OOOH OOH a new post in the MW!!!

I am starting my research of buying a Ferrari in the next 6 -8 months. I live in Ohio up near Cleveland. I am looking at under 80K. My choices are probably going to be between a 89 328GTSi , 89-91 Testarossa or a 348 GTS. I know the cars are totally different cars with development and of course V8 vs. V12.

But I was wondering how these cars handle the roads up in Norheast Ohio which aren't the best. I have a Porsche 930 right now that I love to drive and it handles the roads without too much worry of busting up the car but have always lusted after a Ferrari. ANd not seeing too many of them up here in the area is a little disappointing.

Also, in the Northern Ohio area, where does one get maintanence done?

Any advice would be great.

Brian

 

you can say that again "ANd not seeing too many of them up here in the area is a little disappointing."

 

get the testarossa! that's the best looking of those 3

 

You may be able to find a used 355 in your price range too. I think the 355 is one of the best looking Ferrari's out there. But out of the cars you listed I would say go with the Testarossa for sure. Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield, Michigan has a 90 Testarossa w/ 25,700 miles on it and they are asking $68K for it. I believe the car has been there for a while. So when the time is right for you I would look into it if I were you. Maybe it will still be there and hopefully the cost will be lower too. I would do a lot of research regarding the maintenance costs for all the cars you listed before you decide to purchase one. Ferrarichat will most likely have all the answers to all of your questions. You can usually do a search and find all types of useful information. Also I would fill out your profile when you get a chance. People on Fchat seem much more responsive to people here when they have their profile filled out. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

I was going to say the same thing about a 355 - you can get a very nice 355B for around that price... More modern, very quick - of course the 328 and Tesstarossa are very good cars - comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for.

And we have a ton of F-cars down here in Cincy - where the winters are warm

 

And you are just a little bit to the south....rub it in why don't you. Thanks for the input. Who is in the area down there that sells/services Ferrari's seeing that they are down state?

Thanks

brian

 

I take mine to NJB, there is also Evans Automotive and MAG (all are in Columbus, Ohio). We have a few small independents in Cincy - that I have used for smaller things - but take it to NJB at www.ferrariguys.com

And man is it warm down here

 

If you got the TR I'd probally marry you, and I'm a guy.
Get the TR.

 

I live a little east of you out in Ashtabula County.
Ferraris are few and far between along the North Coast of Ohio.
Very few Folks out this way have never seen a Ferrari in person.
Every time I’m out and about my 348 draws a crowd.
Good luck, find a nice TR and enjoy it! Dave

 

Hey Dave,

I have seen Ferrari's before but not a 348. any chance of getting together with you and taking a look at the car just to see what a 348 is like. I don't really want to drive one at this time, but just get a personal inspection of one. I'd love to get together for lunch or a beer and talk the ups and downs of them (I'll buy!!).

Let me know what year you have etc.

Thanks

Brian

 

Brian,
Check your PM.
Dave

 

Rich is only half kidding about the "warm winters." I just last week put my 328 away for the winter, and it will be coming back out in late March or early April. So, it's only gone for 4 months or so.

And Rich, I was thinking of you when I put it away, because it is now just off your exit, only about 3 miles or so from your house. I'll have to go visit it a few times before spring, just for some TLC.

Ken

 

Brian,

Service it at NJB and Associates in Westerville, Ohio (N.E. of Columbus), they will come pick your car up for you in their enclosed trailer. Jack Babbitt, the owner, and the person you will deal with, also has cars for sale. Check them out at www.ferrariguys.com. I believe he has a couple of TRs for sale (red and yellow). LOL

 

Brian,
I like you have been serching for the perfect Ferrari within my budget. I have spent a lot of time driving and shopping. Looked at 348's, 328's, 355's, Tesstarossas and 512 TR. I talked to a number of mechanics at authorized and un-authorized dealerships and felt like I really did my research. I actually had 5 pre-buys done before I purchased. I ended up with a 1991 Testarossa For me it was the right car. Looks Cool, great preformance, excellent maintenance history, etc. I would just tell you to be patient and the right car will come along but under no circumstances buy a mechanically comprimised car. That my friend can be and expensive and slippery slope. The thing and GOT to have past service records. Good luck and have fun !!

 

Brian,

I currently have a 348 Spider in the metro detroit area (possibly selling, are you ineterested? )

I'm not sure how the roads vary between Cleveland and here, I do know that we in the metro detroit area have our fair share of crappy roads. My 348 handles the roads in this area much better than I ever expected. It has a very compliant ride and seems to transmit just enough of the road feel to the driver with out requiring a kidney belt.

Good luck with your search!

Keep us informed on your search!

 

I really appreciate everyones responses. Please keep them coming. I will probably start 'finding' cars for inspection and consideration in March/April. I should be able to pay with cash by that window as well.

The roads around here are really bad in the winter time but not too bad during summer.

I think my search is down between a 89-91 Testarossa and a late model 348TS. Red/ Tan preferably (is there any other combo!!). I also like the black/black combo (although rare).

Thanks for the info.

brian
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In my much-biased opinion, a Testarossa is the way to go without a doubt. They are a lot of car for the money right now. I actually drove my TR for a couple of hours last Friday afternoon, the weather was incredible. Plus it keeps everything lubed up in the drive train...which gives me peace of mind. Definately get the best car you can afford. My TR is a "beater" with many issues, but it's fun to drive and has been quite reliable. I've done lots of repairs and a full service on my car and have learned much, still have many things to do. This is my first Ferrari but certainly not my last. I had to get a "checkered-past" car because I had to have a 12 cylinder car and it's all I could afford at the time. And it's not the popular red/tan but Nero Black Metallic with Black/Maroon interior. It's different and takes some getting used to, but when the car is detailed to the max it looks pretty good. It's a nice driver car that I can enjoy without worry. My next TR will be a perfect car - I hope. Keep us posted....Take Care!

 

Hello from Painesville, lateapex have you looked at Marshall Goldman Motors for a car? Last time I was there they only had newer stuff (360's & a 355 spyder). I bet they could help locate something for you for a small fee.
I like the 348 very much and spotted a red Spyder on 271 near Chagrin Blvd. They are around but they are tough to find. Yellow 360 in Mentor and even a red Countach going from 44 to 90 headed toward Ashtabula. The 328 gives you the best of everything in my opinion. Classic styling and modern performance. Any way you go you can't really go wrong. Good luck with your search.

 

I do check marshall Goldman about every 2 months or so. They said they could find a car for me (didn't mention how much) but they said they would do it by looking through the net and auctions. The guy also mentioned that I shouldn't even be looking at a Ferrari due to maint. and should look at Porsche instead. I looked at several 308QV's and 1 328 but didn't really like those that I looked at so I decided on the Porsche 930 that is pictured above. I am still looking for a Ferrari but now I am convinced of a 12 cyl. one and I think a 90-91 Testarossa is going to win out.

I have seen the red one you talk about cruising around as well. Have seen a few Lambos and even a Vanquish over in Chagrin Falls.

Brian

 

Brian,

When did you see the vanquish, and did you get to talk to the owner?

My dad's in chagrin falls off of E. Washington, so i get to go to town about twice a week to walk around. The most ive seen there have been 2 355's, with my neighbor driving behind one of them and not knowing what it was...

Cheers

Mike

 

I saw the Vanquish this last summer while driving so I didn't get to talk to the driver. It passed opposite direction on a busy two lane road and didn't have a front plate on it so I don't even know if it was local or even from ohio.

Very nice looking car though.

brian