Things to know about the 348 before you buy? | FerrariChat

Things to know about the 348 before you buy?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Wade, Sep 1, 2013.

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  1. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    I've searched and read, in great detail, about the 348 on this forum (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/418963-348-ts-what-look.html) and elsewhere (My Ferrari 348). However, the information that I'm looking for has been difficult to find. For example, I'm being told that the early years are best to be avoided (teething problems of sorts).

    First, let me state that the 348 has always been one of my favorite Ferraris. Second, I'm looking for a car that's in prime condition (well maintained and car show ready) and third, I have been involved with the 3x8 series and Mondials since 1990. My limited knowledge of the 348 comes from here, friends who own/owned them, and the downloaded Owners and Workshop Manuals.

    Although I prefer a TB over the TS or Spider I also realize that, at this point, my selection may include only the "best available" instead of a preferred model type, color choice and etc.

    So, can someone link me with the right threads and/or offer some advice regarding the nuances specific to each model type and year e.g. inherent problems ("design" flaws), common issues, insane parts prices and/or No Longer Available (NLA) items and other pros/cons etc. for the 348?

    For starters, I know that the 89 year is mouse-free.
     
  2. lbell101

    lbell101 Karting

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    Every Ferrari has insane part prices from FNA. Just search the web and you will find replacements for most stuff very reasonable.
    I have a 90 with the mouse runs. I wouldn't let that stop you. Just unplug them and use the alternate belt attachments. Or better yet do the three point conversion posted recently. The mouse is dead in mine (unplugged) so no irritation.

    Larry
     
  3. M. Brandon Motorcars

    M. Brandon Motorcars Formula 3 Sponsor

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    I know you can sort out an early 348 to be a great car. However, my advice would be to start with a later 348 (at least a 92, 93-95 is even better).

    Ferrari made so many improvements along the way to that car, the later models are just vastly improved.
     
  4. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Good info, thanks Larry.

    Well, I found a '90 that's too nice to pass up. Paid a deposit and am picking it up this Saturday. :)

    Pardon the cellphone photos...
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    Beautiful! Congrats and welcome to the club!
     
  6. M. Brandon Motorcars

    M. Brandon Motorcars Formula 3 Sponsor

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    Congratulations!
     
  7. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

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    Nice !
     
  8. Shaide

    Shaide Formula Junior

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    Very nice indeed!

    But then... I'm particularly partial to black on black 1990 TS models.
     
  9. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Thanks all, I'm pretty excited. At 23 years old with almost 30K mikes its condition is like a 3 year old car. All original too!

    Today's compression test:
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. bikz

    bikz Formula 3

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    congratulations mate, very very beautiful......somehow others haven't spotted it, but when you get the car, the rear wheels (rims) are on the wrong side....get them swapped......
     
  11. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Thanks! Seems to be a common problem from what I hear.
     
  12. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    Always wanted to read that one...
     
  14. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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  15. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3 Silver Subscribed

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    Keep looking, I found that issue several months ago for much less in perfect condition.
     
  16. 348Jeff

    348Jeff Formula 3

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  17. PatrikD

    PatrikD Rookie

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    Thanks!!!
     
  18. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3 Silver Subscribed

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    That issue is listed on EBay right now for $5.95 from ScaleDetals.
     
  19. Gated

    Gated Formula 3

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    Great article!
     
  20. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Maybe I should change the title of this thread to "Things to Learn After You Buy" ;)

    Drove the 348 home from Tampa today and made it just before the storm rolled in... now I need to unload the other two.
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  21. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ Consultant

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    Oh, how much for the mondi?
     
  22. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    PM 2 U
     
  23. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    Welcome to the 348 Brotherhood.
     
  24. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    Thanks Ernie
     
  25. CTE55AMG

    CTE55AMG Karting

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    Great car, congrats! I am sure you did your homework, so what is the avg price you saw while looking? There is such a wide range, from $30k-$50k, hard to know what the right price is. Thx.
     

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