Ferrari Questions

[chuno]

Hi,

I am about to begin my search for a Ferrari 348. I have wanted one for a good few years now and am finally in a position to take the plunge.
Just a couple of questions for now.

What are the best/closest independant Ferrari dealers to the North West/Chester Area? Also, will require a Pre purchase Inspection, who am i best using for this?

I have posted some questions on here a few years ago, but i cannot seem to find anything older than a year or so old when i search the Forums, not sure why.

I would also be grateful for any general pointers that anyone may have as this will be my first F car.

My budget is about £25k and there seem to be a couple of decent ones around for this sort of money. So hopefully i should be ok!

Many Thanks

Edited by chuno on Wednesday 23 September 21:46

[Malh001]

I would get over to clubscuderia if i were you:

http://www.clubscuderia.com

There are alot of current and previous owners who will give you good advice.

Edited by Malh001 on Wednesday 23 September 22:47

[Midds]

You should read the autocar article on used Ferraris... That said I always liked the look of the 348

good luck!

Edited by Midds on Thursday 24th September 08:00

[burriana]

FFS - why, when anyone decides that they want a 348, do people pop up and point out that some people don't actually like them?

The people who slate them are usually going on what they have read/heard/or experienced on one journos' launch day.

Ask most of the actual owners and they will tell you that they love them. For me, I had a Spider and loved it. After foolishly selling it, it took me about 18 months to do the sensible thing and get another one, this time a Berlinetta, which I love and is brilliant.

So lets give the guy some help and not try to put him off with what are, lets face it, subjective opinions.

I can highly recommend the guy that looks after mine to do an inspection. His name is Michael, known on here as:

Talkwrench

He is based in Haworth, so on the border between W.Yorks and Lancs. If you want somebody in Cheshire I used R&D Automotive in Manchester to look after my Spider, and there is also Steve W on Club Scuderia and F.Chat who is a classic Ferrari restorer and concourse 348 owner.

Good luck - I am myself in a real quandry as to sell or keep. I am torn between a 550, a Vanquish or even a 1960s Merc SL, but then I can't help thinking that I would regret selling this one.





Good luck. Get a good one and you will love it

[The Milfman]

burriana said:

I am torn between a 550, a Vanquish or even a 1960s Merc SL,

550!

[Dino550]

I service my 550 at Millbrook in Sheffield. They are ex Graypauland and excellent.

[matt3001]

What are the service intervals on a 348? Looking at getting one next year, is there a huge difference between the TB and GTB models other than the power upgrade?

Any good insurers for young (ish) Fezza drivers, I will be 24 next year but fingers crossed have 6 years of NCB too.

[Malh001]

For insurance try Michael Ward Associates.

[F355GTS]

matt3001 said:

What are the service intervals on a 348? Looking at getting one next year, is there a huge difference between the TB and GTB models other than the power upgrade?

Any good insurers for young (ish) Fezza drivers, I will be 24 next year but fingers crossed have 6 years of NCB too.

Servicing - every 6,250k Miles or annual if mileage not reached, Cam belts every 3 years or 18,750 Miles

[burriana]

matt3001 said:

Looking at getting one next year, is there a huge difference between the TB and GTB models other than the power upgrade?

Not really. Slight difference in suspension and I think marginally wider track, but not really so as you'd notice.

You do want to try and get one of the mid to later models that has the 2.7 ignition and the battery moved to the front though.

Mainly buy on condition and how well it has been looked after.

[Angelis]

This should help:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[Rough_Diamond]

There is a nice one for sale in the PH ads with the 348 KYD plate.

[Midds]

My bad, I can see how trying to suggest reading a recent article on Ferraris might not be helpful when it was that one - sorry for being an unthinking ass...

[burriana]

Sorry - it's just that we are so used to, as soon as 348s are mentioned, people jumping in with "read this" "read that" "worse Ferrari ever built don't you know". When really they are great cars.

So my apologies for jumping a bit quick

[Midds]

Chillax, must remember 'engage brain - then mouth' rather than inverse, my bad as I said...

Anywho, going to go back to counting the hours until my next drive...

[Foundy]

Old Clarkson review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukFXf9FwDaM

[matt3001]

I have read the mixed reviews, and obviously a 355 is better and more desirable as it's newer. However I still like the looks of the 348 and it is (for me) a better entry into Ferrari ownership, primarily because of the lower inital outlay and the ability to get a reasonable example for 25k!

I am naturally worried about the extra costs of supercar ownership, compared to the current 3er E46 and Cayman that I run at the minute. What are tyre costs like? Also how is the car without the power steering at low speeds? I only intend to do sub-5k miles in the car, and it is mainly going to be a posing toy rather than an A to B thrash car.

Are there any common things to look out for when buying one? Also a bit of a side issue, but say I bought one of a dealer such as Verdi, how comprehensive are their warranties? Obviously it wont cover wear parts such as clutch and brakes but how about the engine, suspension and transmission?

[Angelis]

matt3001 said:

and obviously a 355 is better and more desirable as it's newer.

If you think that, don't get a 348 and save up for a 355. Personally, I'd get a 348 over a 355 or 360 everytime.

matt3001 said:

What are tyre costs like?

Got a set of Pzero 355 rears earlier this year for £185 each. I think my front tyres were £150.

Rears go really fast on mine. Around every 18 months.

matt3001 said:

Also how is the car without the power steering at low speeds?

Bloody heavy when parking but okay once it's moving.

matt3001 said:

Are there any common things to look out for when buying one?

348 is prone to gearbox problems although it can be fixed. Electrical faults, engine is extremely durable, rust on c pillars, wings, front/rear bonners made of aluminium so check for paint bubbling, Ferrari's tend to be clocked, get a full PPI, check water/oil temps from cold, does it re-start quick when engine is hot....

Edited by Angelis on Monday 28th September 18:53

[burriana]

Blimey Sy, reading that anyone would think they are bad cars! I've only ever heard of two serious gearbox problems in 5 years of owning 348s, apart from the well known reluctant 2nd gear when cold.

Tyres - I run Falkens on mine which are about £100 or less each. They are annoyingly good, grip like hell and simply refuse to wear out even with my somewhat enthusiastic driving.

I say annoyingly as I am waiting for them to wear out just so that I can put a set of 888s on

[simonigrale]

Ignore all the critisism and buy one - Most reliable car i have ever owned.