A first Ferrari

Hello

I'm a Canuck so you will have to excuse me as I live in the Great White North. I'm the wrong side of 60 year young and a little handicapped with arthritis but still have game and I own 2 Porsches that have appreciated in leaps and bounds over the last five years but I'd like something else

I've studied this forum for the past 6 months and prior to that have looked a couple of different Ferrari's. I have looked pretty serious at a 328 and also a 348 but in buying one with something like 60k km on the car and scheduling to drive it about 3-4 K km a season which would be the the cost efficient car to maintain and between the two which would be the most expensive to repair and I guess the most important thing would be what are the chinks in the armour of each car ?? Are these good choices for a first time Ferrari

Thanks your comments are appreciated

John

 

Welcome to F chat, my first was a 328 bought in 1997 when it was 10 years old. They have doubled in price from what I sold it for in 2000. At the time I thought it was expensive, parts and labor at the dealer
Own a 355 today, all F car parts were cheaper 15 years ago.
Go to the seperate forums for 328/348 and read up on them. Both cars are over 25 years old at this point. Condition and maintenance will be determining factors, a well maintained and serviced car should not be a problem with either model.
Both good choices for a first F car in my opinion.
Let us know when you make the choice.

 

Enzojr

Thanks for the heads up. Now I can spend this winter in this frozen land looking for what've in the garages.

Thanks for the info. Will definitely look to buy one soon.

Thanks

John

 

Given your arthritis, a Mondial is easier to get in and out, is more comfortable, and is more roomy than a 308, 328, or 348. I'm not quite your age (55), but am at the stage of life where comfort is a major issue in a car.

The Mondials have the same drivetrain as the 308, 328 and 348s (given the same year)

80-82 Mondial 8 -> 308 2valve
83-85 Mondial QV -> 308 4 valve
86-88 Mondial 3.2 -> 328
89-93 Mondial t -> 348

The Mondial t and 348s are probably a little more expensive to maintain, as they have a longitudinally mounted engine that requires the engine out of the car for the major service. The others have transverse mounted V8s, which allow the major service to be done with the engine in the car.

I've owned an 85 Mondial QV since Jan of this year. This has the same drivetrain as the 1985 308. I've tried to put about 100 miles a month. Haven't always been able due to work or other life interfering. I bought the car with 65,000 miles on the odometer.

Since you asked about Maint Costs, here is what mine has cost me so far in 9 months of ownership:

- So far only minor repairs

Hood, trunk, and engine lift strut replacement ~100
Oil and Trans fluid change ~150
Fuel Line Replacement ~100
Alternator Rebuild ~130 ***This was the worst failure so far
SunRoof Fix ~100
Cold Start Valve ~100
A/C Recharge ~100
New Battery ~150
Misc (cleaners, wipers blades, etc) ~100
Total repairs so far ~980.00 USD

Still to come expenses

Major Service / Belt Change in 2016 or 2017 ~1500
A/C Compressor Rebuild/exchange ~1000 (it works, but makes chattering noise)
Interior Re-Dye, Currently underway ~300 (I'm going to try Leatherique)
New Tires ~1000 (They have about 1 year life left in them)
Total known future expenses ~3800 USD

Maint costs for a well sorted 308 should be about the same.

Hope this helps. Keep in mind that my 27YO son and I do all the maintenance ourselves. That helps keep maint costs low. If we had to pay for the Major service, rather than 1500 (for the parts) - I think the average cost is around $5K to $8K.

Good luck. Which ever Ferrari you choose will be a fun car. I haven't regretted my purchase in the slightest.

Sid

 

John, welcome to F Chat. I purchased a 348 Speciale almost 2 years ago and love it. However, I'm 6'-3" and it's a bit awkward to get in and out of when I have the targa top on. So, depending on your mobility (and height) a 348 spider or removable top are some options to consider.

 

Welcome aboard!