Maybe the time has come..

New guy to the club. In the early 80's did/owned a ground up resto on a Russo 74 246 GTS. Just seen current prices...just stopped crying. Had to sell..family responsibility and all. Kids are gone...and I've got the itch again. Would like to make the right investment....not interested in watching a car bottom out on my dime. Taking all things into consideration...sounds like the 348 is newer and more updated than paying the comming back prices for the 328 but the 355 may not be worth the difference.
REALLY NEED ALL OPINIONS AND HELP! Been out of the market for 20years and trying to avoid any obvious mistakes.ie pro's and cons about dif models, inherent problems,models vs maintainance costs...general bang for the buck!
Thank you all for taking part in my re-education...20 yrs ago these forumns didn't exits...come to think of it...neither did the internet...just Gerald Rousch.

 

It boils down to what your willing to spend and what strikes your intrest more - the 348 and 355 are very similiar, but very different - they share alot of parts between them. Right now price is the biggest difference in the two cars. A well serviced and cared for 348 will run you $58-62K average - the same for a later 355 will be $80-85K. That is a big difference. Maintenance will be higher on the 355 also. So the first question you need to ask yourself is what are you willing to spend??????? That by itself should determine what your going to buy. Unless you have plenty of money like some guys around here - PAP348 and Gothspeed -rich guys like that!

Just kidding guys!!

 

Thanks 285....what's your thoughts...high priced 328 vs closely priced 348?

 

I just sold my 328 a few months ago -awesome car, but the performance of the 348 and 355 made me upgrade from the 328 to a 355. I like the looks of the 328 better than the 348, but the handling, power, creature comforts of the 348 make the 328 seem primitive - just my opinion
Aslo consider if you will work on the car or a mechanic. I replaced all the fluids, plugs, extenders, etc myself on the 328--savings $$$, but I would NOT attempt it on a 348/355

 

Sounds like you'll be doing your own work. If that's the case, buy a nice 348ts or tb needing a major service and maybe a few niggling repairs (be careful, you know that parts can be outrageous) in the $35-40k price range. A major costs 3-8k at a shop, <$1k if you do it yourself, so sellers who don't do them discount by that much. Spyders command a high premium. ts's and tb's are less than a new Ford Explorer! Buy it, then drive it like ya stole it!
PS: If I had PAP or Gothspeed's money, I'd burn mine!

 

I would go with something like this

Best bang for the buck.....

All kidding aside, I was in the predicament a yr or so ago.
I went with the 348. I really like the cheesegraters...
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Excellent advise! It just so happens...
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I dont need an excuse to post pics of my car!
Go with a 348. The 348 is simply gorgeous and has stunning looks that all 348 owners here can attest to. Best bang for ya buck and the best experience in life you can ever have with your pants on.
P.S- I didnt know I had money....... I am only a lowly paid mechanic.
P.P.S- I LOVE my 348!
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I'm not the only one who thinks that!!!

 

I was not a big fan of 348 until I test drove one. I had a 308 and a 328 was too similar. I was looking for a nice 355, but test drove a 348. Found a beauty and was hooked.

Oh, as long as we're posting pics here's mine.
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Where's the playground pic?

 

Lol!!
You guys are funny!

 

.....
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Took ya long enough! Geeeez, what the hell were you doing?

Posting in every thread? Oh, ya, I forgot you have over 12,600 posts

 

Sorry mate. I was actually cooking some bacon up.

 

Nice machine Pap.

 

....and then there's potential membership in the most exclusive club of all.....THE BROTHERHOOD!

 

Thankyou vegas.
Some more pics while Im on a roll.
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That is correct.
We are all Honourary members of the 348 Brotherhood.
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I've changed the tranny fluid on my 348 as well as on a buddy's 308. For the 348, it's two bolts (fill plug and drain plug) to undo to change the tranny fluid.

For the 308, you've got to remove the driver-side wheel (5 lug nuts), inner fender panels (8 screws), heat shield (4 bolts), differential plug bolt, filler plug bolt, drain plug bolt, and inspection plug bolt.

As for spark plugs, the 308 engine sits transverse such that 4 spark plugs are within easy reach while the other 4 are way back by the firewall. In contrast, the 348 engine sits longitudinal, so all 8 plugs are reachable by just leaning over each fender.

So for basic maintenance, the 348 is easier. On the 30k major service, however, you do have to drop the 348's engine (it's built on a removable sub-frame so you can do this with two floor jacks).

Of course, all 348's and all 355's are fuel injected and computer controlled (with a very decent Motronic system, however). That might make a difference to some Ferrari buyers, as a few 308's were carbed while others had a K-Jet that seems to receive some on-line animosity.

Ferrari's big change was with the 360, as body panels became integral to the aluminum frame from what I understand rather than bolt-on/bolt-off as 355 and earlier models.

 

Light reading for your research: www.the348.com

 

Good work ND.
Post a pic of your 348..........you know you want to.

 

PAP, Is that you driving that 348 at the gas station?!?! I thought it was Tom Cruise!! :0)

 

No way man, not me!
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hei pap is that you in the picture...the one in the gas station you are sitting inside your baby..?