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Ferrari for the Long Run

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by jsrieck, Mar 10, 2009.

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  1. jsrieck

    jsrieck Rookie

    Mar 8, 2009
    1
    #1 jsrieck, Mar 10, 2009
    I am as much a tinkerer as a driver. I enjoy keeping mechanical things running and have always wanted a more sophisticated motor than my Porsche. Which Ferrari model do you believe is the best balance between long-term parts availability, ease of owner-maintenance, and of course, looks. Cause no one wants to work on an ugly car! The 308 & 328 seem likely, as there are a large stock of cars and parts, but what about stepping up to the 348/355 arena? I know the motor has to be pulled, but then once you have it out, its easy to get to everything. However, are the electronics overwhelming?

    Thanks,

    JTSR
     
  2. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
    Full Name:
    Bill Tracy
    #2 BT, Mar 10, 2009
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2009
    The 348 does not have an overwhelming amount of electronics. ABS, and electronic climate controls are about the only things that was a standard feature for the 348 that you would not find on the earlier cars mentioned (the later 328 also have ABS). The later 348 have an electric seatbelt that is a bit of a nuisance, but you can remove them and install a regular belt I'm sure! All 348 cars have a crappy pin connecotr in the door wiring harness that degrades over time and will generally need to reqire that to avoid mirrors not adjusting and things like that. My mechanic charged me $250 for the driver's door (2 hours), but a novice indicated they spent 10 hours redoing all the wires in their 348 and about $20 worth of wire.
    The 355 spider has a bit more electronics with the top, airbags, and the electrically operated seats.
    the 328 is generally considered the most reliable of the group, and in general they are probably the most recommended. That said you can get some great deals on the 348 and 355 cars these days. While not an electronics issue the early steel 308 (2V) did not have rustproofing so I would not feel too good about having one of them in the humid environment I live in.
    :)
    BT
     
  3. UpNorth

    UpNorth Formula 3
    Owner

    Sep 30, 2006
    1,769
    Quebec, Canada
    Full Name:
    Francois
    #3 UpNorth, Mar 10, 2009
    My first Ferrari is a 328 and what you are asking about was my main concern at that time. Today I am glad I chose that car.
     
  4. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,607
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #4 Bullfighter, Mar 10, 2009
    +1

    308 QV or 328.
     

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