New car questions

To be polite, I would say that if you already do not have a very high (and not unrealistic) degree of certainty that you can do the work you should leave it to someone else.

 

Either because they're in the shop so much, or they've BEEN driven but had the odometer disconnected.

Ken

 

Most people do not drive Ferraris very often. They are a blast to drive but tend to create feelings of nervousness when unattended in a parking lot or other public place. The service for the 348 is about $7-8k done at 30,000 mile intervals. I bought an 89 348ts that had the full service done (including a new clutch) for a total cost of $7220 in South Florida. I would only attempt the service if you are very mechanically inclined. The major service requires that you remove the engine to replace the timing belt. My father just bought a 94 348 spider and he really likes it. Good luck, and when you get it, I hope it gets driven regularly.
BT

 

(Disclaimer: I'm still shopping for my first Ferrari, so all of what follows is what I've learned here and from 3-4 Ferrari specialists who have been educating me.)

Compared to a typical high-end car, Ferrari routine service costs are very high. Mercedes, BMW and Porsche aren't exactly cheap, but I've seen receipts for brake rotors on a 328 at $300+ each, parts only. And 328 parts don't seem to be "expensive" by Ferrari standards. You have to weigh it against the thrill of actually driving a Ferrari, which is considerable. The look, sound and smell aren't available at the Benz/Bimmer/Porsche dealer.

Among Ferraris and between model years, there is a wide difference in likely service costs. If you really like the 348, I'd do a search on this site and spend some significant time reviewing the existing posts. Tons of great info here. They are gorgeous cars, IMO, so don't let me discourage you. A '94 spider is probably a well-sorted model because the car had been in production for five years or so.

You'll also notice, if you study car prices, that a Ferrari that has just had a major service done by a reputable dealer is going to cost more than a similar car that's due. This is unique to exotic cars, because proper maintenance costs some bucks and the consequences of skimping on maintenance aren't pretty. 348 prices may be held down a bit relative to the earlier 328 because of the increased maintenance costs. Clutches and brakes are designed for performance, and I've seen a lot of 3x8's that have had a new clutch before 20,000 miles. I've seen 328 clutch jobs quoted at $1800-$2000.

The 308/328 series are less expensive to maintain, because the engine doesn't have to be removed for maintenance. Later V-8's require this. The tradeoff is that a 348 or 355 will outperform a 308/328 by any measure. A 348 is an engine-out car, so budget for this. I don't think anyone here would recommend a 348 as the cheapest Ferrari to maintain.

You might find a good independent mechanic in your area - and update your profile with your location if you want specifics - and ask him. It's usually good advice with any car to get opinions from an expert who's not trying to sell you a car.

Jon