First Ferrari

Good choice for a first Ferrari.

First off, you need to see the service records to see when the last major engine out service was performed.

Secondly, you need to get an independent PPI (pre purchase inspection) by someone of your choice, not one that the person you are buying from recommends.

The "search" button is your best friend here. Type in key words like "348 purchase" or other words on the topic you want.

 

not directed towards you but It is amazing to see and hear how many people purchase a Ferrari never having driven one and sometimes, never having even sat in one.

I would highly recommend purchasing a 308/328 or 348 as a first Ferrari. I would personally love to purchase one but owning my nsx for 5 years, my first Ferrari would have to be a 355. The 355 is my favorite car of all time. If ever possible, I would love to have a 308/328 and a 355 in the stable with my nsx.

http://www.qv500.com/indexferrari12.php
http://www.theferrari348.com/
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91241
http://www.my348.com/348.html#Starting
http://www.the355.com/mambo/index.php

 

Great choice in car you have exemplary taste

Do your home work on what to expect, realize they can be fantastic cars but are very temperamental. What I noticed with mine the more I drove her the better she was period. Of course Italian tune ups help alot try to do one a month most fun

Also and very important, these are not like a BMW or Mercedes or for that fact Porsche you don't get all the bells and whistles, you certainly don't get pampered in the car and you will definitely have to be forgiving with the quirks.

There is no other beautiful convertible like the 348/355 in the world it's breath taking but like a super model you have to put up some high costs and tantrums once in a while, not to mention the leaky roof.

 

My advice....hang around here for a few weeks before you jump into buying a car.

In that time you will read about all sorts of things to do with Ferrari ownership and this will better prepare you for the buying process, and it will also better prepare you for the ownership experience.


These are great cars, but don't rush in with your eyes closed.


PPI = your best friend

 

What I found the hardest to transition to (from a 2001 BMW M3 street/track tuned) was

1: no power steering. nice and light at speed but heavy at very slow speed
2: the steering is DIRECT! you will feel every pebble and follow every groove. But when you need precision it sure is there.
3: learn the starting process (my348.com)
4: sit in one. I like the steering wheel fairly close (slightly bent elbow at the top of the steering wheel) as a result my knees are up at the turn signal and wiper stalks. If you shuffle steer, then you should be able to sit further away.
5: learn how to get in and out. She's low and got a wide sill
6: any lady friend will not want to wear a skirt into the car
7: if you've never owned an italian car, you'll need to learn how things were done when they built it (some of it is pretty weird but hey,at least they're consistent).

Pros? oh yes and boy is it worth it.
1: incredibly easy to work on. a phillips head and socket set will disassemble the car (well okay, 95% of it)
2: FCHAT!
3: the sound, oh my the sound. I had the stereo on once in three years
4: they love to be driven! keeps the seals wet and the engine tight
5: everyone wants a ride or a photo
6: the sound, oh my the sound.
7: nothing, i repeat nothing is easier on the tires than a ferrari.

But as others have mentioned: check it out in person; get it inspected as throughly as possible even if it costs $500; wait, there will be more; read the links in the first post but don't be afraid, just knowledgeable; don't make the decision based on emotion and you don't want a project car. A project car should be a clunker not a Ferrari (hoo boy does it hurt).

Good luck, the 348 is a bella machina

Hagen
93732
348 ts serie speciale #14

 

Great advice guys! I sent Tom here after we spoke a few days ago.

Anyone know for sure what the market is right now on a 348 Spider?

How important are low miles? What is considered high milage?

What is the right price for a low milage 348 Spider? Is Red and Tan the best color for resale?

What is the going rate for an engine out service?

Since I like to drive, these things are of no consequence to me. The value is in the experience of driving the car. For the record I will guarentee I have more money in mine than any other 348 owner. I know about the cost, but have been willing to pay the price. The issue here is buying a good car, and not having to put out thousands in the immediate future.

I love the direct stearing, this is my favorite part, and the open pipes.
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Never sat in, saw up close, let alone drove any exotic. Bought my 355 last year sight unseen.

I couldn't he happier.

Get a PPI....buy what you can afford. Please take into consideration what will need to ne replaced on the car--headers, cats, etc.

You will love her.

 

Damn I love your 348!!!

 

so do i

 

me three!

 

Before pulling the trigger (and in addition to the PPI) I'd strongly recommend linking up with the Ferrari dealership or technician you think you'll be having do the work on the car. They can be very helpful in guiding you before, during and (obviously) after the purchase and should be queued up for that first post-purchase inspection and fluids change, etc. once you get your hands on it. Good luck!

 

If you live in/around Los Angeles, I'll take you for a ride. But be warned, once it's in your blood, there's no going back!!! Lou

 

I would even ask one of the Tech's to come with you (if it is local of course). When I was shopping around, before I could ask a Tech from a shop offered to come with me which I thought was amazing.

 

+348!!!