Entry Level Ferraris

348 is the entry level Ferrari, and it's a piece of crap.

Haven't you been reading all the other threads?

 

There is no such a thing in any formal sense. In practice, 'entry level' among used Ferraris usually means it's fully depreciated. The Dino 246 was the entry level car for a while, then it was the 308/328. Now the 348 may be it, because they are available, affordable and have a more 'normal' cockpit than the ergonomically 'interesting' older cars. The 355 is still a $65K+ car depending on year and body style, so it's entry level if your wallet can handle the care and feeding. The Testarossa could also be considered entry level, in that they've depreciated down to 328 price levels when originally they were more expensive.

All these cars are expensive to maintain, so don't confuse "entry level" with "cheap".

As an aside, your logic about the age of a Ferrari is somewhat backwards -- e.g., the 360 Modena isn't so old, but the Dino 246 and some Boxers will be priced higher.

Regarding new Ferraris, 'entry level' would refer to the F430 coupe right now, as the only Ferrari with an MSRP below $200K.

 

All Ferraris are entry level, just a question of how much you want to do by your self. 348 and maybe 355 are the latest cars you can work with at home. TR and 512TR are hopeless and the new one are even worse. Just depends on your mech skills and your equipment at home which car you choose. If you only drive you can buy any car you like as long as you have the funds to get it serviced.

Also buying a Ferrari means you enter a new world?

You sure are welcome to share this world with us!

//B//

 

Almost 7 years ago a 91ts was my entry level Ferrari.
A little over a year ago I parted with my 91 and bought a 95 348 Spider.
Frankly, I love the 348 series and can’t think of another Ferrari I would rather own.
Well maybe a 512BBi............

 

Dino's are now selling for $200K plus! So much for the entry level Ferrari!

 

Entry level , HMMMMM, hard to say what that means .Piece of crap , easy to figure out what thay means .Unreliable , yes , breaks down often , yes . Piece of crap is a little harsh . I try to reserve that for Chevy Vega's with a bigblock in it or Pinto's . Whats funny is , if you read the 430chat & 360 chat , there are people that spent 4/5 times more than a 348 owner did for their cars & they sit at Algar ,etc & rot there over & over & over . So I guess then they are all unreliable & breakdown often .But on the flip side of that the same unreliable Ferrari will stop traffic , turn heads, get you laid , noticed by women that would have never looked at you + you will never be confused with the run of the mill Porsche , Corvette , BMW Mercedes that have flooded the American market for yrs .
I'll just have to suffer with this piece of crap til I get another one .
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I like your wheels, a lot, on you 'piece of crap'.......very nice wheels.

 

I'm pretty sure Chris was joking. For me the only Ferrari to have is a 355. It was my first and I hope I can keep it forever while adding to the collection!

 

Me too
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I don't agree w/ the "piece of crap" theory. I've had my 348 for over 4 yrs. and not a single problem, except I don't get to drive it as often as I wish. It has always started, never failed me and other than routine maint. cost me nothing. I own it because I love the distinctive styling and the rush I get while driving. I concur w/Redzone, I'll have to suffer with my piece of crap!

 

While we are here..............here is a pic of my 'piece of crap' *cough**cough*.
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"entry level" just means whatever is most affordable at the time.

 

I picture entry level to mean a good basis for getting into the car line. This does not necessarily mean the cheapest priced example. I think that would probably now be either a clapped out 308GT4 (nightmare scenario) or an early Mondial. What it does mean is a model that is priced well compared to the entire model line, gives a taste of the Ferrari ownership expereince and is not too demanding on one's talents, bank roll or patience.

According to my definition, that car is still a 308 for the mid-$20K range bought in the best condition possible. From what I have seen, any Ferrari below this price point is going to be a headache. A 348 is not, in this definition, the best entry level Ferrari. It is, IMO, the best value for the money, however, in that it gives you a taste of the more recent Ferrari ownership experience for comparatively low money. It isn't cheap, though, to purchase or own, but is far less than any F355 or later car. If anything, the 348 represents the best step-up Ferrari model to own or an entry level car if you have $40K+ to spend.

 

I second that

 

Re-read Vince's post.