Hi,

I have been looking to buya 348 (Europe) and was pretty set to go that way. I like to visit classic car shows (doing Le Mans and Monaco classics this summer). But then I have an option a really good price for an F430 F1 Spider (red) with 35K km and full history for 68k EUR. I know absolutely nothing about the 430 other than what I have read on this forum. According to my checks across Europe this car is around 15k EUR undervalued. I am trying to decide if it as good idea and good long term investment or if a 348 would be better as its likely to appreciate in value and not depreciate like an F430.

Would be greatful for any opinions for people in the know and any advice. I want a summer car to have a bit of fun but ideally something that does not loose a fortune in value at the same time.

My head is telling me 348 as its a more raw expereince but likely to cost more in maintenance in the long run but wont drop significantly in value and cheaper to insure as a classic. But from what I read the F430 is a more drivable/usable car.

Grateful for any advice.

TIA

As I understand it the 348 was the last and best of the 308 series. In other words by the time Ferrari got to the 348 all the problems were ironed out. I have a F430 and really enjoy it however I do think the 348 is also a wonderful car representing a different era. The maintenance cost of the F430 are relatively low partially due to a timing chain vs a belt.
Here is what I would do:

1) Put on a fitbit.
2) Go look at a 348
3) Drive the 348

Come home and analyze your vitals.

Next day repeat the steps with an F430. Which ever has the higher vitals, is probably the one you want to buy. :-)

Thanks for the response. I think you are right. The F430 is the easiest option as its just down the road and available. The 348 will need to be imported and needs foreign travel to go and see/collect. I'll check the insurance quotes as that may be a helping factor if the F430 is silly money.

The F430 price does seem very good though so its tempting .

First Ferrari so its all exciting whichever way it goes.

No decision; the 430 is the car, particularly if it's your first Ferrari. The 348 and it's sister the 355 are service needy, most have been poorly maintained with many cars needs far more work than you'd believe. Those cars will spend far more time in the shop than the 430 ever will.

Have someone verify clutch life and overall condition before your purchase. As with ALL Ferrari purchases, there are no inexpensive cars. If the car you're looking at is below fair market, tread carefully.

Personally, I don't find the 348 attractive but I own (3) 355's and I love the cars. I do like the 430 and given it's chain driven timing vs. belts, the major service needs are far less.

My 355 F1 GTS has been nearly problem free in 3 years.

430 and don't even doubt it. The 348s are known to be a headache. Even better if you can get a 430 manual, they are incredibly hard to come by these days and are actually appreciating.

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430.

agreed with you

I like the 430 Manual for sure,,,I dont think you can compare the two,,just from a service standpoint,,I also like the 355,,I have driven one,,and the mechanical grip was great,,car was fast, ,I was ok with the somewhat power assisted steering. I myself prefer the go kart feel of my 328 the most. In my estimation, it comes down to old school Ferrari , VS New school,,You have a different feel,,with the 308, 328, 348, 355..they are more of a drivers car ,I watched a video of a guy testing a 430,,, looked very easy to drive,,almost sterile,even though it was a 6 speed..,,,In my opinion the 458 is a much better looking car than the 430..period, with that being said, the 430 s interior is awesome !!1 The 348 has an interior much like the 328, 355 interior is shit,,and comes unglued like it was made by somebody other than Ferrari,,I have long since decided against a 355,, I would buy a 430 instead,,and of course keep my 328,,As of present time,,I have decided on a 05 , 06 , 07 , 08 Gallardo,,Ferraris have gone way to high in price..Ill take a V10 with all wheel drive,,and better looks,,Good luck on your purchase,,

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I would take the 348 if you want the raw visceral experience. It is from a different era. My first Ferrari was a 348SS so I am biased that way, but the 430 is an insanely capable machine as well. It is however, a modern car. If that is what you want then go for it, you can't make a bad decision here...


Finally, I have driven a number of 355's and still prefer the 348. The 355 is the best sounding Ferrari of the modern era, but my mechanics tell me they make a living primarily working on? The 355.


So for all the haters out there the 348 is still a fun and raw car. No power steering and the last in the line of 3X8 cars. The 430 is a modern marvel and will be a million times faster and easier to work on, but you need to decide what you like.
Good luck and keep us informed on which way you go.
MB

F430 without a doubt !

Hi all,

Thanks for the help. I am going to look at a 348 TS this weekend hopefully as its in the right price range and in the right condition. Will need a cam belt change though but I am factoring that cost in. Just waiting for the nearest Ferrari to come back to me with a price !.

In the meantime I bought a Ferrari Hydroplane replica to keep me going until I get the car sorted !.

I'll post the car pics when I finally take delivery.

TIA

Hi all,

Just got back from my holiday in my newly aquired 348 TS. Picked up in Switzerland just outside Zurich. Drove her to Lake Como, Milan, Lake Iseo, Lake Garda, Bergamo, Bologna, Florence, Verona, Pisa, Viareggio and then back to Barcelona. Also took her to both Ferrari Museums in Maranello and Modena. Amazing trip. 2600km and not a problem in sight. Best trip ever and in lover with her . Thanks for all the advice but it was the 348 that I went for in the end.

Will post some photos .

Thanks for all the advice.

Regards
Martin

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At the Enzo Museum at Modena and Lake Garda

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Congrats, sounds like an epic trip

congrats, glad you choose 348, it was a nice deal, keep us updated with more pics of your trip

Congrats again on the 348. From a previous 348 guy to another and ONLY so you know, your wheels are on backwards...see the attached pic of mine when I owned it on how the wheels are supposed to look.
Keep enjoying her and welcome to the family.
Regards,
MB

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Great choice and congrats! Really is apples and oranges comparing the two. I have a 355 myself. I've also put a lot of miles on a 430. I actually went in looking for a 3x8 and agreed to a drive in a 355 Spider thinking "no way" in my head, but then why turn the chance to drive any of them? The sound and feel got my attention...still wasn't sure. Then hopped in a GTS. Again, the sound got me...but the car JUST FELT RIGHT. Tried to walk away. Took 5 days trying to talk myself out of it, sure that i wanted a pre-fuel-injected 308. But it haunted my every waking moment. Then I thought about going with a 430 if I wasn't doing the "classic" thing, but again...that one car was tugging at me. Now it's mine. It was the same way with another (non-fezza). It felt right. The 430 is epic in my opinion. The F1 in those is brutal in a good way. Love it. It's still a driver's car in my opinion (with a bit of suspension geometry tweaking) but infinitely more manageable in town traffic than its V8 ancestors. Point is, you have to make sure you scratch the "itch". No point buying something that doesn't...but you listen to your heart, or at least your heart-beat! You'll be glad you did. Welcome to the fray.

You are so right. Cars can do that to you, if you have a passion for them. That is EXACTLY how I felt when I saw my Maranello, and again this year when I saw my Dino. It spoke to me. It said "buy me, I belong to you". How could I resist?

Ok cool thanks for letting me know. I'll get them switched around now I know that. Didnt notice and I love the original wheels would never change them. She is a beauty. Have a small leak but will post a seperate post for that as need some knowledge not being an engineer on what the problem is likely to be !