Questions about 348

At what year did they stop the mad mouse seat belts on the 348?. Also did any of the GTS models have them.
I am thinking about jumping back into Ferrari owner ship and was wondering if anyone can give me their thoughts on the 348.

I understand that it is not the most desireable model, however I used to have a 1990 Testarossa and I found it rather awkward and tiresome to drive although it was a beautiful car.
Thanks

 

I've had my 1990 348 TS just over a year. Not one problem yet! (knock on wood). Fun to drive. Lots of looks. People mistake it for a Testarossa. (cool)

Cruises effortlesly at 100 mph.

Still worth 50% of its original cost. How many cars do that after 15 years of age. My car has only 12k in mileage.

 

The clean examples are always sought after.
Desireable to some (Me) and not desireable to others.
To each their own

find a clean example and you TOO will be happy

 

I own a 1992 Ferrari 348 TB Series Speciale (9 of 100) with 10,000 miles and it it in near showroom condition. All I here is the original eurpean news article written up when the car first came out as being very negative. THsi car is awesome. My car is an exceptional car that runs excellent. This car attracts many admirers and is fun to drive. The cars out there for sale need to be looked at carefully (PM) before purchasing one. Many owners neglect to take care of them properly. Ask for all records and if the owner kept a diary you have someone who cared. My car has many extras and I would let it go for no less than $65-70k (Collectors Car). To many are selling them to low because they are being told they are less desirable. A Ferrari is a Ferrari, and well taken care of Ferrari's are great cars to own.
Darryl
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Most people find the V8 cars more tossable and fun to drive, although the trossa is still a stunning car.

348s have a bad reputation due to an ill-conceived single-timing belt design (higher risk of engine damage), some cheap interior materials, sometimes troublesome ECUs and cats that are located too close to the engine and are short-lived. There are other minor things, many of which seem to be the usual old-electrical-stuff-in-an-Italian-car syndrome we all have to deal with. The 348/F355 just have more electronic stuff than the 308/328.

The good news is that prices reflect this reputation, so a well-sorted 348 could be a bargain of sorts.

One caution - even though my 328 is very fun to drive, it is plenty low, so I take Stop signs and blind corners in parking lots (hedges, etc.) very seriously. People just don't look for cars 'way down there'. The 348 is taller, but barely.

I checked in my Original Ferrari V8 book and didn't see any notes on 348 belts. You might post in the 348/355 forum on this site and see what people say.

 

I think the regular belts are only on 1989 models.
It is a real bargain for a Ferrari.
BT

 

Yes, '90 model year through '95 had mouse belts. It was Fed mandate that cars either had auto belts or airbags. 355 was the first F-car with airbags.

I would also echo opinions here that the 348 is an excellent car. Bad rap? I think by some that have not owned one. I don't think I have heard any negatives on this forum from a 348 owner!

I have not had a single problem (knock on wood) since I bought mine last Oct. Come to think of it, I had a 308 for 8 years and never had a mech or elec problem with it either.