308 GTBi for dummies?

I am very happy with my 308, but having your first car be an '80s Ferrari is quite a big bite to take. '80s cars aren't like 2007 cars and this thing is not terribly practical as a daily driver - though it's a blast one a nice day! If you plan to use it like your bikes, then you are probably fine. Others here are much more experienced than I with prices and so on, so I will let them comment on that.

 

'81 is one of the least desired years because it has the least hp of the bunch. So, $32K is probably near the top of what you should pay for such a car. Have it inspected by a local Ferrari shop (what's called a Pre-Purchase Inspection, or PPI). I'm sure someone here from the Seattle area can recommend somebody. That will invariably turn up issues with the car, they all have issues. You can then get a good idea what it would cost to bring the car up to tip-top shape and either move on or use it to negotiate the price.

 

I'd recommend you do a lot more research before leaping in. The 1980-82 308s are the least desired of the run, being low on power due to a poor application of fuel injection to replace the emissions-naughty carbs, and having zero rustrproofing.

$32K doesn't seem stupidly high if it is a great car, but after 27 years you're going to want to see some verifiable service records. Some of these 8-valve cars (pre-16 valve, with started in '83) had bad oil-buring problems and needed their engines replaced under warranty. 25K miles is low-ish for an '81, but the odometers on these cars are easily (and often, due to the premium on low-mileage Ferraris) disconnected. If you don't know the history of the car, I wouldn't place too much trust in the odometer.

The gearboxes are sluggish on startup, with 2nd gear hard to access. If someone forced it, you might have a bad 2nd gear synchro. Clutches are expensive and don't seem to last especially long - figure $1500+ if you need a new one. If the engine is making poor or uneven compression, figure $10K+ to rebuild it. Electricals on 308s are crap - check the power windows (they're always slow, often broken), all switches, headlamps, etc.

For service costs, Ferrari recommends a timing belt service every three years. Some people say you can go longer. For an idea of service costs:

http://emelbon.tripod.com/eugeniosferrariservice.html

Dealer's will charge more - this guy's a very reputable independent Ferrari tech, just as a point of reference.

The 308 isn't bad as far as Ferrari parts costs go, but ... they're all bad.

Hope this helps. They're pretty cars. Just make sure you're going into it as a hobby and not counting on this car as your primary transport. Parts and service take longer to get than with a normal car.

 

That is too much for that car. The 25K on the clock is of no additional value so don't let that be the markup reason. It is a bit rare being a closed model (vs a GTSi). Forget the oil bunning thing. It is nothing to worry about from a practical point of view. You just have to add 2-3 qts every 700 miles instead of 1. Big deal. At the rate these things get driven that means an extra $27 operating costs per year. Wow.

As for performance you will be disappointed. BUT don't let that stop you from getting it. Life is not a 0-60 race and if you think you will do much much better in a QV - forget it. I own a QV and I REFUSE to go stoplight to stoplight against a new 4D Honda Accord auto with a mom in it and a baby seat in the back. If I did it will not be pretty (for me).

Have the car inspected, make sure the belts are less than 3 years old (or knock off at least 2 large from the price) and if it is all good take home your new Ferrari and appreciate what it will do (make you a celebrity at every gas stop) - not what it won't (outrun a soccer mom)

Try for 29K and if you can't get it there settle for 30K. The values seem to be going up on these things. If it were 2 or 3 years ago I would have walked at anything over 27K.

Good luck!

 

Clever, witty and correct =)

 

Buying a Ferrari from a Dodge dealership just does not sound like a good idea.

Go with the 76 to 79 carb cars, or jump to mid 80s cars. Lots of great cars here on FerrariAds.com (you can also use the search function to narrow down the listings).

Once you drive a good one, you will be hooked.

 

+1

 

Get Carlo at Alfa of Tacoma to do your PPI, or go on your local thread here and ask for some other members to go check it out themselves and give you their opinion.