Decisions, decisions...

Hi,

New to Ferrari chat. Ferrari in the future so I thought I'd get some advice: I can't decide on whether to get a 328 or a 355. I love them both. I've owned a lot of sports cars but it's time for a prancing horse. Any suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

Welcome! You need an unbiased opinion. The 328 Syndicate has done a series of studies on these cars and concluded that you should buy a 328.

Seriously, some of it may come down to whether you like the classic style/dependable 328 or the scorching fast/more modern and comfortable 355. Tons of info on FChat on both cars... hang out a while.
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depends on if you want classic or modern.

the 328 seems to be a sort of old-reliable, can't go wrong kind of thing.

 

Drive em. then decide.

Do you want a spider? 355

Do you want F1? 355

do you want a car that is more demanding of driver skills? 3x8

Do you want airbags and ABS? 355

Do you like to work on your car? 3x8

Do you like to enter concours events? 3x8 if it's original

Hope this helps.

I had a 355 F1 GTS and loved it. the 3x8 is a great car too. Drive em and see what you like.

 

I've owned a 328 and they are good looking cars..but they are so slow...a Honda Civic will outrun you...go with the 355 if you want a V8..but I would go with a TR in that price range

 

Agree the 355 logic dont buy the TR its a different animal the 355 is much more liveable

 

I went through the same dilemma. For me it came down to what I think of when I think Ferrari. Being a teenager in the late '70's, that meant only one thing: 3x8. I could have bought any late model F-Car, in fact my wife was fine with me spending another $100K so that she could "see the engine through the glass". Go figure, it's not often that what I want is not the most expensive on the lot.

Both cars are very different. Dive 'em both and do your research. The thing about the 328 is than you don't have to go fast, you just have to BE.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Going to look at an 89 GTS today. Black and tan, 27K miles for 60K. What do you folks think of the price?

Dave

 

Exactly one year ago I paid $56,000 for an all original red/tan 88.5 GTS with 27k miles, no stories, and a complete inspection and major service done at a shop I specified, delivered by enclosed trailer to my house after the service was completed.

I thought that was a fair price. I would not sell the car for $65k today.

 

It's about right, assuming the car checks out (pre-purchase inspection, or PPI, to make sure compression is OK, etc.) You could probably have a proper major service done and still be in the car for fair money.

Make sure everything works -- electronic bits like mirrors, fans, lights, etc. The "small stuff" can be expensive. Those driving lights up front, for example: $1000+ for the assembly if the lens is cracked.

Get the service history. The owner should have a file of receipts that at the very minimum show the last major service with valve adjustment. This is a $3K-$4K service, typically, and separates the conscientious owners from the 'it's running OK, so no worries' crowd.

Also make sure that all gears engage without grinding -- sometimes people beat up the 2nd gear synchros because that gear can be reluctant to engage until the gear oil warms up.

 

Checked out the 89 Black GTS today and I guess I could say I wasn't too impressed after all. Too much money for an old car. Drove like an old horse. I guess I'll just buy a new 08 Vette and not worry about maintenance issues and such...and go fast.See ya.

 

Yes, and then in 5 years sell it to some kid for half what you paid for it after spending those 5 years trying to figure out which one in the parking lot is yours. Good luck with that.

 

They're not for everyone. Good thing you figured that out now. Bye, have a nice life.

 

Some people "get it"; others don't.

That's why there are hundreds of vehicle models to choose from on the market.

I do have to question the intelligence of someone who expects a 20 year old sports car to have better performance than a brand new one. Seems pretty f'in stupid to me.

 

RIGHT ON THE MONEY! (sic)

Listen, I know that Ferraris are expensive. (Don't ask me how I know.) But this constant focus on money is not good. On the count of three, let's all sing it together:

ALL FERRARIS ARE STUPID MONEY CARS!

It ain't about the money, its about the drive. If this guy drove a 328 and didn't like it, great! Is far better that he move on to something else and not become someone who hates Ferraris.

If you want a rational car, buy a Porsche.

Dale

 

LOL! Don't you guys know a troll when you see one? He was baiting all of you.

Probably snickering into his tweezer catalog about now!

 

The '08 Corvette will certainly be faster. Enjoy.

True, they're turning into another anonymous modern car, but if the OP is worried about maintenance costs then any Ferrari is going to be too involved, IMO.

 

Buy a 348TS. It has a modern look. Good performance. Plenty of interior room. Good pricing due to unwarranted bashing. Actually fairly reliable in my experience. The brotherhood is strong. It'll kill Vettes every time. This one time, oops.... You like your cheese shredded, right???

BT
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The 328 and 355 are my 2 favorite Ferraris. My first was a 328 GTS Red/Tan and now have a 98 355 F1 spider (red/tan). Loved both of them in different ways. Never get tired of seeing a 328. A timeless beauty. Wish I still kept it (but also have the 355 too!).

Theo

 

That's a fact. Really depends on what you want. I had a Lusso and had to laugh at what Steve McQueen's car brought at auction. Gorgeous car. Drives like a truck. Had a '65 Vette big block. Drove like a truck. Have a 575M. Drives like a dream. I've been truckin' and now I'm dreamin'. As Shakespeare wrote, "As you like it."