Discussion
Many thanks to everyone who has responded to my post. At the end of the day it seems that Ferrari ownership is not too different to TVR. If you get a good one - you're OK. Get a lemon, and start burning the £50 notes. I am still thinking about making the change - but looking for good value for money. Many dealers have 348 on their forecourts for more than £40,000 (RHD) which I think is really overpriced - especially after seeing a LHD 355 with 15,000 miles for £40K.
Avi, yes - please send me the Evo article. There are no back copies of that issue available now - I have checked with Evo themselves - would love to see it.
The other car that I really like is the 328 gts/gtb. More of a classic in some ways with those lovely circular rear lights. Only problem is that they seem to cost at least as much as 348s because they are very collectable.
Bryan, ex-factory the cars are very good indeed. They only become lemons if they are badly serviced or neglected. All too common nowadays, because so many are bought as status toys and discarded again a month or two later. Check out the V5 for length of ownership, and avoid short-termers at all costs (literally) !
quote:Yes, wise words indeed. Some cars have had 5+ owners. Must say that the web link posted to the 348 for sale made scary reading. Oil leaks, recalls, upgrades - very Tuscanesque! Edited by bryanlister on Wednesday 22 August 13:35
Bryan, ex-factory the cars are very good indeed. They only become lemons if they are badly serviced or neglected. All too common nowadays, because so many are bought as status toys and discarded again a month or two later. Check out the V5 for length of ownership, and avoid short-termers at all costs (literally) !
Avi - my email is bryanlister@ntlworld.com. Thanks!
Yes - that 348 was TERRIFYING! He has provided me with a good list of things to check if I should take the plunge! I hope that is an unrealistice snapshot of ownership. I can just imagine trying to start up the engine and finding the starter has failed. Oh, that will be £550.00 + VAT Sir, exchange! Ouch! Maybe I should stick to the company car (never needs oil, never need tyres checking, 70 mph in first, 70 mph in reverse, can leave it anywhere) - probably no where as much fun though and nothing to tinker with.
LOL
Company cars are superb, limitless supply of tyres, clutchless gearchanges 
filling up your mates cars at the garage with the fuel card.
I used to look forward to it breaking down so I could get a different hire car to thrash for the weekend
Oh those were the days my friend, i thought they'd never end.......
Then I gave up the company car and bought a 'reliable' BMW E30 M3, oops
Edited by mags on Thursday 23 August 09:33
filling up your mates cars at the garage with the fuel card.
I used to look forward to it breaking down so I could get a different hire car to thrash for the weekend
Oh those were the days my friend, i thought they'd never end.......
Then I gave up the company car and bought a 'reliable' BMW E30 M3, oops
Edited by mags on Thursday 23 August 09:33 my son can beat that, unfortunately. On passing his test I foolishly allowed him to use the family eurobarge, (citroen xantia), he got through a set of fronts in 1000mls and a set of front pads in 2 weeks....the little ****, and that doesn't include fag ash, sticky drink stains and sundry dents and scratches.....phew thats better
This son beats that. My old man foolishly used to lend me his company cars. Over the course of 2 years (before he finally lost his hair completely), the tally was:
front end, 3 wheels, rad, suspension
auto gearbox
another gearbox
an engine
a diff
front suspension and wheel
another bent wheel
endless tyres
even more brakes
there's probably more, I can't remember!
Strangely enough he doesn't lend me his cars nowadays. That's OK though 'cos I have a TVR to drive!
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