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Need Advice - Finally Buying A Ferrari

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by lewis, Mar 13, 2004.

  1. lewis

    lewis Karting

    Feb 11, 2004
    112
    South Florida
    #1 lewis, Mar 13, 2004
    Well, after nearly 20 years (first time I saw a Ferrari was the cover of Road & Track in 1995 featuring the TR) of dreaming I am making the plunge.

    I recently moved to Miami and have heard mixed things about some of the local dealers (there was one thread in particular about a local dealer) so I am looking for advice on where to buy a late model 328gts - Black on tan (or cream)

    After reading this post I have decided to go with a '88 or '89 328 vs. a 348 given that, in order to get a reliable 348, it would have to be a '94 or later. The opportunity cost of the 328 is a bigger interior in the 348 and slightly more modern features; however it seems I can easily use the money saved on the 328 on maintenance.

    Any advice on where to get a fair deal? I don't need to get the absolute lowest ever price as reliability and not getting Fu*#ed by a dealer or seller is important for my first F-car.

    Thanks in advance for your advice
     

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  2. CarreraScott

    CarreraScott Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2004
    592
    Charlottesville, VA
    #2 CarreraScott, Mar 13, 2004
    Well certainly search this board and check out ferrarimarketletter.com for starters. There are a lot of good dealers and a lot of good private sellers. There are a lot of bad dealers and a lot of bad private sellers. That's why this board is here, to sort that out!

    Also, did you mean a 1985 article? Otherwise not quite sure how you have been dreaming about a F for 20 years if you saw one for the first time 9 years ago...??
     
  3. sduke

    sduke Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2003
    825
    The Hub City, Texas
    Full Name:
    Steven D
    #3 sduke, Mar 13, 2004
    Martin at Cavallino Motors. He is a sponsor here. Very honest and respected. Check in the Florida section. He posts there almost every day.
     
  4. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    34,891
    Victory Circle
    Full Name:
    HUBBSTER
    #4 WILLIAM H, Mar 13, 2004
    Welcome to Miami, I moved here about 2 years ago & I love this place. The Miami Ferrari club has a local watering hole LA CITY restaurant on Washington & 7th. Roberto is the owner & is on Fchat occasionally.

    I would you suggest you contact Martin in the Florida section here as he is a friend of mine & the organizer of many Miami Ferrari events & all around good guy. He advertises here on the forum as Cavallino Motors # 888-922-7393. I suggested he rename his dealership Martin's Penis Extension Shop but he declined to do so :)

    The 328 is a very nice car & reliable, handles well, has power & looks, Good choice all around. Might want to get a GTS to soak in the Florida sun
    Good luck
     
  5. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 25, 2002
    11,440
    MO
    #5 Auraraptor, Mar 13, 2004
    If in FL, Martin is the way to go. Too many other places that are really shady dealerships...
     

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  6. Bertocchi

    Bertocchi Formula 3
    Consultant

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,851
    New Orleans, LA
    Full Name:
    David Castelhano
    #6 Bertocchi, Mar 13, 2004
    My research has led me to believe that 1989 328s are the better car. They command a bit more money than a 86-88 car but I am not sure why. Is it just the addition of ABS? Anyway do your homework, get an expert to check the car out, and insist on seeing service records! The other thing I don't get is why a 40,000 mile car is considered high mileage. For a fifteen year old car that is less than 3,000 miles per year. I like car that are driven and well cared for. Happy hunting!
     
  7. lewis

    lewis Karting

    Feb 11, 2004
    112
    South Florida
    #7 lewis, Mar 14, 2004

    Yes, intended to write 1985 - I just have a hard time dealing with how old I am :)
     
  8. tifosi69

    tifosi69 Formula 3

    Dec 23, 2003
    1,671
    Atlanta, Ga.
    Full Name:
    Al-Al Cool J
    #8 tifosi69, Mar 14, 2004
    Agreed, the garage queen Ferraris seem to be the maintenance nightmares, the well used ones seem to fare better.
     

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