Found this thread under the general thread/discussions.... http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296510
Paul- Not to worry. One of the other "experts" also notes significant problems with the 550/575. I really like the 348. A whole lot of car for the money. Can only have one Ferrari, though, and I love 12 cylinders. Taz Terry Phillips
We're all kinda like family-fight each other all the time, but defend the family from "outsiders" at all costs!
As a 348 owner, I kinda agree that it is a mixed bag. The car is a great deal of fun: a blast to drive, looks sharp and folks usually love the wild Italian styling. Further, it's all I can afford -- and that's why many of us have them. However, let's be honest: the build quality is horrific, the materials are substandard, and some aspects of the engineering are 'experimental' at best. If you consider the leap that Ferrari took in moving from the 308/328 into the 348, I suppose its understandable. Consider an equal technical leap from the 430 to the 458 and the teething of that model can be put into better perspective.
348 bashing just comes with the territory. Most have zero real world experience with the 348 series, they just like to talk. A well sorted 348 is a sweet ride! I'll never sell mine; just add to the collection.
Totally agree. A lot of people here bash the 348. I have asked some of these dudes if they have EVER driven a 348 and I think nearly everyone told me they had not. Perhaps they need to wake up to themselves then? I love mine and I aint selling it anytime soon.
its just the last thing I needed only 4 days ahead of flying cross country to hopefully purchase my first ferrari. Ive been shopping for a long time, ive driven some, sat in others, looked through more than that. Ive researched this car, spoken to the owner numbers of time, spoken to the techs that have serviced the car, spoke to the owner of the facility that has done the majors, read, digested and regurgitated more 348 information than anyone should. I think Ive found the car Id like to buy, trying not to get emotionally involved until the PPI and seat of the pants tests are done. Just gets discouraging and begin second guessing myself and thinking why not just buy a 355 or 360 after reading these posts? Ive always found the 348 Enzos interpretation of a sexy italian womans body, in aluminum! Ill keep the chip on my shoulder and hopefully by next saturday, become one of the bretheren. Nd paul b
Here's a bit of 348 respect... note, if you will, the very first reply to the thread. Racing & Tracking > F1 > "Ayrton Senna: The Movie" I just couldn't help myself. All the best, Andrew.
Paul, don't get caught up in the 348 bashing. If that is the model you want, go have a look, thoroughly inspect it, ascertain the service history, get the PPI, and if it checks out then send that bad boy home. After all, how can you say "no" to this? : Anyone else please free to post more pictures of "encouragement" for Paul -- Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ive only been a member of the Brotherhood for a few months and I can only say that I love my 348. The reasons are many. First, its not all bogged down with techno gizmos like traction control, airbags, launch control and on and on. Because of this, I feel more comfortable approaching my car with a wrench, not a computer. Second, it sounds freakin awesome. Driving around town, it clears driveway entrances (unlike my 2007 GT3) and handles bumps with aplomb. Chicks love it (what could be more important!?). My only major complaint is the crappy AC which I need here in sweltering Texas. Dont listen to the nay-sayers, this car is great!
+1...except for the AC! I hopped in on a 100 degree day and it cooled off nicely. I said to myself, "This is the best Ferrari EVER!" It is my honest opinion that a good 348 is going to appeal to people who enjoy working for good results as opposed to having them handed to them. That's not a knock on anyone; to each his/her own. I'm far from the best competitive driver on the planet, but I will always prefer a car that makes me think a bit, though, and has a slightly diabolical side.
Robb- Change your receiver/dryer and recharge the system and see if the A/C system improves. Have whoever does it leave it on the vacuum for several hours if they can manage that and it will help even more. Ferrari actually calls for changing refrigerant and dryer every two years, but it is normally ignored. Taz Terry Phillips
I drove the Ferrari to work last night. Just got home, from the drive home. The Brother has taken the Ferrari to take his boy to Kindy in it. When he comes back, I will be off for another drive. What a machine! I LOVE my car! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ask, and ye shall receive. Had mine out for a 60 mile drive today through the Maryland back roads. Cool and sunny day, roof off, wind in my hair, V8 music in my ears, and carving curves like it was on rails. I can't imagine anything better. - Eric Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
WOW eric what a gorgeous car. The wheels fit the car perfectly. What type are they? Thank you all for cheering me up, I was seriously second guessing. Ive always thought the 348 was "old school" like the hot rodders "old school" not ferrari OS. Ferrari OS are million dollar plus pampered diaper wiped queens. The 348 is a driver, you smell like gas and exhaust, and sweat from working to steer and shift it. you dont get out of the car smelling like Zymol and saddle soap. I think its a great ferrari, one of the best bodies out of modena in my opinion of the old style (pre 360). Let the good times begin this week! Keep the photos coming.
I can tell you for a fact that these cars can be temperamental but they are also incredible when properly taken care of. I can also tell you that when I was in cold lake among 85 other exotics the 348 was getting incredible attention. In fact here are some clips lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QCW8TNnfBg&feature=player_embedded Go to 5:20 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9npXQmKmNY&feature=player_embedded Go to 1:30
That's Damn sweet Eric!!! Great shot's I couldn't give two ****'s on what anyone say's. All I care about is how it feels when you drive them and how it feels when we see and hear them. Cheer's to our 348's Image Unavailable, Please Login
