Thinking 328GTS. 355, or 348F, Which one?

Do your home work. Try using the search function for questions you don't get answered here.

If you are on a tight budget I suggest the 328. Yes they have a good reputaion for being "reliable", but I don't know that that word and Ferrari should be used in the same sentence.

If you are after performance then get the 355.

Either is NOT cheap to maintain. You may find the car you want at a decent price, but that parts are always expensive. Then if you are not mechanically inclined you are gonna have to pay a mechanic to service the car.

Make sure you get a Pre-Purchase Inspection done (or more commmonly know as a PPI) It could save you big time headaches with repair bills.

Drive each and then decide on what you like best.

Again do a search of the archives, as there is loads of info on this subject.

 

I'd stick to the 328 as a first Ferrari. If your 922 was a 96 or newer you may think the 328 is not as quick as you'd expect. It's quick but lacks the silly, neck snapping power of late model porsche's, vipers or a 360. The 355 and 348 are quicker, but not so much so that I'd put up with the continuing depreciation on the 355 or the marginally more problematical servicing on a 348. I've bought the majority of my cars from long-term owners with the help of a mechanic. I bought one from a dealer, but if going that route I'd be looking for a later model car that came in on trade for a newer, more expensive one. The old one-off 20-year old exotic on a dealer's lot is usually something their over pricing.

 

I'd look for a really well-sorted 328 from a reputable dealer - either authorized Ferrari dealer or one of the better highline dealers like Motorcars, Sport Auto and a few others. You will pay a bit more, but it's crucial to start with a great car - not one with hidden issues and no one to stand behind it after the sale.

The 328 is 20 years old, and its design dates back to the '70s. So, make sure you get some seat time in one and that you fit comfortably, and can deal with some of the quirky ergonomics (you need a B.A. in Italian Automotive Climate Control, and you can win a lot of bets from friends who will never find the inside door release lever on the pre-'88.5 cars.) It goes 0-60 in about 6 seconds, so it's not a slug, but you'll need to get used to the idea that your Ferrari isn't anywhere close to the top of the sports car pile any more in raw performance. (In fun, it still is.)

I sold a Porsche 993 C2 cab and went into the 328. I gave up a bit of performance. If you're coming from something like a 993TT or 997, you will miss the extra punch. The 328 is a high-revving car and doesn't do much off the line. But you may be enjoying yourself too much to care.

Some of the weak spots in 328s are the water pump bearing (generally rebuild it every 3 years during a major service), leak-prone cam seals (ditto) and power windows. Veglia instruments seem dicey, so a failed speedo or tach isn't headline news.

As posted above, read up on F355 common issues. They're beautiful and fast, but have known issues with valve guides, OEM manifolds prone to cracking, body stress cracks around the C-pillars (design flow) and interior bits that turn to goo. Some of these items are big bucks. Also, F355 power convertible tops are complicated and can fail expensively, whereas the 328 targa top is about as simple as you can get.

Then you have to figure out what you like. There are people here who say the 328 is the sexiest car ever made, and people who think it looks dated. Some think the 348 is super exotic with its baby Testarossa looks and more modern cockpit. Others hate the build quality, which is often criticized. One guy here sold a stunning F355 Spider because he felt too exposed driving it with the top down (!) Another sold his F355 coupe because he was worried about a sudden five-figure repair bill.

In short, any of these cars cost serious money to service, so you've got to love it. Also don't limit yourself to '89 328s. The earlier ones are harder to find, but IMO they look a bit better with the traditional style concave wheels, cleaner armrest design and exterior door pulls.

 

look at and drive them all. i just went through the same process, except i had the tr in the mix too. got an '89 328. still love it and wouldn't do it differently. all things equal, the 328 should cost less to buy and much less to maintain. although the others are faster, in real driving conditions i don't get left behind.

 

Just sold a 89 328 and bought a 98 355F1 - - -- lovin every minute of it--wouldn't go back to an older car for nothing. The power between the two is night and day - I really liked the 328, but LOVE the 355!!!!!!!!

 

lost my post several days ago on this thread.....forget all the above, you want a 512tr. Now go and get it. It comprises all that you said you were looking for in your next car.

 

I'll say get the 348. It is the best deal and offers both the raw driving of the 328 and added power. It is a fairly modern car and has few of the electronics that can go wrong with the 355. Plus, you get a built in network of helpful 348 owners if you need some info.
BT

 

x2.
But I am a biased owner. A VERY biased owner actually.

 

I've owned all three. Loved the 328 and now the 355. Personally I would not own another 348 but that is just my opinion. Like said before, no companison between the 328 and 355 regarding power or sound. 355 had it all over the other models. But, one can pretty much never go wrong with the 328. I woulod have another in a heart beat!

 

That's a stunning car. I've heard good things about Motorcars, but haven't bought from them. I would negotiate a bit on price, as it's winter and they've had that one for a couple of months.

You might complete your profile so we know where "locally" is. We've had at least one instance on this site of a guy buying a 328 and finding out he was too tall after the car arrived. Funny, but in an expensive sort of way...

 

I had a 328 before my 355 and as mentioned the power difference is huge, all that extra power makes the car that much more fun, handling is on another level with the 355 over the 328 as well as the 328 is very old school vs the 355 is incredible since you can easily throttle steer the car as its more predicable since the motor sits 5+" lower in the chassis. This is all to be expected since the 355 is much newer and more modern vs the 328 is 308 based from the 70s with its design and layout.

Most people also think the 355 is a new Ferrari as well.

If you are on a budget get the 328, they are cheap for a Ferrari but are getting older so expensive things can happen to them as well. I really enjoyed my old 328 when I had it and since it was my first Ferrari it will always be special but I would not go back to one after having the 355, if I want an old school Ferrari experience my Boxer is for that

 

Neither...a first Ferrari should always have a 12 cylinder engine...otherwise, you will not get the full Ferrari experience IMHO...

 

I went through the same thing a year ago. Ultimately, I got a 355, and I love the car. But I love the 328 and would enjoy owning them both. The 328 has some plusses over the 355 - cheaper to maintain, more reliable, and sturdier interior. I am hesitant to park mine in the sun for fear that I will return to a pile of leather-turned-to-beef-jerkey. In the real world, the 328 will keep up with a 355 on twisty roads, especially at near-legal speeds. And while the 355 has a glorious F1 shriek, the 328 sounds awesome just burbling around anywhere you go - you don't have to be thrashing the thing for it to be enjoyable (the 355 begs you to have your foot on the floor wih the tach past 6k). The 328 may not look quite as exotic at the National FCA meet, but on the street around here it will stop traffic, and for good reason. It is simply one of the most elegant sports cars ever made.

 

+1


Julio

 

That 328 is overpriced at $58,000. For a few more dollars you can get a 348 or Testarossa. If you look on ebay, they have 348's priced lower than that 328. I think that 328 is overpriced by a whole bunch.

I have been doing research on the 308/328 and Testarossa, and my impression so far is private sellers offer better prices than dealers. I would guesstimate that dealers inflate prices by about 15-20% compared to private sellers.

 

I would start with the 328GTS, but you have to do your research and look at your budget.

 

Don't compare the 348 on the front lawn, or on eBay, and the 328 from Motorcars. Until you've shopped in person, you really don't know.

Dealer prices are higher, as you say, but a Ferrari from a reputable dealer is worth more simply because you have recourse if something goes wrong - and reasonable assurance that the car is fundamentally sound to begin with. I think Motorcars is a bit optimistic in their asking price, but judging from the pics it is almost definitely a mid $50K car and - more importantly - where are you going to find another one that good?

An '89 328 GTS is going to be more expensive than many or most 348s -- the market likes this last year, and the market is lukewarm on 348s (Motorcars never seems to sell them.) I wouldn't nickel and dime if a great 328 comes along in the right colors.

And if you really think a $55K Testarossa is a deal...

 

Yeah, that was funny!

 

While I would go with a 12 cylinder car such as a TR...between the 328 and 355 I would go with the 328...the 328 is a great car and in the long run the 328 will be worth more than the 355 too...

 

Good thought, but take it one step further.

Before you buy a car, look at where you're going to get it serviced. These are not toyotas -- without maintenance, they rapidly become a large headache.

You need to plan how you're going to live with it before you drop the hammer on a purchase. For example, a number of people have chanted the "12 cyl" mantra. But I've seen traffic on US19 in Clearwater. I wouldn't want to take a TR out there. I'd be nervous to take a rusty Fiat out on US19 in St.Pete (but at least a Fiat sitting in 95F gridlock isn't going to turn your legs into southern fried chicken wings).

I'm not familiar with points east of Tampa. Are you going to be able to get out of first gear without annoying the gendarmes? Are there any turns worthy of a Ferrari? And are they all clogged with RVs and pickups?

But line up a good service place first. A well maintained Ferrari is a joy. A "breaks every time you drive it" Ferrari is a big frustration. Last I heard, there wasn't a Ferrari dealer in Tampa. Orlando is the closest, and you can search Fchat for various comments about that one.

And a good mechanic will have his own feelers out for what's on the market.

But get the right tool for the "job". Once you know where you'll drive it and get it maintained, it will help guide the decision on what to buy.

 

that is a little high on that car, but it is from a reputable dealer. I would look for more like 48k max on that one. Definitely go out and drive as well as get an independent ppi before you buy.

 

Never happen, the 355 is regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever right up with the 328 and some like it better, and once you have driven a 355 no comparison on the performance, I have driven both my 328 and 355 on some back twistys high speed roads through Death Valley and the 355 is so much better and faster through the same roads, speeds the 328 would feel at its limits the 355 is very relaxed and has much more.

Performance and looks wil keep the value delta of both cars the same.