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Things to look for 348

Discussion in '348/355' started by Scotsguards, May 30, 2013.

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  1. Scotsguards

    Scotsguards Karting

    Jun 12, 2011
    94
    Gray, TN
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    RPB
    #1 Scotsguards, May 30, 2013
    Hello Mates! I currently own a 430 and used to own a 360. However my favorite Fcar of all time is the 348. I recently came across a '91 348TB in my favorite color, TDF Blue for sale. 30K miles for $40K. I can negotiate the price and it doesn't seem to far off average, however I know nothing about 348's.
    What warning signs should I look for? What are some of the most common problems with the 348's? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
     
  2. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
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    Dec 1, 2004
    7,781
    Redondo Beach, CA
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    Bruce Bogart
    #2 plugzit, May 30, 2013
    Excellent choice! The 348 suffers few typical problems. Though the engine is pretty bulletproof, do your tests anyway. Some used to have trans problems, but nothing you can't hear. I'm sure others will chime in with other recommendations.
    The 348...the last really tactile Ferrari!
     
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
    13,582
    San Carlos, CA
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    Mitchell Le
    #3 yelcab, May 30, 2013
    Last edited: May 31, 2013
    come on Bruce. Who knows the 348 better than you? But OK

    sticky interior pieces
    door connector with broken pins
    earlier car needs wider wheel base for stability
    ugly wheels
    engine out maintenance required
    paint cracks along the C pillars
    delaminated rear windshield
    has heavy exhaust that can be upgraded to single piece
    watch the gear box
    expensive engine mounts, fog lights, windshields
    notchy cable shifter
    annoying automatic seat belts
    plastic and cracking timing belt covers
    very hard to DIY water pump
     
  4. bosshog8

    bosshog8 Formula Junior

    Mar 13, 2011
    448
    Pinelands NJ
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    Demetrius
    #4 bosshog8, May 31, 2013
    I'm not sure there are any "warning signs" that wouldn't be blatantly obvious with your eyes or a test drive. Since you own Ferrari's then you already know the PPI blah, blah, blah stuff. The car suffers from issues you might expect to creep into any 20+ year old Italian car (electrics, poor engineering issues, etc).
     
  5. Scotsguards

    Scotsguards Karting

    Jun 12, 2011
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    #5 Scotsguards, May 31, 2013
    Thanks guys! Definite PPI! I like in the list "ugly wheels", that's pretty funny! Yes they do look like a hold over from the 1980's. Do the 348's need the engine removed for an oil change? My 430 doesn't however its still not cheap!
    One last detail, I noticed the valve covers were painted body color (TDF blue), is this a factory option?
     
  6. Scotsguards

    Scotsguards Karting

    Jun 12, 2011
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    Gray, TN
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    RPB
    #6 Scotsguards, May 31, 2013
    PS, my 360 and 430 had "sticky" interior pieces, WT*!
     
  7. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
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    Feb 15, 2013
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    Charlotte, NC
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    Joseph Troutwine
    #7 GTO Joe, May 31, 2013
    A set of 355 wheels will solve the wheel issue plus give you many more tire chices. :)
     
  8. Volair

    Volair Karting

    Apr 11, 2013
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    Carmel, Indiana
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    Bart
    #8 Volair, May 31, 2013
    Excellent list. My take on the list having acquired a 1990 348ts and going through it and some more...

    should not need to do it if major was performed

    I would add:
    If a targa (in case you find one that is ts), check how the top aligns with the side windows and make sure nothing broken,bent. Make sure you get the targa cover cause these are hard to get and you absolutely need one in order to avoid scratches when stored behind seat

    Check for factory tool kit

    Check for AC operational (make sure the condenser fan under the front dam turns on when AC operational. If doesn't indicates AC INOP or low on refrigerant

    Door locks - crappy design and FIAT parts bin. Make sure you can lock/unlock the car. It is a $85 part and 3 hrs or labor to fix if the key spins

    If the oil temp is INOP (it probably will be if early model), it is an easy fix - need ground wire
     

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