Opinions?

Hello Everone! I posted the same question in NOrth Midwest forum. But, I hope I can post it here too and get your feedback...

For months now, I've been spending some time here and taking time to read the different threads and posts. Now, here something going through my mind...Here are the choices:

a) Late Model 328GTS
b) 348
c) 355
d) WILD CARD - Late Model Mondial

I wanted to get your inputs on the following:

a) What is Price Range for your pick?
b) Estimated Yearly Maintenance Cost
c) Estimated Insurance (30s, married, no tickets...yet!)
d) If you had a choice on what Ferrari to own, which would it be?

Now, here are some "givens":

a) It will be your first Ferrari
b) Weekend Car (or when you need a shot of adrenaline driving to work)
c) Reasonable Cost of Ownership (After reading through the other threads, I know owning a Ferrari is in a different league. But, I think you know what I mean.)
d) I'm from Minnesota

Thanks again!

 

First question would be "do you work on the car yourself" ?

 

I am biased towards 328's having had 3 of them and driving a combined 30K miles and 10 years of ownership. If you ask experienced mechanics, they will tell you it is the cheapest to maintain and most reliable as well of the models you mention. I pay about 350/year to insure my 328 GTB with State Farm.

However, your choice might hinge on other factors so tell us what factors in a performance car are most important to you?

Dave

 

Maintenance on a 328 will be far less than a 348 or 355. You'll probably spend the same buying a 328 as a 348, the 355 is a bit more expensive but you'll have other issues to deal with there not seen on a 328.

When I was shopping I just wanted a good car from a 360 on down and ended up with a 328.

Talk to a good local independent mechanic and get his take.

 

doug, i don't think i'll work on the car myself...

thanks for sharing your thoughts... keep 'em coming!

 

First, move someplace warmer.

Secondly, your insurance depends on your ZIP code, garage arrangements, driving record, age and other factors. My insurance rates would be irrelevant for you.

As far as the cars listed, the 328 is the best of the lot. Ferrari quality took a nosedive afterward. Parts prices are ridiculous on all of them, but less so for the 328 than the 348/355.

I no longer own a Ferrari, so whatever biases I had are moot.

None of the cars you mentioned are going to be at the top of the performance heap anymore, but IMHO the 328 GTS wins in terms of looks, reliability and service costs. I like them all, but that's the one I would (and did) buy with my own money.

If I were going to buy another Ferrari now, I'd probably go for a Daytona. But among the ones I would consider to actually drive frequently the 328 and 308 are the best. If you need speed, an F430 with a manual gearbox isn't as pretty, but the performance compensates and build quality seems to have left the 348/355/360 issues behind.

 

Forza magazine had a 328 Buyer's Guide article, it was considered a starter Ferrari back then I think it's still now. I bought '89 328 some 10 years ago. Even now for the same money I can get a 348 or 355, I would still go for a later mint 328.

 

too many questions...i lost track after 355..... get the 355, buy one will all the problems fixed and wind it up!!

 

Get a Mondial coupe....you can use it as an ice fishing shelter...you have to carve the hole in the floorboard.

BTW, as a starter Ferrari--and one you don't want to work on--buy anything with <3k miles and under $100,000; else, you are better off getting a Kyosho 1:12 Enzo (you may have to assemble it, so you might try the 1:18 model instead).

 

Surely you can either afford the car you want or you can't ?

Its your car not ours so buy the one that most floats your boat

But go in with your eyes open