Hi all, About three years ago I inherited a 328 GTS. It's currently sitting in my garage and it doesn't run. According to the dealer it needs a significant amount of work before it is ready for the road. I'm thinking about selling it but I don't know how much I could get for it if it's not running. I also wonder if I could sell it for parts? So anyway, I thought I put my dilemma out there and see if anybody can provide me with some advice. Thanks in advance. Renz
What did the dealer say needed doing ? Is it engine only or body and tires - the car running or not is not really sufficiently valuable to get a sensible answer based on so little information but its almost certainly not worth parting out - you'll never see your labor & time returned - you might get a better answer from one of the smaller local guys previously recommended rather than FOS
Some of the issues include replacing Cam seals, brakes, hoses, tires, alternator, drive belts, inspecting front and rear wheel bearings, and suspension. These items are just the highlights of a much longer list. The total estimate for all repairs needed totals $28,503.
Renz, can you PM me a number where you may be reached? I'm interested in your 328 Kim. I sent a PM to your mailbox!
If you want the most money, part it out; you'll get a lot more for it though it requires a lot of time/trouble in comparison with selling it as is. OTOH, since you have no money in it at all, anything is profit so selling it "as is" for whatever you can get is probably the best from a time/money point of view.
That has to be a record repair estimate that isn't including a complete rebuild. If that number is for real, you have a car presently worth about $20,000 when you do the math.
selling it as is is probably the best way to go. Parting it out can take a long time and you need equipment, storage space, hundreds of things to list and ship, tons of e-mails to go through and return, making sure you get paid.... I once thought of parting an 88 esprit I had and just thinking about the time and hassel involved, I just cut it loose for a pretty big loss.
Typical price for a "major" service in the States seems to be $7-9000 so unless there is a whole heap of bodywork in that estimate I'm really struggling to think why the cost would be that high to re-commission a car like this. Its pretty unlikely that there will be much wrong with things like the wheel bearings & if all you want to do is sell the car afterwards then unless you have a leaking shock then I doubt much will need doing to the suspension either.
Renz - don't under estimate the value of the car you have. Gut feel is the quote you have had for putting it right is very high. If I were you I'd spend a little time researching independent specialists and get a second opinion. I'd love to see a few pics if you have some
Thank you all for your advice! I've always wondered if that quote was reasonable. Today, however, I've had a change of heart. A couple of members of my family would prefer that we keep the car in the family (a thanksgiving day discussion). So, I'm now looking to make repairs/upgrades to the car over the next couple years. If there are any local (seattle) and reasonably priced service shop in the area I would live to get the group's thoughts.
Renz, If the shop/dealer gave you a written estimate or list of repairs, if you scan it and post it here, you'll get some good advice and insight- lots of experienced owners here. Glad you are thinking of keeping it. Jeff
I agree, pretty hefty estimate. Kind of depends on how long it set and if it was stored in a non heated garage. Seattle isn't exactly a dry climate, lived there five years. Mold and moisture issues in every place I rented, not trying to slam the area, just the way it is. +1 with Fairview, posting the estimate would be very helpful.
If you are mechanically inclined you can do the work yourself and save at least $24,000 of your original estimate. This site offers a significant amount of assistance for the DIY'er. In addition to this site check out Birdman's site (a f-chat member) for tutorials. Ferrari 308 Mondial parts and service as well as this thread in the 308 section. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/281516-interesting-3x8-technical-diy-threads.html
Do you read your own threads ? http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/northwest/370243-ferrari-service-facilities.html
@greyboxer - Yes, I do read my own threads! I posted the question again because the last time I asked the group, it really only yielded one lead, despite the list you saw in the last thread. Secondly, I believe the prior thread is about a year old and given the transient nature of shops that service Ferraris, I wanted the most current information the group had to offer. I would be interested to hear any thoughts you may have that addresses my current question/quandary.
Hello all, Thanks again for your thoughts and advice. I have uploaded a quote which is more recent than the number I quoted yesterday (this one tops out at $30K). A little more information, the car has 91,600 miles, and it sat for two years in the elements before I took possession of it. I had the folks at ferrari of washington replace the cam seals and do a few other repairs to get it running. It did run after this repair, but leaked oil badly (a whole other issue I have with FOW). The alternator finally gave out earlier this year and now it sits. This estimate was given to me earlier this year right before the alternator gave out. I've redacted personal and vendor information. My question - is this reasonable? Renz Image Unavailable, Please Login
It is the typical dealer practice of marking up the parts 2x or 3x of prices you can get someplace else. Add to that more expensive labor from a dealer and you will see that $30K bill. You are in a tough place. If you keep it, it has to be a sentimental, or a labor of love thing, because you will be upside down before you can say "ah." At 90K miles, a well running 86 328 can bring $35K on the market. To spend $30K for that car now is non-sensible financially speaking. If it were I, and I realize that my skill set is different from yours, I would ... 1) Spend $10K in parts and my own labor to bring it back to health and it becomes a driver car. 2) Sell it to GT Car Parts for them to break it up. They do pay some money for 328. I sure as hell would not hand $30K to a dealer.
If in your position I would definitely sell as-is, if you are not able to do the work yourself. The quote is huge and someone doing themselves could source the parts for a fraction of the cost and if labor time were not a cost item it would be reasonably economical to do the restoration. Even if you forked out all that money, its very likely you would be running back to them for other issues which appear later, on such a car which has not been kept in a good environment, so it could be an ongoing money-pit. It would be a reasonable buy for someone capable, but a buyer might (should) be alarmed that the car has been kept outside for 2 years so would need to inspect carefully. If the elements have got to it too much it sadly could be a parts car. Fact is, there are many valuable parts on these cars.
If you have a change of heart about keeping the car, PM me. I'm 9 hours away, and would like a project QV or 328. May I ask if you have a clear title to the vehicle? Plus..I would like to look back on year 2013 with plenty of regret! LOL
Lorenzo, an Fchat member "etip" (Eric) is also from Seattle who drive a 308. You might want to contact him as he might be able to help or give you some pointers or advise.
