1982 308 gtsi

To clarify my earlier post, I only meant it as a cautionary tale about how easily you can end up in bureaucratic limbo from even a tiny error if you don't sort things out 100% before the sale, not to discourage you from buying the car.

True enough, but once the sale is final, the buyer is now the one stuck with the paperwork mess. Who knows, maybe the seller is in a situation like that right now and looking to get rid of it after getting fed up. Not insinuating that is the case, just thinking out loud. Buyers get the short end of the stick legally, that's why it's critical for the buyer to sort everything out to the letter before the sale takes place.

+2 cents That is by far the best way to buy a car, buy directly from whoever has the title so it's the same name on the bill of sale, and see the title and registration beforehand to verify everything is legit. Nice simple transaction. Adding third parties or agents to the mix can, as you've seen, make things overly complicated. If the seller is a dealer, they should be able to register the car without paying sales taxes, then you can buy from them. If they aren't, then why are they selling someone else's car?

 

So close too...

Sorry, but no worries, there is one out there for you I promise.

 

Set yourself a distance you are willing to travel. Whether it be 50 miles or 500 and work with in that geographical area. I will probably be lambasted for saying this, but it is a buyers mkt at the moment.

Attempt for a 84-89 Ferrari. At that point, they began using galvanized steel. A good engine with a bad body - is rubbish. A mediocre engine with a great canvas is a different story.

Next, offer way below asking price with cash offers and you will be surprised who might cave...

I am working on a deal right now - that if it goes through will not be good for the 328 market. Fortunately, it is a private sell and nothing will be recorded. Immediately, after I become an owner the assumptive price will remain the same.

 

Hmm

It depends how bad. Bodies can be fixed too, often times for less money than engines. There are many more body shops out there than Ferrari specialists. The skin on the 308 not structural. It is not a monocoque car. And have you seen the size of those steel sections? I doubt if a year at sea would rust it away.

 

I've always heard that any amount of rust is more cost intensive to correct than a mechanical issue..

 

That's actually a spray rock chip treatment, flaking away.

No big deal to strip and reapply it.
Body seams look good.

390mm wheels/tires only negative, but 'goes with the show" for that year.

 

You are thinking about a Toyota, not a Ferrari

 

Be patient (I know how hard that is - very difficult) but yours will come along. I am glad you went with your gut feelings. That was VERY wise. As much as you want one you have to see through the "Red-mist" as we call it when you want a Ferrari so badly.

You made the right call. Keep us updated when you find another one. There are more out there and yours is one of them.

MB

 

That is not true my friend. Engine problems can cost you WAY more than a little rust repair.

MB

 

+1

 

Now you're talkin'!

MB

 

I love the whole 308 series BUT, for an additional $6k it would be the QV that belongs to one of the Guys, period.

 

Agreed. 6k more for a qv and from an f chat member would get my vote.