looking for an entry-level 308GTS

Cost? figure 30 grand for a good car. You should have a reserve of at least 3 or 4k for repairs in addition to the 30k.
What to look for? Service records you want a history on the car. Timing belts should be changed every 5 years. The 308 has an interference engine which means if the belt breaks you are looking at motor damage.
Also most important have a competent Ferrari mechanic check out the car before you buy.
79 and earlier had carbs 80-82 were 2valve fule injected cars. Both have plusses and minuses.

 

They can be had for less but be very careful of that. An expensive good car will be far cheaper to own than a cheap bad one.

Lot of people will disagree but for a starter car I would go with an 80-82 rather than an earlier carbed car. Good cars can be had for a good price because everyone looks down on them but they are very good cars with a little less power and lower maintainence costs.

 

I don't. Just make sure it's not an oil drinker.

 

Agree with Brian. Alarming drivability differences between examples of the carb cars, while 2V injected cars are a delight. Simple, bulletproof and the ability for nearly anyone with mechanical aptitude to do regular maintenance and repair make these cars under-appreciated gems. They're not that slow, either. The prices are artificially depressed (much as 348 prices are) because of urban folklore relegating these cars somehow less desirable than others. We have a fair number of carb cars towed in, 2Vi cars almost never...

Oh, and I haven't seen an "oil-drinker" around in decades. Seen a couple BAE Turbos, though! <very big grin>
-Peter

 

Tough choice. Either the 80-82 2V that drinks the oil or the rest that leak it on the garage floor.

 

By today's standards I bet there is no real seat of the pants performance difference between the 2V inj and 4V cars. For example, go drive a 355 or a 360 and then hop into any 308. It won't matter which year you end up with, it will still feel like the E brake is stuck on when you drive it.

 

Ben,

Do not buy a beat on $17 - $20k cheapie. You may luck out, but chances are it will cost you much more than a well maintained car in the long run. I would aim for a well maintained high milage car. You will probobly spend $24 - $26k for one and be very happy. Just make sure it has been regularly driven and has all of the sevice records.

Good luck,

Art S.

 

I own both. IMO a QV is far superior. Believe it or not Tommy I can tell the difference in power. I find it to be fairly noticeable. I am also very in tune with my cars so it may not be noticeable to most. The only issue is finding a nice QV. IMO they change hands more since they are considered to be the 308 to have. Most buy them and some don't quite get the service they should.
Here is some info that I feel is often overlooked on this forum. I had a near perfect QV. It was as close to being able to buy a new 308 as possible. It was just like new, low miles and drove perfect. No matter what I do I haven't been able to get my 85 up to the standard of my other QV. It isn't as tight, smooth, etc. No matter if I replace all of the components in that particular system (brakes or suspension/steering) it will never drive or run as good as that car. I know that seems strange but this is true. I have owned many Ferraris and owned/own 4 308s. Not to mention how many I have driven. My point being if you know what you are looking at. (most really don't know how nice a 308 can drive as many are beat) If you find one that is like what I describe get it. Don't pass it up, get it. If you maintain it then the car will always be tight and run correctly but once they have lost it they lost it and you will never, ever get the car back to that level. Believe me my 85 is very nice. Most think it is almost perfect but it isn't close to what my other QV was like. It is hard to explain but I think that is the reason why there is misinformation about 308s(many are running like they should).
My main point being if you are trying to be cheap and get a half%&* running 308 then you will be missing out on the full experience. There is nothing like driving a correct 308. Also there isn't much worse than driving a piece 308. They drive like junk.

 

"It won't matter which year you end up with, it will still feel like the E brake is stuck on when you drive it."

Aw, Tommy, you crack me up! SO true!

-Peter (LMAO, remembering my first ride in a 'glass GTB and thinking it must have been like an F1 car!)

 

Be patient it takes awhile to find a nice 308.

 

What was wrong with them? My carb motorcycle requires choke at startup, will foul plugs if choke left on, and will hiccup occasionally depending on weather or altitude. But, otherwise, it's rock solid and for maybe no good reasons I prefer it over FI.

From my limited research, now including yourself, three out of three F-car mechanics have tried to convince me the FI cars are dramatically "better." Certainly there were improvements with each new generation of the 3x8 -- is it something more than just fuel delivery?

Seamus

 

I think carb cars are very reliable. It the owner has any mechanical knowledge the Webers are great. Once tuned they stay tuned without issues. The only issue is that when driving up and down hills when cold you may get some popping through the intake. I have almost 115k on my carb car.

 

I was also in the hunt for a nice QU car. I have driven a very nice 85 a few years ago, and I gave up my hunt this summer and bought a 88 Porsche 930 CAB. The car is exceptionally clean and just a joy to drive. My problem is I have desided to sell my 69 Camaro convertible and, once again, look for that QV car.
Is an 82 the same as an 85? Anybody got a nice 308 and want a frame-off restorted Camaro??

Oh, this is my first post, sorry about the P-car plug.

 

No an 82 is a 2V injected car. An 85 is a QV which is 4 valves per cylinder. There are many other differences but this is the main one. An 85 is a great. Personally, my favorite year.

 

The 2V cars are the least desireable according to the market. I would not hesitate to get one if it was in great condition. If Ferrari did not put corrosion protection on the body panels until 1983 that would be the earliest I would consider. Taking care of a cherished car only to battle rust is not my idea of a fun hobby. BTW I think you can find a decent 308 QV (84-85) for around $30k. Good luck in the search!

BT

 

I don't consider that an issue. I consider that an asset!

 

I finished my search process in January with my first F-car, a 79 308 GTS. I started out looking for an 84-85 QV, but the more I looked at the carb cars I couldn't go back. The sound is incredible, and it is a great car if you plan on doing your own maintenance and work.

Having just gone through this process, my primary advice is to find a reputable, INDEPENDENT mechanic for the PPI. I looked at several cars in which the owner/dealer recommended a "friend" for the PPI. Find someone objective that has no financial interest in that car. Then show up and watch the entire PPI, if for no other reason that learning about your car.

good luck!
spence

 

Tommy, have you ever driven a Euro 308? When Mike got out of mine, he thought it was faster than a 328. And according to the stats, he was right. Euro 308=0-60 in 5.7, 328=0-60 in 6.0.

 

Boy, isn't that the truth: expensive good car will be far cheaper to own than a cheap bad one. But when you try to tell people that, they just go for the lowest price, and then they don't get what they want and spent a small fortune getting it right, I know I did.

I thought the 80-82's were only 180 HP, and my 79 is ported to 76 stds., supposedly making 255 HP. I think thats a lot less power if its true.

 

You know, it says in the manual that the car drinks a quart of oil every 300 miles. Many precise mechanical devices use the oil weeping by the components to lube them.