Considering 308

That's a big can of worms you've opened. I'd suggest you start in the 308/328 section on this site, then make liberal use of the search function.

Also be warned, buying the car is only a portion of the ownership experience. They are as costly to maintain as you've always heard they are. My car is over $1/mile in maintenance in the 5 years I've owned it.

 

Check the 308 section for detailed info. Do a search.
Sometimes one will show up at local events, but mostly 328s which are the same size.
PS If you can spare the extra coin get a 76 fiberglass car.

 

DEFINITELY search the 308 threads. Also, do the following:

(1) Check out Birdman's 308 guide (he's an Fchatter, just look up "Birdman"). It's a great resource.

(2) Pick up the October issue of Hemmings -- it's supposed to have a good article.

(3) Pick up Forza's current issue for the v8 market report.

There is SOOOO much information on Fchat about this question, because a 308 is obviously a very good entry point. Yes, they are expensive to maintain, but a well-sorted one is MUCH less expensive than just about any other Ferrari (for one thing, most repairs don't require you to pull the engine out, like in a 355 for example).

If you get one in good shape, they are a blast to drive. Don't kid yourself, just about any modern high performance car can beat you in speed and power, but driving a 308 is about so much more than that. I'd take my 308 over a brand new Vette ANY DAY. Nothing comes close to the feel, sound, mystique and pride of Ferrari... It's about the timeless style, the history, the "tifosi" culture...

Good luck, and be sure to post pics when you get it!!!.

Oh and by the way, I'm from Austin and while I now live in NY, I am strongly considering a move back to Austin. If I do, my Ferrari comes with me.

J.

 

Wow, mine has not even been close to that. Maybe .20/mile and half of that was by choice, not because it was necessary.

 

Great 1st Ferrari to own. I had a high mileage 85 GTB as my 1st Ferrari. Pretty simple layout, parts available, fun to drive and available in all kinds of conditions. Just make sure you have money on the side for the 1st time it shows that Ferrari character. Prepare to be in love with a car.

If you have a German car in the garage keep them seperated...the Ferrari will tell the BMW/Porsche/Mercedes/VW/etc that it is OK to break because you will fix it (thoroughly plagarized from someone at Norwoods in Dallas).

-Mike

 

Mine stands at over $5 a mile Not complaints here though... got a "new" interior out of it.

 

$/mile calculations are deceptive and not entirely useful for a Ferrari. Clearly, careful maintenance is required to keep your car in good shape. On the 308, like on most other Ferraris, there are certain known issues (e.g. overheating). But again, this is within your control to some degree. If you get a clean car that's well-maintained, you thoroughly check it out before you drive it, do the major if due and take care of little things you find, you can reduce (note I did not say eliminate) your chances of having major maintenance issues. Also, as I and others have said, a 308 is much cheaper to maintain than just about any other Ferrari.

Finally, the best way to reduce this ratio is to DRIVE MORE!!! More miles = more fun = *fewer* dollars per mile. These cars are meant to be driven. Sure, the more you drive the more gas, tires, little fixes you may need, but the major maintenance is the same whether you drive a little or a lot.