Best value for first timer, ditching the Viper

Many of us who gravitated toward the classic and then vintage all started out with fast modern cars and worked up/back. While the 246 and Daytona are out of reach for most, the steel 308s and 328s are still relatively affordable to buy and own. I don't think $60K buys a great 328 any longer, but most of the steel 308s will easily be in that range for a nice original car.

I like the ease and convenience of the modern stuff, but the actual driving experience of the 308/328 is very manual and mechanical -- very "Ferrari". The a/c is crap, and the ergonomics are old school, but you either like it or you don't.

They are much quicker than the 246 and will probably run with an early lightweight 911. It's all relative. A Viper/Corvette is going to be a missile compared to a 308/328 or even a 360, and I suspect a new Boxster S would outrun a 360 (and outhandle and outbrake it).

My 328 was trouble free during the four years I had it.

It depends what you want out of a car. I never tracked my 328, but never found it underpowered on FOC weekend drives with F430s, 360s, 355s, 996/997s, etc. It always felt properly compact, with a great view over the fenders, and a beautifully done interior with no sticky plastic or digital stuff.

You are correct. 348, 355, 360 and TR need the engine pulled. F430 went to timing chains. 308/328 can have a full major service without pulling engine.

 

I don't think 3x8s require engine removal for any routine service, but I defer to others more expert. On the other hand, I have to think that they are expensive to maintain in terms of parts and competent labor costs, so I think it wise to reserve money for that so you don't stretch to acquire and then face some kind of daunting expense.

Also, I'd really be sure what you want is a more "vintage" driving experience and all that entails. The 3x8 will be pretty slow and will likely feel pretty sloppy due to chassis flex and perhaps worn bushings and other suspension bits. The 70s and 80s were simply not the golden era for very many cars, and I don't think the 3x8 is any exception. Gorgeous to look at, great V-8 sounds especially at higher rpms, but objectively they don't drive as well as even an early Boxster. As you can tell, I am not a big fan, so discount my comments accordingly.

 

The 360 doesn't need an engine drop for belts. It has a removable panel behind the seats that allows access.

 

You might want to at least look at a Mondial t cabrio. Unlike the three cars you mentioned, you'll get excellent power steering and a full open top. There is room for passengers in the back if front drivers are willing to move uncomfortably forward. However, without backseaters, the Mondials are very spacious, way more than a 308. I think the Testarossa will have decent low end torque like the Viper while the 308 - Mondial t need to be revved. This is what makes driving them fun, you have to work the gearbox.

Dave

[ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YLYpGFJuQqk&feature=c4-feed-u[/ame]

 

360. You wont regret it but remember the torque curve is significantly different from a viper. You can also find high mileag 550s for 60k. Theyre rare but they do appear from time to time.

 

Theyre out there for 55-65k. Just be patient and ready to pounce. Wintertime is the best time to look. Ive always noticed a solid 10% price difference between winter and all other months

 

No love for the TR???? Factory recommends a major service (engine out) every 5 years or 15k miles. Its about 6K if nothing else is needed. With that said, Many knowledgeable TR owners go 7 years between majors. Like most F-cars, they like to be driven. If it sits the belts will have problems.

All the Fcars you have mentioned will not match the level of performance of your Viper. Personally I would go for a 348 hardtop over the 308/28.

The three most beautiful words in the English language are, "Thats my Ferrari."

 

There is something about a ferrari 12. A 550 is probably too expensive, and maybe not too differnt from a modern like a vette.

If you can handle the looks, or like them, then a TR is the way to go. You get that iconic flat 12 motor, endless thrust, great classic driving experience all for 55k or less. Yes you have to do the engine out, but as otehrs have said thta is a 7-8 year interval, its the oil leaks thta bring it on, modern belts last a long long time.

Also if you are used to torque and power, the older 8's just dont have it. I can also see Tr's starting to appreciate, its certainly not going to be worth less, whereas a 360 like the 355 can keep going down.

A TR will give you all of that vintage or classic appeal of a 328 with power and speed too, you just gotta be able to go with the looks.

As to running an older ferrari. Edmunds.com did a long term test of a 308Qv, you can get a pretty good idea from reading that. Evo in the Uk did something similar with a 550.

My rule of thumb is figure 5k per year in operating costs, some years less some more. I dont think the figure for a 360 550 or TR is goumg to be too different over a10 year spread, save that anything big will be easier and less expensive to fix on a TR.

 

+ 1 Boxerman.

OP, One of the Fcars will definitely call out to you. As a kid, I watched Magnum PI, Miami Vice etc. The first time I saw the White TR, I was gobsmacked. Kinda like I am looking at the new Stingray (ducks for cover).

Let me tell you a little story. Back in 1991 I was im my late 20's living outside Park City driving a 1970 Buick Lesabre. More rust than paint.....it was all I could afford while I was putting myself through college. One day I drove past Steve Harris Imports in Salt Lake City and saw a white TR parked next to a F40. I circled the block, parked and walked inside. I just stared at it, the most beautiful thing ever made. The F40 was also beautiful, but I didnt feel the lightning like I did staring at the TR. Needless to say the salesman wouldn't even let me within 5 feet of the TR. Not even to touch it.

In 2003, I was chronologically 'grown up', found a white TR on Ebay (Oregon) and bought it. I drove it back to LA and spent the night in a hotel outside of San Francisco. That evening, I was going over the books and records in the hotel room. It was originally sold In 1991 by Steve Harris Imports, Salt Lake City Utah. It was the same Blanco / Nero 1990 TR I stared at 12 years before.

One of the reasons I love the TR, and to some extent the 348, is the small use of ECu's and huge online resources. I can turn a wrench and there is plenty of room to work with. My current TR is a 1990 that I bought a year ago. In that time, I sent out the fuse box (known problem) to have all the high draw items put on separate relays. I also went through the entire engine bay removing all electrical connectors and cleaning any contaminates for optimal connectivity. The tach was acting up and cost $205 to be rebuilt. Front hood shocks $50. The cannon plug to the one ECU was over tighned by a previous mechanic ($30 including the re-pin tool). Minor stuff.

The TR motor is known to be highly reliable. Like any car, especially with low usage, problems can occur. But I drive my beast a few times a week. Neither TR has left me stranded.

I also agree that TR prices have begun to tick upward. $60k is reasonable budget for lower mileage car with current belts.

The TR area of Fchat has a great parts cross link thread. IE radiator fan in yellow box from Ferrari $785 / same radiator fan from SPAL (OEM) $130.

The question you have to ask, is what car call to you.