[archiegibbs]

TR's and 512 TR's seem to be very good value for money these days, similar prices to low mileage 328's. Have the prices bottomed out? What are the pro's and con's, and the expected annual budget for maintenance. I'm not seriously considering parting with my 328, but always like to keep my options open. I'm a complete no hoper with mechanics so any work would have to be done by a specialist. Is it a wise move to exchange a low mileage (and so far reliable) 328 for a TR? Especially as I bought the 328 on the basis that it was the ideal 1st ferrari due to it's reliability and relatively low annual costs.
I've also seen a 74 365GT4 BB for £45K GBP - probably not a good idea as my pockets aren't that deep

 

[Ferrari328GT]

Well, I'm probably one of the few people that has gone from a 1990 TR to a 1986 328GTS! I like the 328 better, and here's why. The TR is absolutely gorgeous and belongs in your living room to stare at. And it is way faster than the 328. But I just didn't find it as much fun to drive. The car is too wide, too low, too heavy, with brakes that were hard to modulate under 100mph. The car weighs 3700 pounds and has manual steering. I prefer go-carts, like the 328. It is easier to throw around, drive in traffic, and I love the targa top. As for maintenance, the TR can eat you alive. Timing belt service isn't just an engine out affair, it's a take-the-whole-back-of-the-car-apart affair. Replacing a valve cover gasket took me 5 hours. And did you read the thread about the cracked transmission case? Yikes. So, that's my two cents worth. I know lots of folks love the TR, and that is fine, just not quite my cup of tea. -Steve

 

[archiegibbs]

Steve, thanks for sharing your experiences. I have read the Buyers Guide on here, but was hoping for hands on experience from owners and ex owners. I agree that they are gorgeous, my son would love me to have one, purley for the noise of the V12.

 

[Boxer]

I've also seen a 74 365GT4 BB for £45K GBP - probably not a good idea as my pockets aren't that deep

The 365 BB will likely be easier on the wallet than the TR.

Is this the one at the Ferrri Centre in Kent ?

I may be out of line here, but as an observation, I know quite a few people who aggressively track and race 308s and 328s. Don't know anyone who does this with a TR.

 

[archiegibbs]

The 365 BB will likely be easier on the wallet than the TR.

Is this the one at the Ferrri Centre in Kent ?

I may be out of line here, but as an observation, I know quite a few people who aggressively track and race 308s and 328s. Don't know anyone who does this with a TR.

Boxer, yes it is the one at Kent High performance Cars. I haven't physically seen it, but was browsing the various dealers websites last night (as I do most evenings). I know you've owned a BB in the past, so are probably a greater authority than most, but am surprised, although not doubting that you think it will be easier on the wallet, as I've spoken to several dealers in the past who have warned me against buying due to their very high maintenance costs. I'd be very keen to hear about your experiences of ownership, as the BB was my first introduction to Ferrari as a 9 yr old back in 1977, and I've loved them since. As I type this I am looking at a 1/18 Bburago model of a 512 BB on my office windowsill, and dreaming of owning one now.

Unfortunately, racing or tracking my own ferrari isn't really a consideration as I've worked and saved too hard to risk putting it into a wall. I have a young family, and another baby due in November, so need to be careful with what money I have accumulated. A friend of mine tracks his 2 Porsches and is spending a small fortune on various parts such as brakes, discs, tyres, suspension, servicing...etc, and as it happens he badly smashed his Carrera RS up a couple of weeks ago.

I would prefer to drive someone elses and have all the fun but without the risk. I was at Silverstone on Tuesday (unfortunately at a conference) and was enviously watching the visitors racing the Caterhams, Elises, 996 C4's and of course the 360 Modena's, but am hoping to go back later this year for some fun.

 

[Boxer]

I am a bit rushed for time but the short version is I owned a 512 BB, 365 BB and F355 all at roughly the same time. The 512 BB got used very regularily and never needed anything more than an annual trip into the workshop for maintenance. The 365 BB only got taken out every 4-6 weeks and always seemed to have some minor thing that needed attention. Never anything major but had to continually get a mechanic in to fix fuses, windows, fan switches, etc. This gets old fast and slowly eats away at the wallet. Other problem with the 365 BB was that although it was in great condition and had a huge history file, it had gotten little use in the last few years which also led directly to the issues listed above. Of the three though, the F355 was the most expensive from a purely maintenance standpoint. Nothing major ever went wrong outside of having to replace the Cats, but the annual maintenance costs, which include a cambelt change were quite hefty. One note, the Boxers were serviced at specialists while the F355 was done at a Ferrari dealership (do to the warantee) which had a huge impact on costs.