Opinions?

I would personally get a less used porsche or AMG, since they have even less cost of ownership and could amount to similar fun factor.

 

You left out $ range....???

I'm guessing you are asking about the $35K-$45K range...???

Right now for $40K you can buy an well sorted 328, a mildly flogged 348 or a really beaten 355. This price range covers two distinct body styles and you have to ask yourself which one you like...

IMO the early 308/QV modles where the best looking, but the 328 took the line to another level in terms of reilability and things that worked...like windows, door locks, etc.

The 348 was a new step with it's own teething pains initially, but they got worked out and produced the much loved 355...

Overall, take your purchase budget and subtract $3-5K for (yearly) updates and maintrnance and see where that lands you.

Best of luck, SA

 

In the $50k's a '88-1/2 or '89 328 GTS is going to be the sweet spot.

For that money you can get a very nice example that shouldn't bleed you with repairs.

I've owned my '88-1/2 328 GTS for 3 years and the only thing I've had to do to it other than the annual fluid changes is replace a $55 coolant hose that split. And the annual fluid changes (about $260) are much less expensive than those for my late-model BMW.

Insurance costs depend mostly on where you live. I pay $438/year for full coverage and $60k agreed value.

I expect the 328 to be the least expensive car to own out of all my cars when all things are considered. Keep in mind that depreciation is the biggest cost of owning a car (barring any catastrophic failures).

 

Not knowing your resources its hard to choose. Maintainance for the first year is always going to be an unknown, you just cant ever really know what you have until your new mechanic gets a whack at it. Any of the three could be very expensive starting out, with the 355 being outright bankrupting if it has needs. So with any Ferrari you either really need to know what your doing on your own, or hire someone to do an extensive PPI.

But with a budget of $50K, and assuming you have a reasonable "egg" to feed it after you buy it, I would choose a well maintained and sorted 348. Get one from a reputable Ferrari dealer with a warranty, you almost couldnt go wrong. Its scary fast, modern, and powerful. Not as fast or as powerful as a 355, but not as catastrophic to your wallet if something blows up either. I think a 355 really requires a larger budget.