Tempted to buy a 348 ...
Discussion
I've been looking at 355's with a view to buying in 9-12 months time but having been keeping an eye on the forum for a while now, the 348 keeps being mentioned & having finally looked at it today & their prices, I can feel myself being swayed!!
They do SEEM a bargain, are there any good reviews/comparisons against the 355?
They do SEEM a bargain, are there any good reviews/comparisons against the 355?
I've been looking also, came from Cerbera, and a Tuscan. Decided they were still slightly out of reach, so bought an Assetto Corsa Maserati for the next couple of years, then it's the 348. The asking prices have been steadily increasing over the last 2-3 years, can't see them getting any cheaper, so if funds allow, go for it.
Better to ask for advice on the regular Ferrari forums, the Ferrarichat.com 348 section is very active and knowledgeable.
A good 348 is a sound buy, but be aware that there many, many shabby examples out there and a bad Ferrari is no fun at all. Caveat emptor. I would try and find the best out there, it won't be that more expensive and is likely to give you a lot more joy.
Some quick tips:
1. 348's are 20 years old
2. Ferrari's don't like sitting. Look for a good record of recent use (say 1000 miles a year at least)
3. Most are bought by people who can't afford to run them properly. Be aware of cars that have changed hands a lot recently
4. Make sure you have some money in the bank to deal with issues after the buy. Once your car is sorted they are reliable but quite often soemthing needs to be done.
5. There are a lot of previously crashed examples out there. Certainly here on the continent I know examples that are on the road but were a complete insurance write-off in the past. Be very careful!
6. No such thing as a bargain Ferrari. If a car looks a bargain, It is cheap for a reason. A bad reason.
7. Drive at least 4 or 5 cars before making your decision, and preferably bring someone that has owned one in the past before parting with your money.
8. Have an independent PPI done.
For those of you out there that think I'm overly cautious, I can assure you it always pays to be diligent in the Ferrari world.
Good luck!
Onno
A good 348 is a sound buy, but be aware that there many, many shabby examples out there and a bad Ferrari is no fun at all. Caveat emptor. I would try and find the best out there, it won't be that more expensive and is likely to give you a lot more joy.
Some quick tips:
1. 348's are 20 years old
2. Ferrari's don't like sitting. Look for a good record of recent use (say 1000 miles a year at least)
3. Most are bought by people who can't afford to run them properly. Be aware of cars that have changed hands a lot recently
4. Make sure you have some money in the bank to deal with issues after the buy. Once your car is sorted they are reliable but quite often soemthing needs to be done.
5. There are a lot of previously crashed examples out there. Certainly here on the continent I know examples that are on the road but were a complete insurance write-off in the past. Be very careful!
6. No such thing as a bargain Ferrari. If a car looks a bargain, It is cheap for a reason. A bad reason.
7. Drive at least 4 or 5 cars before making your decision, and preferably bring someone that has owned one in the past before parting with your money.
8. Have an independent PPI done.
For those of you out there that think I'm overly cautious, I can assure you it always pays to be diligent in the Ferrari world.
Good luck!
Onno
steven f said:
the 348 is the worst ferrari to buy its unloved and not really wanted except by owners speak to somebody who has owned one in the past bet they wont buy another to many biast posts on here from owners trying to keep the price up it happens on all forums with all cars/bikes
Please elaborate. Specially the section of your detail post which claims: "worst ferrari to buy". 'Biased owners posted to keep to price up" - you're funny.
steven f said:
the 348 is the worst ferrari to buy its unloved and not really wanted except by owners speak to somebody who has owned one in the past bet they wont buy another to many biast posts on here from owners trying to keep the price up it happens on all forums with all cars/bikes
I'd buy another tomorrow, probably a Spider this time. I never fealt short changed when I drove a 355 then jumped back into mine. The 348 is no slower and feels more like a raw racer compared to a 355. They are modern enough to use frequently, look awesome, sound awesome and very reliable. I have had access to many supercars over the last few years but a 90s Ferrari with a proper manual box always feels special. Why anyone would buy a 308 or 328 and pay more money I don't know ?I own one which I bought last August and I'm very happy with it.
I'd repeat the earlier suggestion of seeing several - quality of them varies a lot, even though they are all "immaculate" in the ads. I set myself a budget of £25k when I was looking, but actually ended up spending £29k because that car was noticeably better than the others I'd seen.
To answer the question of why the engine has to come out - that is for the major service every 3 years and to replace the belts. Apparently, it is possible to do it with engine in, but not practical - but I can live with that every 3 years.
Mine has had a few minor things that needed sorting while I've owned it, but it's been a very easy car to work on. In July, I will also carry out the minor service myself since even independent prices seemed unreasonable for little more than an oil change to me.
If you do buy, be aware of one thing. MOT regs have changed this year, which means if your car originally had cats fitted it still needs cats fitted - otherwise it will fail visual inspection. Mine had the cats removed, so I've just had to fit a set.
As an owner, I recommend them. Very different to any other car I've owned - including the 964 model 911 I owned for almost 10 years before it.
I'd repeat the earlier suggestion of seeing several - quality of them varies a lot, even though they are all "immaculate" in the ads. I set myself a budget of £25k when I was looking, but actually ended up spending £29k because that car was noticeably better than the others I'd seen.
To answer the question of why the engine has to come out - that is for the major service every 3 years and to replace the belts. Apparently, it is possible to do it with engine in, but not practical - but I can live with that every 3 years.
Mine has had a few minor things that needed sorting while I've owned it, but it's been a very easy car to work on. In July, I will also carry out the minor service myself since even independent prices seemed unreasonable for little more than an oil change to me.
If you do buy, be aware of one thing. MOT regs have changed this year, which means if your car originally had cats fitted it still needs cats fitted - otherwise it will fail visual inspection. Mine had the cats removed, so I've just had to fit a set.
As an owner, I recommend them. Very different to any other car I've owned - including the 964 model 911 I owned for almost 10 years before it.
simonigrale said:
If you do buy, be aware of one thing. MOT regs have changed this year, which means if your car originally had cats fitted it still needs cats fitted - otherwise it will fail visual inspection. Mine had the cats removed, so I've just had to fit a set.
There will be a way round it, there always is!
Yip, friendly tester and case of beer.There will be a way round it, there always is!
Tyrewrecker said:
simonigrale said:
If you do buy, be aware of one thing. MOT regs have changed this year, which means if your car originally had cats fitted it still needs cats fitted - otherwise it will fail visual inspection. Mine had the cats removed, so I've just had to fit a set.
There will be a way round it, there always is!
Yip, friendly tester and case of beer.There will be a way round it, there always is!
simonigrale said:
Tyrewrecker said:
simonigrale said:
If you do buy, be aware of one thing. MOT regs have changed this year, which means if your car originally had cats fitted it still needs cats fitted - otherwise it will fail visual inspection. Mine had the cats removed, so I've just had to fit a set.
There will be a way round it, there always is!
Yip, friendly tester and case of beer.There will be a way round it, there always is!
fesuvious said:
give him a bell and ask him : http://www.aeperformance.co.uk/
He just said overall servicing costs on the 348 were higher as a result,
No need as I know, what bothers me is misinformation given by those that obviously have no clue.There should be no reason why the service costs are higher on a 348 than a 355, both need to have the engine removed to do the beltsHe just said overall servicing costs on the 348 were higher as a result,
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