Hello everybody, I have been looking at and reading everything out there on 308 and 328 over the past couple years (Magnum complex) and have been looking at buying one but something always just wasn't right. Over the past couple months I have been considering buying a Testarossa and was wondering if anybody had any opinions on Testarossa's, such as inherent problems,flaws or anything to look out for when purchasing. Any and all opinions will be appreciated. Mark
Welcome to F-chat. I think you might be better served posting your question in the Testarossa section. You may also find a lot of the information you seek by doing a search. Look at the above blue bar and click the search function. Good luck and happy hunting!
In addition to seconding Joe's advice, I will try to find the name and contact information for a fellow I met last year who had a 308/328, and sold it to buy a Testarossa. I'm guessing he could be pretty helpful to you.
Having both I can tell they are two very different animals. 328 is nimble and half the price of a TR to keep in shape. Very friendly to drive in town. Someone sum it up one time by saying it's a street legal go-kart. And in the twisties a lot of fun. TR is a beast, not easy to parallel park but you could get used to it. It's a blast to drive on the highway. But much more expensive to maintain than the 328. The best thing to do is test drive both to see what's your favorite. If you're into long highway drive then TR is for you. If it's for in-city stop and go and twisties then go for the 328. Just my 2 cents.
Currently have both. Very different cars. You really need to drive both and figure out which is more to your liking. In the V8 though I would strongly advise a 328 over a 308.
Ya, but he posted this originally in the Mid Atlantic regional section and the thread was moved here.
+1 on that. I have both as well, and as usual Francois is exactly right. I'd also add that the TR garners WWAAAAYYY more attention in traffic, gas stations, etc. and feels a lot more modern and smooth. The sound of the Boxer/Flat/180 degree V/whatever-we're-calling-it-today/-12 sounds absolutely melodious and is enough reason alone to buy the car. Cheers.
I can't give you a comparison, so I will just pass along my experiences as a TR owner. The more common issues you hear about are with the gearbox and fusebox. If your car was treated well and you continue to do so you will probably be ok with the gearbox, on the other hand just normal use will result in fusebox issues. The real thing to consider though is the non-tangible. A TR is not a good entry level F-Car unless you have deep pockets or you are truly in love with TR's. This is simply because you have two options for maintenance- pay someone, which after the first service will cost you 20% of your likely purchase price or do it yourself. Which is cost manageable for most, but requires equal amounts of skill and love of the car. My opinion is then like many on the board...buy the best example of what you love and of course afford. I love the TR, so it was an easy choice for me. I have found mine to be remarkably reliable, easy to live with (even around town) and all around good fun. I had mine on the track at Sebring, on high-speed runs on a closed road and on the Disney oval for a few laps. I was never disappointed, and the often discounted TR has surprised many. None more than a few Lotus owners at Sebring. Best of luck with whatever you choose. Regards, Bill
I drove both a 308 and the TR before I got my TR and first off I agree totally with Rifledriver: get the 328 over the 308. I guess you could also kick it up one notch further to a 348, but then you are in the TR price range. ANd like 90TR said, the TR is a love of passion. Even doing my own work it ain't cheap in the least. But worth it every time I drive it
I've owned a 308 and currently have a 360 and TR (TR for past ten+ years). The TR may costs more in maintenance, but in my opinion, it is well worth the added expense. Someday I may sell the 360 and trade up, but I'll keep the TR until I go to my grave. The TR evokes the passion of owning and driving a true Italian muscle car. Especially w/a Tubi and test pipes, no pre-cats or cats. The sound is incredible along w/the power and smooth ride of a much heavier car. It's especially good for highway speed touring. Given a choice, I'd take the TR for extended trips, especially in the mountains, over the 3 series (308/328/360). City driving can be a bear, but you will just deal with it. You will adapt. Good-luck with whatever you decide. Besides, after owning the 328 for three years you'll want to trade up anyway. Why not just step up now and join the "Old 12's" Club now?!
Agree with the thumbs up here, and looking at the name of the forum, you'd have to expect same. I've had (3) 308s, (2) 328s and - here comes the hate mail - never looked twice at TRs. I was stricken with Boxer lust; didn't give a rip about TRs. After the Boxer (still have it) I started noticing TRs. The 512s in particular. But I still did NOT plan on liking them. Then I drove one while on vacation. And these things are just crazy. Great road presence, felt super stuck to the road, was more comfortable than expected, and was seriously well finished. It was like the modern 'upscale' Ferrari had arrived. Ergonomics, ride quality, and the most aggressive sounding 12 you'd ever want in your ears all made the TR something really special to me. I can say in all honesty, I like it even more than the day I got it. Maintenance has not been an issue for me. My time may be coming (!) Did the Helms kit, and I take care of it. I'd look hard at one. Lots of car for the money.
Alpo brings up a good point about trading up: the reason that the guy was selling the 308 that I test drove was that he wanted to move up. Also about evoking the passion: I remember the first time I opened the hood and saw those 12 cylinders.....
See this new thread making this exact point. My opinion: Buy one (the best one you can afford) and never look back! I did. And in stead of looking for my "next Ferrari" I am looking for "another" Ferrari to add to the TR.
If you want or can do some work mechanically yourself then these are the last of the V (flat) -12 supercars that you can do some if not all of the work yourself. Look at Shamile's work -does that not look like the best place to be on this earth?
And he does it WHILE holding a camera, and a 1980's beverage, and a girl born WAY after Miami Vice was cancelled. It's remarkable, if not downright punishable by law.
