I'm so confused...

If you get enjoyment from driving your Ferrari then the GT4 is hard to beat on price. It does lack a certain something in the image department which is why the GTS and GTB command higher prices. The 308s either GT4 or GTB/S will be far cheaper to run than a TR, but the TR garners more respect.

 

Don't try to use logic, just get the model that you like within your budget. Same thing happens with other makes of cars. The Porsche 928 is a wondeful car and cost almost twice the 911 of the same year. Yet all years up to @'94&'95 the 911 now costs more and a lot more were produced.
Maybe you should just enter at the lower end of $ range with a well sorted/serviced car. Drive it for a bit and if you decide you want more, sell the car and step up to the next level. I started with a 308 QV, then a restored carbed 512bb, and now I am enjoying an under $20k 308GT4. My logic was that the Dino has room for a carseat in back.

 

The TR was always my dream car also. But I started out with the 328GTB as an "entry level" ferrari. However, in the back of my mind when I'm in the twisties, I always wonder, how it would feel in the TR?? Just know that thought will always be with you, even though you have a Ferrari at the moment. So like you said, if you want to do something irrational - just step up to the TR, and no regrets. If you want an entry level Ferrari - that's great too, but just know in your heart, there is always that question.

Happy hunting!

 

What's your dream car? What car makes you go "oooh" and "aaah" when you see one? What car have you hankered after for years?

Buy that car. Anything else won't be good enough in your heart, you will always want the dream car.

If you have to save a little more, then save a little more. It'll be worth it in the end....

 

I've always liked the 308 GT4. There are 4 of them in the current Ferrari Market Letter, at a wide range of prices: $15.5K, $19K, $22K, $29K. The $22K one is in California. I know nothing about any of the specific cars, but you might consider one of them.

 

Hi Aaron, If you go the buy up to it route, I think it depends on what you want to end up with, and how much $$$$ you're willing to loose to eventually get there.
You'd really like to have a TR, but if you go the GT4, 348, then TR route, you'll be paying a lot more money for the TR in the long run. Consider that you might well loose some on the purchase/then selling price on each car. You'll also loose the CA 7 3/4% sales tax. You'll also loose whatever you spend on maintenance and insurance for the car you're driving while saving or your TR. This is the somewhat no doubt flawed logic I used to ease my confusion.
I've always wanted a 512 Boxer. Reason suggested that I get a 328 as a starter, but to what, see if I like driving a Ferrari? If you're even thinking, wishing, dreaming Ferrari, how could you not love driving one! If you take into consideration that you'll loose say 2K on the sale of the car after a couple years, the initial sales tax, the maintenance and insurance costs, you can easily loose 10K of your savings for the TR! At least that's my convoluted thinking, so I decided to skip the 328, and will be driving my Boxer home Thursday or Friday.

 

Aaron,

1. First of all. Asking price and selling price are two different things. One is dreams and the other reality.

2. Cars advertised as creampuffs aren't necessarily YOUR definition of creampuff. For example, I have word that the "low" mileage blue TR at SHI appears to have been driven and used a bit more than the mileage suggests. I was told that it could probably be had for less than advertised also.


3. Be careful where you shop. Prices are higher in some parts of the country than others.


4. Prices are higher in some publications than others.


5. Dealer prices are usually higher than private owners.

6. There is an Fchatter than just bought a GT4 for 13k after some searching.. It needs some work but appears to be a nice solid car. Click here to see it.

There are hundreds of sites to pick from on the internet like www.ferrariads.com or Google Ferrari Testarossa.

 

I would agree with John. If you go the entry level route, you are going to lose out on the sales tax, and maintenance. Just save up for the TR, and then some for the 30K maintenance too while you are it

 

Nothing wrong with blue, for starters. If you don't believe me, check with Chiaro Slag who has a blue TR - I feel comfortable in speaking for him that he loves it...

Next, you've got to drive the cars you're thinking about. I had two dream cars - the 308 which I'd lusted for since '76, and the 355 spider which my wife so graciously rented for me for my 40th birthday. I had decided to go with a 328 since I knew in my head it was a "better car" than the 308 - had the money in hand to buy one and didn't for a variety of reasons. Shopped for another 328, then drove a 348ts (348 was never even on the radar screen) and LOVED the driving experience - so much that I shook every cushion on the sofa to find the extra $$$ for a late 348 spider. Yeah, I've had some fettling issues with the car but that is behind me now and I love my car -who'da thunk it?

So I guess my advice would be - if your heart is saying TR then chase a TR but go drive the car. In hindsight I'm not sure starting with an "entry level" car and working your way up is any smarter than just going t!ts to the wind and getting what you really want. There are some things I want to improve about my 348 and there are other F-cars I'd love to have but I don't see myself without the car I have now as even with the dramas I've had with it all that melts away once the oil temp is up and I'm caning it....

Cheers
Kevin

 

Totally agree with Kieron, There isn't much logic to these bigboy toys we are talking about but dream cars. Of cause, you have to shop for best car at best deal but which model to pick... let your heart decide, not your head...

 

Perfusion,
I bought my GT4 in San Jose 2 1/2 weeks ago. I did pay on the high end ($19,800), but with all the documented work done on the car ($40,000 in receipts since 1982, all done by Mark Spencer from FofLosGatos/Veloce) I felt it was worth the price for the extra confidence in knowing that everything was taken care of over a long period of time. Here is a list of work done and links to two photos. By the way, I found the car on Craig's List. There have been several local GT4's listed over the past year, keep looking and good luck.

The car (cut/paste from original ad):
Serial number 14768. Red with beige leather interior, sunroof, working AC with rebuilt compressor, power windows. Rust free and accident free California car. Professionally maintained and upgraded by Mark Spencer of Veloce (exclusively Ferrari specialty shop) and Ferrari of Los Gatos, around $40,000 in receipts. Handling further improved by Mark about 2k miles ago - suspension disassembled and powder coated, new bushings, tie rods, ball joints, stiffer rear bar, new Koni shocks, 16” 7s&8s Ferrari-style 5 spoke Compomotive wheels (original Ferrari center emblems), Bridgestone Potenza 205/55/ZR16, 225/50/ZR16 and proper alignment. I’ve driven a few other GT4 & Mondial – there is no comparison. Imagine driving a tube-frame, hand-made, mid-engine Ferrari with great sounding V8 and 4 Weber carbs, revving freely to 7700 RPM redline, while glancing at a classic aluminum dash, all for a price of an econobox. If you are a car nut like myself, you have not lived until you have owned a Ferrari. If you prefer driving to looking at the car show trailer queens (which this car is not, e.g. paint is not perfect), this may be your ride.

Recent work done:
New cats 200 miles ago, new racing fuel pump just installed.
Italian Momo Acropolis Evo Racing driver seat (original seat included, or take $500 off without Evo).

Major service around 2k miles ago:
• Valve Adjustment/Retorqued heads
• New alternator regulator/brush assembly
• Replaced cam seals/belts
• Replaced cam belt tensioner, bearings
• Replaced crank bearing/seal
• Rejet idle jets
• Replaced various coolant hoses, including the front-to-back
• Replaced brake hoses
• Replaced CV joint boots

Other work in the last few years:
• Rebuilt water pump
• Rebuilt radiator
• Rebuilt distributors
• New exterior door handles
• New rear wheel bearings
• New coolant overflow tank
• Replaced thermostat
• New parking brake handle
• Refinished leather interior
• Rebuilt AC compressor
• Powder coated muffler cover


Upgrades/updates in addition to suspension/wheels:

* PermaTune electronic ignition system
* Fire Extingusher/Passenger Seat mounting bracket
* Hella European headlights
* PIAA Superwhite Bulbs
* Porterfield brake pads
* Black wrinkle finish on valve covers/cam belt covers
* Modern Momo steering wheel (original also included)
* Polished aluminum shift knob
* Dash cover, floor mats, custom windshield sun screen, car cover
* Stainless steel muffler
* Brand new door window seals and door seals ($261) included for installation.
Included original parts catalogue, user manual, workshop manual

The photos:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/modconsf/P5090145.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/modconsf/P5090143.jpg

 

If you really want to go rubber-room, check the public bulletin board at the office. You'll see people trying to sell a ten year old pentium computer for $5K, trying to sell a 300cc motorbike for $30K, etc.

Sellers are as individual as buyers.
Some list a "firm" price, only to negotiate.
Others (weirdos, these days) list a firm price and stand by it.
Some are playing "trial balloon", based on P.T.Barnum's "There's a sucker born every minute". E.g., they'll only sell if they find some schmuck stupid enough to pay that price. (You see this on e/bay, too.)

I imagine there are some "fiscal innovators" that put everything they own for sale at above the replacement cost -- figuring that the world is filled with idiots.

I mean, heck: you could spend $5K on a major service, or sell it to some damfool for $10K more than the price of a replacement that's had "service done". (Don't get me started on the quality of services done on a car just to sell it.)

The trick to buying a Ferrari (or any other "luxury" item, for that matter) is to not be in a hurry. You can skip the obvious dreamers, and feel out the high priced sellers with tenative offers (subject to PPI). If they won't negotiate, then move on. But wait for the car you want -- don't let the urge to own a Ferrari push you to get a car you don't want to drive.

 

Aaron,
Drop me a line if you are ever heading up to the City. I'd be glad to go out for a ride w/you. If a GT4 isn't for you, you can find out without having to schedule a test drive with a seller.

 

While many of us dream of the TR it is attainable to very few. Correction: it is attainable to some, and maintainable by few. I could have afforded a lower end TR, but I was afraid of the higher maintenance costs. Maybe I will have one someday, but I bought a car so that I still could smile if I got a service bill for $8k. I have spent $3k on service to get the car near new, but I don't feel anxiety about using the car this way. Buy what you like that you can afford to buy and maintain. You will likely enjoy the experience of using the car.
BT

 

And whereas Chiaros blue TR is a gorgeous blue over biscuit interior (I currently have it as my screen saver!) ... the odd blue interior of the car you are looking at is pretty awful in my opinion and one which you would have a hell of a job shifting when you come to change it.

That silver 308 is lovely though

 

Aaron,
Here's another one for sale in your area:
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/car/79050859.html
It was previously posted in March in the mid 20k range if I remember correctly. Looks like he is open to offers now.

My car just passed smog today, so I should be getting it back tomorrow. Let me know when you are up in the City.

 

you want my GT4 ?




i still want a Lamborghini
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Did you see the interior of the blue one he posted? Wow!

 

Well - I don't know anything about the gt4 you mention (link is dead) but be careful when anyone says the top of the market is X, etc. There are GT4s that would not be worth owning if they were given to you for free, and there are GT4s for which 30k would be an absolute bargain. Case in point, my series I gt4 (#10704, and NOT for sale) would be the bargain of the century for $30k: In the last year it had a bare metal repspray ($13k), a full transmission rebuild, new clutch, and major ($10k). This is on top of a full engine rebuild, top and bottom, 30k miles ago ($35k). This car has every book, tool, and record from new, and an original ICOR dino key fob (apparently worth $1.8k itself) and dino logo leather pouch to boot. If you want to own a great gt4 with all the stuff, $30k would be a very reasonable price of admission for a car like this - or, if you want a great $20k GT4, buy one like this for $30k (if one could be had for that price) and sell the dino key fob, original dino pouch, books (1974 dealer directory is a big $ item), tools, trouble light, brochures, etc. - they should bring $10k total - and you would still be way ahead of the game.

I guess all i am saying is that a $30k gt4 should not necessarily make your head explode - it could be a very bad deal, or a very good one depending upon condition and what is included.......