Ferrari for everyday driving | FerrariChat

Ferrari for everyday driving

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Macchina, May 19, 2005.

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  1. Macchina

    Macchina Rookie

    May 19, 2005
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    #1 Macchina, May 19, 2005
    Hello! I am a new member and would first like to say hello to everone here. You have a great forum here and I am impressed by the quality of the posts.

    Now my question:

    I am intending to buy a (guess what) Ferrari. Due to the somewhat limited budget, it will either be a 348, 355, or 456 GT (manual transmission).

    If it is a 348, then only one of the late models after the modification or a spider.

    I live in Europe. The pricing here is

    348 cheapest
    456 GT in-between for older models
    355 most expensive (of the 3)

    I want a car for everyday driving, not something just to take out on a Sunday. Accordingly, reliability at the lowest price is my biggest concern, since the initial acquisition cost is only part of the story.

    Any advice? ;o)

    Thanx in advance!
     
  2. cgperry

    cgperry Formula Junior
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    #2 cgperry, May 19, 2005
    You said 456GT, so I'm assuming it's a six speed. In that case, my guess is that if it has had the window issue fixed the 456 would have the least expensive long-term maintenance costs because the engine doesn't have to come out for belt services like the 348/355 would. Yes, you're paying for 50% more plugs, wires, etc, but you also get V12 torque!

    355 would be my second choice if it's a later model that has had the exhaust manifolds replaced.
     
  3. flyingboa

    flyingboa Formula 3

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    #3 flyingboa, May 19, 2005
    328. At least that is my daily driver, and I am more than happy with that. Compared to the 348 you have a little less power, but even lower costs and higher reliability.
    Ciao
    Eugenio
     
  4. Macchina

    Macchina Rookie

    May 19, 2005
    21
    #4 Macchina, May 19, 2005
    What I don't like about the 328 is that the interior is (for my personal taste) still a bit too 70-ish. I guess the 348 would be borderline, as far as the interior is concerned.

    I corrected my post. Yes, I was talking about the manual 456 GT. Is there a problem with high-mileage models? They are comparatively cheap (the older ones, the Modificato are still outside my league). Since I would be putting miles on that car, hunting for a low mileage one would probably not be worth it.
     
  5. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 darth550, May 19, 2005
    Same 'ol advice once again....

    ALWAYS get the latest model you can afford.
     
  6. Macchina

    Macchina Rookie

    May 19, 2005
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    #6 Macchina, May 19, 2005
    That would either be a 355 or 456.....
     
  7. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 darth550, May 19, 2005
    The 456 is BY FAR the more practical of the two.
     
  8. Macchina

    Macchina Rookie

    May 19, 2005
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    #8 Macchina, May 19, 2005
    I have read through some of the 456 threads here. For me, it would have to be a 95 model. But they seem to have a gazillion little and larger flaws..... the same about the 355 and 348?

    One of the particular drawbacks of the 456 seems to be that until the 456M, they needed regular valve adjustment every 15k or so. Now, a 456M is still too pricey for me. But I read here that the older models should be "avoided at all cost"...
     
  9. bernardo66

    bernardo66 The Crazy Cat Man
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    #9 bernardo66, May 19, 2005
    Like a 78' 308? ;)
     
  10. tritone

    tritone F1 Veteran
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    #10 tritone, May 19, 2005
    Post also in the Modern Forum, and ask for response from 456 owners directly. I think you will find mostly positive experiences (taking into consideration the known issues: windows, etc.)
    Good luck, they're beautiful cars!

    james
     
  11. PeterS

    PeterS Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 PeterS, May 19, 2005
    Oucheee-Wawa!!!!
     
  12. Doug.

    Doug. F1 Rookie
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    #12 Doug., May 19, 2005
    With the list you gave me, for everyday driving the 456 GT fits the bill best.

    However, the 348 and 355 are much more fun to drive.
     
  13. BULL RUN

    BULL RUN Formula 3

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    #13 BULL RUN, May 19, 2005
    348 is a blast to drive...But not everyday.
     
  14. racerdj

    racerdj F1 Veteran
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    #14 racerdj, May 19, 2005
    macchina, my vote goes to the 355. Welcome to the group!
     
  15. exoticalex

    exoticalex Formula Junior

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    #15 exoticalex, May 19, 2005
    I would say go for the 355! Its a blast to drive, and the sound is amazing! Slap on a Capristo exhaust, and call it quits!!!
     
  16. TomSilver

    TomSilver Karting

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    #16 TomSilver, May 20, 2005
    In which part of Europe do you live? Driving a Ferrari in the winter is not so funny. So you need mostly good weather.
    For me the Ferrari is not my daily driver. It's something special, when I drive it, I celebrate it. Good weather, empty and dry streets - Ferrari time. For daily driving, a BMW fits better.
     
  17. Neal K.

    Neal K. Karting

    May 9, 2005
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    #17 Neal K., May 20, 2005
    I have owned and driven a 2003 456M GT for two+ years
    so I am partial to Ferrari's venerable 2+2 that has been
    desribed in various media as one of the company's "all-time
    great road cars".
    I have had only one problem with my 456M, which was
    the battery that was replaced routinely under warranty.
    The 456M GT (or GTA) is a lot of fun to drive, handling
    very nicely, with gobs of performance. Once behind the
    wheel you're impressed with how much torque the 456M
    engine produces. Road grip is superb. Acceleration, incredible!
    This is not a Ferrari "track car", though I have taken it to a
    Ferrari track-day event, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
    This is a "G.T.", the best car I've driven for "grand touring".
    To use a current maxim, it also is "user-friendly".
    Here in North America the Ferrari-of-choice are the 8-cylinders,
    so there are very few 456's and not many more Maranellos.
    My preference, however, are the Ferrari 12-cylinder models.
     
  18. Bmyth-FDC

    Bmyth-FDC F1 Rookie

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    #18 Bmyth-FDC, May 20, 2005
    Hi...
    Buying your first is the most exciting experience! I would suggest you sit and drive all three. My frist ferrari was a 348 TB and I've since moved to owning a 456GT. I've driven the 355 (which, incidentally, in my opinion, is probably one of NICEST sounding ferraris every made..next to the C4!). Both cars are amazingly fun to drive.

    I think the question you'll have to ask yourself is what kind of driving you would like to do. If you value the extra 2 seats, then the 456 is absolutely the way to go. But in terms of "go-kart" feel and ferrari mid-engine agility, the 348 OR 355 are both very good choices.

    Most importantly, drive all three. You will know in less than 5 min which car appeals to you most. Forget about "reliability"... a well driven, well maintained car will last a lifetime, no matter what model or engine configuration!!

    Byron
     

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