Dream closer to a reality

You might want to subscribe to the Ferrari Market Letter. One of the Mondials I looked at when I bought my car was on there, though I ended up with a car from Ferrari Ads right here.
Steve

 

Hey. Congratulations on your first post!

I was a long-time lurker before posting on the forum. I was also a long-time visitor of the forum before I bought my 308.

There are plenty of good places to look for a car. Hemmings, DuPont Registry, specialist dealer sites, etc. I broke down and subscribed to the Ferrari Market Letter (They have an online version of their bi-weekly newsletter). This is where many "Ferrari People" buy and sell cars. In my mind, there is a "Novelty Factor" about buying a car such as a Ferrari to the average person. Because of this, many of the cars you see advertised out there perhaps aren't the best cars to buy. There are plenty of exceptions to this, but in the FML you get more in the way of "Enthusiast Cars." The same can be said for Ferrari Ads, especially since many of the long-time posters on this site will list their cars on there.

The engine servicing most of us are referring to is the "Major Service" which focuses on the timing belts, (And bearings) and valve adjustment. This is just the cost of doing business with a car like this. If you search the site, you'll find tons of posts that answer your question in regard to servicing.

Also, if you're looking to connect with owners, search your regional section for events. Most owners are interested in sharing thoughts and experiences with other owners or prospective owners.

The key is to ask plenty of questions. Of course, this is after you search the site for the topic you're interested in. The reality is that if you have a question or a problem, it's probably been discussed before.

Good luck!

 

Oh, also the FML also will give you their independent history of a chassis number or VIN. It's a free service to subscribers.

 

Also...if I were in your shoes, I would find a car with plenty of records so that you can see the service pedigree of the car you will be owning.

I'm getting ready to do belts, tensioners, and all the other "major" stuff on my 308 as well as the shift-shaft seal.

Soon thereafter, mine will be up for sale and I have all records & receipts back to the hand-written letter from the original buyer (his order was for a euro-spec 308).

 

I'm sure you've already read it but the sticky on things to look for when buying a 308 at the top of this section is a good resource as well. Good luck with your search and purchase.

 

with QV as your choice, make sure you drive quite a few, take a lot of time to nose around the car, try and get a feel for each one you drive.

Read a few of the buyers guides out there, more you read and research, the more informed you will be.

Once you have done all that, odds are you are close, get a good PPI with someone who is independent of the seller but knowledgeable on 308s. Of course regular service invoices and the rest apply.

lastly pay as much as you can afford, it will probably save you money long term...

good luck

 

Perhaps my experience is unique, but I got what I consider to be a very nice 308 on ebay. It has full service history and ran well for my 1800 mile drive home. Anywhere you shop, you're looking for the same things -- a well-maintained car with records to prove it and a high quality PPI to back it up. Ebay has a lot to choose from (both good and bad), but I wouldn't discount a car from a reputable seller on there. Just get a good PPI.

Welcome to the hunt!

 

I was also looking for a QV, but ultimately came home with this GTSi:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368106

. . . which I absolutely love. I took delivery not even three weeks ago!
You've got some exciting days ahead for certain

 

Hi CKeat!!!

First, WELCOME!!! Glad to have you onboard!!

I think that there are a lot of resources here on the board for you. There are also plenty of resources out there to include Forza Magazines. They seem to regularly reprint copies of their 308 Buyers Guide. Catch me in the next few days with a PM with your Email and I may be able to scan a copy of it. I have about 1000 things going on but I am sure someone can scan that for you. It gives you a pretty good overview of what all goes on with the cars. There is also a pretty good thread about it that you can find right here on FChat.

Typically you will find that ANY of the 308s are going to be pretty darn good little cars. All are really pretty comparable performance wise given the performance of regular cars today. It seems that there are GREAT carb cars once they are in tune and the QVs are really pretty reliable. You really cant lose with any of them, but the heirarchy seems to be that the Fiberglass cars are the most desirable followed by the QVs, followed by the other carb cars and with the early injected cars being the lowest. Then the GTSs are more popular than the GTBs, but the GTBs are a bit stiffer and better for performance type applications.

Inevitably, someone is going to get irritated that I ranked them like that, but thats how it appears to me.

Whatever car you end up looking at post the serial number and someone PROBABLY knows a bit more about the history of the car.

Good luck and let us know how we can help!!




PDG

 

Ckeat, I'm gratified to have had a hand in your inspiration. I can tell you that the 308 QV that I now own, love and drive almost daily was originally an eBay car that closed with zero bids so good ones can come from anywhere, it's just a matter of a careful search and finding one that you're smitten with. If you find a good car to begin with, don't fear the service/maintenance. The car will consistently give back what you put into it and you'll have loads of help on here (including any that I can give).

 

Dang! she's gorgeous, congratulation, post more pics please.

 

That was quick...just saw your original post and was going to offer you a look at mine.

Nice car. I like the red t-top and the wheels.

 

Hey Congratulations it looks really great, are those Compomotive 17s?

 

Chris - Good seeing you on Saturday, you found a beauty! It is also great to see another 308 in the area. When I bought mine last year I thought 308s were like belly buttons in the Ferrari world, but I quickly found that I am the only local FCA chapter member regularly driving one around here...

 

Great looking car. Welcome! Please put up a good frontal picture. Love the wheels. Enjoy many miles. as I know you will.

 

Fchat is a wealth of info! I'm curious, are you planning to pull those emblems off the car, or are you touching them up on the car? Also, just shoot me a PM if you want to come up to see anything else on my car...