1983 Ferrari 308 QV as daily driver? Or should I just go modern?

Old BL Minis are insanely easy to work on and less complicated then many new riding mowers.

Working on them is half the fun! Even as beaters they didn't require very much (broken exhaust valve here, mufflers there and a motor mount in between).

 

Can you define what you mean by "get to get a higher price car"?

Is this a lump sum deal? Is it from the national academic achievement body, or a parental incentive?
Does it cover just the purchase price of the vehicle? Or does it include maintenance, service, repairs? How much per year, for how many years?
Who is covering the insurance costs? Have you looked at the premium for daily driving each of these cars? You may not be able to get DD coverage for a 308 any more, especially for a 16 year old. I expect DD insurance premiums for a 16 year old on a Cayman or 4C will be astronomical, but at least available.

 

This made my night!

 

Yes. Any car can.

Go for it. If bought right you can always sell it for the same if you decide. It isn't going to have any depreciation in the next year unlike any 16' model. (if you take care of it that is)

 

my dad drove his QV every day as a daily, went out with it, went shopping with it, was his only car for many years, but he really looked after the car and he really loved it. Back then it drove magnificently, when something broke he simply got it replaced.
He used to joke that he is getting older but the car stays the same.
Bottom line is he bought it to drive it and enjoy it. Some people enjoy it in their garage, which is fine as well.
I drive it now every chance I get with no interest in the mileage...

 

Bit I missed off was in my view it takes around about 6 months of driving in all conditions before you understand how a vehicle responds so whatever you decide beware. No need to go fast /rev/push to the limit in a 308 anyhow as your driving a beautiful car that speaks to you more lower speeds.

 

Is this a joke??

Best
Martin

 

Great thoughts to the young lad,but the quote above would be my way of thinking.

Not as much fun but later is a better pay off.

 

There's no reason a 3x8 can't be a daily driver as far as just using the car. Obviously, the fact that we're talking a considerable level of maintenance compared to a modern car means you have to be prepared for that as well as any real or perceived reliability issues. I do have to say that I'd suggest a 328 GTS as opposed to a 308, simply because the '28 is probably the most reliable of all the "classic" Ferraris and it looks sufficiently like Magnum's 308GTS that the vast majority of people you will run into (not literally, I hope) think it's the same car..

When I was in high school, the only thing that mattered was who had the fastest and loudest car. None of us cared about reliability, comfort, safety, etc, though we did wear seat belts, but only "because race car drivers do." Now, my view is pretty much the opposite, I'd rather be comfortable,reasonably safe, and I hate loud exhausts but if traveled back in time and tried to explain that to my 18-year old self, that guy would just laugh at the comments of "that stupid old man."

SO...I would say that if you prefer the 3x8 to the other cars, get it. As noted, at worst you could probably sell it and not lose much money if you find it doesn't work for you. At least then you will be able to say that you owned a Ferrari for a while...

 

1) A classic Ferrari shouldn't be a daily driver, but it can be that, of course.

2) Just don't forget that the cost of the car maintenance is the same of a modern Ferrari (or even more). The same for the fixing costs after a damage during a small crash, more or less.

3) the car is small, very low, not much comfortable, almost no room for luggage, zero safety devices.

4) the car is old, so the probability of a fault is very high, whatever fixing or big service you did in advance: on a daily driver car you usually don't like that.

I think it's NOT suited for daily use, but if you want you can do it, of course: there are many that just drive bikes...

ciao

 

As far as my experiences with "young youngsters" go: them driving in rear wheel drive cars, with some horsepower and ehh "presence/charisma (the cars, I mean) sooner or (a little bit) later ends in tears...

But to be honest: my first thought was exactly Martin's .

 

Congratulations on acheiving a nationally-outstanding academic achievement award. Now to you question, which car would be good as a daily driver? This all depends on you, your discretionary budget, and if the trunk space is big enough for you. LOL

All kidding aside, and not knowing your financial status, it makes it hard for anyone here to make a reccomendation. If you were to say, "I live in CA, will be driving around 3,000 - 4,000 miles a year and can afford the expense of a belt change, oil changes, let alone any un foreseen expense". I would say go for the 308qv as you only live once and it appears you earned it. A 308qv can be driven daily if maintained accordingly.

I would caution you and say, it's very typical that most owners of an any exotic car typically have a couple cars at their disposal, based on the situation at hand. So keep that in mind.

 

Well yes...mine was like Martin's, and a bit like Alberto's also.
I'm thinking about my 328s, so not exactly 308...but:
The first thing we do not know here is if the original poster has already driven a 308? Because it is one thing to like the shape of a car, and another thing to still like it after you have driven it, especially a 30 to 40 years old car. Now, as for myself I don't mind these at all, because during my national service in the Army I drove trucks from the fifties, and got my driver's licence in 1978 at 18, so I am at ease with the 328s: we are of the same vintage.

Driving one would also give him a slightly better perspective of the challenge involved to use one as a Daily Driver. I do for instance drive mine inside cities from time to time, but I can't say I enjoy this very much...

You can do it, no question about it. But will you enjoy doing it, I am not so sure...

Rgds

 

"I do for instance drive mine inside cities from time to time, but I can't say I enjoy this very much...

You can do it, no question about it. But will you enjoy doing it, I am not so sure..."

Exactly right - A couple of years ago I drove a friend's GT40 - a REAL one, not a replica, around the Annapolis area for a day. If forced to, I could use it as a daily driver but I doubt there could ever be a more miserable car for that purpose. BUT...if someone had offered it to me FOR THAT when I was in HS...HECK YEAH! "FUN, Fun Fun, till Daddy takes the GT40 away!"

 

I think we already told you everything you need to take a decision: the maintenance cost of a 35 years old Ferrari with 100+ k miles for daily driving isn't anything predictable.



ciao

 

Plus, Mike, should we refer to your post the other day...
Imagine doing some city traffic in it, bumper to bumper, this on a rainy day! That would be a useless waste.

I try to spare my cars for nice trips as much as possible, on twisty roads, without too much traffic, trying to maximise the "pleasure miles" (well, kilomètres, actually) and avoid the "useless miles", those done without being able to enjoy the car fully.
So before driving, I use to think: "are you sure you - and the car - will enjoy this one?" (sort of "was this trip really necessary", if you like).
Doing city traffic with one of the 328s only pleases me when I see people looking at the car...(not at yours truly).

Rgds

 

You should REALLY try one before deciding. I love mine, but I am from the same vintage. A friend who has never driven one before, and tried one a few days ago, told me that the gearbox was worst than "the one of an old soviet tractor", that his arms could not handle the steering at idle, etc...

Rgds

 

In my early 20's right after college I DD a C2 corvette convertible (summers). Leaked, smelled etc but the HVAC worked and windows are mechanical so most of the basics were covered so I'm not affraid to go down this road. However the 308 can be a little different.

308 can be a DD but requires a lot of factors to fall into place for it to make sense and be successfull. Those range from your geographic location to age, type of storage/parking availablity and experience with cars. Way to many variables to start with a 308 as a DD. During the summer (midwest) I basically DD between 348/mondial/esprit and C2 corvettes so I in the glass half full camp. I'm now 46 (bought a 308 when I was 30 and even that was a little scary) but I have some years under my belt and a place to work on and keep the car. If you want a cool ride as a DD for that young of an age go for a high mile 360, NSX, 996/7, BMW M, or even a Gen 2 viper before a mid 80's 308 IMO

 

One could make the argument that the space shuttle or a motorized Bar stool could be used as daily transportation also. Doesn't make it practical or a good idea however. I remember wanting a 308 at the age of 17 so badly I could taste it. Truthfully, can't think of many cars that would be more ill suited then a 308. Virtually guaranteed to get it keyed weekly in a University parking lot. Having your vehicle flat bedded 100 miles to someone willing to address a service or engine repair is the norm for many. Anyone touch on deferred maintenance and fire risk yet?. Easily stolen? Outrageous insurance premiums for someone under the age of 21? Etc. etc. Not trying to rain on your parade but if you wait a few years you will love the experience. Right now will bury you financially. Just My $.50 ( red mist tax )

 

+1: also a 1942 Sherman MBT or a 1941 Supermarine Spitfire V fighter can be used as a daily driver, but never saw one parked in a mall parking lot...

A 308 is much more user friendly than a Spitfire, pf course, but I think it's much better to buy someting else as a daily driver.

ciao

 

I would prefer a Macchi 202 "Folgore" to that Spitfire, but that's of course a matter of taste...

Rgds

 

Agree with a lot that has been said already so I'll keep it short. Yes, you could daily drive a 308, but it's a bad idea. Do yourself a favor and wait until you can buy the 308 as a second, weekend car.

 

If this is true, you don't want a 30 + year old Ferrari.

You also don't want a Porsche.

Get a Subaru WRX or a VW Golf GTI. You and your parents will be happier.

 

You are amazing, Bruno! Yes, I agree: the Macchi MC 202 "Folgore" would have been my "daily driver vintage fighter" first pick too!

And then It had the prancing horse (Cavallino Rampante) too, as it was delivered (also) to the 4th fighter squadron "Francesco Baracca" (Quarto Stormo Caccia), that had the prancing horse emblem and that already was at the time the "Scuderia Ferrari" official emblem.

Excellent choice!

ciao

Edit: I mentioned the Spitfire and not the Macchi 202 as I supposed that nobody here could know something about the Macchi while many could know the Spitfire: Fchat is always amazing.. So: don't buy a Cessna as your daily airplane, buy a Folgore...

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