Going to look at 348 Today or Tomorrow...

The important question is....
Was he wearing matching shoes?


Rick (LAgated360)

 

i would ask for documentation on any service done. the only issue i would have is if hardly ANY service on that car has been done, then youre stuck with a 15k, 30k and 50k service all in one. and man, i could see that bill reaching $15K quick! (if not more). so your $36K car turns into $51K overnight.
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.thats all i have to say 'bout that (ala Forrest Gump)

 

Be patient and don't jump the gun until you've thoroughly checked the car out. Be it Ferrari, Porsche, Lambo, boat or bike, there is ALWAYS another one around the corner, maybe even a better deal. So be patient, you'll know when it's right for you. Be aware and be sure.

 

Just from the pics, the car looks a bit rough. Seat is very worn (not just in bolster), and paint appears faded and with dings all over the place. Of course, for a 50k+ mile car wear is expected, but I'm concerned you may end up dropping enough money on this car to buy a much nicer one. Letting the paint get that bad makes me really concerned about how the engine and drivetrain has been maintained.

Exhaust looks aftermarket, so does radio antenna.

Just my opinion, but if you are in love with the car I'd budget $10-12k for service and paint touch-up minimum and hope for the best. Nothing wrong with high mileage if maintained but I don't see evidence of that here.

If you aren't blinded by lust, shop a few other cars. You could be probably find a fairly nice looking car in the 50k range with service records.

And let me add that not all service records are created equal. Scrutinize any records and confirm that they come from competent shops.

For what it is worth, my gut says no on this one.

 

I would trust your instincts on this one.

IMO, $36K for a somewhat worn-looking, off-color 348 with 50K miles isn't a 'deal'. I know eBay is fun to surf, but in my experience it's also generally the garbage pit of the Ferrari world.

A thorough major service on that car will run $6K or so, depending on the shop. Ask yourself whether you're comfortable that the seller put that kind of money into the car, and whether you'd be willing to write that check.

If you want a 348, check Sport Auto in North Carolina, Motorcars Int'l in Missouri, Bobileff Motors in San Diego (I think Gary has a red one in inventory) and Ferrari club (FOC or FCA) gatherings for good private owner cars.

Wise words.

 

There are zero no story pristine cars in the 40's.
Or their owners have no clue what a pristine example is.
There sure are less than a handful of pristine cars.
Remember, there is a reason why one is 40k and another documented car is 55k.
Homework is a must when buying any Ferrari, unless it is brand new from the dealer.

All the best
Rick (LAgated360)

 

Even if $33K is a fair market price, I wouldn't buy that car.

Better to spend $45K on a great 348 (or 308 ) and have a Ferrari you can enjoy and be proud of.

 

This is the best advice you can get. Ask me how I know....wink wink

How ya been doing Uncle Bush?

 

Just fine, me young lad John and you? Important'e advice from everyone here at 'Brotherhood' central for our potential new member.

 

Blue valve covers, and looks like some extra long plug wires? I like the paint color, but those life safety seat cushions make me sad. Might be a decent deal at $33k, but be ready for a possible repair that could easily be $5-10k. You never know with an owner that is as clueless as this one sounds.
BT

 

It's always good to aire on the side of......... "What the hell am I looking at, I think I'll ask the guys that do". Good luck on your quest for your 348, just listen to the voices of experience here in 'Brotherhood' land. The options as you know already are expensive surprises.


My guess on the Jacket...hhhmmmmmmmmm.......China!....... Ebay

 

Hmm, this just might be one of those golden opportunities for the right person. Look, my car was no princess when I got her, but at the price it ended up in my garage and she's better off for it, I might add.

I definitely would PPI the car for its mechanical condition. Assume it needs a major right out the gate - it would be silly to assume it did not. Plus, even if one was allegedly done, wouldn't you like to be completely confident in having new stuff and the work was done right?

If you have to spend $10K getting her up to snuff, you are probably still ahead. Plus, for me, it would be a fun project and I would be greatly relieved that the car was rescued from a worse fate.

Now, if there are any engine issues, I'd probably pass. 56K miles is alot of "experience" during which the motor could have been damaged/abused. Moreover, that's a lot of time during which it could have been neglected.

So check it out, but even if it's a deal, prepare yourself for a restoration project of sorts. This color is not common on 348's. Also, you will have the chance to do some cool customization - comp seats, for example, rear wheel spacers and maybe some replacement wheels. Could be fun, but only if this fits your temperment. Let us know...

 

This probably tells you everything you need to know right there. With that said, I bought my 348 from a small used car dealer that could not verify past service history. I had the PPI done by a local independent with a good reputation (Bobileff), it checked out and I bought the car at a price based on immediately needing a major service. Looking at the pics of this car I would pass on it, but that's just me.

 

She's setting you up! She waits patiently for you to get the car and then she's gonna hit you up for something!! (J/K)

 

That settles it! You must buy a Fly Yellow 348!

Ohh, and IMO there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari, you pay when you buy, or after you buy. I would start shopping for a real gem Fly 348.

 

Im confused about the 50k service...What is done on a 50k service?? I thought we did everything every 30k miles or 3 years?

 

Forget the mileage markers. Those of us who are in the know do majors every 5 years. If you are a gambler, do 7 years intervals. If you have too much discretionary cash on hand, do 3 years.

 

This car has been for sale for a long long long time it has been reduced 5 times already it started at close to $50k there is definitely something wrong with this car buyer be ware.

 

Very true.

I was referrering more to the fact that although you would expect SOME wear (typically) on a car with that mileage, the level of wear I see shows a hard life and/or lack of maintenance.

In any case, I'd never turn down a chance to check out a local car. Never know what you might find!