I've learned so much from you guys!

Hi again,

I'm buying a 82 308GTSi and I have been reading present and prior posts from this site all week. What an incredible way to educate each other, as well as giving each other #@&*. Have you all met, or just Fchattered yourself into friendships?

Enough crap, lets talk about my Ferrari. LOL I'm buying it for $26K and lets assume that the paint is not original color (it looks Tessa Rossa Red) Rebuilt engine with docs, new clutch and brakes, new ignition system, interior in fair condition, targa top has been reupholstered underneath and small (2 inch) rust area under paint. From my homework, it appears that 308s are going up in value(Martin Rating) and I shouldn't lose too much money. However, I'm really not in this for the investment, just like to cover my behind. I plan on working on the car and hopefully posting pics to get help when Im in a jam!
Only found 2 people in Alaska that has worked on Ferrari.

$26K too much?

Thanks again!
Christine

P.S. Please don't call me a troll again... I don't know what that is but it can't be good.

 

Congratulations and welcome, Christine! And 26K is not to much. Now, just fill out your bio and you'll be all set.

 

Wow, a girl buying a 308!

 

welcome and congrats on the car! You'll find lots of help here if you need it.

P.

 

Why did it need a new ignition system? Did that come with the rebuild or is it an upgrade?

 

Congratulations! Please do post photos when you have a chance so we can see your new 308! There may be a few little things here and there that the previous owner ("PO") got used to, but that you'll notice. Lots of really knowledgable folks here who are more than happy to help in this regard so feel free to ask!

Welcome aboard!

 

Congrats!

There are guys here who know a TON about these cars
(I'm not one of them)
Post some pictures and ask away.

 

Good luck on the purchase Alaskagirl! I too had (past tense) a '82 308 GTSi and I really, really regret having sold that car. $26K sounds like a good deal, but post pics of the rust damage and how many miles. The 308 series was prone to rust since Ferrari didn't galvanize the metal body until later ('83+?) and as you know, rust is cancer for cars. You'll want to get that taken care of.

I believe, if I understand your description, that the car has been repainted in bright red? If so, that's probably Rossa Corsa (Racing Red.) Do you know if that's the original color?

I'd try to find out why the engine was rebuilt. It's excellent that you have the service records and documentation to prove the rebuild and the new clutch. That'll save you money right from the start (provided the job was done correctly.) I too am curious about the ignition system unless it was a major service that was done (i.e. they replaced the distributor cap, rotor, points, ignition wires, etc.) If it was a replacement of those parts, that's a very good thing - that's a savings of about $500 or so.

Let us know how it all turns out!

Bob

 

Lots of great info here.

F-chat has helped me in many,many areas of my ownership. The tech section here and all the peolple who are willing to help can save you tons of $ in the long run.

IMO, $26K is "okish" for a 2V given the description in the previous post and here. And with the selection up there, it's actually probably pretty good.

Congrats.

 

Jan 1984.

Mine is a Jan 84 production so I have always wondered which side of the fence I am on.

 

good for you... are you single ?

 

Whatever you do, say you're married to an ex-mafia hitman with anger control problems.


Seriously, welcome to FChat! Sounds like a great car - have fun!!!

best

rt

 

Some of us have met face to face, the rest of us just hang out on the Internet all day.....

There's lots of 308s rolling around Houston, you are less likely to meet others driving, I'd say.....

Yea, a picture would be nice!

Rust is really no big deal....I leave mine at the beach and the salt is hard on them, just get it taken care of every once in awhile.....If you have a crash every now and then it kind of takes care of itslef.....

 

A "troll" would be someone coming on here with dumb pointless questions........

You, OTOH seem to be one who puts the money out there in decisive action, in pursuit of your automotive dreams......

Welcome to the club, sweetheart!

*secret 308GTB handshake*

 

I've met some folks in person, most here know the other locals and know some others only through the board. After a couple of years, you get a good feel for people

Depends on the rust situation, but the price doesn't seem out of line. The fact that it's local has to be considered, given where you are.

A troll is someone who is out to create a response, usually a negative one. The original term comes from fishing, where one would just kinda cruise along waiting for a bite. Recently it's been conflated with the "troll under a bridge" meme. All in all, a troll is a negative in any civilized forum.


There's at least one other Alaska Fchatter (Mule), and he has a 328. You might give him a buzz and see who he uses to service the car. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/member.php?u=71



Welcome aboard.

 

Can't find anyone to do the compression test tomorrow, I'm just going to get it! I have 2inches of invoices of work done on it... looks good to my novice eyes.

I'm getting excited, my first hobby car! I'll definitely post pics in a few days.

First thing I'll do is the fuseblock.

Also, who implied I wasn't a girl? Do people really do that on this site? And secondly, what is the big deal about a girl in her 30s driving a Ferrari? I know there is a "size" stigma with a male owner.... what message will I be sending other than life is short, have fun! I'd like some opinions on this

Christine

 

Go for it. It's good to be cautious, but they'll all have some problem or another. There is no perfect car. Eventually you've got to just jump in and do it!

It's just rare to see, that's all. I think it's just fine! Welcome to the club!

 

I think the price sounds correct and maybe even low. Heck, you can't buys a new honda for that and the Ferrari will be ten times as much fun to drive. If it is hard to find a Ferrari mechanic, look for someone with Fiart ( sorry,typo) I mean Fiat or Alfa Romeo experience . Contrary to what you expect , the cars from the 80s are easier to work on. You do not have to be an electrical engineer to diagnose problems and reset sensors to work on these cars. I agree with the rust issue. Someone like Dr.Tommy can correct me if I am wrong but I think the 82 and newer cars were galvanized and more rust resistant. In my opinion, if you see a little rust, first go to a good body shop and get an estimate to fix and possibly repaint. Then go back and negotiate for a lower price and you might get a great paint job out of the deal for less than the $26k asking price. Also, with regards to the possible history of repaint, if the car had the original paint , you probably would not have liked it. Unfortunately, paint on the early 80s cars was not that great. Good luck and investigate, sounds like it has the potential to be a fun car.

 

Am I the only one that raises the caution flag?

If there was ever a car in need of a PPI, this sounds like it. At the very least, do you have a Ferrari friend that can drive it with you?

I'd hate to see this get parked because of large bills.

Initial price is not everything.........

 

No, I think others as well have let her know she should be wary. But she obviously wants to do it anyway, so might as well be supportive.

 

There is the saying that at some point you have to shoot the engineer and go to production. If you truly studied one of these things you'd never buy one (or I wouldn't have). There has to be an element of passion to the purchase. Not to say you shouldn't be as educated as your passion allows.

 

I think it's fantastic! Especially an older model. I can't get my wife to drive a stick, let alone a Ferrari, and it would be great if she shared the same car interests as me. Good luck to you. Like Dr. Grober said, an italian car mechanic could do a pretty good job checking out a Ferrari and doing at least some minor work. You're probably the only female Ferrari owner in Alaska!

Jeff

 

My wife, who is in her early 30s, loves and drives ours.

 

I think it's great. Most women don't seem to know this, but driving a real sports car -- especially a real, clutch/stick classic one like a 308 -- is seriously cool.

I'll second the caution flag.

Let's hope yours turns out well for you. Ferraris can bite. $26K sounds fine for a driver, but don't plan on appreciation -- investment grade cars will be the restored or extremely-well preserved ones.

Get out and enjoy her. I had mine out today it's far and away my favorite sports car. Ever.

 

Christine,
I sent you an email with some local mechanics.