348 TS or 355 (if money is cutting it close) | FerrariChat

348 TS or 355 (if money is cutting it close)

Discussion in '348/355' started by imsten.com, Mar 28, 2005.

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  1. imsten.com

    imsten.com Rookie

    Mar 28, 2005
    23
    MIZZOU-RAH
    Sorry if this has been hashed out before...

    i am seriously wanting a 348 (TS) or a 355 (Berlinetta)

    in the future and i wanted to know,

    if i AM on a budget but can afford EITHER car

    WHY would i get the 348?

    Is the 355 much more advanced?
    I know the engine and HP specs and styling etc.

    which is more reliable and
    which has the most costly repairs?

    i know these are dumb questions, bear with me or
    point me to a topic or page that has these answers please.

    Should i get a 348 and keep some money for
    maintenance and maybe some upgrade rims...

    or get a 355 - money would be MUCH tighter -
    but is there REALLY a lot that goes wrong?

    what are the maintenance or troubles to look for on both?

    if you DONT want to type a long reply, point me in the right direction.

    (trying to learn all i can before i jump in)

    thanks!
     
  2. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
    6,687
    North shore, MA
    Full Name:
    THE Birdman
    I do not own either, but read with interest the threads on both in the Tech section.

    It seems that the 355s have more technical issues (valves, interior, headers) than 348s. Honestly, you don't see that many major 348 issues being addressed the way you do with 355s.

    Of course appearance is entirely subjective. The 355 has considerably more HP.
     
  3. tommo

    tommo Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 29, 2004
    1,245
    Gloucestershire
    Full Name:
    Julian
    Not going to offer any technical advice, after all, there are many on this site who are better qualified than me!

    My only advice is this, get a 348. Its your first Ferrari, and there's a lot you'll learn about the cars, the meets, technical issues and of course the people. Own the car for 1 year plus, and once you feel it's time to change, then you'll be in a far better position to decide whether you can handle the additional technical worries (if there are any) and whether or not you prefer the looks. The year will also give you time to look out for pristine 355's with excellent history. Only through being part of the scene do you get to hear before anyone else does about the little gems which come onto the market on the odd rare occassion.

    I'm still learning about my 348, and whilst the 355 will always be tempting, it would have to be a damn fine proposition to drag me away from my car:)
     
  4. chrisx666

    chrisx666 Formula Junior

    Dec 6, 2004
    562
    YorkshireUK
    Full Name:
    Chris B
    I'm with Birdman and tommo on this. I really don't think the money much tighter route is the way to go. It's wise to keep something back just in case - some parts are really expensive (355 exhaust manifolds seem to fail pretty regularly and cost several thousand $ to replace).

    Get a good 348 and sleep easy knowing you can look after it. There's loads of excellent tech advice on what to look for on here (I know - I spent days searching through it all before deciding on a 92'tb).
     
  5. imsten.com

    imsten.com Rookie

    Mar 28, 2005
    23
    MIZZOU-RAH
    i'll most likely get a 348 - because i
    agree with everything said.

    It would be a good first ferrari for me...

    QUESTIONS

    did much change over the years on the 348? (from early to mid 90s?)

    and did the early ones have any problems or quirks
    that were resolved in the later years?

    OR, should i go with a good low mile EARLY 348 -
    because they are all pretty much the same?

    (looking for a little insight)

    thanks :)!
     
  6. tommo

    tommo Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 29, 2004
    1,245
    Gloucestershire
    Full Name:
    Julian
    We all looked for the later GTS's versus the earlier Ts's etc, but quite frankly, pick up a good TS or TB and you won't know the difference. The main differences were the improved handling (that's if you're a serious speed merchant on the track) and an extra 20bhp (which can mostly be achieved by adding a Tubi decat exhaust).

    Looks wise, they're the same. The alternator was upgraded (I've had mine done - not enough guts) and the battery was moved from the back to the front. Haven't lost much sleep over it!
     
  7. imsten.com

    imsten.com Rookie

    Mar 28, 2005
    23
    MIZZOU-RAH
    definately going to be the 348

    but some people are maybe suggesting waiting a
    GOOD WHILE until i have the money should anything major
    arise with the car.

    i didn't know they had more quirks and
    potential issues than other car's i've had.

    might be putting this off longer than i thought :)
     
  8. millemiglia

    millemiglia Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2003
    925
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Full Name:
    Peter B.
    Never buy *any* Ferrari on a tight budget, you need a pile of money for unexpected costs.
    My advice to you is, plan for the worst, hope for the best...

    Some of the handling related updates came with the '92 model 348 tb and ts, that's what I opted for (and you should too).
     
  9. imsten.com

    imsten.com Rookie

    Mar 28, 2005
    23
    MIZZOU-RAH
    cool

    ANY ferrari might be out of my league for now.

    might go with another NSX or something
    more affordable and something that won't kill me
    money wise ;)

    i'm still gonna learn all i can in case one comes up i can't pass on.
     

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