purchasing 1 of 3 308/328 advice comments | FerrariChat

purchasing 1 of 3 308/328 advice comments

Discussion in '308/328' started by parallax_ca, Apr 8, 2007.

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  1. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    looking for a 308/328 (that style), still the newbie in Ontario
    looked at the 81 308 (328 body clone) in London Ontario

    http://www.gardellimotors.ca/carwebpages/81ferrari308.htm

    supposedly was bought off eBay for 21k US, asking 40k CDN. I think I have totally moved off this one thanks to the collective wisdom and experience here!!

    so I want something I can drive, not be ashamed of (or embarrassed by) and know I can always sell in that far off day in the future

    so narrowed down to 3 units

    #1
    85 328 in Carolinas, current F-chatter
    site at

    http://www.netsyntricity.com/308/index.html

    eBay auction at

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330106300243&rd=1

    asking around 38-40k US
    seems good shape and taken care off. Traditional red/beige (not sure if I am getting tired of or not)
    condition attracts me to this one

    #2
    81 308 in Colorado
    silver with red, recent major service, asking 31k US, approx. 30k miles I believe (don't have al the info with me right now, at another computer)
    here are the pix sent to me

    http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid15999585

    password is "308"

    i would hope the colour is not a hard sell (are odd colours hard to sell later?, do you ever tire of them?) colour and price a bit attract me to this one

    #3
    88 328
    no website but drove this one
    pix i took at

    http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid15998844

    password is "328"

    has had major service done, currently about 65k miles (so high), asking 48k CDN but probably take 45k CDN.
    she is in ontario so shipping costs are saved. Good shape, some small issues will be fixed at Peninsula Motors in Oakville (any experience with them, anyone?) by Ferrari mechanic who has serviced it for past 7 years with current owner. Current owner bought from a chap who literally died 2 days later (heart attack, 70 year old too many women supposedly!!) so records prior were not found. However, he has kept on top of her. He knows this previous owner ws not the best of drivers, damged front pass fender, had it repaired (replaced with Italian piece, not aftermarket) i cannot see the repair at all) no tool kit, ding in trunk dead center (touch up with paint (blotted) runs great, up to 8k rpm n issues, apparently small pinhole in coolant somewhere which will be fixed now that spring is here, same for on again off again squeal (belt/bearing? in engine area while idling) and for pass door which does not latch every time) built apr 88 (the 88.5 is supposedly desireable, is this one of them, how do you tell?) i have the vin as well He will certify and even drive her up here all for 45k CDN
    the year attracts me (i like the older rims in fact though, not the "bulge" ones but not a big deal)

    all are willing to do a PPI (my cost, what shoudl i expect for a cost and is ther a "standard" set of F-things to look out for/expect from a PPI?)

    so, which would you recommend to buy, and why?
    advice, comments in negotiating, things to demand/insist on etc. (learned alot from the 81 308 with no records!)
    thanks
    i know it is late but i hope to get some advice to act on the 88 (yes OR no) by Monday
    Gord in Ontario Canada

    [email protected]
    tel 705-385-1203
     
  2. PWehmer

    PWehmer Formula 3

    Oct 15, 2002
    1,733
    Surrounded by Water
    In general you are better off buying a very good car unless you can buy them real cheap.

    None of these cars sound like winners.

    Do you have a budget you're trying to meet?
     
  3. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    That 308 made to look like a 328 is a rolling joke. A 328 is a nice car but i'd take a QV over one.

    My quick take would be the QV.
     
  4. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    trying to keep in the 30-60k cdn range
    why do you say none of them sound like winners?
    (just trying to understand as I AM new to the exotic car scene (though have owned quite a few dozen odd cars including a fiat spider turbo (a poor man's italian car), bricklins, classic cars (thunderbirds, etc.)
    thanking in advance


    also, are not ALL 328 QV so that narrows it down to the 85 and 88 right?
    also i am NOT considering the 81 "clone" so PLEASE let's stop commenting on THAT one >> i am looking at the OTHER 3
    just trying to let you see that i HAVE at least moved UP in my understanding!

    (i messed up the url for the 81 silver/red, it is corrected now (cut and pasted too many times!)

    gord
    (you can PM at
    [email protected]
    if you want)
     
  5. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    he's trying to say 'keep looking'....


    A private owner....long time possession......loving maintenance...

    Trust me hold out for these things.......

    Fchatter IS a plus sign ......
     
  6. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    red is an odd interior color unless you can get your gf to dress to match ......youknowwhatimean....

    But someone ordered it, obviously......
     
  7. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    All 328's are four valves per cylinder, so yes, they're all 'quattrovalvole'.

    Call Sport Auto on the black/tan '85 308 QV they just got back in trade. 20K miles, priced a bit high but they've sold it a couple of times I think and know the full history. I was going to buy it, at one point, but it has extra speakers in the dash.

    Maybe you could see both Carolinas cars in one trip. But 82K miles on the red one... could be a great car, but you know it will be harder to sell if you decide it's not for you.

    ... but not necessarily while they were sober.

    Actually, I shouldn't talk - I keep falling in love with the black over red 308s they've had at Marshall Goldman in Cleveland. ;) But then I'm not necessarily sober.
     
  8. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
    1,718
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Steve
    Buy the Ferrari that's in the best condition that you can afford. If you think you are getting a bargain, most of the time you end up putting much more money into it. (wasn't a bargain after all)
    Have it thoroughly inspected by a Ferrari mechanic, (mileage is less important than condition), make sure to have and inspect all records that should show regular maintenance.
    Enjoy the process of finding the right car. For most of us, it takes 6-12 months to find the right one. (lots of junk and poorly maintained cars out there, makes for a long search)
    Owning a Ferrari will change your life ! (puts a permanent smile on your face, regardless of model)
     
  9. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    I say buy the one you can't let get away. The one ya just gotta have. Writing checks for repairs and long weekends in the garage are not as bad when your in love with it.

    Get it inspected though.
     
  10. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    trying to educate myself, been looking awhile, but obviously without the aid of f-chatters, so excuse me for re-asking

    why do these examples not look good beyond not beign one owner pampered (i have never even seen one like that listed anywhere, do they really exist??) from my own car (not ferrari) experience, a car NOT driven regularly is worse than one with lots of miles and i am not swayed by paint and interiors, (though the silver red is a bit wild)

    anyway , on the 88 >> i understand that 88.5 is a good year, >> how do you know if it IS an 88.5 (built in april 88 is that considered mid-year for ferrari?)?? (not sure where to find this kind of basic info maybe on this site somewhere?)

    and is 45k CDN (38.5K US) a good price for a rare 88.5 in good overall shape
    i would have thought so esp in light of any US vehicle is going to csot me about 2-3K to import (shipping and import "stuff") but....
    comparably can you even touch an 88.5 328 for 36.5K US given shipping etc.?

    thanks for all the comments
    gord
     
  11. mambodave

    mambodave Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
    531
    Charlotte NC
    Full Name:
    Dave
    You need to clarify this...

    And yes the 85 QV is MY car.
     
  12. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    Dave, it looks like a nice car. Might be a "winner" after all.
     
  13. barcheta

    barcheta F1 Rookie

    Nov 15, 2003
    3,738
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Jim
    Silver and red is a classic color combo.... Don't listen to the haters... if you like it buy it... just make sure you get a PPI done first.
     
  14. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    Dave's cars was bought from a Fchat guy recently who maintained it well and Dave spent like 10k giving it a makeover so i wouldn't look past that one. 85k maybe alot of miles and not great for resale but I drove a car with 140,000 and another with 112,000 miles and they both started and ran great. Many cars with 23k or 15k are not for real and even if they were very low mile cars are trouble often. I was glad my car had 50k on it..much less would steer me away.

    The 328 looks like it maybe a deal but it seems a little underpriced and may need some work but it may just be a deal. Look at or inspect both of 'em.
     
  15. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    88.5 is easy to distinguish by the convex (bulged out, like hubcaps) wheels. '88 and earlier cars have concave wheels more like the 308, Boxer, etc.

    All 328s are 'good' years. The earlier ones have some nicer aesthetic aspects, but the last ones have ABS and improved suspension geometry (slightly better handling, although I have not verified this personally.)

    'One owner' is nice, but don't get stuck on it. The nicest 328s in existence have changed hands multiple times because they're in demand/easy to sell. Buy the car. They're pushing 20 years old now.

    I would say you could get a higher mileage 328 that needs attention for $36K U.S. In fact a guy in Temecula, north of me in San Diego, bought a red/tan '87 for $35 last year. He has put $10K+ into it, and it's now a really nice car.

    But for mid $30K U.S. you'll be looking at 1980-82 injected 308s if you want one in good shape.
     
  16. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    Give the price range you're discussing, I agree with Stuart. A high mileage car with a conscientious owner is going to save you a lot of grief. Price is between the two of you, but for an '85 QV (probably the best of the 308 series from a driveability perspective) his price is in the fair range.

    You will pay another $10K-$15K for that car with below 20K miles.
     
  17. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    in summary then
    the 85 qv (Dave's car) is a good car pricewise (to be fair to Dave, i showed a range).(85k miles)

    the 88 is an 88.5 because of the "bulge" rims it has (easy to change, thought the date would be the easier identifier) and is underpriced so a good buy (67k KILOMETERS, my mistake, speedo IS in km/h >> 42k miles)

    the 82 308 is a colour issue (no comments beyond that it seems, price wise (and being a 308 vs a 328) (not 81, sorry my mistake), 27 k miles)

    i don;t worry about mileage as much as condition since as before a car that sits gives more grief than one that is driven.

    i know enough to do a ppi on any of them (that has ALWAYS been a given)

    >> question is what should that cost range be and what should i expect from it report wise ($100, $1000, $10000??) and do they have or should there be some "standard" stuff you would expect on such a report?)

    readnig over the notes on the 81, by the way, he says 3rd owner, circumstances changed to sell after a year, but bought from 2nd owner of 17 years and records back to 87 (on an 81 that is probably pretty good?)
    and here is his ad link (whoops it is an 82 not 81, only 27k miles)

    http://cars.com/go/search/search_results.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&cid=&dlid=&dgid=&amid=&cname=&mdnm=308&mknm=Ferrari&rd=30&zc=80016&makeid=51&modelid=1413&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_51_%7CD-_1413_%7CN-N%7CR-30%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-80016&aff=national&aff=national

    thoughts, more comments?
    thanks for all and i hope Dave and Gus (the 81 silver) don't mind the "chat" on their cars, it is promotion ultimately. I too am still curious why "none of them are winners" as it seems all F-cars will have issues, jsut avoid the MECHANICAL ones is the big one! (and that i already expected being an exotic, hence the required PPI )


    i like them all, teh 88 has the "rarity" going for it though, being one of only a few (not sure the numbers) >> would that not make her the most desireable, presuming all are given a clean bill of health PPI wise?

    sorry for being so wordy and questioning, but all help is GREATLY appreciated.
    thanks
    gord
     
  18. mambodave

    mambodave Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
    531
    Charlotte NC
    Full Name:
    Dave
    Thanks.

    Gord, for your info....

    I did some research on the QV's for sale right now. The Average price (including higher mileage cars) was $41k. The high was $46500 and the low was $37500. A QV will cost you more than an 80-82 car regaurdless of condition and miles it seems.

    My suggestion is to buy the car you like, Even if its not mine, buy the one you are comfortable with in price, maint, history, and most of all..the one you REALLY like with color combo, miles, etc.

    Buy the car you want man, not what we are all telling you to buy. The worst thing you can do is buy a car based on other opinions, and you could end up with a car you dont want. If you really want a 328, then go for it. If you want a QV, well, you have my number.

    I dont mind the chat on my car at all. ... I hope you dont mind me butting in on your thread.

    Most important thing is you buy what YOU want.

    As far as PPI, I spoke with Jarod at Automiive International, and my car has to go back for a few small adjustments (wiper motor acting up still, hes goig to straighten it out), and he said hed be glad to talk with you on the car.
     
  19. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    thanks dave
    NO issue you "butting in". I hope i have not stepped on your toes discussing your (and other 2 cars) here >> great forum and ultimately i will buy what i want, just looking for input from "un-biased" parties (if that is possible <smile>) it was by cahnce i cam across the 88.5 after "speaking" with you and since i can only buy one, well, i have to consider her as well. You DO have a great looking car though and at least this is creating "chatter" for selling yours. If the 82 was an 88.5, i probably would not think twice >> odd colours etc. i do like, but it is the "least" mechanically designed (not necessarily fit, just lower tech level)
    anyone care to comment on tech level as a buying determinent? (ie sometimes LOWER tech is less problematic, maybe the 88.5 has issues only it and an 89 would have, the 308, and early 328 are less problematic, that sort of thing??)
    thanks
    gord
     
  20. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    I don't know how many 308s you've looked at but if your thinking they're gonna be clean inside and out and undearneath like restored '57 chevys and '67 Camaros etc. your gonna be disappointed. I spent alot of time at muscle car shows and got to used looking at undersides of cars that are cleaner than my dinner plate after it comes out of the dishwasher. Somehow i thought the 308s were gonna look the same way...they didn't... and they don't... and it was a tough pill to swallow. Cosmetic upgrades can and are as expensive as major services/repairs.

    That 328 is gonna look a bit rough in person. The right A/C vent looks bent or maybe cracked a little. The guy had a winter mat in the driver seat side. You know how many times he got in that car with wet slushy feet? The leather always looks older in person especially the tan ones. The Window and A/C controls always show faded colors(the red and Blue paint on the controls).

    The '81 is a unique and when in good condition a beautiful color combination IMO. It looks dried and cracked though and would you be happy with that. Remember in person it's gonna look worse than in the pics.

    Another thing is the issue of the wheels. Do you like the look of the 14inchers on the '81 and the bulge on the '88? If not it's over 2 grand USD. to put on reproduction or to buy used originals. I'm in this situation right now myself.

    The QV has had 10k in cosmetic work. I think it has new leather on the seats and on the door panels and the center console. Beyond that it's mechanical condition seems good as it was maintained by 2 fchatters in a row and a major was done less than 3 years ago with reciepts i believe.

    Id try to steer you the QV way but again like I and others have said get the one you like and the one you can't let go of. The most important thing is how you feel about the car.
     
  21. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    you are right, i am not expecting the "pristine" triler queens of classic cars, no worries, looked at beter part of a dozen cars so far so have an idea wht to expect.

    i HAVE been in and driven the 328 it is tight and clean, the winter mat, he never drove in the winter, just did not want to damage the original mats with heel wear
    yes the leather is "worn" like a layer has been worn off (on the door panels) and a bit old on the seats >> to be expected with original, no issue for me

    i actually feel positive about all 3, so thought maybe some comments might swing one way or the other

    82 - colour and low miles, "aged" interior recent service, records to 87
    85 - better mechanics (qv), perfect interior, recent mechs, high miles, records to
    88.5 - more rare, "aged" interior, recent service, records to 2000, best mechanics of all 3 (ie most up to date, qv, 328, etc.)

    guess biggest hurdle is colour given they all seem to be mechanically similar (presuming the PPI shows that) >> does the magnum p.i. look get "tiring", would the silver/red get tiring
    again, thanks to all
    gord
     
  22. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    I've had my car for a week now and have heard the Magnum thing only once so far. First thing most people ask is "what year is it" I tell them and they say "it's beautiful".

    The magnum thing worried me too but now that i have it somehow i don't care. Heard it alot on test drives though.

    I took mine to a restaurant and a few people noticed it in the parking lot and the waitress saw me staring at it and my sister said you'll have to excuse him he's a new Ferrari owner and can't stop looking at his car( i was gazing at it when she asked for my order and didn't hear her). Then she said it's the red not yellow one in the parking lot. The waitress didn't even know the yellow 430 that pulled up after mine was even a Ferrari. She said pointing at the yellow 430 "oh that's a Ferrari too?"

    You'll see.
     
  23. mambodave

    mambodave Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
    531
    Charlotte NC
    Full Name:
    Dave

    Its funny.. I only hear the magnum thing when I say "308" but when people see the car, they dont recognize it as Magnum's car for some reason.
     
  24. parallax_ca

    parallax_ca Rookie

    Mar 18, 2007
    33
    well the 88.5 is out of the running
    that "minor" accident by the owner previous to this one whihc was only the fender and the tire (nothing else, saw the pix) branded the car as salvage: rebuilt >> so as my financier said, that will haunt you forever. told the current owner as he was unaware that the car was branded as such
    anyone looking at the one in stoney creek/hamilton shoudl be aware of this!!
    (is there a registry to mark these things in , that would be good)

    so now down to the 85 328 qv and the 82 308

    the search goes on too (must admit the thought of an 88 is intriguing but in the end they are ALL ferraris!!)
    thx
    gord
     
  25. mambodave

    mambodave Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
    531
    Charlotte NC
    Full Name:
    Dave

    Post the vin and the history so if anyone does a search here , it will pop up.
     

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