| Author |
Message |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
| | Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 12:42 pm: | |
I owned a 1986 TR and now own a 1994 348 Spider. While the TR was faster, the 348 is more fun to drive and much cheaper to maintain. |
Sam NYCFERRARIS (Sam)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 - 6:18 pm: | |
I like that the declining prices and the controversy over models keeps more of them in the hands of true lovers of the car model and keeps them on the road and keeps the speculators out. Ferrari collecting/driving is slowly returning to being a pedestrian hobby and retreating from being a investment vehicle. |
Reiner Kaiser (Reinerkaiser)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 - 10:31 am: | |
here is my (obviously biased) opinion
about the 348:
-awesome looks (frankly, I prefer the
streaks and the rear grill over the 355 looks
-many of the '80s models (308,328,testa) in
most peoples eyes (non-owners) look a bit
dated these days (no offense...), the 348
was the first '90s car and many cannot easily
distinguish between it and the 355.
-highly reliable powertrain, electrics/electronics
suck, but since the problems are well known,
it's easy to fix them (alternator, ecu's, o2,
temperature control box).
-the 355 has too much comfort stuff (soft ride,
power steering etc) that I can do without
-save 50k compared to the 355. |
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 - 3:08 am: | |
I agree with Julian that one buys a Ferrari with ones heart not ones head...otherwise why not buy a more reliable and (in some peoples opinion - not mine, I hasten to add) "equally" desirable, German job or even an NSX.
Personally, I don't think $40,000 is a lot to pay for a 7 year old Ferrari but would hate to fork out $6,000-$10,000 just to keep it on the road.
Having said that, I have not read many horror stories about 348's in this forum...has anyone?
The 348 does seem to have divided the Ferrari loving community like no other. Some like the fact that it gives near Supercar performance at an affordable price and offers much more creature comfort than its predecessor. Others think of it as an ugly mongrel which does not belong in the stable with the rest.
I cannot speak for its performance or reliability just yet but, IMHO it looks every bit a Ferrari. But then I also think the 360 is a strikingly beautiful car.
And while it is not an investment, you will not loose much by way of depreciation in the next 4/5 years compared to say a new everyday car. They cannot fall much below $35,000 for a tb or ts even in Europe. |
Julian Pham (Julian_Blk348)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 - 12:14 am: | |
Najib,
People buy ferrari for various reasons. I think most people buy ferrari not as an investment but as a joy of life, so they buy it with their heart and not their head. If you like the short, squat looks of the 348, then I can't understand why you would want to buy a 328!
I'm pretty sure the 355 is a better car, but is it $40K better? and do you want to wait for a few more years until you can afford it?
It took me a year to buy my 348ts, pure joy !!!
Julian |
Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 10:25 pm: | |
no offense, but I hope you're wrong...
I have an old 348 Spider and hope they retain
some value. |
Sam NYCFERRARIS (Sam)
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 11:05 am: | |
I would hold off, the 348 is now two model generations away from the current model, expect its rate of price depreciation to accelerate, the Forza article is a guidepost for buyers and will only accelerate its depreciation as buyers make the same conclusion you do...Buy a (declining in price) 355, a cheap 328 --always a super deal -- or even a TR! This is good news for all us drivers, cars get cheaper, are more likely to be on the road and damaged cars are less likely to be restored adding to the pool of parts cars and availability. |
David Albright (Dalbright)
| | Posted on Monday, May 21, 2001 - 8:21 am: | |
If you look in the Technical Q&A section, you will see all the newer Ferrari's are represented with issues...from 308's to Modena's. I for one have had nearly no problems with my 348 and it's a 1990. I've driven her nearly 5000miles since I purchased her last August. This past weekend I burned out the transmission on my Tahoe....the second one in a year and it only has 77k miles on her. It's probably had nearly $6000 of warranty work done to her since I purchased her three years ago...which is plenty of money for a SUV of this caliber. Talk about a vehicle with issues!! |
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2001 - 4:10 am: | |
Hi All
Thanks to Len, I now have a copy of the article in Forza on buying a 348.
I must admit it sound quite damning. The article has branded the 348 as a poor replacement of the 328. It sounds like they suffer from all kinds of reliability problems, handling problems at speed and build quality problems including steering column cowl, door handles and locks, engine cover etc. etc. And to top it all, it is much more expensive to buy and repair when compared to the 308/328.
It is almost as if the writer is saying buy one only if you cannot afford the 355 and then too only if you REALLY want to own a Ferrari. Also it seems to have written off the early, i.e. 1992 and earlier models, altogether and only really endorses the Spyder.
Is this representative of the experiences of owners who participate on this site?!!!
It certainly has gone a long way to putting me off the 348 although, I must admit, I for one really do like its short, squat looks.
I could get my hands on a 348 from Europe for around $36,000 and a 1995/6 355 for around $66,000. It almost seems worthwhile paying almost twice as much for the 355 if all you get with the 348 is grief.
Or are these writers perfectionists and far too critical? |
Robert Bob klein (Rklein2)
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2001 - 6:43 pm: | |
New issue of Forza Magazine has an in depth article regarding the 348 model and what to look for...best I've read, very candid. |
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 - 1:16 pm: | |
I'd like to agree with David Albright. I have a "ts" and just love driving along Skyline Drive and along the Northern California coastline. Just something about a Spyder/Targa F-Car.
The car runs like a clock. totally reliable ... so far. Yep, there is a certain Zen to these autos. Roof off and enjoy! |
David Albright (Dalbright)
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 - 9:44 am: | |
Typically, solid roofs make the car stronger and lighter. The tb would probably make a better track car, but if you wont be driving the track that often and like that wind in your hair feel, then get the ts. I have a ts model and absolutely love it. |
Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2001 - 9:24 pm: | |
Najib,
To answer your question on wich is better to drive ts or tb....
Spiders rule ! TB's drool ! |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2001 - 6:55 am: | |
Najib,
Send me your address, or a fax number, and I�ll send you a copy of the Forza 348 buyer�s guide.
Len |
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
| | Posted on Monday, April 30, 2001 - 12:38 am: | |
Thank you all for your invaluable tips on the 348. I think this is a great site with some very helpful and friendly participants.
Please can someone help me with the extracts of the article in FORZA mentioned by Charles as I cannot buy the magazine where I am.
Also any views on which is a better car to drive... the TB or TS version i.e. does the TS suffer from scuttle shake being a targa?
Thanks once again. |
Charles T (Charles)
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 - 7:07 am: | |
Buy thr current issue of FORZA Magazine. They just did an excellent "Buyer Guide" on the 348. There recommendation is to stay away from pre-93 cars... too many problems. Read the article, its enlightening. |
Chris_N_Chicago (Chris_N_Chicago)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - 10:13 pm: | |
it depends on the model type of your engine
F119D 300bhp
F119G 295bhp
F119H 320bhp |
jim galli (Galli)
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 8:52 am: | |
What is the true BHP of the 348 is it the claimed 300BHP or is this another factory (claim)????? |
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 7:36 pm: | |
The Block was modified to change over to a ball-bearing from a taper-pin bearing where the crank drives the timing pulley chain. As I understand it the engineering design was not the correct application for the taper pin bearing type.
As with most model series runs there are improvements of various degrees made to improve on lessons learned.
No, the 89, 90 & 91 cars are fine. I've made it a point to talk to everyone I could about the 348's reliability, drivability and so on and all seemed real happy with them.
I just took my chariot on a little highway blast and " Oh what a feeling...everytime" |
jim galli (Galli)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 10:43 am: | |
So what about the early 348's say late 89 to 91 are these bad cars? I dont mind some parts swaping and updateing if thats it.What where these eng block changes? any imput |
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2001 - 1:16 am: | |
I bought my '91 TS about 6 months ago. As I have learned there a handfull of updates and changes that started in 1991.
Some of these are...
The engine block was updated, I think for improved oiling.
the cam belt covers were changed to the plastic material to make it quieter.
The Bosch Motronic was updated to ver 2.7.
If possible inspect for the Nippondenso alternator instead of the GM/Delco unit.
Make sure to get the tool kit (looks like a little leather suitcase), the documentation with the leather pouch. All of these little things add-up to replace.
Ask for proof of any servicing claimed to have been done!!! I'd go on the premise of no doc's then it is just lip service.
I drove a 308QV a few years ago & I just love the 348 car, it handles incredibly well, it is fast, and after 3,500 miles it's very reliable so far.
Ferrari N.A. started the Challenge Series with these cars after all.
Of course I'd really go for a 355F1 but oh well.
A few draw backs for me I would like more raw torque that the 12's offer but it's still ok. And I like the older style (or 355's) toggle type switches. And what happened to the idea of a spare tire on a road car?
But remmber it's not a 328 nor a TR, it is the model that concieved the F355. The styling has to be attractive to you as well.
> Enjoy |
David Albright (Dalbright)
| | Posted on Monday, April 02, 2001 - 8:15 pm: | |
I have a '90 348ts w/32k miles. I've owned the car since last August and have put on about 4k miles. It's had only one problem...a bad ECU. Besides that the car has been extremely reliable and has never stranded me. I don't think you can go wrong for the money. Just make sure you know the history of any car you purchase. |
Matt Karson (Squidracing)
| | Posted on Monday, April 02, 2001 - 7:56 pm: | |
The later 348 tb/ts is a great car for the money.
The only question is if you like the styling or not, as mechanically the car is fantastic. All the kinks have been worked out by 92, and it is a very reliable, fun to drive (especially responsive and predictable on the track when properly setup) car. The 328 is a generation behind the 348. True, the 328 styling is beautiful, but if you are looking for performance and a more reiliable car, (better a/c as well) the 348 is the way to go. A note: do not, repeat, do not buy a cheap 348. I would rather buy an expensive 328 than a cheap questionable 348. 65g to 68g should buy you a very nice 348. |
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
| | Posted on Monday, April 02, 2001 - 4:25 am: | |
I am considering purchasing a late'93/early'94 348 TS or GTS. I would like to hear the readers' opinions on this cars reliability as a "frequent use" car and how it compares with the 328 GTS. |