Team, I’m looking at a 348 spider with 18k miles. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive an advance copy Of the full service history via PDF from the dealer, every record since new. I’m trying to review it but given this is my first Ferrari I want to know what the major things to look for, or to notice the absence of, are. I know there are other threads but the docs on 348 are a bit sparse. Obviously I’m getting a PPI but my experience has taught me that I must take responsibility for exactly what that PPI needs to check for. Image Unavailable, Please Login Ideally a list of things from a current owner who has suffered thru the major things, would be most helpful. Thanks! Josh
WHAT A COLOR!!!! sjd P.S. if the ppi doesn't catch that the front wheels are on the wrong sides, don't pay.
...and welcome to the best bunch of Ferrari owners there are... Spyders have their own list due to the top, which being manual doesn't seem to be a big deal, unless something breaks. As with all 348, history and any documented services are extremely helpful in getting you to a great starting point to really enjoy the car. Check out my348.com for a lot of things that have gone wrong, and a lot of ways to solve them. If you drive it cold, 2nd gear may be sticky until it warms up. Just shift 1-3 until the car is warm. push all the buttons on the hvac, make sure the fan on the HVAC runs through all its speeds. Know when the timing belt was done last. if you don't know, there's a date code on the belt. listen to weird bearing noises coming from the front of the engine. being a spyder, it'll be post TSB bearing, but all that stuff is sneaking up on 30 years old. Be prepared for "while you're in there" things if you do a timing belt maintenance. sjd
Thanks so much Steve. Question: this car has amazing docs all the way from new at the same dealer. All 3 owners used them. How (un)advisable do you think a PPI at the same dealer would be? I can never decide on this, I feel like it’s a conflict but it went ok last time I did it with my Aston.
I don't feel a dealer ppi is extensive effort .(usually).. Where is the car located ..let us know and I am sure there will be an expert Indy near by that can do a much better job Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk
That's a huge positive, and they should have no problem with you taking it to an independent. I'll have to let the PPI guys chime in, as I bought mine without one. sjd
I got one on my 348 since it was across the country. With how soft the market is right now if anything I would use it as a negotiating tool and recoup at least the cost of the PPI, that's what I did plus some. That color is awesome so get moving! Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
There are pre-purchase checklists you can use also. I did my own PPI (its pretty basic stuff), I checked the autochek/carfax and had a shop do a Compression and leak down test. Those are not part of a PPI but are more important than the normal PPI stuff which you can generally do yourself. Do this checklist also http://www.my348.com/348PrePurchaseInspection.htm
The car is just north of Chicago at Lake Forest Ferrari. I am debating whether going with an outside indie, or taking it to the other dealer across town, Continental ferrari In my prior experience, mostly BMW, I find dealerships to be lazy and actually fairly poorly experienced with older vehicles, so I’m inclined towards indies. But Ferrari’s are a different animal so would love to hear opinions I started a PPI thread in the local forum for Midwest, FYI
Color is Rosso Monza. And I’ve got the deposit down on it already Flying out Thursday to see her with my own eyes
I would highly recommend above all else, find somebody that has a 348 close to you. Preferably one that has done some of the maintenance by themselves. I think if you could put your hands on another car to compare it to it would help you the most.
For the lookers: https://www.ferrarilakeforest.com/inventory/used-1995-ferrari-348-spider-rwd-convertible-zffrg43a4s0098971 dang. beautiful. I'd love to detail this one. quick list: Sticky surfaces, paint needs correcting. Front wheels on the wrong side with directional rubber (check the date codes on the tires (rears look like 2011?)). Wear wise, everything seems in line for a 15k mile car. Gaps look good. sjd
I live close by in northern IL suburbs and own a 95 348 spider. I have had my major done at Ferrari Lake Forest. was able to visit during engine out and staff friendly and have at least one certified Ferrari mechanic/tech on staff. I've had mine since '08 with 22k miles now. any questions feel free to ask here or shoot me an email at [email protected].
Hi boys, I owned 348 years ago, a beautiful car ( mini Testarossa) that was not a great build though, probably the worst in the series between 308 to F8) not sure on F8 but I am ordering mine now so I will comment on that hopefully soon. But the 348 I had just wore me down with all the little things, from interior build and quality to the high ticket mechanical issues belts bearings etc, A 360 is a fun car, much better build, and if you relay want something special get a 458 if the budget allows you to.
Oops one last thing, the spider roof is not very reliable, if you really have you heart set on a 348 get the ts or tb, that spider roof issue is also prevalent in the 355
I have one, corsa red, love the color of this one. Dont overlook electronics/controls/HVAC. Painful to sort out and parts can be hard to find. Make sure that the clock sets time and keeps it. Run and adjust the heater and AC for more than a few minutes to make sure that you dont get any error codes. There is a way to put the display into diagnostics (posted elsewhere on the site). I would hate to have to find a replacement HVAC controller.
The 355 roof is all automated and very complicated, the 348's is easy as pie and very simple. I would not shy away from a 348's top, but would on a 355's....
You are correct the 355 spider roof is trouble, if you ever looking for answers, I always use Classic Coach, they know all models of Ferrari inside and out,
If I may ask, what will the cost be for this beautiful red spider? I am looking at one, but need more pricing info first.
