Life long dream to own a Ferrari.

All of those Ferraris models are fantastic cars.

I've owned a 328 and a 360 and can recommend either one of them wholeheartedly.

The 328 has less horsepower (265 - 270 hp) but is much lighter and nimble through the corners.

The 360 has 400 hp and is much larger on the inside - and more modern overall.

There is a lot to learn about each model.
Perhaps the best thing you could do is to do a test drive in each one before you buy.
.

 

First: Welcome!

I was like you: Saw one when I was much younger and knew I wanted one. Today, I've owned a 328 for almost exactly 7 months (this coming Tuesday) and couldn't be happier. The serious search for one started almost two years earlier, though, until I happened upon THE opportunity. During the time I was looking, research research research: Talk to people, go for a ride in one (thanks Jedi), define the criteria and stick to it. The only difference between you and me is that I knew I wanted a non-red 328 versus a different model.

So: Start your search. Research what you want. Go for rides and get to know people who own them - lots of people on this board could probably hook you up. Look up local clubs/FCA. Lot's of really good people who own these and can likely help you out. Oh! And get to know who the mechanics are in your area. Ask lots of questions.

Cost of ownership: Purchase price is only the beginning. These cars take a dedication to proper maintenance that can be expensive - especially the 20+ year old ones which start needing things like hoses and other stuff most people don't think about these days. Being mentally prepared for that is just as important as being financially able.

 

So many people have bought their car through information at this site so you've come to the right place.

They all have their pluses and minuses. Obviously, you get what you pay for in most cases.

Also, the cost of ownership depends on the model as does reliability. One thing to consider is who is going to work on it. Once you own a Ferrari, you marry your mechanic. So, if you live in an area far from either a dealer or independent service, you might want to look at who could fix and maintain it. Atlanta has a very fine dealer and it might be a good place to start to look for a car and service.

In the case of something like a 308/328, you can do some wrenching yourself pretty much with standard tools. As they get newer and newer (and more complicated), that gets more and more difficult to do. But, some people here literally pull the engines out of their cars, fix them, and put them back on the road. You need to decide at what level of tinkering you feel comfortable with.

You should look through the various sections below and feel free to ask questions about what to look for. There are many here very knowledgable and can give some excellent advice.

Good luck with the search! It's certainly worth it. Ferrari's are special as you already know.

 

I like the 355 best of those four models, but the important caveat is the much higher cost of major services on both the 348 and 355 because of the need to drop the engine, which generally doubles the cost of an already expensive service.

My 328 has been quite reliable and now has nearly 89,000 miles on it, about 41,000 of which I've put on it the last 8 years. Still, I have averaged about $4,000 each year for service, mainly because of replacing worn-out parts, an inevitability considering the age of the car, and Ferrari parts are expensive and sometimes hard to get. And since I prefer not to work on the car myself, a lot of that cost is in the technician's labor.

You also need to consider what body style you want. The 328 comes in a closed berlinetta or a targa-top style (which I have) with a removable roof panel. The 348 and 355 have both of those, plus a true soft-top convertible. The 360 eliminated the targa-top model. And you also need to consider whether you want a manual gearshift or the semi-automatic with paddle-shifters. These choices will cut down on the selection of available cars.

If you can afford one and can accept either the closed car or the true convertible, the 360 has the advantage of being more modern and newer. Since you are in the Atlanta area, you ought to check the "South Central" forum for local events, come and talk with us and ask whatever questions come to mind.

I first wanted to buy a Ferrari when the 308 GTB first appeared in 1975, but I had to wait 29 years to make my dream a reality. Just remember that patience is a virtue. Do your homework before buying, and you should wind up with a car you'll enjoy for years.

 

If your smart, get a Porsche 997, its a daily drivers car without all that attention and over the top maintenance expense!
But if you don't care about all of that and just passionate about the Cavallino legend, may I suggest a Mondial Cabriolet in the mix!

Cheers, and do take your time to find your car! One should never rush into buying a Ferrari, let the car choose you !

 

Re above: If you're really smart, get a 360. It's almost as reliable as the 997, whole lot prettier, looks like a "revised dino", and you won't be confused with every other Porsche on the road.

 

Read every post of every thread in each of those models' forums here on F-Chat. Then go look at and drive examples of each. You will figure out which one you want. Unless you can afford more than one, don't start buying until you are sure which one you want.

 

Sandy, I am in your area and welcome any questions you have about the 2 models I have owned, 308 and 360, you can even drive my 360 if you would like.

 

Or, if you decide a 997 will satisfy your Ferrari craving, you might also want to consider a Ford Focus, as it is also cheap on maintenance and doesn't get much attention.

 

Sandy if I didn't get my 360.. I'd be in a 348. In fact I still love the car and find myself perusing ebay and cars.com for them. Very ncie cars. Just check the transmission and the 348 section. 328 is also a great car, VERY classic and easy to own I understand. Only rub with 348 is the engine out for belt changes and other component change out.

 

308 and 328 are engine-in service if I recall correctly.

 

328 is engine-in (except possibly for very unusual circumstances). I have had two major services done and the engine has never left the car. Access is from above (after removing the engine cover), below (on a lift) and from either side (by removing a wheel and then the wheel-well liner, which is designed to be removable). I would guess that 308s would be the same.

 

Hi Sandy, I had a 996 cabrio and a 997 coupe, love them both but the 997 was perfect! I sold it last year to raise money for an investment home so now I just have my 3.2 Mondial to toy in. 308, 328s are engine in service thru the rear wheel well. The 348 is the same configuration as the Mondial t which requires a full engine out for major services. I have seen decent 348 spiders for as low as $33k and as high as $60k. The 328 GTS with targa top would be my choice, what a beautiful car and timeless! Since I have 2 small kids, the Mondial is a better choice for me at this time.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

328's make great first Ferrari's. Timeless looks, fun to drive, and very reliable if you keep up with the maintenance. Not fast by today's standards, but raw speed isn't everything. You still get the whole Ferrari experience.

Here's mine as an example: What's not to like?
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

No Ferrari is a small bite. They all require at least some special care and feeding and each one is subtly different.

The 12 cylinder cars are entirely different than the 8 cylinder of similar vintage. There is different balance and performance profiles to each. There is no simple way to describe the differences so you will have to dig in and do your own research.

The Model Specific Discussions on FerrariChat will discuss these differences in depth often by people with great passion and in many cases experience. If you are considering a 328 like I believe was mentioned above a 412 would be a V-12 of similar vintage. Many Ferrari owners find it challenging to own just one.

Also, if there is a cars and coffee gathering in your area, check that out for up close inspections of a wide variety of cars.

-sc

 

You've done your seat time and need a change, for sure.

I've had two Vettes, a musclecar, a big BMW, a vintage Alfa, and two Ferraris, but never a Porsche, and would like to own one before my time's up. A vintage 356 coupe would do nicely.

On model for Ferrari #1, where to start...best I can offer is choose carefully and only after much self-education. Loved my 330 2+2, love my 308, and there could hardly be two more different models.

Having $10K cash set aside as car money after you've met all costs of purchase and needed upfront service/repairs is pretty much a given rule of ownership.

 

OK...



I will LoLoL!

Testa is out of your price range if a 360 is, amigo.

 

Hi Sandy,
Alot of people can afford to buy a Ferrari, especially in the sub $50k range. The problem is the same people who do can not afford to keep up the maintenance unless you learn how to do it yourself. Take it to the shop and you will throw your year's savings and bonus at paying the repair bill.

i.e. $45k Testarossa + maintenance $7k - 25k, that's the difference, and now you have a $70k car that's worth ~$50k!