PLEASE, HELP ME ON MY FIRST FERRARI

First off, welcome. I was in your situation in a year ago. You'll get a bunch of responses suggesting that you use the 'Search' function at the top, because a lot of us are in the 328/348 tax bracket. Start with the model designations as your search term.

There's actually a pretty significant change between the two - tubular frame construction versus unibody, transverse engine to longitudinal, and ergonomics from the early '70s or late '80s.

I bought a 328 GTS based on test drives (you need to do that), the more classic looks (IMO), and reputation for being reliable by Ferrari standards. I like the absence of computers and the raw feel of the car. The 348 offers some of that raw feel and 300hp, but the potentially increased maintenance and repair costs - combined with my subjective preference for the 308/328 looks - nudged me toward the car I ultimately bought.

Again, we have a ton of 348 experts here who can explain the issues these cars have. I'll bow out here -- never owned one.

EDIT: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93035 is going on right now.

 

Hi there

There's a lot of info in the archives. Here's a couple of threads to get you started:

I'm thinking about buying a 328 or a 308--HELP??

328 vs 348

Ferrari 328 primer, version 0.1 (a work in progress)

348 Primer (external link)

 

It sounds like your budget can afford you a nice example of either model you are considering. Find a couple of each and test drive them to see what you like better. Then find a really nice one for sale, buy it (with a reasonable reserve for future maintenance etc... and enjoy!

BTW I was in the same boat about a year ago and chose the 348 as it was the first one available to me that was in great condition.

BT

 

I never drove a 348, but had a 328 and loved it. The 328 in my opinion is the most reliable 8 cylinder Ferrari produced. For 60k you could get into a great late model 328. I believe that the 328 will also hold it's value better than a 348 and the 308/328 styling is Ferrari.

 

Moved to the appropriate sub-forum.

Good luck with the search.

 

I believe that the 328 will also hold it's value better than a 348 and the 308/328 styling is Ferrari.[/QUOTE]




Awwww Foooooeyyy

 

I don't know why everyone keeps claiming 328 will hold it's value better. When I bought my 308 in '99 the 328's were selling well north of $60K. This was for moderate milage cars. Those same cars are selling for mid $40k now. How does that equate to holding value??? Do you mean in the future? How can you predict?

The 348 prices have dropped as well recently. Does that mean they have bottomed out since they are selling close to 328 prices? Would then a 348 not be a better investment?

Why is 348 not "Ferrari" styling?

I think test drive both models and buy what you want. Don't anticipate making money or even braking even on any "old" car.

 

The 328's are a much different car. You can not compare the two. The reason that the 328's will hold its value today. Is because at the present price they are cheap. Not 3 years ago today. 328's in Europe are going for more that a 348. I think the 348's can still drop lower. But from here the 328 is only going up. It will be a considered a classic in a year. It will always be the last car ENZO had his hands on. Look at what happened to the Dino. They went from $10000 in the 80's "The Poor Man's Ferrari" to $100,000+ today. They had to hit bottom as all Ferraris do. But then it is usually up from there.

Good luck buy the car you like to drive! A ferrari is not a good investment. Buy one because you love the car.

 

I cannot predict the future, but the market shows that their is more of a demand for a 328 and less cars for sale. I believe that the 328 will not go any lower in price while the price of the 348 will still decline alittle, but this is just my opinion. I like the 348 and almost bought one, but the 328 is a classic and to me it just looked like a Ferrari with the round tail lights.

 

Well, Rosso (original post) needs to drive both and decide. I tend to agree that 328's are holding their value now, but I wouldn't have bought it just because of that.

Anyone who thinks either a 328 or 348 is going to generate positive cash flow over 10 years of ownership needs be locked in a room with Suze Orman for an hour.

(Not to learn anything, just for punishment.)

 

Suze Orman

I have no idea who this is, but I'm assuming prolonged contact would be a bad thing..

 

I agree I bought mine because I wanted it and with the cost of maintance and insurance I never thought that it would generate a positive cash flow. I knew that I would lose a ton of money just by the interest I lost out on. Would I do it again probably not, but the one time experiance was worth it.

 

Suze is a soccer mom type that has a financial planning show. she is like your aunt who keeps telling you your saving money the wrong way. She has more expertise than I do on financial planning, but usually she comes off as a pushy person. There are probably worse people to get locked into a room with, but nobody comes to mind.
BT

 

First, good luck in your quest of Ferrari ownership. It is a great thing! I concur with the concept of really going out there and seeing each model in the metal, sitting in the drivers seat, looking at the gauges and absorbing the ergonomics that are unique to each model, and then actually driving both. This will truley be the best test for YOU. There will be no doubt in your mind which one really does it for YOU. Either is afterall a Ferrari, and that really says it all. Read up on the pro's and con's of each model (preferably in unbiased tech or road test articals). Heck, I'd even call the closest Ferrari dealerships service manager and squeeze his brain too. The more info you can get, the better educated/technical disission you can make. Which is important of course, but truley follow your heart. There will be one that you will be drawn to nomatter what. Be patient, it will happen if you so desire it to. And Enjoy! And keep us posted!

Cheers!

Dino
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There is nothing like a Ferrari, there never has been and never will be!

 

Go with the 328GTS red/tan.

 

I was in your situation about 4 months ago. I did all the reading I could about both models.You can get a real lot of info from this forum and from forza magizine as well.I went and checked out a few different examples of each. I must say that there are alot of really nice people who both own and sell these wonderful machines.I was able to pick alot of people's brains and really educated myself about the ins and outs of various models.I was finally able to find a very nice 348 right here in L.I. The owner was very informatve and resonable with the price and info on the car.I decided that a 348 was what I wanted but you need to take your time and go drive and most of all see these cars.Picture's don't do it justice.To sum up my expierence I have had my car only about a month now and love my car and feel like I made the right choice so far.There is no other feeling of just seeing it in your garage and driving it on an open road with the engine screaming in your ear.Good luck and most of all enjoy your search. Oh and if you have any questions you can P.M. me if you want

 

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