Discussion
Has anyone on this forum got a Ferrari 348? I currently have a 1996 Chimaera which has been superb - but I am itching for a change and I really would like to get something ''classic'' that will not suffer huge depreciation. The Ferrari 348 seems like a nice car for less money than Tuscans/Tamoras. 300bhp and its a Ferrari! Good ones seem to be going for £35-36,000 or less for LHD. I know that cam belts need changing every 3 years at about £1500 (!) but I reckon I lose more than that every 6 months in depreciation on the Chimp.
What do you learned fellow petrol heads think?
Thanks Craig, it is very interesting to hear from someone who has made the transition.
I have had some insurance quotes, and like you they are about £400 more for the Ferrari. (33 years old, 3 points, nearly 6 years NCB - £939.00). Does not seem to matter whether they are RHD or LHD either. Who have you insured with - my best quote was from Footman James. (Based on a 1992 car. They said that once 10 years old - it can go on a classic car policy which is less expensive still).
Did you buy yours privately or from a dealer? Only ask as in Top Marques there are huge price differences (possibly reflecting what you said about condition). Some left hookers from 1990-92 going for £25,000. RHD going anything upto £40,000 from trade.(All ts/tb models).
Did you drive a ts to compare to a GTS? How is the GTS different to the ts to get the extra 20 bhp? Any other differences other than suspension (again, what is the difference - uprated shocks and springs?, different sized tyres?), and the black trim now being body coloured?
I know one thing, the GTS/GTB are less common than its fellow stablemate!
Any particular things to look out for on the cars - their own quirks and faults/shortcomings (every car has something!)? I expect that a full dealer service history is reassuring - as are plenty of evidence of cam belt changes.
Are there good web sites for Ferrai owners who are enthusiasts rather than millionaires. e.g. Pistonheads forum and the The Griffith/Chimaera Workshop notes - is there anything similar for the 348 that you know about? Have you joined the FOC?
Thanks for your reply and looking forward to learning as much as possible from you.
Hi Craig, thanks for the update. Wish I could get to SW London - but I am up in north of Cheshire - thanks very much indeed for the offer.
I am a little nervous re buying one of these. I have had my TVR from nearly new and no that it is a well sorted fault free car - so no surprise expensive bills there. Just concerned that I could end up with a money pit car if I don't get it right first time. Doing my homework now!
Yes, I would love to see the Evo guide - if you can let me know what issue it was I could order a back copy. But hey, if you are willing to send a copy to me I would be extremely grateful. My email address is bryanlister@ntlworld.com
Thanks for your help Craig
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.
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.
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