Guys– Forgive me for the rather greenhorn post, but really new to the scene but finally have the money now to purchase / maintain / own a 348. Looking at a few that are on the market but wanted your opinion on the following: 1. Thoughts on the below? Seeing plenty of price variance but the CarFax looks relatively clean (? https://www.motorcarclassics.com/1991-ferrari-348-ts-c-1258.htm 2. Common pitfalls / traps to ownership? Know that, outside of the typical engine-out and need to make sure the pumps aren't already deteriorating, that there won't be *as* much need to be always in the shop. That being said, know the cost of ownership is expensive and YMMV depending on what model you get. 3. Any reputable PPIs in NY that you guys know of? Searched the forum, and saw Steve Arena's name get picked up several times, but think he has retired now. Again, thanks all for bearing with any green / newb takes. Appreciate the time. Nick
Image Unavailable, Please Login That partially depends. Where are you on this spectrum with respect to your goals for this car? Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Thanks for the reply. Likely looking to go two notches to the right of center towards "Modify & Personalize". By Modify / Personalize, more-so performance related (e.g., ECU, exhaust) and maybe one or two cosmetic related (e.g., swap wheels, perhaps the LM taillights conversion). Overall, idea is to improve the performance while keeping overall silhouette with a few reversible cosmetic adjustments.
In that case, this might be a great car for you. Check out Bradan for a PPI. https://www.bradangroup.com/ Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Thanks for the perspective. Wondering if $85K is a bit rich on the tag? Couple of the mods (e.g., wheels) I'm not too keen on currently.
In my opinion, the price variance between these cars can come down small details which are hard to reveal on a phone size screen. I would say: look at a few others IN PERSON, sit in them, try to drive them, etc. That’s the only way to know.
That's fair -- thanks! Would you say that it's instantly noticeable upon feel when you first purchased yours? Heavy clutch or loose pedals, etc.? Apologies for bombarding you w/ all of these -- trying to compile as many perspectives as possible so I'm better equipped going in.
I’m talking more about the condition of the paint, the leather, and the mostly irreplaceable trim pieces. Make sure the HVAC control panel works and doesn’t flicker, etc. Also irreplaceable. Make sure none of the lenses are cracked. Also irreplaceable/expensive. Check the window motors.
Looks well presented. It seems to have an aftermarket alarm. These have been known to cause issues in time. Make sure you have all related documents to the system. Mousetrack seatbelts may give you some grief, too. Be sure to ask for a scan of the Motronic ECUs for any engine defects. There are a ton of things you'd like to do before buying a car this age, but the seller is not going to let you pull the car to pieces. I wonder why the previous owner changed the wheels.
Thanks for the insightful response. Didn’t pick-up that mousetrack belt so super helpful to have had it point out. Certainly like to keep it more analogue as mechanics I’ve spoken to have mentioned more electronics just leads to more headaches. Going to go this weekend to see in person and then see if they’re open for a PPI. Anything else you’d suggest I keep handy in a checklist? Have a couple items but always good to get more from more knowledgeable folks.
The links on the forum for checklists seem to be dead. The my348.com website seems to be down at the moment, too.
Possibly. Also, if the wheels get damaged beyond repair, I hear it's hard to find new wheels (or at least good second hand wheels). One guy bought a set and ended up with 3 left hand wheels and one right hand wheel (or vice versa).
Yep — was trying to access the my348 site since folks have mentioned it’s a treasure trove. So have been crowdsourcing and googling to try and pick up the gaps
I did a quick look and see the insulation on the rear deck missing (no biggie) and didn't see a tool kit or the tan leather owners manual pouch with the owners manual and maintenance folder. In addition to mentioned above posts if you visit the car check to see if the switch for the mirror movement on the driver door works (it's another item hard to find and if you do $$$). Good luck and let us know what you think after seeing it.
348 wheels are easy to find in my opinion I have a spare set but located in EU 360 & 430 wheels can be modified to fit
Agreed— just saying that I think they’re charging up for some wheels that I’ll likely want to immediately replace. Overall am all for 348 market being good (hopefully after I make the purchase ), but I thought price on this one is relatively rich for an earlier model that’s been modded (not all tastefully) and is staring down the barrel of a major (third year since last major service + right before 30K miles).
Yea, there's another older version that hasn't been updated since '08. Wonder why the original went down?
