Want to buy my first Ferrari, either F355 or 348...

No it doesn't need a tune up every 5K miles. Check out the 355 section and forget the rumors and myths, no one knows Ferraris, but owners and how many of those have you spoken to? 355 can be a really expensive ride or not, it depends on what you buy, but from what I read it can get expensive at times.

If you don't care to upgrade in performance then a 328 can be a fun alternative. And depends on what you want a Ferrari for, don't forget to try the Testarossa too.

 

It's amazing the misinformation about the 348 and 355. My suggestion is to post this question in that section below and a lot of knowledgeable owners will give you the real deal.

It's not unusual that people who first look at Ferrari have poor information and lot to learn. So, don't be bashful. There's a lot of owners out there who are not rich or don't like throwing money away and can afford to own and drive one.

 

They both have their strong points and weak points. 355 has header issues and valve guide issues. 348 has gearbox issues. They both are engine out timing belt change, which is every 5-7 years or 30k miles. 355 is a little more refined and faster, but more expensive. Not everyone likes the added refinement, though I don't think anyone has complained about the engine performance (or sound). There is a dedicated 348/355 forum that has all the information you need. I would drive a good example of both and then go with whichever you like best as in the long run the purchase price difference isn't much.

 

This question has been posted many times over. If the OP simply does a bit of research in the 348/355 forum he'll find many answers to his questions...

 

Both are great cars. I have a 348 spider and I love it. Both can be pricey on their engine out service. If you buy a 355, make sure the headers were replaced. 348 is more raw feeling, no power steering, no electronics. Either one will make you very happy. Good luck with your search.

 

If it were my money, and maintenance and upkeep are a concern, I'd spend a little more and look at the 328 (beautiful) or 360 (fast/comfortable). 328 is a throwback, last Ferrari with no electronics, no ABS (till the end).

No doubt you'll learn a lot in the 348/355 section, but the 355 is probably the most expensive of the regular production Ferrari V8s to maintain. I've seen "bad news" service bills nearing $18K, but a no-problems major service could be only $6K-$7K or so. An annual oil/fluid change would be much less.

As to whether it's worth it... you have to decide.

I don't think a BMW is much of a reference point. I had one, also had a 993. You really need seat time in whatever Ferrari you're thinking of buying, and for the first time out I'd recommend getting one that has been properly inspected by a Ferrari tech -- and keeping $10K in reserve for initial needs.

 

Bullfighter tells the truth... and is about to be run over by a bus.

 

I was avoiding getting in this thread, but Bullfighter opened the door for me. I have owned a bunch of V8s ranging from 1977-2005, including a 94 348TB. It gave me good service but subsequent owners weren't as lucky and spent big bucks on it. More importantly, I never really cared for how it drove compared to other models and 94s have all the upgrades. 355s are great driving cars. I have never heard anyone complain about them at all in that regard. But I know several owners who ended up with 15-25K bills for a variety of ills. So I never bought one. This is the reason they are cheap. I've owned 3 328s. All three were easy to live with and easy on the eye. Problems are rare and relatively minor. 360s have proven pretty reliable also with reasonable service costs, especially later year coupes with sticks. I've owned my 05 430 6.5 years and it has been bullet proof and downright cheap to maintain but that is a much higher price point. If your heart is set on one of these, I would go for a 355 that has already had the really big money spent on it.

Dave

 

Owning a Ferrari is a highly emotional experience. Don't try to make sense out of the decision. Go with what feels right for your heart. It really does not matter how much money you spend on the car or its up-keeping when it tugs at your heart every time you look at and drive it.

 

For a first Ferrari, I recommend you go with a V-12 to get the true classic Ferrari experience. You can find a TR or 400GT in that price range. I have had one of each and they are both wonderful cars.

 

I had a beautiful 348TS for a few years. It was reliable and a blast to drive. The car sat for 6 months at a time in my garage while I was away on business..... so it got driven every 6 months and did not give any problems. The car was a Southern California car all it's life, which I am sure has some positive effect on the dreaded electrical gremlins these cars are known for. When the 5K service was done, the transaxle was checked to ensure it was assembled correctly and wasn't in danger of a meltdown. I used redline products and had a well respected shop in my area service the car.
Compared to 308's.... way quicker, raw power on tap, an exciting car to say the least. Spend the money on hyperflow cats and an aftermarket exhaust. It will run better, sound better, and you don't have to worry about the cats coming apart and trashing the motor. I did this to mine and IMHO it was money well spent.

The 348 brotherhood here on Fchat has provided solid technical advice for those items you want to fix yourself.

If you are over 6' tall, you may find the car a little tough to drive long distance.

If I had to do it again, for a 3 series car I'd get a 348 TB. But if I do it again, the next one will be a 360.

PM me if you have any other questions. I learned a lot during my 348 ownership, really enjoyed the car, but decided to focus my F car time back towards the 365 GTC/4 I've had for 10 years.

Mike

 

Since you asked for our opinions, you will get mine.

Get a 355.

This is a no brainer and I used to own a 348TS, which I liked just fine. 355's were more than I could afford 14 yrs ago vs 348's, but today, it is an easy choice between the two.

That's my 5 cent.