Is a 348 a good idea
Discussion
Flipatron said:
I'll probably play safe and buy a 996.
I think the 996 is a great car. But why would you have one as a second car...they are every day usable, and at your budget you aren't going to get a special 911 (Turbo, GT3) that might get more expensive to run with higher mileage.If you want something that is an occasion every time you start the engine, IMHO get the Ferrari.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/316770.htm
Now that's what I'm talking about. These can only appriciate, surely?
Now that's what I'm talking about. These can only appriciate, surely?
Flipatron said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/316770.htm
Now that's what I'm talking about. These can only appriciate, surely?
Is it me or do the shots of the interior and engine bay not look as clean and tidy as the bodywork ? maybe its the photography .Now that's what I'm talking about. These can only appriciate, surely?
celcius said:
hi you would not get a decent 348 for 25k, budget more maybe 5k and you will get a decent car for that. owned both 911 and 348 the ferrari is miles apart.
Sorry to disagree but i am returning to the 348 fold after 2 years.For £25k you will get a very nice one. That 1990 at £26k is about £2k over priced IMHO.
For £26-27k you should be able to find a later GTB/GTS.
The 911 is a great car, but a 996 will not give you the same buzz as a 348 unless the Turbo. A 3.2 Carrera or 964, now that's another matter and, you will find a very good one for £17k
burriana said:
For £25k you will get a very nice one. That 1990 at £26k is about £2k over priced IMHO.
Completely agree!I've just (about 3 weeks ago) bought a 348 similar to the one listed up there, I acknowledge that it needs a couple of little jobs (inc service & cambelts) but it was reflected in the price, and I have to say, I'm very happy with the car!
Don't buy a 348 whatever you do.
It's the worst car ferrari ever made. It has wobbly handling, no power steering, falls apart and is basically a crap car.
Just listen to what these guys said:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/feature/feature/97...
"But only one of all these cars I've mentioned is entirely unworthy of the greatest road car name of all; after all, even an automatic 400i has a certain gentlemanly charm to it. The worst Ferrari I have ever driven is the 348tb. It was quite quick and quite attractive but these more obvious strengths cloaked for only an instant the fact that the car was no damn good to drive. To improve its packaging it had its gearbox slung transversely across the back of the car, which turned the sometimes obstructive Ferrari five-speed gearshift into a thing of piggish obstinacy.
Worse, while other Ferraris were undoubtedly unforgiving on the limit, this one was a sociopath. I once spent a morning at a test track with some very experienced drivers and, in a safe and controlled environment, found out a little more about its behaviour. And we discovered that if you were less than lightning quick with your reactions, there'd be more chance of persuading Margaret Thatcher to vote Labour than stopping the 348 from spinning. It was also hugely expensive."
You can read a discussion on the 348 here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As you can see, the Ferrari is an absolute peice of shiete!!!
Anyone who even contemplates buying one should have their head examined..........
It's the worst car ferrari ever made. It has wobbly handling, no power steering, falls apart and is basically a crap car.
Just listen to what these guys said:
jonny 4200gt said:
A chum of mine who knows the Ferrari F1 mechanics was talking to the chief engineer who worked on the 348 and was categorically told NOT to buy one ! I won't repeat his comments, but my chum now runs a 911 ;-)
Get a 355 or if you want real style get a Maserati. Sooooo much more street cred than a 911 or Ferrari, much more exclusive and people will think you're cool :-)
Get a 355 or if you want real style get a Maserati. Sooooo much more street cred than a 911 or Ferrari, much more exclusive and people will think you're cool :-)
lowdrag said:
The 348 is a great car huh? Here is a list of the woes that befell mine:-
After 1,000 miles the alternator failed the day before Le Mans and it took two weeks to source and fit a replacement
The oil pipe near the bulkhead came off because at the factory the clip was put the wrong side of the olive and so with nothing to retain it it just slipped off. A new engine was called for at 2,000 miles.
Both sets of strakes in the doors cracked and were replaced
At speed the door mirrors pulled away from the door seals creating susbstantial wind noise. Ferrari replaced the plastic triangular mounting points with aluminium ones.
The car leaked water when parked up, always around the targa top. This was an endemic problem and Ferrari had new seals made in Canada to solve the problem.
The car got very light at speed and Ferrari fitted an aftermarket lip spoiler to cure the problem.
The air conditioning system provides very little cool air for the driver on RHD cars.
My list of technichal problems went on and on but the most dangerous part about a 348 is the roadholding and it took me two years to finally get to the bottom of the problem. Quite simply the chassis is too weak and at breakaway the chassis flexes up to an inch. I even got a racing driver to try and get it to handle at Donington and he lost it big time. A very dangerous car in extremis.
However, the most laughable part of the 348 was what happened when the battery went flat and here, quite frankly, you are better off having one of the earlier cars with the battery in the rear. Picture the scene; you've left your pride and joy in the garage during the winter and the alarm has flattened the battery so you push the car outside to get some jump leads on it. Ah, but first you have to get out the jack and take off the NS front wheel to get at the battery. Now, with cables attached, you gingerly turn the key making sure that you do not touch the accelerator at all. It starts, you take off the cables, replace the wheel and go indoors for 20 minutes for a coffee leaving the car ticking over outside. All this so the mixture control computers can reset.
OK, your pride and joy is now operational, but your next trip is straight to the dealership where they will spend an hour or two taking the dashboard apart to restart your aircon which, after a flat battery, no longer works.
If you still want to buy a 348 after reading all that, all without a word of a lie, then you are a masochist. The happiest moment with my 348 came near Bordeaux when we encountered a 200 yd slick of diesel on a bend. This is all I have left of the worst sports car I have ever owned.
After 1,000 miles the alternator failed the day before Le Mans and it took two weeks to source and fit a replacement
The oil pipe near the bulkhead came off because at the factory the clip was put the wrong side of the olive and so with nothing to retain it it just slipped off. A new engine was called for at 2,000 miles.
Both sets of strakes in the doors cracked and were replaced
At speed the door mirrors pulled away from the door seals creating susbstantial wind noise. Ferrari replaced the plastic triangular mounting points with aluminium ones.
The car leaked water when parked up, always around the targa top. This was an endemic problem and Ferrari had new seals made in Canada to solve the problem.
The car got very light at speed and Ferrari fitted an aftermarket lip spoiler to cure the problem.
The air conditioning system provides very little cool air for the driver on RHD cars.
My list of technichal problems went on and on but the most dangerous part about a 348 is the roadholding and it took me two years to finally get to the bottom of the problem. Quite simply the chassis is too weak and at breakaway the chassis flexes up to an inch. I even got a racing driver to try and get it to handle at Donington and he lost it big time. A very dangerous car in extremis.
However, the most laughable part of the 348 was what happened when the battery went flat and here, quite frankly, you are better off having one of the earlier cars with the battery in the rear. Picture the scene; you've left your pride and joy in the garage during the winter and the alarm has flattened the battery so you push the car outside to get some jump leads on it. Ah, but first you have to get out the jack and take off the NS front wheel to get at the battery. Now, with cables attached, you gingerly turn the key making sure that you do not touch the accelerator at all. It starts, you take off the cables, replace the wheel and go indoors for 20 minutes for a coffee leaving the car ticking over outside. All this so the mixture control computers can reset.
OK, your pride and joy is now operational, but your next trip is straight to the dealership where they will spend an hour or two taking the dashboard apart to restart your aircon which, after a flat battery, no longer works.
If you still want to buy a 348 after reading all that, all without a word of a lie, then you are a masochist. The happiest moment with my 348 came near Bordeaux when we encountered a 200 yd slick of diesel on a bend. This is all I have left of the worst sports car I have ever owned.
neil-f said:
Yes I must say the worst car I have had was a 348. The build quality was very poor IMO.
Agree with above comment the A/C was rubbish mine got replaced twice in 18 mths but was still useless.
Door catches failed seat back broke (no I am not a porker)bits of trim came off.
The roof seals more than useless when you washed the car you could only use a damp sponge around the roof as the water poured in not covered by power warranty and seals from Ferrari very expensive.
Various oil leaks.
In 18mths the car was at the main dealers more than it was with me.
The stack of invoices that came with the car showed that the previous owner had also had no luck gearbox rebuild at cost of £15k being one of them.
The car had full Ferrari service history and I got 12 mths Power warranty from Graypaul.
My F355GTS was very different had it for 4 years (longest ever kept a car) and was very reliable, build IMO much better nothing certainly fell off or came lose and only normal servicing items done. One failure a lamba probe.
And here's Andrew Frankel...well known motoring pundit...Agree with above comment the A/C was rubbish mine got replaced twice in 18 mths but was still useless.
Door catches failed seat back broke (no I am not a porker)bits of trim came off.
The roof seals more than useless when you washed the car you could only use a damp sponge around the roof as the water poured in not covered by power warranty and seals from Ferrari very expensive.
Various oil leaks.
In 18mths the car was at the main dealers more than it was with me.
The stack of invoices that came with the car showed that the previous owner had also had no luck gearbox rebuild at cost of £15k being one of them.
The car had full Ferrari service history and I got 12 mths Power warranty from Graypaul.
My F355GTS was very different had it for 4 years (longest ever kept a car) and was very reliable, build IMO much better nothing certainly fell off or came lose and only normal servicing items done. One failure a lamba probe.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/feature/feature/97...
"But only one of all these cars I've mentioned is entirely unworthy of the greatest road car name of all; after all, even an automatic 400i has a certain gentlemanly charm to it. The worst Ferrari I have ever driven is the 348tb. It was quite quick and quite attractive but these more obvious strengths cloaked for only an instant the fact that the car was no damn good to drive. To improve its packaging it had its gearbox slung transversely across the back of the car, which turned the sometimes obstructive Ferrari five-speed gearshift into a thing of piggish obstinacy.
Worse, while other Ferraris were undoubtedly unforgiving on the limit, this one was a sociopath. I once spent a morning at a test track with some very experienced drivers and, in a safe and controlled environment, found out a little more about its behaviour. And we discovered that if you were less than lightning quick with your reactions, there'd be more chance of persuading Margaret Thatcher to vote Labour than stopping the 348 from spinning. It was also hugely expensive."
You can read a discussion on the 348 here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As you can see, the Ferrari is an absolute peice of shiete!!!
Anyone who even contemplates buying one should have their head examined..........
Edited by Angelis on Wednesday 2nd January 13:17
Edited by Angelis on Wednesday 2nd January 13:20
Does that mean I'll be selling mine???
Not a chance. Best car I've ever had. Awesome!!!!!!
A real drivers car and quite reliable for a 14 year old car.
I'd get one over a 911 anytime. Buy a good one and you'll never regret it. Buy a bad one and like all Ferarri's, it'll make you cry financially!!!
Be warned, there are very few good ones around. Most of them will need work. The cars are now between 14 and 19 years old, so some bits like the Alternator, rads, dampers etc may need servicing or refurbing.
Like most early Ferari's, the electrics are'nt that reliable.
There's a great support structure from other owners. So most fixes can be done yourself for minimal cost.
Beware though...once you get it, you may start thinking of modding it. Sports exhaust, bigger brakes, carbon seats etc. Just makes a great car even greater.
Here's a thread on an engine out service we did on my 348.
http://www.fgear.tv/forum/showthread.php?t=650
Video of a race car driver (Andy Walsh) driving my 348 on an airfield.
http://www.fgear.tv/videos/videos/348GTBnw.html
A 348 meet last year in West london
http://www.fgear.tv/videos/videos/348GTBnw.html
Not a chance. Best car I've ever had. Awesome!!!!!!
A real drivers car and quite reliable for a 14 year old car.
I'd get one over a 911 anytime. Buy a good one and you'll never regret it. Buy a bad one and like all Ferarri's, it'll make you cry financially!!!
Be warned, there are very few good ones around. Most of them will need work. The cars are now between 14 and 19 years old, so some bits like the Alternator, rads, dampers etc may need servicing or refurbing.
Like most early Ferari's, the electrics are'nt that reliable.
There's a great support structure from other owners. So most fixes can be done yourself for minimal cost.
Beware though...once you get it, you may start thinking of modding it. Sports exhaust, bigger brakes, carbon seats etc. Just makes a great car even greater.
Here's a thread on an engine out service we did on my 348.
http://www.fgear.tv/forum/showthread.php?t=650
Video of a race car driver (Andy Walsh) driving my 348 on an airfield.
http://www.fgear.tv/videos/videos/348GTBnw.html
A 348 meet last year in West london
http://www.fgear.tv/videos/videos/348GTBnw.html
Edited by Angelis on Wednesday 2nd January 13:31
Just to add....
Many 348's take part in the Ferrari Hill Climbing championship and last year it was won by a 348.
My 348 has been driven by a Andy walsh, a well known race driver, and all he said was that my one tended to understeer, which was more due to the old front tyres than anything else.
UPDATE: Another Race Car driver took my car around Silverstone. Only fault he found was that the front was quite jumpy. This is because we did'nt change the front springs at the time and the suspension bushes need replacing.
Not once did he or I lose the car on the track.
I've had a flat battery quite a few times now and have never accessed the battery. There's a couple of connection in the engine bay where you can connect a battery charger or booster quite easily. I've also got an accumate which I plug in when the cars parked. Have'nt had a flat battery since.
UPDATE: I changed my battery recently. Yep, it is a pain to change it, but not a major job. Once changed (put in a yellow top Optima) and if you use a battery conditioner, you need never worry about it for years!!!
UPDATE: The AC gremlin is back. Think it might be a blown fuse.
UPDATE: 2 and a half years on, the love affair just gets stronger. What an awesome car!!!!!
lowdrag said:
After 1,000 miles the alternator failed the day before Le Mans and it took two weeks to source and fit a replacement
That can happen to any car and Ferrari parts supply is not exactly the best in the world.lowdrag said:
A new engine was called for at 2,000 miles.
I know of a Stradale that had an engine replaced in the first few months of ownership. Again, just one of those things.lowdrag said:
Both sets of strakes in the doors cracked and were replaced
At speed the door mirrors pulled away from the door seals creating susbstantial wind noise. Ferrari replaced the plastic triangular mounting points with aluminium ones.
As I said earlier, the 348 was rushed into production and some of your problems no doubt relate to that.At speed the door mirrors pulled away from the door seals creating susbstantial wind noise. Ferrari replaced the plastic triangular mounting points with aluminium ones.
lowdrag said:
The car leaked water when parked up, always around the targa top. This was an endemic problem and Ferrari had new seals made in Canada to solve the problem.
I think the Targa's still leak. lowdrag said:
The car got very light at speed and Ferrari fitted an aftermarket lip spoiler to cure the problem.
I have to admit, my front end does get light at high speeds. I'm having the suspension bushes & springs changed. Also contemplating an additional lip spoiler if the problem persists. having said that, a friend of mine overtook me at 170 miles per hour in his late spec 348 and his car was rock solid.lowdrag said:
but the most dangerous part about a 348 is the roadholding and it took me two years to finally get to the bottom of the problem. Quite simply the chassis is too weak and at breakaway the chassis flexes up to an inch. I even got a racing driver to try and get it to handle at Donington and he lost it big time. A very dangerous car in extremis.
Early cars did have handling problems. Post 92 cars were beter handling.Many 348's take part in the Ferrari Hill Climbing championship and last year it was won by a 348.
My 348 has been driven by a Andy walsh, a well known race driver, and all he said was that my one tended to understeer, which was more due to the old front tyres than anything else.
UPDATE: Another Race Car driver took my car around Silverstone. Only fault he found was that the front was quite jumpy. This is because we did'nt change the front springs at the time and the suspension bushes need replacing.
Not once did he or I lose the car on the track.
lowdrag said:
However, the most laughable part of the 348 was what happened when the battery went flat and here, quite frankly, you are better off having one of the earlier cars with the battery in the rear. Picture the scene; you've left your pride and joy in the garage during the winter and the alarm has flattened the battery so you push the car outside to get some jump leads on it. Ah, but first you have to get out the jack and take off the NS front wheel to get at the battery. Now, with cables attached, you gingerly turn the key making sure that you do not touch the accelerator at all. It starts, you take off the cables, replace the wheel and go indoors for 20 minutes for a coffee leaving the car ticking over outside. All this so the mixture control computers can reset.
My battary is in the front wheel arch. It was put there on later cars to help with the weight distribution and handling.I've had a flat battery quite a few times now and have never accessed the battery. There's a couple of connection in the engine bay where you can connect a battery charger or booster quite easily. I've also got an accumate which I plug in when the cars parked. Have'nt had a flat battery since.
UPDATE: I changed my battery recently. Yep, it is a pain to change it, but not a major job. Once changed (put in a yellow top Optima) and if you use a battery conditioner, you need never worry about it for years!!!
lowdrag said:
OK, your pride and joy is now operational, but your next trip is straight to the dealership where they will spend an hour or two taking the dashboard apart to restart your aircon which, after a flat battery, no longer works.
Electrical problem. Nothing more. i get it on my AC system. For a while the fans would'nt work which made driving in the rain a pain in the behind. Replacement AC costs around £1,000, but as with most things Italian... it fixed itself and has'nt been a problem since. Fingers crossed!!!UPDATE: The AC gremlin is back. Think it might be a blown fuse.
lowdrag said:
If you still want to buy a 348 after reading all that, all without a word of a lie, then you are a masochist. The happiest moment with my 348 came near Bordeaux when we encountered a 200 yd slick of diesel on a bend. This is all I have left of the worst sports car I have ever owned.
I think you just had bad luck with your car to be honest. In two years of ownership, I've only had two major problems. One was overheating and the other a split coolant hose. Both of which have now been overhauled.UPDATE: 2 and a half years on, the love affair just gets stronger. What an awesome car!!!!!
Edited by Angelis on Wednesday 2nd January 13:44
People generally report problem cars, but don't bother posting about problem free experiences.
I've had my 348 Spider (above) for 2-3 years now and have had no problems at all. It's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned.
Admittedly, it was a premium priced car and in mint condition when I got it.
I've had my 348 Spider (above) for 2-3 years now and have had no problems at all. It's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned.
Admittedly, it was a premium priced car and in mint condition when I got it.
TigerS6 said:
burriana said:
For £25k you will get a very nice one. That 1990 at £26k is about £2k over priced IMHO.
Completely agree!I've just (about 3 weeks ago) bought a 348 similar to the one listed up there, I acknowledge that it needs a couple of little jobs (inc service & cambelts) but it was reflected in the price, and I have to say, I'm very happy with the car!
I bought my '93 Spider with 20k miles on it and one and a half weeks later hammered it (yes, hammered) around the Alps for 3000 miles. I later blasted it down to southern Spain. All in all, did 13,000 miles in the first year I had it. All taken in its stride apart from a loose nut in the a/c compressor and boiled brake fluid in the Alps (told you we were hammering it!) ... and all massively wonderful and exhilarating driving experience.
Don't know how it managed it to be honest.
Don't know how it managed it to be honest.
348's are fantastic but as said before make sure you buy one that has been looked after.
All Ferrari's cost money to run, mine (GTC) cost just over £80k when new so it will cost more than a hot hatch to run as it's an £80k super car (of it's day). Specialists such as QV and others make Ferrari ownership possible for people like me (I'm not rich) as they keep the running costs to a managable level.
Go for it as you simply won't beat the feeling of sitting behind a steering wheel with a prancing horse on it then turning the key and hearing that V8 (preferably via a tubi)!
All Ferrari's cost money to run, mine (GTC) cost just over £80k when new so it will cost more than a hot hatch to run as it's an £80k super car (of it's day). Specialists such as QV and others make Ferrari ownership possible for people like me (I'm not rich) as they keep the running costs to a managable level.
Go for it as you simply won't beat the feeling of sitting behind a steering wheel with a prancing horse on it then turning the key and hearing that V8 (preferably via a tubi)!
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