Considering 348... | FerrariChat
Buy

Considering 348...

Discussion in '348/355' started by spinedoc, May 24, 2017.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Page 1 of 2
  1. spinedoc

    spinedoc Rookie

    Jul 13, 2016
    14
    Rochester, MN
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #1 spinedoc, May 24, 2017
    So, long time Porsche owner, considering picking up a 348. Drove one the other day, and wow....Reminds me a bit of my Boxster, but an untamed one..Not as loose as the 911, but the Boxster can almost lull you into distraction because it handles everything so damn well.

    A couple of questions though...Can you use OBDII to find error codes? On my old 997 and my current Boxster, you could use OBDII to read, but not necessarily fix the codes....(thinking of the airbag light of death so common in the 986/996 cars)...

    How hard are the tires to size? Someone local mentioned that they are metric and difficult to source.

    Any specific model body/frame issues with these?

    Thanks,

    Mike
     
  2. R&D

    R&D Karting

    Mar 16, 2015
    168
    USA
    Full Name:
    Kris
    #2 R&D, May 24, 2017
    The car is OBD1, and you just press the button on the ECUs behind the seats to light up the dash with the codes. Tires are easy to get. I get them from Tire Rack (you don't actually have to run the exact stock size). A set runs me like $700. I got Dunlop Direzza Zii star specs and they work great. I hear that targas leak water through the roof when it rains a lot. Otherwise they're pretty reliable/low maintenance.
     
  3. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
    Full Name:
    The Meister
    #3 Meister, May 24, 2017
    348 is a fun car, tires are not metric so no real issues there. What kind of condition car are you looking for? I have one up here in Duluth I could give you details about PM if you'd like info.
     
  4. spinedoc

    spinedoc Rookie

    Jul 13, 2016
    14
    Rochester, MN
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #4 spinedoc, May 24, 2017
    Thanks. I think my 986 is lonely. She needs company....

    That F sound....I can't get it out of my head now...

    It was faster I thought than my '98 base Boxster, but not by very much. It handled okay, but not quite as good as the Boxster......but that sound.....I hear it now when I'm sleeping. My overall impression was that it was bit of an untamed Boxster.....The Boxster is like James Bond......

    The 348 was like Riddick.....pissed, angry, and I when I say that the Boxster can lull you into being distracted when driving...it just can, because it does everything so precise, and well, that you almost feel like the car is leading the driver......not so with the 348. It demands every second of your attention, and felt more unruly....

    But that...that sound...it haunts me...I hear it in my sleep.

    I think I might be buying another car (gulp).....
     
  5. Surfari

    Surfari Karting

    Nov 4, 2016
    149
    Redondo Beach
    Full Name:
    Luke
    #5 Surfari, May 24, 2017
  6. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 15, 2013
    1,002
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Joseph Troutwine
    #6 GTO Joe, May 24, 2017
    I also am a long time Porsche guy that has always loved the Ferrari mark as well. I really liked the 348 when it first came out but didn't pull the trigger for one until four years ago though. Your comparison to the Boxster is very valid with the caveats you mention. Next week (hard to believe for me) it will be 20 years ago that I picked my new Boxster up and I have enjoyed it ever since. If you get the 348 there are a number of other attributes you will come to enjoy besides the sound like that wonderful manual steering feel to just name one. If you are ready go find a good one (they are out there) and don't look back. Keep us posted on your progress.
     
  7. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #7 AceMaster, May 25, 2017
    The 348 is a great model, and a great Ferrari starter model at that.

    There are a lot of knowledgeable members here who can help troubleshoot any issues and give you great advice (overall).
     
  8. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,328
    Palos Verdes
    Full Name:
    Vince V
    #8 vvassallo, May 25, 2017
    If you have the time and budget, I'd recommend picking up a later version of the car and possibly a niche model, like a Challenge, Spider or Serie Speciale. Also, budget for swapping out the stock wheels for 18" versions from either the 355 or 360, both fit with wheel spacers and lug bolts from Ricambi. This makes the car much more stable and fun to drive, not to mention offers more tire choices.

    Just get a nice car and we'll walk you through the rest. :)
     
  9. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #9 ///Mike, May 25, 2017
    Properly set up, it should be a good bit quicker than your Boxster and handle at least as well, although it'll bite you quicker than the Boxster will. I know the P-car is lighter, but people here are getting over 300 RWHP by optimizing the stock powerplant, which results in a decent power/weight ratio advantage over a 2.5 Boxster.

    Good luck on your search. If you're looking for a pure, raw sports car that oozes passion the 348 is it. :)
     
  10. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #10 ///Mike, May 25, 2017
    BTW, if you're in the info-gathering mode consider spending some time here: My Ferrari 348

    It hasn't been updated in a long time so some of the parts and maintenance stuff has been superceeded but overall it's a decent primer on the model.
     
  11. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #11 Wade, May 25, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. ghardt

    ghardt Formula 3

    Apr 18, 2004
    1,260
    Texas
    Full Name:
    Jerry
    #12 ghardt, May 25, 2017
    348s in black always look sinister.
     
  13. Mmckee

    Mmckee Formula 3
    BANNED Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2016
    2,339
    Alta Loma, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #13 Mmckee, May 25, 2017
    Sweet!
     
  14. surfwolf

    surfwolf Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 14, 2012
    1,698
    Bethany, OR
    Full Name:
    Michael Wolfe
    #14 surfwolf, May 25, 2017
    Get ready for a extremely visceral driving experience! Enjoy.....
     
  15. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #15 ///Mike, May 25, 2017
    I guess it's true what they say-- once you've had black... :)
     
  16. chas-3

    chas-3 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 28, 2009
    1,281
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Chuck
    #16 chas-3, May 26, 2017
    Stop it!! ;)
     
  17. taz355

    taz355 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 18, 2008
    6,016
    Indio Ca/ Alberta
    Full Name:
    Grant
    #17 taz355, May 26, 2017
    Its true
     
  18. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #18 Wade, May 26, 2017
    And I certainly have a track record for that. :)
     
  19. itsablurr

    itsablurr Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 9, 2005
    1,016
    Carlisle, MA
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #19 itsablurr, May 26, 2017
    ...you say "never again".





    Until the next one.
     
  20. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 17, 2006
    4,806
    Seattle, WA
    Full Name:
    Brian White
    #20 bjwhite, May 26, 2017
    I went black once (97 Miata R, #8 of 47) never again.
     
  21. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #21 Wade, May 26, 2017
    Au contraire
    • 2001 Buell X1 Lightning
    • 2004 Jeep Liberty Renegade
    • 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6
    • 2007 Ducati 1098s
    • 1988 Mondial 3.2 Coupe
    • 2007 Ducati Monster S4Rs
    • 2011 Jeep Liberty Renegade
    • 1990 Ferrari 348ts
    • 1992 Ferrari 348tb
     
  22. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #22 ///Mike, May 26, 2017
    That was certainly the case with me. Had a black BMW years ago and swore off the color. But some cars just look sooo right in black, the 348 being one of them. During my search I debated between red and black. After living with mine for a while I can't imagine what the debate was about-- black is beautiful. :)
     
  23. spinedoc

    spinedoc Rookie

    Jul 13, 2016
    14
    Rochester, MN
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #23 spinedoc, Jun 1, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,777
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #24 AceMaster, Jun 1, 2017
    19k? I'd be very curious to find out what is wrong with it.

    Please keep us posted.
     
  25. Surfari

    Surfari Karting

    Nov 4, 2016
    149
    Redondo Beach
    Full Name:
    Luke
    #25 Surfari, Jun 1, 2017
    $20k discount for the front wheels mounted on the wrong side. $10k a wheel ;)

    I'd guess high mileage and needs a major/clutch/tires/etc. Looks well kept in the pictures though! (minus the wheels)
     
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page