any value distinctions between a US and a canadian 348?

Unless it's a Euro-spec car, I wouldn't expect any difference in value or worth.

 

I'm assuming its already titled in the US. If so, then I don't feel there would be any difference in value. If the Canadian car never can with the mouse runner seat belts, it may be more desirable than a US car. Be sure and check for rust with northern cars.

 

I dont think Canadian cars rust faster?

 

He said "northern cars", not just Canada. 'Cause they don't salt the roads down south. Except south Florida, but it's Mother Nature who's doing the salting. A1A during some high tides in Fort Lauderdale, for example.

I was behind a guy who was driving a newer California during one of these events, on this exact same road. But the whole road had several inches of water.
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two 348's side by side.. all else equal.. one is an imported euro spec.. the other is a North American US/Canadian spec.. why would the euro spec be worth any less..?

 

The only aspect I can think of would be if the odometer/speedometer was switched over from km/h to mph, showing a flag or discrepancy in the vehicle report. However, that's splitting hairs unless it wasn't done or documented appropriately.

 

Agreed. Should be no difference.

 

Holy smokes, that surfer almost surfed right onto the road.

 

Again, that shouldn't matter. I have a US model and I live in Canada, odometer is in miles.

 

There is indeed a difference in value in the market. You can argue there shouldn't be but whether it's because it wasn't made for/shipped to North America initially from the factory, or worries on KM/MPH readings in odometer trail, or registration/insurance concerns or what not, it's similar to being a grey market car, although not to the same degree as a European grey market car in the past where changes were required to be made to emissions, safety and/or headlights. That being said, the question of how much difference in value is tough to determine. But unfortunately side by side, two absolutely identical cars in North America, one a North America delivery/spec car and the other a Canada spec, the North American car is worth more, or put another way, would be the one to choose in a hypothetical scenario of two identical cars in condition and asking price.

You should try to factor in some discount to what you will pay, and realize the same sort of discount will apply when you sell down the line. I'm not saying don't buy the car, just realize the situation.

 

Your comments are important regarding value. For example, an interested buyer from California asked "Is yours a 50-State car?". Next was "Does it have the OEM exhaust and etc. still installed or available?"

 

I imported my F355 from Canada.

Low mileage, exceptionally nice condition and an interesting history.

At this age, there really are no 2 cars identical in condition so for me, that was more important than country of origin.

 

I needed to get a letter from FNA stating it was dot/epa compliant. Some said the gauges would need to be changed but it was never mentioned to me by the customs broker so I didn't mention it either. Still has the original KPA speedometer.

Difference between US and Canadian F355 is the Canadian car has the fog lights wired to be on all the time (drl), has 5mph instead of (2.5mph I believe) bumpers, metric gauges and climate control.

 

Just for clarity, is profitability your primary driver? Nothing wrong with that, but it'll help clear the air. If so, for example, then you want a U.S. spec car only to achieve the maximum advantage. A red car is next, for broader market appeal.

 

A logical enough stance, and one many of us on here probably share (these cars are 20 years old, and many of us have worked our way up!). It's not that you're looking to make a profit, but retain value. Over the years, I've had 3 aircooled 911s, a 90 corvette, a 360 and now 355- like you, I like things that are fully depreciated to minimize the chance of taking a bath on it if/when I decide to move on.

Keep in mind, the same questions you have will be had by the next potential acquirer- so not only should your purchase price factor that in since your sale price will be discounted vs a US car (again, tough to put into exact % or $ terms), but also you may have a tougher time selling. You may get lucky and find someone who is fine early on, but overall I think on average a car originally sold in another country takes longer to sell.

 

No idea really.
If its in the U.S. already the hard work has been done.

 

355s imported are not like a boxer coming over which never was USA compliant, or a euro 308 that didnt have catylitic converters, the 355s are all identical other than a few small items like gagues, and lights.

Euro cars are exactly the same as far as emmisions, the DOT said 355s could be imported because they are the same car conforming to all safety/EPA rules.

Other than the way the lights are wired for europe and the lack of bumper turn signals
Its the same damn car.

Ignorance of the federal rules is what hurts these cars once here. People think they need to vet the car, it becomes to much work and they pass because the car has a "story"