Update on "getting back in" | FerrariChat
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Update on "getting back in"

Discussion in '308/328' started by ecoloqua, Mar 20, 2006.

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  1. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #1 ecoloqua, Mar 20, 2006
    Well it looks like I am pulling the trigger on the 91'ts from Symbolic. We went back and forth for a while regarding the service. They said that they normally get around $7,800 for a full 30k service on a 348. They had agreed to give me the service at dealer cost. Which they said was around $5,700. Thanks to the info that you guys provided me here, I negotiated that down to $4,700 and that includes changing out the gummy center console parts and door handles. Bottom line, the car will be here at my door for $56,825. I might have a little too much in it but its a well documented 19k mile, CA car with all service up to date. Does anyone feel like I got hosed? Just curious...
     
  2. CliffBeer

    CliffBeer Formula 3

    Apr 3, 2005
    2,198
    Seattle, Washington
    Full Name:
    Cliff
    #2 CliffBeer, Mar 21, 2006
    That's not bad for a 91 with a full service - probably could have got it for $50k on ebay or the local paper but that wouldn't be from a regulated dealer.

    I haven't had a positive experience with Symbolic - they royally screwed my brother and I on a '97 Lotus Esprit. They represented that they would do the major service as an included and negotiated point but upon inspection about a week later it was clear they hadn't touched the car (dirty air filter, dirty oil, cam cover leak, etc). They're full of bs - I'd stay away.
     
  3. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,600
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #3 Bullfighter, Mar 21, 2006
    Given a new, complete major service (and you should get a list of the parts replaced -- changing the timing belt alone isn't a complete major service) and the trim repairs, I think you're fine at $56K.

    Cliff's right, you can buy cheaper 348's on eBay or privately, but buying from a dealer and having them do the service does compel them to stand behind the car in the event something goes wrong on delivery. That's worth the difference, IMO. Are you local (San Diego area)?

    Make sure you post pics when she arrives!
     
  4. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    #4 ernie, Mar 21, 2006
    Yes and get all the old parts too. Everything, the old spark plugs, any valve shims they replace, the old water pump, the old tentioner bearings, the old a/c and alternator belts, old gaskets, hoses, seals, o-rings, the old timing belt, EVERYTHING!!! Make sure that they change the coolant hose that runs under the bottom of the intake plenum, that one can get missed. Get a list of what the valve clearances were before they adjusted them and after.
     
  5. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #5 ecoloqua, Mar 21, 2006
    I talked to the mechanic again today. It seems that there was some miscommunication between he and the salesman. We went back and forth and basically he said that he could not do the full 30k service for $4700 including those interior parts. He said that since it had the 15k done and it had another $3k service at 18,000 miles only a couple of years ago that I really dont need to do the full 30k right now anyway.
    So he recommended that we do a belt service and service the clutch. He felt that the clutch was o.k. but had a small leak so he would put in new seals in and clean the throwout bearing etc. He also said that It needs a new catalyst but the dealership will be paying for that. In short, not the full 30k but doing what needs to be done to bring the car up to spec. I am in Atlanta so its not possible for me to drop by and inspect while they are doing this service. There has to be a certain amount of trust at work here I suppose. I probably will ask for any old parts removed and a full list of what was done of course. I have been trying to do some research regarding Symbolics' reputation and so far I have found only positive things said about them. So we shall see.
     
  6. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,600
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #6 Bullfighter, Mar 21, 2006
    Scroll up. ;)

    Be careful - you want to know the in-service date of the tensioner bearing/belt/water pump parts.
     
  7. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 4, 2004
    45,700
    Texas
    Full Name:
    David
    #7 LightGuy, Mar 21, 2006
    So you saved a grand thanks to input from here. Good for you. Now subscribe.
     
  8. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #8 ecoloqua, Mar 22, 2006
    Done! and Thanks!
     
  9. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Sep 11, 2004
    20,961
    MD and NE
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #9 285ferrari, Mar 22, 2006
    If all checks out and a good service history, recent service, replacement of bad parts. I think you did well for that price...
     
  10. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #10 ecoloqua, Mar 22, 2006
    Well, the service guy called me today and says that they would charge $4,000 just for a belt and "servicing" the leaky clutch. I think its a waste to pull the motor just to change the belt. Besides, if the water pump decided to go out in 6 months then I would have to pull the motor again. They are going to replace the catalyst for free though.
    So I decided to buy the car the way it is. I live 3 miles from Ferrari of Atlanta so I might just have them do the full 30k. The car has been serviced at every interval by Ferrari since day one with the full 15k done including belt change at 10k miles in May of 2000. I have every reason to believe that this car is a well sorted example. I will let you guys know when it gets here and post pics.
    BTW..If anyone has been to see this car in person at Symbolic please let me know. 91 348ts red/tan 19k miles
     
  11. brent Lachelt

    brent Lachelt Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2003
    1,831
    Brownsburg, INDIANA
    Full Name:
    Brent R.Lachelt
    #11 brent Lachelt, Mar 22, 2006
    I think that is very smart. To pull the motor and not do the tensioner bearings, water pump, hoses etc. is crazy. By taking it to the dealer in your area and getting those things done your starting off knowing that everything is right. Also you are starting a working relationship with a dealer that you can go back to if you have any problems. Even if it costs you alittle more it is better to pay it now then have a water pump or tensioner bearing fail.
     
  12. brent Lachelt

    brent Lachelt Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2003
    1,831
    Brownsburg, INDIANA
    Full Name:
    Brent R.Lachelt
    #12 brent Lachelt, Mar 22, 2006
    Heck you live so close, if you have a problem you can just push it there!
     
  13. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #13 ecoloqua, Mar 23, 2006
    LOL...yeah I think I could probably could get it there with a good shove! Living so close to FAF is both a blessing and a curse. At least now I can visit there as a member of the "owners club" instead of just another drooling, tire kicker!
     
  14. Mike in ATL

    Mike in ATL Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    127
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #14 Mike in ATL, Mar 26, 2006
    Hey Congrats,

    I didnt realize you live nearby. I am in Alpharetta & got my 348 in October from a dealer in Chicago (Continental) I understand you excitement about delivery. Hope to meet you soon
     
  15. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #15 ecoloqua, Mar 26, 2006
    Glad to see another 348 owner nearby! How has your ownership experience been so far? What year and color did you get?
     
  16. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #16 Perfusion, Mar 26, 2006
    Not to threadjack...but I grew up in Alpharetta - where are you guys located?!

    Aaron
     
  17. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #17 ecoloqua, Mar 26, 2006
    I live about 3 miles from FoA near the new High School .
     
  18. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #18 Perfusion, Mar 26, 2006
    No kidding...that's not far from where my parents still live - Rucker Rd. ring a bell?
     
  19. etip

    etip Formula 3

    Apr 4, 2004
    2,406
    Washington State
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #19 etip, Mar 27, 2006
    I looked at this car when I was down there a couple weeks ago. It was pretty nice; sticky stuff on all switches and panels, it had a little paint work on the front passenger fender, the docs said it hit something and was repaired. What else... over all, it was a nice car. If you want to know anything else, PM me.
     
  20. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
    Full Name:
    Bill Tracy
    #20 BT, Mar 27, 2006
    I agree completely. I think you did well on the price. Make friends with a local shop and start there. I did a nice ride in the 348 yesterday and beleive you will really enjoy the car.
    BT
     
  21. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #21 ecoloqua, Mar 27, 2006
    Yep, we are right on Bethany which is about 2 miles awy from Rucker.
     
  22. Mike in ATL

    Mike in ATL Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    127
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #22 Mike in ATL, Mar 27, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    My 348 is a 1990 with 24k miles. Ownership has been typical: Twice to FOA already. Its all part of the Ferrari experience

    I live near McGinnis Ferry & Hwy 141
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  23. ecoloqua

    ecoloqua Karting

    Mar 15, 2006
    148
    #23 ecoloqua, Mar 27, 2006
    Beautiful 348. I love the rims, are they 360 wheels? Do you ever take part on any of the drives or meets?
     
  24. tamf328

    tamf328 Formula Junior

    Mar 9, 2005
    477
    #24 tamf328, Mar 28, 2006
    what were the problems?
     
  25. skyboltone

    skyboltone Karting

    Jan 16, 2006
    63
    Reno, NV
    Full Name:
    Dan Hall
    #25 skyboltone, Mar 28, 2006
    Good job all the way around Mr Loqua, (or do you prefer Eco?) I like the series of negotiations and the final decision. I would really feel like I needed to be there to supervise and watch things progress. Have you ever heard of something called virtual repair? My brother in Law is a flat rater and an ethical train wreck. As he says: "If it wasn't broke before I fixed it, it sure ain't gonna be broke when I'm done!" This phenomenon is rampant at dealers across the country; and at some marques where you would not expect to see it.
    Be ware!
    Dan
     

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