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Daily Driver 308?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Jagbuff, Dec 6, 2004.

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  1. Jagbuff

    Jagbuff Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
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    Franck
    #1 Jagbuff, Dec 6, 2004
    I have been toying with the idea of getting an older Ferrari (308) as a daily driver since my commute is pretty short (20 mins each way). Since it is almost a "vintage car" it will be a take back to college year when my main transport was 25 yrs old (Triumphs at the time). Is anyone using their car in that manner? Which model would be best suited injection or carb? Can you share your experience? (Not expecting 100% reliability and have other cars as back ups).
    TIA for the suggestions
    Franck
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #2 GrigioGuy, Dec 6, 2004
    My 328 is a mostly-daily driver, with a 70ish mile round trip commute. I've put just over 10,000 miles on it this year, and 22,000 in just over 2 years.

    It's been pretty reliable, although ancillary systems such as the AC and electrical is somewhat spotty. In Texas the AC is pretty hopeless after 94 degrees or so, due to the rake of the front windshield.

    I've had to put on a clutch cable and a distributor cap in addition to regular scheduled maintenance. Oh, and a set of tires, 2 sets on the back. The car stays dirty, but that's become sort of a running joke in the local club.

    I don't know how the 308 would compare in reliability, but I would imagine a 308GTxI or 308GTxQV would be similar in reliability

    From the archives:
    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26291&highlight=%22daily+driver%22+308

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17749&highlight=%22daily+driver%22+308

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=618&highlight=%22daily+driver%22+308
     
  3. Jagbuff

    Jagbuff Formula 3

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    #3 Jagbuff, Dec 6, 2004
    Tillman - did you do anything with the A/C to make it more efficient/ effective, is it the Borletti dealer installed system or stock? I am also in Texas and reasonably good A/C has to be a consideration. Couldn't find anything specific on that topic in the archives
     
  4. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #4 GrigioGuy, Dec 6, 2004
    The PO made some changes, with a Nippondenso compressor and different vents in the console. I don't know how these translate to a 308.

    See http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/125817.html for the thread where he described his changes. Note that the old Fchat archives read from the bottom up.

    I looked at your website -- is that your 288 clone?
     
  5. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    #5 Nuvolari, Dec 6, 2004
    The short distance drives may result problematic because it takes quite a while for everything to come up to temperature in these cars. If you only drove 20 mins, then the car would just be ready when you arrive. Most wear would take place at this time and you would not have the freedom to really drive the car hard when it is cold. Just something to consider.
     
  6. Jagbuff

    Jagbuff Formula 3

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    #6 Jagbuff, Dec 6, 2004
    Tillman, yes it's my car. I thought about selling it and getting a used 360 but when it came to closing the deal I backed out - hard to replace - 360 is great car but I would be bored to death on the weekends...nothing to tinker with. I am actually in the process detuning it for more regular street use (exhaust, clutch, brakes, A/C maybe), and it should be at Norwoods by the end of the month for new fuel maps and closed loop Lambda. The 308 idea is really because I want a F-car that I can take in the rain... the 308/288 clone is rather wicked on the wet stuff.
     
  7. Bernardo308

    Bernardo308 Karting

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    #7 Bernardo308, Dec 6, 2004
    I use my '79 308 GTB as a daily driver, but only on nice days. If it's going to rain, I take another car to work. Having said that, I probably drive it about 3 days a week, with a 25 mile commute each way. The car has not given me any problems aside from a loose CV boot thru the 7 months I've owned it and the 3,000 miles I've put on it. It did cost a little to sort and get up to a reliable condition though - it seems some owners just don't use them enough! I just don't think the car is very comfortable to use daily, so I'm selling it and getting something more suited to be a daily driver, regardless of the weather :)

    If you're interested in seeing the car:
    http://www.ferrariads.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=2369&query=retrieval
     
  8. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 LightGuy, Dec 6, 2004
    Jagbuff; Saw your car on ebay and talked with you briefly about it, VERY NICE, but changed sadles and am on a quest for a boxer. 308i's get less respect than 308s but mine was great and would recomend it. Less upfront cost and FI reliability are the ticket. Forget about "carbs have more spirit, HP, panache, etc..etc.." the clone would eat both for breakfast. Mind if I stop by Norwoods just for a looksie when car is in?
     
  9. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 kerrari, Dec 7, 2004
    I've been obliged to drive my 308 in the city quite a bit recently and I think what Bernardo308 said is about right - the car doesn't have a problem but it's hard going for the driver, and a bit nervewracking with all the dills on the road in close proximity. I also read once that a car needs to be run at temperature for at least 30mins after startup to ensure all moisture is evaporated out of exhaust, airbox etc...
     
  10. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #10 kerrari, Dec 7, 2004
    I've been obliged to drive my 308 in the city quite a bit recently and I think what Bernardo308 said is about right - the car doesn't have a problem but it's hard going for the driver, and a bit nervewracking with all the dills on the road in close proximity. I also read once that a car needs to be run at temperature for at least 30mins after startup to ensure all moisture is evaporated out of exhaust, airbox etc...
     
  11. Jagbuff

    Jagbuff Formula 3

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    #11 Jagbuff, Dec 7, 2004
    Lightguy - I'll let you know went I drop it off at Norwoods - finding time to make the run up there is the challenge.
     
  12. wise3

    wise3 Formula Junior

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    #12 wise3, Dec 7, 2004
    I'd agree with the responses above. One important factor is the type of commute you would be making. I had a 77 GTB for 17 years, and commuted in it on nice days. My commute was 17 miles, but they were country miles. It took about 5 miles for the car to warm up. South Florida is hot, but my commute was westerly in the morning and easterly in the afternoon, so I did not have the sun shining in through the windshield. Under those conditions, the A/C was fine, and the drive overall was great. I had very few real problems in those 17 years/110,000 miles: 2 seized water pumps (one in my driveway), 2 instances of warped fuse panels, one of which killed the ignition. Lesser annoyances included an A/C receiver/dryer and a chafed through A/C line, and periodic freon. A broken headlight arm. Shocks, bushings, steering rack. All in all, less unexpected work than many older US cars. Oh yeah, about 20 sets of brake pads and one set of front rotors from over 5000 track miles.
     

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