what to buy?

Use the search function and you will see many threads that have gone over this issue. The variation of 308s alone is quite bit of reading.

 

i'd pony up for a 355. i think longer run would be a better choice.

 

Why do you think that it would be a better choice in the long run? Some of us sold our 355's and 348's to buy 308's and 328's. With all due respect, have you owned a 355? Or a 308QV? There are definitely some compelling reasons to own a 328 or 308 over a 355 even though the 355 is a faster, more technologically advanced car.

 

I have never owned either but a 328 is my choice. Faster and newer. These cars have age on them and some materials have no life remaining. I do like these cars but maybe a 355 is worth a look.

 

i had the pleasure of co-owning a 95 355TB and i spent several months with a 85 308 owned by the same partner.

i was not impressed with any aspect of the 308 experience. all show and no go, imho. i have not had that much seat time in a 328 but i don't think you can't underestimate the user "moderness" of the 355 compared to the 308/328 cars while still having the performance capabilities to outrun ford escort gt's and that same sorta classic styling. i also think the 355 will age better than the 360.

here's my pecking order:

355
328
308
348

a nice 308 will run in the 30's? 40's for a 328 ? maybe a 328gtb would be cool......

 

I owned a 328 for 10 years and recently sold it because of other financial responsibilities. In my opinion the 328 is the best 8 cylinder car Ferrari made. It is a all around great car and very reliable, but like any Ferrari it will be very expensive to own. The 308 is a great car, but for a little extra get the 328. In reference to the 355 I would still take the 328.

 

Apart from aesthetics, which you need to decide for yourself, here are a few:

328
More power
Improved electrical system reliability
More nice surviving cars (many '89s seem to have been socked away as investments)
All cars built from galvanized steel - 328's less prone to rust
No 'bad' years - car was essentially the evolution of the 308 and addressed some of its weak points

308
Carbs available if you want an older car - sweet sound, more maintenance
Initial price is significantly lower than 328


I like the 308. I started looking at 308/328's last January, and with the exception of a car that was offered to me privately for $60K every 308 I looked at had siginificant issues or was priced high and sat on the market forever. I would say broaden your scope to include 84-85 308 and the 328's and get the best car you can find in the the color you want.

(Not sure how 355's came up here, but I ruled them out early due to servicing costs and known issues that could scare anyone who's not a longtime Ferrari addict... For your price range, 348's are basically the same as 328's, but maintenance costs and a lot of bad press dissuaded me from going that route the first time out.)

 

And don't forget the Euro 308 QV's. They are lighter and faster than the US version with recessed bumpers, the way the car was originally designed.

 

88.5 and up get some upgrades...but naturally, command more money. Any 328 is a good 328, IMO. *Actually* -- any 3x8 is a great Ferrari. Period.