Looking at buying a '94 348 Spider, will it need another "major service"? | FerrariChat
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Looking at buying a '94 348 Spider, will it need another "major service"?

Discussion in '348/355' started by cleonard, Oct 25, 2009.

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  1. cleonard

    cleonard Karting

    Sep 17, 2009
    117
    Indianapolis, IN
    Full Name:
    Colby
    #1 cleonard, Oct 25, 2009
    The car had the 30k major service done December 4, 2002 with 32,264 miles on it. It now has just under 35k miles. So it's only been driven 3k miles since the major service, but it was seven years ago! Should the belts be changed again due to the age irregardless of miles? Just trying to figure out what I'll have into it before I offer her a price.

    She also says it needs the following:

    The driver side window does not go completely up without a bit of up and down, up and down...and the side mirrors do not move with the electronic controls. Simple fix. Local mechanic thinks that the window cables need a simple tightening and that the switch for the mirrors is most likely unplugged. These two things should be able to be fixed while the door panel is popped off.
    The gas cap release inside the car does not work, but you can manually open it with no problem.
    Mechanic states that the pinion bearing needs to be changed. This was a design flaw and apparently, all 348s need this at some point. Repair estimate: $2-3k. Transmission is otherwise in great shape and unless you're a mechanic, you wouldn't notice anything wrong at all. Car shifts just fine. No slippage.
    There is a small cut on top of the dash board, above the steering wheel. See photo.
    The driver door is off a bit. If you open it all the way, it opens into the front fender, and there is a small scratch. Wasn't a problem for me. I opened the door up enough to get in and out once I figured out what was happening. The door opens and closes just fine. See photo.

    Any input on these issues?

    Thanks in advance!

    Colby
     
  2. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
    5,559
    TX
    Full Name:
    Sameer
    #2 speedy_sam, Oct 25, 2009
    Skip it. It seems to be a neglected car.
     
  3. Kayearc

    Kayearc Rookie

    Oct 22, 2009
    36
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #3 Kayearc, Oct 25, 2009
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2009
    It is my understanding from talking with the folks at Ferrari of Central Florida the belt changes are miles or time whichever comes first (for the 355.. I image the 348 is similar).. I think the time window is four years or something.. seems like it would need them changed..

    how much are they asking?
     
  4. cleonard

    cleonard Karting

    Sep 17, 2009
    117
    Indianapolis, IN
    Full Name:
    Colby
    #4 cleonard, Oct 26, 2009
    $29,900, which seems to be a good price. But add $10k in maintenance and repairs and $40k puts me in the range of a clean one. I was going to offer $25k-$27k if it needed the service. The owner is a single older lady that really only drove it on Sundays. Neglected, perhaps, but it doesn't seem abused.

    Colby
     
  5. Kayearc

    Kayearc Rookie

    Oct 22, 2009
    36
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #5 Kayearc, Oct 26, 2009
    sounds reasonable..
     
  6. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,793
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #6 AceMaster, Oct 26, 2009
    Major needs to be done immediately, forget the mileage, 7-years is overdue.

    Other than that, without knowing the cost to repair the issues you listed, it does sound reasonable....you mentioned an "older lady who only drove it on Sundays?" Does the title have her name on it?
     
  7. flyguyskt

    flyguyskt Formula Junior

    Sep 22, 2009
    443
    South Dakota
    Full Name:
    sean
    #7 flyguyskt, Oct 26, 2009
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2009
    service is every 30k or 5 years. so you are out by 3 years. plan on around 8 k for service. so if you could buy it for 29k youd be sitting good for 36-37k on car.

    sounds good to me this way you know it has a fresh start!

    is this the red one on ebay...i bowed out ofter reading all the little issues.
     
  8. cleonard

    cleonard Karting

    Sep 17, 2009
    117
    Indianapolis, IN
    Full Name:
    Colby
    #8 cleonard, Oct 26, 2009
    Yes, the seller lives about 20 miles from me. I was interested in it a few weeks ago, but she said she had a buyer at $32k, so I bowed out also. I saw it back on Ebay for $29k so now my interest has been revived. I know the 355 is a better car, but I'm really not buying the car for it's performance. I have a 996tt with about 600hp that will blow the doors off a 348,355,360 and likely give a 430 a good run for it's money, so my Ferrari purchase will be strictly for the passion of the car. I grew up admiring the 328,348 and Testarossa, so owning one will be like fulfilling a childhood dream. The color combo is also exactly what I want; red w/ tan interior.

    I'll definitely plan on a major service; any input on the other issues? Small fixes or seemingly small problems that can carry a big repair bill?

    Thanks for all your help; I hope to be a fellow Ferrari owner and active member on this forun in the near future!

    Colby
     

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