1985 308 GTS question

Welcome - the basic 308 drivetrain has 150 000 miles easy - what is your definition of higher mileage ?

 

For some bizarre reason, when it comes to the Ferrari 3*8 range, most people seem to think anything over 30,000 miles is high mileage!

I'd say that if a Ferrari 3*8 has been treated with a bit of respect, serviced every year, warmed up correctly, and driven sensibly, then you can add another 50,000 miles to your 150,000 miles.

Mechanically at least, the Ferrari 3*8 series is tougher than people give it credit for.

 

The miles alone aren't going to make it one to avoid, but we can probably offer better feedback if we can see pictures of the body, engine bay, interior, etc.

 

All you need to do is Google the VIN. Here it is: https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1985/ferrari/308/101651032

 

Is that car still available? The dealer's website doesn't have it listed. It may be an old autotrader ad that hasn't been removed yet.

 

My 89 328 has 104 K miles, and is good for another 100 K , its that simple.

Thank you

 

For the OP—first, welcome to Ferrarichat!
Lots of great people here to guide you. Many threads on 308s in the archives.
Next, don't be scared off by 86k miles on a 308. Provided the car was serviced and maintained properly—as this one is advertised to be—it should be a good car for many years. Unless you plan to do service/maintenance work yourself, find a trusted mechanic local to you before you get the new-to-you Ferrari. As such, it's a good idea to get the car checked out with a PPI to give you a detailed report on the car's condition. Use the report as a guide so you have a good idea what to expect (and budget for).
Aside from that, If you can, try to meet up with some local 3X8 owners (at FCA events, Cars and Coffee, etc.) and get their feedback on what to look for. Maybe they will let you go see their cars in person, and possibly drive, to get first-hand insight. Go see as many as you can and do research on the model (Keith Bleumel's excellent Ferrari V8 book as one reference).
That's what I did when I was looking to buy my Mondial. Met several nice folks who were more than happy to show me their cars and offered their advice with some great pointers on what to look for. Learned a lot going into it. And yes, there will be surprises. But doing your due diligence ahead of time is a good way to prepare for that.
308 QVs are great cars. Good luck!

 

The interior is slightly rough - nothing major, but a few areas that need to be addressed. The vinyl is coming off the AC vent bezels under the (awful) stereo; the indicator lights are starting to pop out of the gauge cluster. Relatively easy things to fix, though. The floormats are also incorrect - they look like GTB mats, and are ill-fitting.

The engine compartment isn't that bad, but I get the feeling a lot of those hoses are original and need to be replaced.

Given that it's in Ohio, I'd want to see a LOT of pics of the underside. Rust is a ***** in the midwest from all the snow and salt.

 

I had a PPI done on my Mondial by a reputable shop near to the seller. While it is advisable and highly recommended to go in person while it's being inspected, I made the arrangements over the phone/email. The report was satisfactory, but didn't catch *all* the issues. It happens. I still made the deal.
As for this 308, I'd suggest searching the North Central region (OH area) to see if someone has already got a reputable shop. I saw one recent thread where NJB Automotive is mentioned, and they do PPIs. So you might give them a call to discuss.

 

I also was looking at it as well, had a person in area look at for me, and I decided to walk away. Best of luck looking

 

I saw this on the internet in case your interested

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

86,000 is great!

The car can do twice that easy and you get it cheaper.

There is NO downside to the mileage if you want a driver to keep.

 

"Matching numbers" lol

It isn't Corvette. They guy who is saying that about that 308 has no clue what he is saying.

BTW, that one has been repainted. Incorrectly.