The STEPCHILD

Why do people refer to the 348 as the "stepchild" of Ferraris? I personally have owned 2 348's a 348TB and a 348TS and I have loved them both. I am a huge fan because the cars don't have all the electronics as the 355 and 360s and are more fun to drive than the 308, 328, and the Testarossa-another personal favorite. Any thoughts?

 

I am biased as I own a 348 and like the car a lot. I test drove MANY 308's as that's what I THOUGHT I wanted BUT for me the 348 does it. The newer models are out of my price range but even if I did have enough money, I think I'd still prefer the 348. I like the lines (although many frown on the door strakes...I like them) they are less expensive to maintain on may things, the insurance is less and since I don't "track my car" I can't justify the extra money. I can't use the 348 to it's full potential on the road as it is so I don't feel the need for "more". That's just me...there are lots of folks that like to take things over the edge and push limits...I just like driving my car, not looking to kill myself although if it was my time I couldn't think of a better way to go..."he went out in a high speed Ferrari crash..."

I guess a sales exec for Ferrari snubbed/dubbed the 348 "the worst Ferrari ever" and that's his opinion. If you think about what came before the 348 it's understandable he may say that. The 348 was more advanced than say a 308...if he was expecting the 348 to be like previous Fcars, I can see why he'd give it a black eye. It's all opinion, there's an A#$ for every seat...I like my 348...folks can say what they will. When all the BS stops flying at the end of the day, I HAVE one in my garage and am proud of that. I may not have the most expensive car or the most prefect one...but it's the nicest car I have ever owned. I have 4 other sports cars that I wanted to keep before getting my 348...they will all be sold next year (Alfa Romeo/Fiat/Maserati/Mercedes). I like the 348 that much. Give me a year like what Ernie has had with his car and my feelings might be different but once sorted, the 348 is known to be fairly reliable as far as super cars go.

The problem is people let them go then complain the car is crap...that's not the cars fault. There are known "flaws" on the 348s: input shaft nut coming loose, tensioners falling apart and wasting the Tbelt and also the pressed on belt guard on the middle pulley needs welded on or it can come off. Once you address these known issues...the car has a chance to survive. This is part of being a Ferrari owner IMO...you own a piece of history, there were not that many made and fewer yet survive today...you have an obligation to care for it properly or you don't deserve to own one. That's just me, many may not agree...they are entitled to their opinions.

Sounds like you are a 348 fan...get your butt back in one while the prices are down buddy LOL. They will go back up...just a matter of time. Just because the economy is bad doesn't mean the car isn't worth as much...just means cash is tight so everything sells cheaper or it doesn't sell. The economy will turn around and so will the prices of Fcars when it happens. I could be wrong but look at history...

 

348 bashing is nothing new. I have also heard "the 348 isn't a true Ferrari", which is ridiculous because if it is not then neither is the 355.

Like markgllc said, get your but in one and you won't have a care in the world, epecially for the nonsense you hear about the 348.

 

Mike...had not heard that one before. Not a real Ferrari...eh, blaspheme.

May the 348 Ferrari god strike down the originator of that one (not Mike) with a busted Tbelt LOL. I'd never wish Tbelt problems on any of my brethren.

I'm not a fan of the 355 but I don't bash it either...some folks like to bash things as it makes them feel they have the best of the best or are simply jealous they don't have one.

 

If it isn't a true Ferrari, that might explain why Maranello's Enzo test mule looked like a stretched 348 to throw spy photographers off. That must also explain why the intake manifold cover and engine and trans layout are so similar to a 288 GTO.

Eh, to each their own. When I got my 348, I was really looking for a 308, 328, or a 355 (as I wasn't a fan of the side strakes or the tail light treatment) After living with it for over 5 years now, what a great car. The brotherhood runs strong in this one.

I have talked to a number tifosi who have told me that they started with a 348 and still have a soft spot in their heart for the car (even though they have the best of the best today!)

Hopefully I'll be that guy some day.

I think it is time to GO FOR A DRIVE!!!

 

This sort of comment worries me... I'm working hard now to try to be in a position to buy a 348 in 10 years' time, but if people love them that much and hang on to them, then I worry that well-maintained examples won't be for sale when my time comes.

It's such a beautiful Ferrari... and I'm a big fan of those side strakes too.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I was surprised when I heard that one too. I am not sure what the rationale is regarding this, but as far as I am concerned the 348 is as genuine a Ferrari as the Enzo is (not putting the 348 in the same class, just merely referencing its authenticity as a Ferrari)

 

Go ahead and flame .......... I think the 348 is lame in stock form ...... the stock wheels contribute to bad handling ......... and those 'two can' exhausts are heavier than even the 355's complex stock exhaust .......

So unless you are some concourse guy ......... get some 18" 355/360 or other wheels and get a free flow exhaust ........... you will see another level of enjoyment and your 348 will thank you for it ........

 

The prices are so low right now it's unbelievable. Too bad you can't pull the trigger now. I am still in shock and awe that got mine for less than a used Tahoe. Granted it will get a great deal of work this winter but even figuring in that cost, I don't regret buying it not 1 bit. It's worth it, but my opinion is very biased.

I wish you the best of luck and don't give up on getting one. I searched for 2 years and talked myself out of it many times but knew I wouldn't be happy until I had 1. That's part of the fun...the search...the test drives...the research AND of course reading all the great info on Fchat. Lots of really great people on here that will help even the stupid and clueless...we all fall into the stooge boat at 1 time or another (I know I do sometimes) but they will help keep you pointed in the right direction. There's a lot of things you just have to find out for yourself though...go drive some of them in your area and keep reading. It really doesn't matter what people think...I find my own opinion is what matters to me LOL. I'm sure everybody basically feels that way...soooo your opinion is what counts when you consider what tickles ya. There's nothing like a Ferrari...the Lambo and Lotus guys may argue as will others, but for ME...again ME...the Ferrari does it.

I appreciate the others but they 'aint a Ferrari...if they have to argue that...they won't understand anyway ;-)

Cheers...MarkG

 

Not a concourse guy at all...in fact I bought mine TO drive it. It's not perfect....has some small paint chips in the bumper but when you drive it...you'll have that...right? It has a custom exhaust now but the cats need punched out...will be done soon ;-) I like the 355 wheel look a lot but may try spacers first if I ever have issues. I don't track my car...not yet anyway...just got it 2 months ago. I am no expert on anything but drooling...haven't stopped since it arrived LOL.

Sorting it out before I flog it too hard...I took in what you said and understand. The car does seem to drive easier the harder you drive it...? Trying to lightly drive it doesn't work well. It likes to GOOOOOO! Have you seen the twin turbo 348 on ebay?

 

No affilation just liked the car...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-348-348-348-F40-288GTO_W0QQitemZ220475093475QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item335556f1e3&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

 

I don't care much for the rear wing though...the engine is interesting.

 

Remember not to long ago there was a car that ferrari made called the Dino the REAL F-people would not even look at it and now look at values of them. In time I think the 348 will become the real last of the Ferrari driving car ever made no fancy girly stuff just a real driver. I bought mine right before the market tanked I paid 61K for it and now the prices I see kill me. In time things will turn around and like the dino owner that said some day people will realize this car so will the 348.

 

The PO of my car paid close to $60K in 2006. I didn't pay near that amount...don't worry it's just the economy. It'll snap back and so will prices...the Dino is a good example of what can happen. Nobody wanted them...now they do. Providing I don't find costly hidden issues when I do my major, I'll be very happy with the car. Even if I have to do more when I'm in there I'd be OK with that too. I got way more for my money than I expected...values will go back up when people have money again. Everybody is tight right now...it'll pass.

 

In case anyone forgot ....... the quote from Luca Montezemolo ....... obviously on a 'stock' 348 .....

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ferrari-348.htm

 

+1 but doing it with 19s(which I think is better) free flow with test pipes. Many other Ferrari/6allardo owners compliment the sound of mi car

Great start Ferrari to say the least...

 

Unfortunately, I'm still a student in Scotland... I'm right at the end of doing my PhD in Neuroscience and am feeling quite impoverished at the moment. I also recently proposed - rather successfully, I might add - to my girlfriend of 8 years and we're trying to arrange a wedding for late April or early May. After that, I'm trying to apply for a job in the United States (where my parents and sister live), sort out somewhere to live, get a commuter car, and then start the big save for the 348. I reckon I should have the funds together in about 8-10 years... as I want to make sure I'm in a position to afford all the maintenance as well. Simply owning it is not enough - I'm not really into concourse proceedings, but I'd like to be able to maintain it well and drive it often.

So I'm not really anywhere near Ferrari ownership at the moment. I sometimes feel like a bit of a fraud posting on a Ferrari forum, but I can't seem to help myself and often chip into the conversation. But I still have my '10-year plan'... which, hopefully, is realistic.

Thanks very much for the well wishes, Mark. I'm certainly enjoying doing a bit of 'dream shopping' on here and looking at fine examples Ferrari 348s. I actually have an image of Bill's (BT's) 348ts as my desktop background to motivate me in my thesis writing.

I agree on the 'feeling' as well... I've seen a few nice cars, and while I can respect many for their technical prowess, they don't really excite me in the same way a Ferrari does. My fiancée doesn't really seem to understand (she wants a Lotus Evora), but at least she seems willing to be tolerant - which is probably the best I could have hoped for.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

If I remember the rest of the article correctly , Montezemolo was POed about the FIAT-level of interrior components (switch gear, and the like) and not so much about the performance or beauty of the vehicle.

 

Who cares what Montezemolo has sayed ? The 348 is the last one which is authorized by Enzo and also the last one without powersteering a.s.o.

Regards, Georg

 

+1!!

I dont give a **** what some midget Italian pecker neck **** said about the 348.

I LOVE my 348 and that is all that matters to me!

 

I think I'm gonna get a 348 spyder......I mean they are so cheap- why not!!!

 

go for it!

 

+1!

You only live once Jay!

 

That is why I got a 355 .................

 

Well said PAP !!!!