Things to know about the 348 before you buy? | FerrariChat

Things to know about the 348 before you buy?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Wade, Sep 1, 2013.

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  1. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    I've searched and read, in great detail, about the 348 on this forum (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/418963-348-ts-what-look.html) and elsewhere (My Ferrari 348). However, the information that I'm looking for has been difficult to find. For example, I'm being told that the early years are best to be avoided (teething problems of sorts).

    First, let me state that the 348 has always been one of my favorite Ferraris. Second, I'm looking for a car that's in prime condition (well maintained and car show ready) and third, I have been involved with the 3x8 series and Mondials since 1990. My limited knowledge of the 348 comes from here, friends who own/owned them, and the downloaded Owners and Workshop Manuals.

    Although I prefer a TB over the TS or Spider I also realize that, at this point, my selection may include only the "best available" instead of a preferred model type, color choice and etc.

    So, can someone link me with the right threads and/or offer some advice regarding the nuances specific to each model type and year e.g. inherent problems ("design" flaws), common issues, insane parts prices and/or No Longer Available (NLA) items and other pros/cons etc. for the 348?

    For starters, I know that the 89 year is mouse-free.
     
  2. lbell101

    lbell101 Karting

    Mar 24, 2013
    230
    Temecula, CA
    Full Name:
    Larry
    Every Ferrari has insane part prices from FNA. Just search the web and you will find replacements for most stuff very reasonable.
    I have a 90 with the mouse runs. I wouldn't let that stop you. Just unplug them and use the alternate belt attachments. Or better yet do the three point conversion posted recently. The mouse is dead in mine (unplugged) so no irritation.

    Larry
     
  3. M. Brandon Motorcars

    Sponsor

    Sep 4, 2007
    1,830
    Houston, TX
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    Michael Foertsch
    I know you can sort out an early 348 to be a great car. However, my advice would be to start with a later 348 (at least a 92, 93-95 is even better).

    Ferrari made so many improvements along the way to that car, the later models are just vastly improved.
     
  4. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #4 Wade, Sep 4, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Good info, thanks Larry.

    Well, I found a '90 that's too nice to pass up. Paid a deposit and am picking it up this Saturday. :)

    Pardon the cellphone photos...
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  5. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
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    Sep 30, 2005
    3,523
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    Mr. Chupacabra
    Beautiful! Congrats and welcome to the club!
     
  6. M. Brandon Motorcars

    Sponsor

    Sep 4, 2007
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    Full Name:
    Michael Foertsch
  7. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

    Jun 18, 2008
    2,793
    Henderson, NV
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    Roberto Bellezza
  8. Shaide

    Shaide Formula Junior

    Jul 8, 2008
    613
    Las Colinas, DFW TX
    Full Name:
    Jason
    Very nice indeed!

    But then... I'm particularly partial to black on black 1990 TS models.
     
  9. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    #9 Wade, Sep 4, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks all, I'm pretty excited. At 23 years old with almost 30K mikes its condition is like a 3 year old car. All original too!

    Today's compression test:
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  10. bikz

    bikz Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2012
    1,043
    Malaysia
    congratulations mate, very very beautiful......somehow others haven't spotted it, but when you get the car, the rear wheels (rims) are on the wrong side....get them swapped......
     
  11. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    Thanks! Seems to be a common problem from what I hear.
     
  12. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    #12 Wade, Sep 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
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    Sep 30, 2005
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    Always wanted to read that one...
     
  14. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
  15. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    Charlotte, NC
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    Joseph Troutwine
    Keep looking, I found that issue several months ago for much less in perfect condition.
     
  16. PatrikD

    PatrikD Rookie

    May 12, 2012
    48
    Sweden, Dalarna
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    Patrik D
    Thanks!!!
     
  17. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    That issue is listed on EBay right now for $5.95 from ScaleDetals.
     
  18. Gated

    Gated Formula 3

    Dec 21, 2009
    1,117
    Great article!
     
  19. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
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    #20 Wade, Sep 7, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Maybe I should change the title of this thread to "Things to Learn After You Buy" ;)

    Drove the 348 home from Tampa today and made it just before the storm rolled in... now I need to unload the other two.
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  20. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
    13,550
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    Oh, how much for the mondi?
     
  21. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
  22. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    Welcome to the 348 Brotherhood.
     
  23. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    Thanks Ernie
     
  24. CTE55AMG

    CTE55AMG Karting

    Jul 19, 2010
    94
    Stratford, CT
    Great car, congrats! I am sure you did your homework, so what is the avg price you saw while looking? There is such a wide range, from $30k-$50k, hard to know what the right price is. Thx.
     

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