I am looking at purchasing a 348. I just sold my 85 QV and was wondering what I should look for? Thanks
Here's a start: http://www.ferrariclub.com/faq/348versions.html http://www.modena-motors.com/348%20Buyers%20Guide.htm I like the 348, and the more I have learned about them, I have found they are really no worse than the 355 in reliability. If you like the look (controversal), they are probably the top performance bargain in 8 cylinder Ferraris. The way prices have fallen for 355's in the past couple years, the 355 makes more sense for me to consider now.
Just got to reply to this!!! the 348 no worse than the 355 in reliability!!!!!!!! NO WAY just read all the tests and opinions and archives to see why!
I base it mainly from actually speaking to 348 owners, and find that their problems are not as bad as has I have typically read. Most of the bad rep was with the early cars (89 to 91), and even most of them have being upgraded or fully sorted by now. The 355 issues seem to continue to mount...exhaust headers, valve guides, leather dash shrinkage, console plastic warpage, F1 trans issues, shock failures....I'm just finding that the two (348/355) models seem to be merging together in their respective issues...that is a 348 is probably not as bad as initially thought, and the 355 is probably a bit worse than people originally thought....probably because (finally) most of the 355's out there are starting to accumulate some miles (20k and more). I'm not bagging on the 355, I intend to get one, just my casual observation
No thats fair enough! I can only say that of the 3 Ferrari dealers I know in the UK they all say that the 348 is definately one of the worst in terms of reliablity. There are issues with early 355 as you mention also
I owned a 348 TS and then a 355 GTS before going to a 360 spider. Personally I would recommend a spider rather than targa roofed versions. Firstly, being in the UK we have to worry about rain/leaking more than many US based owners. The canvas roof is far better than rubber seals at keeping rain out. That was the main reason for me switching to the 360! Secondly, the spiders are always released later than the hard top versions so inherently it gets past the issue of earlier models and their teething difficulties. As for 348 vs 355 - in terms of looks, its a personal thing - make your own mind up. Regarding today's car performances - the 348 will ease away from most things whilst the 355's extra gear does help to leave others for dead. Reliability, I found the 355 slightly better especially with the electrics but no worse than you's expect when comparing a 4 year old car with a 10 year old model. Izza
