348 or 355?

Linky no work...???

 

Love the 993 turbo also!! Get a 348, with the money you will save, both up front and in long term maintenance, put towards the P-car and have both The German is tough and the Italian is sexy as hell. I have some plush cars already so I liked the looks and the rawness of the 348. Also, they are not in the same price ranges. For me, if I wanted the more "refined" Ferrari, I would jump to the 360.

Really, this is a funny comparison, because even with equal miles, not comparing apples and apples here. I agree with Goth about the miles anyhow, means little to nothing really. I've seen cars with little miles be a frail POS, and cars that were beat on regularly stone reliable. Check current condition and maintenance, try to learn a little about the last owner, i.e.: "Real car guy or not". The way I look at it, the higher mile car was reliable enough to use regularly while who knows what the story is with the first romp in the ultra low mile garage queens.

 

Any quality f-car can do 500mi with her eyes closed. I wouldn't be scared away by possible maintenance costs of the 355 > 348, if the 355 is what you want, and if you're prepared for "worst case". worst case in both cars can be ugly.

Don't compromise because of fear, do your research, get a quality PPI done, and go in with your eyes open. They're fun cars, and well worth the journey.

PS: I did the 348 spider instead, preferred the model over the 355. There's substantial differences between every Fcar model - have to drive them yourself to understand the compromises and benefits of each.

 

Oops.

+1, especially considering the OP's concern about costs of ownership. Here's the pitch - sorry I was late...

We interrupt this thread to bring you an important public service announcement from the 328 Syndicate.

I would steer you toward the 328, as JP suggested, or at least recommend that you consider one.

I had budget for anything up to a 355 (back in 2005), but the 328 was an open and shut case. Fully depreciated, stunning classic looks, all the power you can use on public roads, leather interior trim (versus sticky plastic in 348/355), $4K major service done with engine in situ, simple clutch, durable 3.2 litre engine (do these cars even have valve guides?), no failing $5K manifolds, no $13K F1 pumps -- in fact parts costs are often a fraction of 348/355 parts costs and I can't think of a major known issue with these cars other than an A-arm recall on the early ones.

Continuing on: no Motronic engine mismanagement computers, no doomed-to-fail power top (as in 355 Spider), no seat potentiometers (if you have to ask...), no power seats (who needs these in a friggin two seater?!), no power steering, no dash leather shrinkage (durable vinyl in the 328), no recurring C-pillar cracks on the buttress/deck seam, no short-lived catalytic converter (lasts longer because it's away from the engine)... and you can stick a Tubi on it for less than on any other Ferrari.

I'm not keen on telling guys what car to buy if they have their heart set on something. But IMO time will be kind to the 308 and 328, and not so much to the 348/355. That said, if you've got the wallet and stomach for it, I've been in all the 328-348-355 and while the 328 is a delight to rev, the 355 can slam you back against the seat. You can't deny the extra performance, and I won't deny the 328 has a tight cockpit and 1970s ergonomics. However if you are concerned about maintenance/repair costs, as you say you are, I would say the 328 should be on your list.

Purchase price will be about the same as a good 348, less than a 355. There's a red one at Shelton, <4K miles, in the low $70K range, but you could do better than that.

There, the 328 Syndicate has spoken. As you were.
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alright Frankie...I'll just put a gun to my head!! That damned utube and all those videos with sound..that sound!! Hard to duplicate a 355 with a Capristo setup...can't deny the 328 is one of the best looking-a timeless classic IMO-Ferraris on the road..and the 355 does have a few issues so most any you buy is going to need something as few are completely sorted out--but I don't believe I've ever been so enamoured with a Vert as the 355--
I guess I'll just take my lumps and everyone can say I told you so...but when I open that puppy up on the North Dallas Tollway at 2 in the morning..I'll be wearing a smile a mile wide...BTW..I've seen some 328's in the high 40 range or low 50's anyway....think the '89s take a bit of a leap--maybe are the most desireable??---anyway, Bullfighter is the voice of reason and sanity...listen to him..

 

Lol. I only posted here because I was summoned. Good luck with your 355 hunt.

IMO, I agree with Winston Goodfellow's 328 Buyer's Guide writeup from Forza: the '89 isn't worth the current price premium -save your cash and find the best '87-'88 you can. But that's a topic for the 308/328 board...

Just don't want anyone going into this looking at their checkbook and the price of the car and thinking that's all there is to it.

 

LOL at 328 comment... I like Bullfighter's comments usually but the 348/355 are so much more modern. The 355 really seems like the best Fcar deal at the moment- granted I am biased.

 

Great pics of Goth's car... that is one amazing 355! Also love the 355 wheels on someones 348. If I ever get a 348 I would make that upgrade for sure- looks strong.

 

The 348 should have been sold for the last bid price of $50k, the owner may regret not selling it. The '99 is in another league altogether and you need to ask yourself why you are looking at cars with such a value spread.

A better comparison is '94-'95 348 vs. '95-'96 355s. The $ difference should be just about $20k. The question is if $20k is worth the differences:

1. 55 hp
2. Higher redline
3. A distinct sound difference (although a Kreis-sieg exhaust makes the 348 sound REALLY close to a 355)
4. Appearance
5. The "loved" nature of the 355

OK, here is my reasoning:
I would pay $8000 for 55 extra hp. I would pay $4000 for a Kreis-sieg exhaust for a 348. I would pay $5000 to clean up the Pontiac-looking 348 rear end. That's a difference of $17k.

I think the "loved" reputation of the 355 is worth more than $3k long term so there is my answer. This exercise didn't include maintenance issues, but I would look for a 355 with guides done already.

My budget choice is a 348 TS for $45k.

 

Pictures deceive, you have to make cosmetic decisions in person......or have someone else look it over.

Yes, $50k is fair, would be a good deal for you......assuming a PPI checks out.

Again, why are you looking at the '99 AND a 348? A good price on an unserviced '99 should be in the mid-high $80s.....pending inspection

HINT........don't buy a convertible in July

 

whoa - slow down. More important than the style is how the car feels for you when you drive them. 355's and 348's are a world apart - hence the crazies talking up the 348's here. If it wasn't for Fchat we'd have time to take our meds

More important than 348 or 355, is understand your support group. If you're at all like me, and dependent on your mechanic - find a great Fcar mechanic first. and remember -he controls your pension plan. I relied on a support group of Fchat experts to help find my first Fcar.

A good Fcar will look brand new - except for some seat wear on the left drivers seat bolster. one or multiple owners isn't an issue, imo, but you do want a car brave enough to present full records from new. I'd avoid a car with accident damage unless a lot of research and pictures shows it to be minor. I'd also look for a car that the previous mechanics are brave enough to discuss the car and their thoughts.

I got so fed up and confused with what I thought I wanted and what I was finding, that I stopped looking for a while. But after having driven a few, the damn cars got under my skin - and was always finding other cars came up short. 2nd time around in my search I was a lot more realistic knowing what I wanted and was willing to compromise with. In my case the BBi isn't city friendly, the 355 didn't have the feel I wanted with the power steering and additional sophistication; where the 348 had the full spider option, great feel, and reasonably depreciated.

Until you drive a few it's all speculation.

 

F355

 

Yeah, gothspeed, well said. Even if I was a multi-millionaire, I would rather have 4 355's than 1 brand new 430. I know I must sound like a stupid newbie, but the feel of the 355 is what I've always dreamed a ferrari would feel like, more so than a 360. I am looking for a 355B, and am getting VERY anxious (stupid to be anxious, I know). Much love to the 355 guys out there, I feel your pain/passion!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0OusN1y1Yc

Sorry, But I just never get tired of this F355 tribute Video.

 

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I love the 355... wish I had a B instead of a Spyder but beggars can't be choosers.

 

Correction: 355F1

 

You are a man of great wisdom !!

Just like in your user name !!!