This 348

It sure looks nice...

 

looks pretty decent - but they pretty well all do when for sale.

I'm going to guess this dealer doesn't know his 348's worth beans because he's got the wheels on the wrong side of the car, it's a common error. Pic28 - the fat side of the spoke goes first, thin side follows.

Paint looks amazing under the lights - I'm going to guess it's been recently repainted. why?

the leather on the seats and doors looks a little faded for 10,000 miles - but could just be harder use. I don't particularly like the subwoofer thing in the passenger footwell nor the amp but that's personal preference.

the console looks more scratched than it should be, and not sure what the velcro thing under the stereo on the right side is all about.

No toolkit visible. no useful engine bay shot - why? so much work to document the other 58 pictures of the car, seems out of place. "may" have service records, what's up with that?

Get 'er inspected by an independent expert and cold be a good car. but remember - the expensive bits are hidden in the back under valve covers and seals

 

I would agree. The front spoiler looks lik it's got some kinda crinkle paint on it. Maybe pics, but should be matte black. Looks like the paint is not black not grey, but somewhere inbetween. Maybe lights.

Seats look quite worn especially the drivers. 10K miles?

Foam under rear deck looks decentegrating, 10K miles?

Check the gas peddle. If paint is worn off and slight rust it's not a 10K mile car.

Edit: No floor mats, tool kit, or cover on brake resevior? Not very cared for if really a 10K, mile car.

 

This dealer had a red 348 Spider that went for $47-48 or so a few months ago. It had very questionable history, and the dealer was not any help. The main problem was that they would not let the car leave for a PPI, nor would they let an independent mechanic come in to perform one at their shop. I'm not knowledgeable enough to perform my own, so I passed.

 

Its black!! Thats enough for me!!

 

Let me know what you think after you see it. My '92 348ts is still available.

Pete

 

Take a GOOD look at pic #48. A lot of pedal wear for the miles????

 

Exactly the same things I noticed. Should be a very good car to get near their BIN price.
BT

 

The car would have to be a real dog to need anything over $5k worth of work when you get it. My car needed some A/C and electrical work, as well as a few cosmetic things, but the total cost of getting it right was around $3500.

BT

 

Do a carfax on the car before you go look. That may tell you previous owner and where and how many times it's been registered. May be best $15 you'll spend.

If it was leased it would be hard to believe it only has 10K miles.

There are alot of other cars in better shape for less money on FerrariAds at this site.

 

No kidding! My 348 is the Round Table Pizza of Ferrari's!!!....."The Last Honest Ferrari"!

 

$45K with honest miles? If I did not own one I would be all over it! 'Course I'm partial to black too.

 

paying for everything for an inspection is ok - it avoids a conflict-of-interest in the inspection. From their inventory I'd suspect they're not really sure what all the risks are, and how bad they can be. I saw a very nice 355 last year that was bought without an inspection, and was "shifting badly" - oops, wouldn't want to be explaining that to the missus.

A lot of these cars are leased through the owner's businesses - doesn't really mean much. I remember seeing a 348 spider a few years back that a lease company was dumping for 30% below market just because they didn't know. they only made that mistake once unfortunately.

clean-up can be way more than $5k depending what's found - in some cases $20k+.

My guess is you'll get the same blank looks when negotiating based on the PPI results ("but the blue book says.... and we paid .... and the dealership needs to meet payroll and gambling expenses...")

Keith Martin at Sports Car Market said it well - be very concerned the more inconsistent the detailing is. a messy engine bay but recently painted valve covers, or a fresh paint job on the body and a worn interior are big warning bells. much better to have consistent wear over the whole car.

 

Muffler is badly fitted - it needs re-aligning. Why would it have been removed? (it looks like the original OEM muffler).

 

This isn't a minor point. And just as importantly you don't want to kill your enthusiasm.

I think you'd do well to let Algar look at it. There are many 348s for sale. Based on the comments posted here, I'd lean toward keeping up the search for a bit and finding a seriously nice one.

(And yes, I'll cast my vote for black!)

 

Information is everything to the consumer. A title search and a PPI by a knowledgable dealership should tell you what you need . You just never know, It could turn out to be a very nice ride. A few hundred, for a propper PPI is a drop in the bucket for a car like this.


Darrell.