[Kimi]

I've been looking for my first Ferrari : a F355 GTB. But they are still a bit too expensive for me. And the maintenance costs are a bit frightening too...

So, what about a 328 (1988) ? I like her looks very much, but I'm afraid this model may have problems because of its age. Some people say these cars have become delicate... What are the major issues ?

Are the maintenance costs reasonable, or have I to expect to spend more or less the same cash as for a 355 ? My intention is to put about 2000/2500 miles per year on it.

For the same price I can get a 2003 Porsche Boxster S... But I love Ferraris so much ! I don't know the basics of mechanics, so all the work would be done by an independent specialist. What are your thoughts ?

 

[jungathart]

No better choice for a first Ferrari, Kimi.
Many authors believe the 328 is the most reliable Ferrari ever, and one of the last to not require dealer servicing (i.e., any experienced and knowledgeable technician can work on the car).
I take it that you have seen the buyer's guide here on the Forum?

 

[Boxer]

A 328 is a fine choice for a 1st Ferrari. There are a number of very helpful posts including:

http://www.ferrariforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5040&highlight=

http://www.ferrarilife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4927&highlight=328+advice

http://www.ferrarilife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2875&highlight=328+advice

 

[Kimi]

Thanks for the interesting links !

I have to say that I still haven't completely given up the purchase of a 355.

 

[fmaderi]

excellant choice. ppi it and get the best one you can afford.

 

[Andrew]

Exactly what everyone else said. The 328 is a very good first Ferrari and the maintenance will not bleed your wallet like a F355 will. The F355 isn't poorly built, just more in parts and labor to be fixed. Best of luck in your search.

 

[Boxer]

The big difference in terms of cost on the 328 vs the F355: the belts are an engine out job on the F355 and you can still do a large amount of the maintenance yourself on the 328. Both are well built but the F355 is much more complex.

 

[Kimi]

The 328 looks great, but I would like something more recent.

Next Monday I'm going to see a 348 GTS (1995) !

 

[Boxer]

IMHO. I would take a late 328 GTB over the 348.

 

[Kimi]

IMHO. I would take a late 328 GTB over the 348.

Because of the higher maintenance costs ? Or reliability issues ?

 

[Boxer]

It is a combination of things: design (328 is classic), reliability (the 328 is the last in the 3x8 series and therefore the most developed), and the running/maintenance costs. I am also not a big fan of the single cambelt design used on the 348.

 

[climena]

Hi there,

I only can confirm, that the 328 is a fun car, possibly the most idea to step into the world of the big F's. Reliable engenieering and can be used for every day use (if you want to). But not recommended for race track use, except you would like to spend a bit of money on upgrades...

Maintenance cost are resonable as already mentioned. Overall if you find a 328 in good shape a very good price/value ratio!

just go for it, if you like the design...

 

[Sandra]

I agree with other posts. Either a late model 328 or later model 348. Some problems with early 348s...I can't remember but I thought it was alternator related? You 348 owners can verify.
I used to dislike the lines of the 348s but they've grown on me. Don't know what they go for, but it'd be great to find a 348SS (series speciale). A bit more rare of a 348

 

[Boxer]

I agree with other posts. Either a late model 328 or later model 348. Some problems with early 348s...I can't remember but I thought it was alternator related? You 348 owners can verify.
I used to dislike the lines of the 348s but they've grown on me. Don't know what they go for, but it'd be great to find a 348SS (series speciale). A bit more rare of a 348

IMHO, the late 328's are very well developed reliable cars. Early 348s have a long history of teething issues. A friend once hypothesized that the electrical systems were only installed outside on days it was raining...

 

[Argento]

Kimi,

Lots of good advice here, I'll add mine FWIW, Go for an ABS car, easily spotted, has Convexed Wheels as opposed to the non-ABS cars which have, you guessed it, Concave wheels.

You need to decide whether you want GTS or GTB, Alot more GTS's out there, 1214 GTB's 5526 GTS's (LHD). Do you want a rigid unspoilt drivers car?, Or a compromised but great for summer Targa Ferrari?

I had a GTS 1st, but gave it up for a GTB as soon as I could, The 'B' was a superior driver's machine, but I did miss the T Top on Fresh Autumnal Sunday Morning's.....

Either way, you'll get a good car if you do your homework.

ATB,

Argento

 

[Bullfighter]

Kimi,

I've had an '87 328 for about a year now as a first Ferrari. If you subtract the cost of a discretionary front bumper respray, costs have been about $500 so far this year, including a new battery. I did spend $4K on a major service, water pump rebuild and fuel line replacement when I bought the car.

The car has developed a slight oil drip from around the pan, so I suspect my annual fluid service (normally $200 or so) will be higher because of that.

There are a couple of great independent Ferrari techs near me, so no need to go the dealer. As posted above, these cars are nicely low-tech and well-known by now.

I'll echo the opinions here, that if you want a reasonably reliable Ferrari that won't maul your wallet the 328 is the place to be. Much better electricals than the 308, and without the expensive problems of the 348/355.

While the 328's are old cars now, many have had aged components updated already (mine had a new clutch, new starter, new radiator, new brake lines, etc. by the time I got it.) The 348/355 are also rapidly becoming old cars and will be due for all of that anyway and, at least on the 355, you can spend many thousands of dollars putting things right. Remember, 355s are pushing 10 years old now.

I'm a huge fan of the 355's looks and performance, but ultimately the costs/thrills equation didn't do it for me. A friend just sold his because he was tired of living in fear of Something Big going wrong.

348 prices, except for some late models, seem to have settled at or below 328 levels. You get a lot of car for your money, but spend more keeping it on the road. The looks are love-it-or-hate-it. I happen to like them, but the market opinion isn't overly favorable.

I think we're in a good spot right now, with enough nice 308s and 328s left to get into Ferrari ownership without committing financial suicide. I'd guess that will change as the 308/328s rise in price and become scarcer through attrition.

If you want modern, maybe start with a 328 and wait for 360s to drop even more. There are tons of them for sale now, and they may be under $100K by spring, and I've heard good things about the quality/costs with regard to that model.

If you're not keen on the 308/328 look, obviously don't buy. But anything older than a 360 is an old car.