[wanta308]

Hi all,

I am currently looking for a toy. I am not wealthy but do all right. I am interested in the 308's. I really like the car and the used ones seem to be in my reach. So I would like to know what your thoughts on the car and Ferraris in general are. How tough is the maintenance on them? I have experience doing tune-ups (adjusting timing, tuning dual carbs, etc) and feel comfortable turning a wrench. Is the 308 model easy to work on in the garage or does it require dealer service and special tools?? I am sure parts are expensive. How much are brake pads (might as well start with the normal stuff)

Thx!

 

[4kids3fish]

Welcome wanta308. You should have no real problems with such a car, but do spend some good time checking out a range of cars before jumping in. The 308 is getting on in age and the differences between cars will be significant. Wait for the right one that has been well looked after & isn't a basket-case.

You will need to check local parts costs as they will vary depending on supply in your area. A Ferrari workshop will also be able to give you $$ estimates for the main services to help you budget - doing DIY would be cheaper of course.

Spannering shouldn't be too hard. Most stuff is straightforward although can be fiddly, eg access to front cyl bank, access to timing cover, balancing the carbs, etc.

Bear in mind that the earliest 308s are fibreglass and actually attract a price premium. Good luck.

 

[marcos]

Hi be welcome!

The 308 is a funcar, but keep in mind what 4kids3fish just said and everything will be allright! Hope you will find what you are looking for!

 

[Pete04222]

If you treat it as a toy and have limited annual mileage, you won't have too many problems. In the last year all I've had to do to my car is change the oil. I also changed the gearbox oil to synthetic.

I've done almost all my own wrenching. Since I've had the car, I've replaced the oil pressure sensor ($30), the speedometer sending unit ($90), adjusted the parking brake, changed the ignition from points to electronic ($500 for the modules, coils, wires and plugs). I've done some other minor tinkering but I can't remember exactly what. The only thing I've had a garage do was balance the tires, align the front end and synchronize the carbs ($300)

'79 was the last year with carbs and points. I love the sound of 4 webers wide open at high RPM. The point type ignition on these cars is weak. The points went out on my car and it takes 4 sets at $70 each. That's when I swapped to electronic.

The major item is the timing belts. These need to be replaced every 30,000 miles or 5 years. They were just done on my car when I got it and I will change them myself when its time. So that is important when you are looking at 308s - make sure it has had a recent 30k service. Good service records are important. As 4kids3fish said, these cars are all getting on in age so you can expect the rubber goods to start deteriorating. A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.

I've done OK, my car has turned out to be quite affordable.

 

[Spasso]

How tough is maintenance?

Rule #1. Do not expect to get anything done quickly on a 308. It will probably take 3 times longer than you orginally thought.

Rule #2 Keep a small child handy to reach into the tiny little crevises that only the Italians could think up.

Rule #3 Talk to your doctor about a third hand.

Rule #4 Prepare to spend 3 times what you thought it would cost.

Rule #5 Never set a deadline for completion

Rule #5 Take pictures of everything with a digital camera BEFORE you take it apart.

Rule #6 Keep www.wordreference.com handy on your computer so you can translate those part names listed in Italian.

Rule #7 Be sure to give the car a name. You can love it more if it has a name. You will also have something to call it when you cuss at it!

Rule #8 CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Keep it clean. A clean engine is much nicer to work on than a dirty one.

Rule #9 Treat your car good and it will treat you good. Do ALL of the required maintenance when it is due.

Rule #10 Remember, It's just a loose formation of nuts and bolts much like any other car except this one was assembled by passionate Italians. There is no other like it. All you need is a few tools, the specifications and a lot of patience. (and maybe a little wine and cheese).

The 308 is probably the most affordable Ferrari out there. The parts are the least expensive and there is a huge support system for these cars. There were over 12,000 of these built.

You might also consider a 308 GT4. This has the original running gear that the GTB/S built upon. The GT4's look differently because they are a Bertone style and they are a 2+2 BUT, the early ones are quite fast and they actually handle better than the GTB/S. They are also easier to work on, more room in the engine bay. Unfortunately there were only about 2800 of these built, still, VERY affordable.

Take your time and do your research. If you like the classic 308 styling and want the best drivability and power then I would suggest a 1983 to 1985 308 QV. The best of the series.

Mine is a 78 GTS, Carbureted, US spec, lower power, lower price. Still a joy to drive.

DJ

 

[Pete04222]

I'll chime in with Spasso, go with the QV if you can swing it. I wanted the webers though.

 

[wanta308]

thx guys

Thx for the info. It was great. What do you think about the cost of the 30,000 mile increment service? The other option I am considering is a c5 vette. This is based on operating costs although I cannot seem to find much on the subject online. A friend of mine has one. I know tires are expensive! I like the Ferrari more however. Both looks and the vintage sports car style I think. Never seems to go out of date.

 

[Pete04222]

If you are basing your decision on operating costs then I'd say go with the Vette. The parts and service will be cheaper and more readily available.

You buy a Ferrari because you want a Ferrari and you want to stand out in the crowd. It's something different. The Corvettes are nice, but you see them all the time. About 8,000 308 GTS's were produced over a 9 year time span. In 1979 alone GM pumped out almost 54,000 Corvettes. A Ferrari owner has a car that is rare and exotic. A Corvette owner has a Chevy.

Think about how many miles a year you are going to be putting on the car. If you are only going to put like 3,000 miles on, then the wear and maintenance and expense won't be that bad. My collector car insurance (which limits your mileage to 3,000 annually) is only $200 a year for full coverage. It only costs $100 to register and inspect the car. At 3,000 miles per year it will take me 5 years to go through a set of tires.

 

[hogster40]

What is the price for a good red 79 308gts? I am torn between getting a carb'ed 308 or a 328gts....

 

[senna21]

I'd say prices are as follows, depending on condition:

carbed - $20k-$30k
injected - $15k-$25k
QV - $20k-$34k

big range, yes, but there can huge differences in condition, care and
mileage. Anything beyond $34-35k and you should consider a 328. Only a handful of excellent carbed 308s should being with a "3", and not that many QVs either. (yes, I'll probably get flamed for this.)

 

[hogster40]

Sounds good, thanks. Like I stated I am torn between 308's and 328's. Not buy price, but by carb. vs FI. Not to mention the obvious differences. Nothing like the sound of carbs. I do like the 328's a little bit more(tech) wise.
I did see a 328 for 100K... Can you believe that????

 

[wanta308]

308

Thx for the info. I think I will go for the Ferrari. I have always wanted one anyway and I think I would be disappointed. So the next question is where I should be looking. Dealers, private, sellers, auctions, etc. I would like to know the name of the insurance company that you use. Are you happy with them?

Thx!

 

[Spasso]

Do a search on Google for, 'Ferarri 308 for sale'

You will get the best deal on a private purchase because there is no middle man.

For dealer markups;
http://www.thecarexperience.com/search03.htm

For broker prices;
http://www.ferrariclassified.com/

For private listings;
http://www.ferrariforum.net/dealer/
http://www.ferrariads.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi
http://www.ferrari-talk.com/cgi-bin/forum/discus.cgi

Online classifieds for any newspaper, thats how I found mine.

There are a million sites to choose from. Take your time.

 

[Andrew]

Here is a nice 328 listing

http://www.ferrariforum.net/classified/view.php?id=81

I would agree with Spasso you will get a better deal if you buy from a private seller.

Personally I would go for the 328 for the extra power. The 308 for its looks (I like it a bit more than the 328).

 

[Boxer]

You definitely get the best deal from a private seller. Just make sure you get the car fully checked out by a Ferrari mechanic so you know exactly what you are getting. It will also help you negotiate the price.