The durability of the 328….?

You will hear from the 328 Syndicate before the 348 Brotherhood...

The simple reason that comes to mind is the long run of the 308. Essentially, Ferrari had a decade of trial-and-error before the bump to 3.2 litres and the other enhancements.

The 308 was a very successful car, so there was no burning need to discard the design.

I think Ferrari got into trouble when technology started to force itself into the road cars at an increasing rate. Longitudinal engines, cleaner emissions, more power through engine management technology, more handling software -- these were all big changes, and suddenly Ferrari didn't have 10 years to figure it out.

 

I admit I was drawn to the 328 for its reliabilty, but in the end it was the sheer beauty of its lines that nailed it for me. Money not being an issue, it seems I personally am drawn toward the sculptural qualities of Ferraris more so than performance. The reality is that you really can't (legally) use the power available in most Ferraris. It may not be as fast as a 348, 328, 355, 360, etc. but I would take a Dino over any of these cars...

 

Excluding the 348 and the 355, the 360 and the 430 are reliable (daily drivers) cars. Not Porsche or BMW reliable, but much better then they were. Having said that, most of us with 328's drive the car less then 5,000 miles a year and stay on top of service. I use synthetic oil and yet for some strange reason I change it every year! I don't change my oil on my Porsches for 10,000 miles! I use my Porsches as daily drivers and only have routine problems. Drive the 328 10,000 miles a year (forget depreciation for high mileage), I really think that you will be spending "much" $$ to maintain that car compared to any new car. I really think that calling them reliable is based on "not real use". Also, whats reliable? driving a car less then 5,000 miles a year and spending only $2,000.00 to maintain! Every time the car does go into the shop, the cheapest bill is $800.00 (good day) for usually nothing. If you are really considering a 360 or a 328, get the 360. If your plan is just 5,000 miles a year the 360 is drop dead beautiful! I love the 328, but it ain't no 360! If you don't want a spyder, the coupes have depreciated to low to mid $100,000.00. Apples and Oranges! I have a 911 (997) so the 328 works for me as a "classic" car. If I didn't have the 911 or the 328, and I was looking for a Ferrari and my choices were the 328 or the 360....I wouldn't think too long. Also, the reason I think that I haven't gotten rid of the 328 yet for a 360 or 430 is that I have the 911. I "would" get rid of the 911 to get the 360 or 430. Its a modern car VS. and old car. Huge difference. I probably confused you more, but I think that 328 owners could relate.

 

Well said, as always, Len S.

In fact I expected any Ferrari to be somewhat demanding. The 328 seems to be reliable by Ferrari standards, but I certainly don't 'beat on it' like I do my daily drivers.

 

I think 308s and 328s are extremely reliable. I think every bit as reliable as other cars. I have over 130K miles on one of mine. If you are completely car illiterate than I don't think they are for you. A Ferrari IMHO wasn't built for the everyday idiot to drive around. I have had more issues with BMWs than I have with Ferraris. IMO Ferraris are just more sensitive than other cars. They aren't for everyone and IMO that is a good thing. I wouldn't want me Fcar to be like a Lexus or Honda.

Why are you waiting so long to buy one? You can read this forum 24/7 but it won't make complete sense until you own one.

 

Surfermark actually already had a 328, IIRC, and is looking for another.

 

Yes, the 328 and Dino both have beautiful lines to them.

This post in the Showroom section shows the lines of a Dino from a good angle:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=136874113

 

Did you get that height reduction surgery?

Not really. I drive mine around 10,000 mile a year, and the costs aren't too bad at all. All I've had to do in the past year or so is a waterpump rebuild and oil changes, and the waterpump is good to go for years now. Add in the lack of depreciation (adjusted for mileage) and it's a pretty decent deal.

That said, I DO keep another car around for the inevitable day when I have to wait on parts.

 

"Its all because that incredibly advanced NSX that modern Ferraris all suck"

Bonzelite 2007

 

I don't think ANYONE has put together enough hard data to state X is more reliable than Y.

Other than the lower major service cost, most other aspects are undefined. You are correct, modern technology has increased reliability since the 1974 oil shortage forced innovation. I drive a 1997 Camaro as a daily driver. The car has 143,000 miles on it and has been amazingly durable. If you could go back in time to 1970, I doubt you could find ANY cars with 150,000 miles but its fairly common today.

Why would a 328 be more reliable today than a 360? I think alot of this is about how seldom the older Ferraris are driven today. The resounding opinion accross all forums is to allot $1 per mile. That tells me the reliability is closer than most think.

BTW, nice job on the 1996 Lexus RX-330.......what kind of flux capacitor are you running in that

 

Thanks for the early morning Bonzo-flashback... There can be no doubt the NSX had some effect on the 328, even if the 328 came first.

 

Mark,

I don't understand. You purchase a beautiful 1989 Ferrari 328 GTB
and then turned around and sold it. You stated that you were
too tall to drive a 328. Was it because it was a GTB instead
of a GTS ? What gives brother ?

Thanks,

Tom in Tennessee

 

A low volume manufacturer can never spend a fortune developing and testing new parts or systems. There just won't be enough units to amortize the cost even in very expensive cars like Ferraris. Add in the high tech stuff and highly stressed parts and it should be no surprise Ferraris will never have Toyota reliablilty. The 328's basic design dates to the Dinos and the parts like the motor were not particularly highly stressed. Not to mention the car is decidedly low tech. I think Ferrari was the last manufacturer to use the mechanical fuel injection. So, 328's benefited from a long development and testing as well as being low tech. Add in a stunning design and a driving experience that just feels good and you have a recipe for success.

The 348 was a radical departure both in design and manufacturing process. In retrospect, it is no wonder it had significant teething problems. Add in the very expensive scheduled maintence and you have a recipe for today's low prices. The 355 is a highly modified version of the same car with a lot more tech and stressed parts. Enzo was always slow to incorporate new technologies prefering to perfect existing designs. Montezomolo is intent on showcasing high tech in Ferraris and the 355 was the first example of that. This caused some problems plus the still expensive engine out service is the reason 355's are cheap today. No one ever criticized the performance though.

The 360 was also a major design and manufacturing change and there were a few problems early on relating to the aluminum construction but not as many as some people feared. Later years have been very reliable so far and that coupled with cheaper service costs have really kept prices firm even 2.5 years after 430 intro. The 430 goes a step further and eliminated the timing belts so should be the cheapest Ferrari yet to maintain. I have to admit all the high tech stuff on it makes me a bit nervous but mine has been rock soild the first 2 years. I still love my 328 though.

Dave

Dave

 

I think 328 reliability is overblown on this site, true for the time it came out it was one of the most reliable Ferraris ever but not so much today in comparison to newer models

My 328 had 86000 miles on it when I sold it but over $30,000 in repair reciepts, blown oil coolers, diff carrier bearings and other stuff that can fail as the car ages. 328s have issues with $1000 fuse boards melting, constant problems with the crappy connectors on them spreading apart from heat and cooking the wires/connectors/board, mine had issue with the fog lights constantly. Then water pump failures due to the belt needing to be so tight with a tiny bearing, $250 dual dist caps that cause ign mis fire and cooked coils, other things as well.

My 355 in comparison has been trouble free concerning electrical issues and mis fires from a primitive ignition system the 328s have along with everything else, 355s get a bad rap from a few on here thats unjustified, 360s can be more reliable as well.
The biggest issue with newer Ferraris is the crap interior covering over the plastic parts that melts but concerning the interiors in the 308/328 the 355/360/430 is way ahead in comfort as well, 308/328 seats are like sitting on a cardboard box after a few hours ride from the thin padding and no support
I am not bashing the 328 just stating the facts, it was Ferraris most reliable car up to that time it was made and it was my first Ferrari I really enjoyed it a lot, the 348 was a step backwards but they began to get it right with the 355 on.

 

I'm not sure where the reliability of the 328 myth started, but I've had mine 5.5 years, and am currently at about $1.33/mile. That doesn't include gas, insurance, tires, etc., just maintenance and repair.

 

Props Jim......THIS is what I'd like to see from others. I'd love to see a database with running costs/mi.

 

I've had mine since Oct 2002, and put 45,700 miles on it. I just pulled my receipts, and I've spent $5900 on repairs and maintenance since then. That puts me at 13 cents per mile. The car had a major and a suspension refresh just before I bought it.

In all fairness, I'm about to drop about 5K for a major, which will double my costs per mile.

This doesn't include gas, insurance or purely cosmetic stuff like the pedals and louvers.

 

I think everything that was said pretty much answers the question!! Can't agree more.

 

Lets put Tillman on the low side and me on the high side.

Since Tillman started the "in all fairness" topic, I bought my car below market value because it needed a major, and I had to cough up for it shortly after I took possession. All things being equal, my 'true' running costs are likely a little lower had I bought a car with up to date service.