| Author | Message | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Frank, my personal car is red/tan and is a 1991 TS. The red/black Spider is a car that I have for the new dealership I just started. Cavallino Motors - Ferrari Used Cars only! | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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Dan, Your logic was good, sorry it did not work out and you had all the problems. It seems that no matter how careful one is, a certain percentage of the time one is scr.... Such is life. But one has to make a great life in spite of this. Generally everything in life is for sale for the right amount of money. Thanks for the info, Dave | ||
| Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
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David, If you look at some of my earlier posts you will see there were a number of problems with the 348 as relating to prior service. I have in my posession a previous repair order from FrancorChamps of Costa Mesa California. They are an unauthorized Ferrari repair shop in Southern CA. Everything they did that's mentioned on that repair order, I've had to have redone when I purchased the car. That includes replacing the Tubi exhaust because it was the wrong fit from the factory. This caused the exhaust pipes to set crooked and rub the body. Let's face it, a competent Ferrari technician should be able to tell if the exhaust is installed correctly. The clutch was redone by FrancorChamps. It was defective. The list is enormous and the total was $12,000.00 on that repair order. The gentleman who owned the car sold it after these repairs were done. I purchased the car after that from a Ferrari dealer. The dealer who sold me the car was able to get the car qualified for a pre-owned warranity from FNA. You would think that since the car was "blessed" by FNA knowing about the previous repair order, they would pick up the tab. This was not the case. I budgeted $6,000.00 for getting the car to my specifications... I had to go over my budget by $14,000.00. Oh well. On the interior question, the answer is yes. The dash is black leather as well as the door tops with tan underneath. I did go through those emotions of anger and disappointment. However, I am an Engineer in the high tech business. The 348 is a machine. Machines aren't always perfect and somtimes bugs have to be worked out. Like the altenator.. I replaced the altenator (upgrade) because it needed it. I wasn't happy about the $2000.00 it cost me but I understood the need for the upgrade. I still believe FNA should pick up the tab for this one. The major service was paid for by me. The service order from FrancorChamps stated the major was complete. My technician who performed the major said that there was an attempt by an incompetant person to perform the major. There are upgrades that were half done and I had parts missing from the engine. I've rambled enough. I did not have my 348 checked out by an independent technician. I suggest you do. I figured that buying from a dealer with a preowned warranity, well, how could you go wrong. I've wanted a Ferrari all my life. I have one. I knew they were expensive and I paid the price. My car is now in great shape mechanicaly and cosmeticly. I am finally enjoying the car the way it is suppose to be enjoyed. That's why I would not part with it for now. Of course as a wise man once told me... everything is for sell. Dan | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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Martin, I thought your car was red/tan ? | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Dave; FYI, I have a red/black here in Miami with 26,200 Miles (will have a little more this weekend) for $ 68,900 retail or $66,500 wholesale (If no trade-in) Books, and records www.4Ferrari.com | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
|
On the 348 Spider in Detroit, I am having someone I know in Detroit go by and take a look at it. Chris: I do not know if I am interested in your blue 348 Spider or not. Can you email me pictures of the interior and general information (post or email to [email protected]) Dan West: I like your black TS, looks sharp. So I know what things to look for, what was wrong with your 348 that required $20k? The average person would be disappointed and angery if they had to pay $20k for service and parts to fix someone's screw-ups on a car they just got. Yet it is apparent that you love your car. Why do you feel so strongly about it in spite of the problems? On your interior, do you have a black dash and top door panels with tan below? Dave Wapinski | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
|
Earlier models had electrical problems (alternator was changed from AC Delco unit to Nippondenso) to resolve this. Also the bosch ignition was upgraded . Most problems were sorted out by end 1991 or early 1992 but IMHO, to be safe, one should look at 1993 and recent models, if the budget extends. Perhaps if all recalls were done then most of the problems should have been ironed out anyway. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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What kind of problems did the earlier 348s have? | ||
| Mark (Study)
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I guess we can all agree that the 348 (having been the dog of the industry for so long) is finally getting some well deserved respect. There is a great 348 spider for sale here in Detroit Michigan, at our authorized Ferrari dealer. It is sitting next to a 355, TR, and 360 but it looks the most exotic of them all. After all the bad press the 348 got... my question is this? Is the 348 really a great car by the time they got to the spider? (are all spiders at the end of the production run 1994?) How long did it take to iron out all the problems or the earlyer models? | ||
| Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
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HEY QUIT POSTING MY BLUE 348 ON THIS THREAD UNLESS YOU ARE GOING TO BUY IT!!! ( kidding ) | ||
| Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
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I had problems with my 1991 348ts when I first bought it. I've spent almost $20,000.00 for service and replacing parts that others screwed up. Today, I would take $75,000.00 for my 1991 348ts. It is an excellent car! Dan | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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I think FMLs price index is almost asinine. According to them I could sell my 308 for $37000 now, right... Still though $38K for a 348 does sound kind of low. There are a higher number of potential inherent problems with the tb and ts so if you're interested in this car I would pay close attention to them. If properly sorted out though it's a great car. You might not want to get a car that needs a lot of servicing if this is the case cause it can wind up costing big $$$s. Where's Martin? He's always pulling these 348 deals out left and right, he must know a thing or two about this. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
|
$38,000 for a 1991 348 tb or ts is not that far off. Especially if it is due a service which could add between $4000.00 and $10,000.00 to the cost depending on whether anything is found wrong. I think black looks best on the tb and ts too. But, on the Spider,silver or blue is the color to go with. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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The 11-3-01 issue of the FML show the 348 Spider asking price index to be $79,373.00 which is down 2.52% from six months ago. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
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as fml itself points out its asking price index which is based over various time periods will not show immediate drops or increase in prices, since most people use the index as a guide to listing their cars in FML it is almost a self fulfilling loop. Even though the asking prices may not have dropped the key is where they are ultimately selling - much harder to find out. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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Bob, What does the FML show that the 348 Spider asking prices are doing? Thanks, Dave | ||
| Howie F. (Brokerofexotics)
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David, I'd be happy to help when you are ready. It's what we do best.  Regards, Howard ExoticAutoBrokers.com | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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I used to have a nice Austin Healey 3000 Mk III. Made a mistake when I sold it. Mine was a daily driver. Had much fun with it. How does the 100/4 differ from the 3000? Liked your Healey. For the next several months I will be doing much traveling. After that, if you want to come over, let me know. For the list: a nice 348 Spider might be hard to find. Where are good places to look? Dealers, FML, e-bay, and Hemmings immediately come to mind. However, there are probably better places. Any thoughts? Thanks, dave | ||
| bob snow (Resnow)
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Pauli, I believe I would find out the VIN for that $38,500 348 and do some background checks to see if it's flood damaged or a salvage. Makes you wonder what's going on when they don't publish the VIN. FML asking price index actually shows slight increase in 348ts prices (0.8% in 6 months, 1.4% in a year, 1.6% in two years). | ||
| Pauli Salmu (Psalmu)
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Apropos 348 prices dropping: http://www.greatvehicles.com/exotics/files/2822.html -91 348 with 7386 miles, asking price $38,500? Is there something the seller is not telling? And another cheaper one with 34115 miles... | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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Danny, that is my favourite combination for a 348 - black/tan.Very nice! Dave, The car you see at my stables is a Austin Healy 100/4. The one with the round grille is a 3000. That portuguese guy (I think I have heard that name before) lives is Lisbon. I am down south on the beach front - luxury sea front :-). Vilamoura About the translations, I am not afraid of 20,000 items. In the end of it you may invite me for a weekend over there. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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C:\restricted\david\ferrari  blue 348.jpg | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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I have been told that there is a pale steel blue for the 348. Is this true? This seems to be the blue for the 348: (how does one insert a photograph?) | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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Thank you for the kind offer! I might take you up on the offer one day. Or if you do not mind, as I look at different translation software, you might tell me how close the Portuguese translation is to the origional. Our goal is to have about 20,000 products on line and have technical information on each product on line. Product and pricing information is updated in real time or at a maximum of 2 hours. Information and pricing is available in the person's native language. We had a deal with a wholesaler who was going to supply us the information, directly computer system to computer system without human intervention. However, even though the other company was a US $10 billion a year company, they ran into financial problems and had to back out of the deal. The key pages could be done by human translators, but some current information would always be in English. I wanted everything in the person's native language. Only way I could figure out was translation software. Do you know of a better way? Would be interested in your thoughts. A while back I got an email from a person in Portugal who wanted to do business. Sometimes it is a small world. Do you know this person and what can you tell me about him: said had offices in Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique Alexandre Cordeiro C&C-Consultores de Comunicacao, Lda Largo da Rosa, 6 1100 Lisboa Portugal A few days ago when I was quickly skimming the "Stables" postings, I noticed a car that at first glance looked like an Austin Healey. But the grill was not flat oval, it was a more orniate shape. Was that yours and what car is that? It was a nice car. Thanks, Dave | ||
| Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
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I personally like the black 348s. Isn't it beautiful? I've since added a Cavalino to the front grill.  | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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Dave, when I need a good translation I give it to a professional translator. That is why they exist. Software translators are never good enough. About the portuguese language, I can do that for you, for free :-) ...and, you will be able to have your 348 sooner :-) LOL | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
|
I will have to rethink my schedule and look at the budget. On the blue that is on the 348, is it like a Royal blue or a light pale silver blue? Is there a good URL that shows this blue? MPG will not affect the decision. However, my conservative side has to ask it. On translation progams, I have not personally tested them, but people seem to think that the translation programs priced at $250,000 or above work great. If it can be done for limited release high end programs, then it should be able to be done for high volumn, general release programs. I am still looking. But I also remember years ago experts telling me that PCs could never do any serious work. Dave | ||
| Howie F. (Brokerofexotics)
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Frank - You echo my thoughts exactly. Best time to purchase a Spider is in the winter. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
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Dave , I have a silver on black 348 Spider and love it. The silver or blue looks best on that body style. The red really doesn't do the 348 Spider justice although it does look good on a TB and TS. Out of the five Ferraris I have owed, I like the 348 the best. Its fast enough, looks good and sounds wonderful. The engine does need to come out for the 30,000 mile service. That service cost aroung five grand or so at a dealer. It's a Ferrari, gas mileage is irrelevant. Prices for Spiders traditionally go up in the Spring and down in the winter. . Buy a convertable in the winter when no one is thinking about those spring rag top days. | ||
| Pauli Salmu (Psalmu)
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I feel fairly confident saying that even with megabucks, you couldn't get a fully automatic translator that produces anything close to decent results. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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Need for a translation program: With no advertising, the web site gets 100,000 to 250,000 hits a month. Approximately 20 % of these are international. The average viewer spends over an hour at the site with nothing yet for sale on it (this will soon be corrected). I was surprised at this. Want a program that can translate ON THE FLY from static pages, active server pages, results of Java scripts, etc. Would like it to be able to translate into most of the World's languages (European, Middle East, Ortiential, etc) in both directions and with acceptable accuraticity. Would like it not to cost mega-bucks, would rather spend the money on a company Ferrari. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks, Dave | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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I have not been pleased with the translation program (or other ones I have looked at) - am looking for a better one. Got some recommendations from Microsoft, but they were worse. Last week had a new one recommended to me, but have not had time to check it out. Do you know of any good ones? Thanks, Dave | ||
| 1989 328 GTS (Vilamoura2002)
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Dave, your page in portuguese needs to be redone. Big mistakes. Looks like it was translated at altavista. | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
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I first started getting interested in Ferraris last Spring. My interests went from 308 to 328, then to TR, and now to a 348 Spider which I expect to get in the Spring unless I find a good deal before then. I want it mainly to drive in twisty mountain roads and am a rag top man. I want to keep it looking exceptionally nice, but it will be a driver, not a show car. Yesterday a large financial/insurance company in Cincinnati, Ohio made a very generous offer to contract my corporation to provide my services to them 40 hours a week to solve their knowledge/document management problems. So I will leave my home base in Park City, Utah (hopefully still get back for the Olympics) and start in Ohio on Nov. 26. Is there a good Ferrari dealer in the Cincinnati area? I am more intellectual, than mechanical. However, I like doing things well and normally pay attention to small details. What work is it practical to do on my own? Does the 348 need the engine removed to do most work? What maintenance is normally recommended on the 348? There is a man named Nick on the list who seems to be an expert. Is he a good source to buy things for the 348? What kind of gas milage should I expect for the 348? The 348 will be either: red with black interior silver with black interior believe there is a light silver blue exterior for the 348, that would be third choice. The reason for waiting until the Spring is for several reasons: For the next few months, I will be busy with Cincinnati and other business. I think the prices of 348s will continue to drop for the next six months. Would not fully enjoy the Spider until the spring anyway. Also I come from the poor side of the tracks. At times I have been rich, but I have also had everything go wrong and gone bankrupt and been homeless. Remember Mr. Murphy was an optomist. Rich is better. This has taught me to be a little conservative. I have a new airplane being delivered in Jan/Feb, plus I am paying off an ex-wife. So spring will allow me to recover from these two events before getting the Ferrari. Then can enjoy it in great weather. You can learn more about me and my business at my web site: http://www.wapinski.com Thanks for any information, dave wapinski |