Is the 89' 348 really a dud?

348's are pretty robust and still simple enough (relatively) for one to work on oneself. Where are you located are you only looking for a TB or would you consider a TS?

 

I've had an 89 for 5 years. Never had a bit of trouble.

 

TS has the removable targa top, TB is fixed roof version.

 

Don't believe all the BS you hear about 348s. If the inspection checks out, just buy one; you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

89 348s (and 89 Mondials) had Motronic 2.5. There's a little "hiccup" in the middle of the RPM range when the air/fuel maps have to be loaded for the higher RPM range. Most will never notice it though.

Some say that there were quality control problems with the 89 348. I've also heard anecdotally that Ferrari was really paying attention to the first 348s.

Personally, I'd buy at least a 92, if not a later SS (93) or Spider (94-95). But, I do know that there are many on this board who love their 89-90-91 348s.

 

First: Maintenance history of any Ferrari will determine in a large part its reliability. Paperwork is an essential part of any high end luxury car purchase not just a Ferrari. But there are certain things with any model that you would like to see addressed before you take ownership of her.

Second: You need a certain aversion to inflated maintenance costs. Even if you do all the work yourself Ferrari parts are simply more expensive than your run of the mill Toyota parts. Keep that in mind as the first time you pay $200 for a small part that really should cost $10 can come as a major shock. Essentially--you pay to play in this luxury car world.

Third: Do not believe any of the 348 bashing that you have read. No, not that crap about how slow it is. Or how the 355 is styled better. Or how Enzo hated the 348. The car is built well with some well documented exceptions. If you sit back and look at the car you need to ask yourself--do I love this car or not? If you answer yes then go for it. The 348 is priced so perfectly now that it is a steal to get a well sorted car for around $40k. And lets be honest...your $40k Ferrari will always draw more attention than a $100k Vette/Viper/BMW/Porsche etc.

Fourth: Buy what speaks to you. You see a lot of people on this forum asking for advice about a ton of different styling options, and while it's great to get opinions, in the end of the day it's your car. Get what moves you. If you can't sit back in your garage with a beer, staring at your car, thinking about how pretty she is...then it probably isn't the car for you.

Fifth: Don't get it as an investment. The worst thing you can do is to get a Ferrari...your dream car....and then let her sit, alone, cold, gathering more dust than miles. Of course if you intent to sell her then miles can make a factor, but a well sorted car will always trump lower miles in this particular instance.

Have fun looking...that's half the fun! Get what you want and do your research!

 

They have 2 pairs of glasses for the price of one at LensCrafters...



Robb

 

That's OK, my neighbor saw the Cavallino and asked if mine is a Mustang.

I've had an '89 for 4 years now, and I've had VERY few issues, none of them major. Of course, my car was loved by the first owner and has been updated in many ways. I plan to continue this trend and possibly carry it to an extreme in a while.

When everything is sorted, the 348 is a fantastically enjoyable and reliable car. The key is finding one that hasn't been in too many garages and/or languished in the hands of owners with penchants for deferred maintenance.

 

no they dont..you probably like 360's lol!

 

I'd posit that 25 years later, the early 348s that are still running have had their problems fixed--for good.

 

Bonus, the '89 has a three point seat belt system.

 

My favorite part of the 89's, I've had a few, they are all excellent years as well.

 

www.philvilleusa.com has two 348's for sale, including a 1989 TB. No affiliation. Just happened to notice.

 

Every first year car in a run gets bashed and improvements made along the way until the end of the run in which they are the "best" they will ever be from the factory. People love to tell you why their stuff is great and yours is garbage. The "dud" comment is only relevant if it's 1995. You hate convertibles (like me) so you can't buy one of the "so much better" cars anyway....lol

 

Don't forget they also have dual disc clutches. That is another cool thing about the '89's.

 

What is wrong with spiders? At least both my arms get tanned when I drive!

 

I managed to get both My arms tanned in My TS from a 2hour drive down south for a friends birthday BBQ a month ago! - And it wasn't even that sunny a day!

 

For what it's worth, I find that the 348 is one of the few cars that actually looks as good as a convertible as it does in coupe form. Something about that low, flat rear lid that really compliments the rest of the design. I have to admit, the temptation to add one is great...

 

I agree, but I am biased
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