Easy Care Ferrari / Mustangs

If I understand correctly, you're thinking of buying your first Ferrari, and you're deciding between the 308/328/348 and Testarossa. Pretty common territory for "entry-level" Q&As. I'll suggest you check out each of the sub-sections for model-specific discussion. Once there, use the "Search" feature, read some threads, and see what others have had to say in the past. While it's a fortunate dilema to have to chose which, among 4 Ferraris, to chose for your first, it's a question that's common. I think you'll find all the info you want.

Welcome to FChat.

 

I would sugest the 308 QV because they are so reliable, easy to maintain, their parts are cheapper than the 328 and 348. I bought my first 308 QV a yaer ago this month and I've put in 4000 miles in one year, so far the only thing I've done is change the oil and the oil filter. Got it up to redline a few times without any problem. So if you ask me I'll say the 308 QV are very reliable car.

 

For me, I decided based upon my dream car from the 80's, TR with 12 cylinder mid engine. I drove my TR when she was brand new in 1987 placed into a dealer car collection. Whenever I wanted, I drove 8 different exotics in a trust collection to keep them running O.K. At that time, having experienced F-cars, Lambo (White on White poster car), MBZ SL-M, Porsche turbos, etc. every time I saw them together, my eyes never got tired of the TR's. The others in the collection just seemed to have that boy racer attitude and the TR is classy, sophisticated and refined like great wine. Now that I personally have my own TR from the collection, after 20 years, I still experience and appreciate the art and refinement the TR represents, like eating great food, again and again. The initial costs for servicing and heavy duty upgrades were substantial but how sweet it is when driving and having fun. When I serviced the TR cost was not an issue, I wanted the TR to be brought up to current 2005 standards based on historical knowledge. Other F-cars are good looking also but My vote is for the TR, timeless design even after 20 years, 12 cylinder engine, beautiful music. Yesterday, My daughter 15 drove the TR for the first time. She will never forget the sound, feel and pride driving a 20 year old Ferrari by some of her friends. You will know what car you want when you go back for more time and time again and feel excited all over again every time you get in and drive.
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+1,
but don't the 328's have more power?

 

What's your annual maintenance budget and purchase budget?

 

Get a 328. Better looking than a 308, more power, and updated electroincs. Test and 348...door strakes..yuck! I had an '88 gts for 5 years until I bought my 355 and after sorting out a few issues, it ran flawlessly.
In fact, I think the one I had is for sale now here in the KC area. Red/Crema.
-Billy

 

Buy the best condition example you can find of any of these cars, and you'll probably be OK, maintenance-wise . . . probably. Of the one's you've mentioned, I'd buy a 328. However, no doubt a well maintained 308 or Testarossa will provide far less troubles than a neglected 328.

On cars in this price range, you'll always lose any potential savings on your purchase price the first time you need someone to work on something major.