36 am: | |
This is an example of exactly what I was up against with my car. Mine was in much better condition than the car below on EBAY. If he thinks that car can be restored for $5000, he has been smoking Hemp. My engine parts bill alone was $5,000. Add in a new interior and a complete body and paint refinish along with clutch, all coolant hoses, oil cooler hoses, fuel hoses, axle boots, and an upgraded Ignition and the timing belt pulley system, A/C repairs, and if you don't do it yourself you will have easily $50,000+ in the car. The car below cannot be economically restored and is only good for parts. It is a shame but true. |
Paul (Pcelenta)
New member
Username: Pcelenta
Post Number: 47
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 7:46 am: | |
there is a fixer upper on ebay..hi-milage (85k) CA car that burns some oil...doesn't look that horrible...take a look
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1848573084
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Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 10:37 pm: | |
Edd how much you looking to get for your car?. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1702
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 9:51 pm: | |
I spent $20,000 on mine after 2 years of ownership. You can bet if you purchase one that has not had almost everything replaced since they are now 20 years old YOU will end up replacing everything just as I did. Buy my car and it has just been done and I'll take the loss. Been there, done that. |
George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member
Username: Oof_n_goof
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 9:30 pm: | |
I purchased my 308 last Oct on EBay...yea, on Ebay, go ahead and snicker....paid 25k, since then I've put on 12K miles, both city and interstate driving....only problem was a blown oil cooler line, sheeesh...what a mess that was...was lucky to get one for 380 bucks...thank god I can turn my own wrenches.
If you want a Ferrari....can't get a better one, not for the price.....get the 308....Thanks to Magnum P.I. most recognized Ferrari by the general public. |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 8:08 pm: | |
Well guys my i have deep concerns about purchasing a 308gts. Some of you say they are good, some say they are bad. Frankly,,I guess a ferrari is like a woman,, you don't no what your getting until you drive it and keep it around for awhile. I am looking for one still,, a ferrari that is,, but I hope to god, when I bring it home, I won't have to spend 10,000 dollars to keep it running, regardless its still cheaper then a wife..
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Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Junior Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 84
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 7:01 pm: | |
I bought a garage queen, and it has needed attention. Hoses, wheel bearings, distributor advance weights, oil leaks, etc. etc. But all of the problems are basically from two sources: 1) Rubber has deteriorated (hoses, seals, etc.) 2) Grease has hardened (wheel bearings, distributor weights, etc.) However, all the hard mechanical bits are in excellent condition, as is the interior. Once I get it all "freshened" up, it will be like new. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 118
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 4:38 pm: | |
I wish that I could find a dozen, but I will settle for one. A friend of mine buys and sells large trucks and attends alot of auto auctions. About a year ago, he bought a 308GTS that was being auctioned to satisfy a divorce settlement. It had been setting outside for several years. Faded paint, no maintenancce. But it ran. My friend bought it for under $10,000 I believe. He sold it to another guy who didn't really know much about 308s and this guy sold it for around $12,000. I didn't know about the car until much later. That's the kind of deal I want. Somebody's project that is not trashed, but beyond their ability to deal with. |
David Prall (Davidpra)
Junior Member
Username: Davidpra
Post Number: 114
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 4:07 pm: | |
Horsefly:
"I will gladly take a 10,000 original mile 308 GTS at a third of the going price because it is so much TROUBLE."
Wow, you're pretty shrewd --- you're finding a 308 with 10,000 miles for 10,000 dollars. Put me down for a dozen or so. |
JPM (John_308qv)
New member
Username: John_308qv
Post Number: 49
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 4:02 pm: | |
Man, I hate to weigh in on this mileage issue but from personal experience, I can tell you that those low mileage cars can be trouble. Paint, engines and interiors should not be worn out after 50,000 miles. Low mileage cars bring price premiums. Ferraris that are not driven will have many problems. There are plenty of owners on this chat that will testify that these cars are fairly trouble free if used regularly. Just my 2 cents worth. John |
david schirmer (David)
Junior Member
Username: David
Post Number: 236
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 3:30 pm: | |
Arlie, I've got to agree with you there. I will say that you have to replace a lot of rubber (hoses and belts) that deteriorates, but who knows it probably would be pretty rotten even with use. I was warned about garage queens but I bought one anyway and I haven't regretted it.
Responding to the question, I believe preventive maintenence is the key to reliability. Keep an eye on the car and an ear open to unusual sounds and follow up on any suspicions you have. That is what prevents breakdowns on the road. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 117
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 3:14 pm: | |
Low mileage cars also have other nasty problems; like decent paint from being garaged continuously, decent unfaded interiors because they haven't been out in the sun, unworn cylinders and piston rings due to their low mileage, etc. It's just like when you go shopping for a nice daily driver car. Ignore the nice one with low mileage, great paint, clean interior, etc. Buy the well used one with 50,000 miles, right??? NOT! If everyone thinks low mileage garage queens are nothing but trouble, I will gladly take a 10,000 original mile 308 GTS at a third of the going price because it is so much TROUBLE. |
David Prall (Davidpra)
Junior Member
Username: Davidpra
Post Number: 113
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 12:07 pm: | |
My 2 cents:
Forget the "cream puffs". Cars with low mileage are nothing but trouble. Get one with 40-60K miles on the clock that has been driven regularly, well maintained with records --- a fully sorted, proven car. Running maintenance on any 308 will be about the same $$$ / year you drive it. You will save a bundle on the purchase price of a higher mileage car. With that money you can fix all the cosmetics if you want. Low mileage cars always have a ton of problems that end up nickel-and-diming you to death to keep them running. |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1690
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 4:45 am: | |
Magoo, I just purchased a Vette and I wish I could predict the future. |
magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member
Username: Magoo
Post Number: 2956
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 12:31 am: | |
Ed truly that is a great car. I can't believe you are selling it. Will there be another Ferrari or a Vette? |
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Junior Member
Username: Vwalfa4re
Post Number: 206
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:11 pm: | |
Coachi brings up a good point. A 308 is difficult to drive a short distance. I never drive mine to work because my office is only about 7 miles from home. It shifts like a garbage truck when really cold and I always keep the revs down a bit until I get some oil temp. It's really not "ready" to drive until I get to work. I just save it for the weekends. I used to drive a 96 Porsche 911 a while back. It was great when cold. You couldn't tell a difference the way it drove either way. Ferraris can be a bit stubborn when you first wake one up. |
Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member
Username: Eric308gtsiqv
Post Number: 350
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 1:09 pm: | |
Fabs...my 308 has been very solid and reliable since purchased last October. I was a little gun-shy to drive the car very much at first due to the uncertainty I had about the original owner's maintenance over the years. As a result, I really babied the car. With a recommendation from another F-Chatter, I found an excellent independent service shop and brought the 308 in for a 30k and some other issues. In my opinion, they're level of service far exceeded my expectations, and I will be using them from now on. This is important to guys like myself who aren't very knowledgeable about servicing automobile engines to this degree.
Since the service, I drive the 308 with utter confidence -- always knowing that I have an independent mechanic that I can trust should something go amiss. It gets driven at least once a week, for about 20 miles or more, since it is a "fun" car, and not my main source of transportation.
As far as reliability is concerned, I've been fortunate with mine. The only issues that have been addressed by myself or the mechanic thus far were those that already existed when I purchased the car: defective power mirror switch, faulty antenna, missing cavallino badge, faulty power window motors, faulty hazard switch, faulty water pump, weak decklid struts, faulty power door locks -- all minor things. The 30k service took care of the rest -- i.e. new timing belts, accessory belts, retrofit AC to R134, new plugs, wires, distributor caps, etc. Everything else that I've done to the car so far has been merely cosmetic. So, for a "fun" car, it has been wonderful. Not to mention the fact that I absolutely love the 308's! And, yes, they really do turn heads and get the thumbs up in traffic. |
George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member
Username: Oof_n_goof
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 12:10 pm: | |
you can own both, have the best of both worlds. Own a 68 vette and the 84 QV. Both turn heads at every corner...even Porche owners. One Porche owner, Turbo, snickered at me as we were side by side by the light.....what a bozo he was, thinking he could out run 613 rwh..and 533 cubes...yea...he got the jump on me, but once I hit second gear, it was over. When I want peace and quiet, and a sophisticated woman, the 84 QV is the car of choice. For excitement, adventure, wild women, sheer raw power....can't beat the vette
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Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Junior Member
Username: Coachi
Post Number: 74
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:12 am: | |
the original question was how reliable is a 308... well, Ferraris are not made for everyday commuting, I don't believe. They are too hot, too cold, at the wrong time of the year. Parts are not easily accessible, and yet you have to drive the car to keep it going. Not to mention the cost. If you want a reliable car, get a Porsche. Or a corvette. If you want a sexy looking fun to drive car that turns heads, buy a Ferrari. |
Mark (Markg)
Junior Member
Username: Markg
Post Number: 218
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 9:39 am: | |
Fabs - I have an '82 GTSi, came with all records; STILL spent $14k first 6 weeks of ownwership (seems work done by previous shop was sub-par at best). Drove it from Colorado to Las Vegas and back with just 1 overheat issue in stop and go traffic on The Strip. It has however just died on me (bad #1 fuse)on one occasion and would not start at all on another occasion for a week - then like the Lazarus arose from the dead....
As stated in an earlier post, the more you drive it the better it runs!
I also went form a Porsche ('69 911S) to a Ferrari, the 308 has the beauty, Porsche the reliability, and i will probably go back to a "P" car when I sell the 'F' car. A cell phone, AAA card and easy access to lots of cash are mandatory for any trip!
The worst part (for me anyway) of driving a Ferrari is all the attention you receive...unless you really like being the center of attention (good and bad, although I must admit my 'bad' expierences of been VERY few)! |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1683
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 4:55 am: | |
I have an 82 308 for sale that needs nothing as everything has been done. E-Mail me if interested |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:49 pm: | |
Well Scott, I am going to go eat something,, it was great talking to you. Keep in touch bro,, thats goes for all you guys in ferrarichat,, I love this place.. |
Scott Anderson (Srandrsn)
Junior Member
Username: Srandrsn
Post Number: 143
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
Have not yet had to, car was service 3 years prior to me buying it. I know thats pushing the timing belts a little but... so not this winter but the next I'll probably do timing belts and valve adjustment, from what I've read/heard its not that hard and if you've worked on porsches it shouldn't be that great a leap. |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 10
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:36 pm: | |
So you do all the work yourself. Thats cool bro. Have you attempted any valve work, clutch, etc |
Scott Anderson (Srandrsn)
Junior Member
Username: Srandrsn
Post Number: 142
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:34 pm: | |
I got my fuel pump from a garage that works on imports for like $200.00 (bosch). Had a aluminum radiator custom built for $295 (ferrari supplier was $700) new cooling fans with adjustable on/off from sumit racing for like $120, fuel/heater hose from local auto store. For me I don't have a problem using "universal" or no-ferrari stuff on my car, if its quality and it works why not. Some things I've done required some fabrication to fit but thats part of the fun for me. The moral is if you can do the work yourself and are willing to look into using non-oem stuff, its really not that bad.
Just as an example I put in 5 new VDO gauges; oil press, h20, gas, volts and oil temp. Each gauge was like $25 (www.summitracing .com), I had to adapt the new VDO senders for the oil press, gas and temp. do some wiring stuff but with 5 new gauges, senders, wire it was what less than $200. And you look on e-bay or parts suppliers and ONE oem gauge is $200....so if your clever you don't have to pay a fortune |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:16 pm: | |
Sorry scott,, I guess I meant the fuel pump.. |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:15 pm: | |
Do you guys find parts to br expensive. how much money have you spent to do all that work scott. Especially the waer pump..
|
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Junior Member
Username: Vwalfa4re
Post Number: 201
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:12 pm: | |
The 308's are the BEST way into Ferrari ownership. The biggest pro is maintenance costs. Pricey sometimes, but much of the work can be done with the engine in place. 348's, Boxers, TR's etc. are really great cars but they are a little more complex when the time comes for a new water pump (believe me that time will come, too). Mine has been super reliable. You can't get more Ferrari fun for the money. Everybody knows what it is. You're a celebrity at every stoplight and every gas station. Find a good one and go for it. |
Scott Anderson (Srandrsn)
Junior Member
Username: Srandrsn
Post Number: 141
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:09 pm: | |
I've had mine for 1-1/2 years (80 gtsi). And I spent some time working out some bugs, cooling: new alum radiator, updated fans. Replaced hoses: fuel, vacum, some cooling, new fuel pump, vdo gauges... just little stuff, anyway I just got back from about a 1200 mile trip with no problems (other than the gawking and picture taking =). I used the car for like 10-12 straight days...the car ran better every day and was a total blast.
If price is not a concern look for something with good service history from a place/person you feel comforatable with.
If you like working on cars then search for something that might "needs a few things". That way you get the car at a discount and the money you save you use to replace hoses, fuel pump, window motors... that way you know the stuff is done right and you get to enjoy doing it.
Either way I've been very surprised with the usability of the 308 once I worked out a few things. Good Luck |
Fabrizio Trunzo (Fabs)
New member
Username: Fabs
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 8:38 pm: | |
How reliable are the 308. I am interested in purchasing a 1981 308 gtsi, unfortunately I spotted one ready to buy, and someone else swept it from me.. I have porsche engine experience,, and am not afraid to get my hands dirty, but I would like to ask all you 308 owners,, do you drive your cars without fear of breaking down? do you count your Kilo/miles, or would you rather drive the family caravan, fear if the ferrari breaking down.. |