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New kid on the block

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by docweed, Dec 8, 2004.

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  1. docweed

    docweed Formula Junior

    Dec 8, 2004
    452
    Morgantown,WV
    Full Name:
    Chuck Stewart
    #1 docweed, Dec 8, 2004
    Hello everybody...I just joined your Chatline as I have found it to be extremely helpful in my quest to find my 1st Ferrari. There is a lot of interesting, important, and somewhat frightening information like maintenance costs, timing belt failure , and most important unscrupulous sellers. I have been doing research for the past several months online and have learned alot. I'm thinking about a 308 and have found out about the different series ie. GTS,GTSi and QV...pros and cons of each. I'm going to avoid the 81 and 82'. I have some experence with carbs having converted my 75, 911 from FI to a weber setup. Also I've have tuned them so I'm not totally afraid of the earlier 308's. Any help and/or advise would be appreciated. I'm afraid I'll have to purchase one sight unseen as there are none near me at the present time (WV). So any trustworthy dealers and shipping info would be helpful. Thanks out there and I'll wait to hear from you.
    Charlie
     
  2. lateapexit

    lateapexit Rookie

    Dec 4, 2004
    26
    Cleveland Ohio
    Full Name:
    Big B
    #2 lateapexit, Dec 8, 2004
    There is a great article in the new issue of Forza (#59 Feb. 2005) that goes through one guys experience of buying a 308 and the many different models that he looked at and why he didn't buy this or that one and why he settled on the one he did. Entertaining and educational article as I am in the same boat as you except I am looking at deciding between several different models.

    This site and the FCA site are my most visited for research. Do a search on the internet and there are actually alot of web pages of peoples personal experiences and inputs on the 308. Actually I think one of the pages is www.ferrariclub.com. There is a whole article entitled "What should I know before buying a Ferrari 308". it is 8 pages printed long. Ferrari of North America has a great resource on different models and specs, color options ect.

    Also, I would buy or look at as many Ferrari books that you can. I personally like the "Original Ferrari V8" book. It is big and expensive but goes through the models and colors and Vin # 's ect. Also a book called the Complete Ferrari is nice.

    I have been compiling stuff as I come across it for over a year and am finally going to buy something in the next 6-8 months. I am up between a Testarossa, a 328, 412i (5 speed) or a 348ts. Huge difference in all the cars, but I will have my budget set in the time frame I am looking at to buy the one I want and have about 2 years worth of insurance and major maintanence put away for emergencies with the cars.

    Happy hunting and let me know if you have any questions

    Brian
     
  3. docweed

    docweed Formula Junior

    Dec 8, 2004
    452
    Morgantown,WV
    Full Name:
    Chuck Stewart
    #3 docweed, Dec 9, 2004
    Brian:
    Mucho thanks for your reply. I can see that you have done alot of research (more than I) and I think that's the only way. To make a mistake in the purchase of car at the $$$ involved would be disappointing to say the least. I saw the article "What I should know before buying a Ferrari 308" and it listed some very important things to look for. I don't have a subscription to Forza but I'll try to track down #59 and also check out the "Original Ferrari V8" book. I'm envious of the list of Ferrari's you're pursuing and I say go for it. I set my budget at about $40K so I'm looking at 308's and 328's more than that I will just play with my 911 or Split Window. Brian, thanks again and have good luck and fun looking for your dream Ferrari.
    Charlie
     
  4. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
    Full Name:
    Zane
    #4 jaturon, Dec 9, 2004
    Hi and welcome.
    You need to search through this ite as there are huge numbers of threads here regarding 308s so go through them carefully and you will learn alot from facts and experiences of the owners.
    Happy hunting.
     
  5. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 27, 2004
    16,469
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Jim Pernikoff
    #5 Gatorrari, Dec 9, 2004
    Also suggest checking the recent book "Collecting Ferrari" by Sports Car Market magazine. Lots of good ideas in it.
     
  6. lateapexit

    lateapexit Rookie

    Dec 4, 2004
    26
    Cleveland Ohio
    Full Name:
    Big B
    #6 lateapexit, Dec 9, 2004
    You can buy forza at your local barnes & noble or Borders / Waldenbooks ect.

    Brian
     
  7. docweed

    docweed Formula Junior

    Dec 8, 2004
    452
    Morgantown,WV
    Full Name:
    Chuck Stewart
    #7 docweed, Dec 9, 2004

    Jim: Your 328 is a beautiful looking Ferrari and I'll bet your pleased with it. I hope I'll find something as nice as that. I noted the "Prancing Horse" logo on the side of the fender and was wandering why some Ferraris have it and some don't. Is it just the owners prerogative? I read somewhere it was related to Ferraris that were associated with racing teams. Did the 308's display the logo as well? Maybe you can enlighten me. Thanks for the response to my thread.
    Charlie
     
  8. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,516
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    #8 vincent355, Dec 10, 2004
    There is a great 77 308 targa for sale in norcal....might be right up your alley.

    Welcome aboard!
     
  9. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 28, 2003
    43,240
    PNW
    Full Name:
    John
    #9 Jdubbya, Dec 10, 2004

    Charlie,
    Welcome to F-chat and hopefully soon to Ferrari ownership!

    In my opinion the most important thing to look for when buying a car as old as the 308's and 328's is mechanical condition and upkeep.

    I did a lot of research into what model I wanted, what years, what colors etc. Then I went cheap in the one area I shouldn't have...the inspection! Take your time, find the right car for you then get a thorough inspection done by a reputable shop. Don't get me wrong, I love my 308, got a decent deal buying it and don't regret a minute of it.

    If you find a car you might like, go to that region here on F-chat and see if someone will go take a quick look at it for you. Most times you will find more than enough volunteers and usually they can also recommend a local dealer or mechanic for a good PPI (pre-purchase inspection)!!



    Just take your time and dont' buy a car based mainly on price!!

    Oh and the "prancing horse logo" on Jim's car (and mine) is called a Scuderia Shield. The letters S and F next to the horse stand for Scuderia Ferrari or literally translated Ferrari Stables (racing stables). They didn't come on any 308 and there are ALL KINDS of opinions about them here! Some people love 'em and some hate 'em.


    One more thing, most people here love to help out but some questions have been asked MANY times before. Look for and play around with the search feature on this site and you will have a literal wealth of information at your fingertips!! It can be kind of hard to figure out at first but will help you out a ton too!!

    Again, Welcome!!

    John
     
  10. docweed

    docweed Formula Junior

    Dec 8, 2004
    452
    Morgantown,WV
    Full Name:
    Chuck Stewart
    #10 docweed, Dec 10, 2004
    John: You've convinced me to have a PPI done and I was interested in your suggestion of asking a regional FerrariChat member to check out any 308 near them and get their opinion. That would be very comforting to have an independent appraisal. I was familiar with the logo but didn't know what ferraris used them. Personally I like the logo on the side. I tried your suggestion on the search feature and I have been able to zero in on specific topics now. I'll get more proficient in time. Thanks for your advise...it's help like yours that make the search more enjoyable.
    Charlie
     

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