Advice on buying a 348

[maars]

I'm considering buying a RHD 348 TS and would like some advice on things like:-
* different models
* what to look for
* known problems
* service intervals
* cars to avoid
* price guide
* preferred insurers

The car would only really get used at weekends, and maybe the odd track day.
Many Thanks,


James

[jos]

James - you've come to the right place - we're full of advice here - but you also need to look around using the 'search' function for the full story - as funnily enough you're not the first person to ask this question !

[jtremlett]

Hi James.

I have had my 348 ts for 6+ years now and I still completely adore it. The answers below are the best I can do off the top of my head. I'm sure others will correct any mistakes I make.

Different Models:
The 348 ts was introduced in 1989. Like all Ferraris minor amendments were made during the production run. In 1992 (my car is a late '92) the battery was moved from the engine compartment to behind the front headlight to improve handling. About the same time the injection system was upgraded. In 1993 the 348 ts was replaced by the 348 GTS. This had slightly upped HP and a few other tweaks to suspensiuon etc. Visually they are hard to tell apart. 348 ts' all originally had black lower sills and black vinyl targa panels, whereas on the GTS they were colour-coded. However, many ts' are now colour-coded as well. Some ts' even have GTS badging, so don't be fooled by that. Always check the chassis number. If you let me know a chassis number of a car that interests you I can let you know if the Owners' Club have any history on the car etc.

What to look for/Known Problems:
I'm not the best person to answer that as I'm not mechanically-minded enough! Obviously look for a decent service record with a specialist (doesn't have to be a franchised dealer and most won't have 100% franchised dealer history). In my opinion, best to get a car that has done a good steady mileage rather than one that has sat for years. They are machines, meant to be used and don't really like standing still.

Service Intervals:
I get mine serviced more-or-less annually, as I think do most owners. The book does have mileage-based intervals and they do more-or-less co-incide with the annual servicing for me anyway. Every 3 years (regardless of mileage) the cambelts need replacing. That is an engine-out job. I budget a little over £1k per annum with more needed on cambelt years, less other years. My car has been completely reliable apart from the occasional flat battery (a trickle-charger is highly recommended) and I have been down to Italy in it three times (including a track day at Fiorano) and various other European jaunts in rain and snow, with no issues.

Insurers:
See here for a list of insurers: http://www.fcars.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2087 I am personally with Liverpool Victoria, but the best is the cheapest as far as I'm concerned, so see who offers the best deal for your personal circumstances.

Price Guide I will leave to others to respond to.

Hope that helps a little.

Jonathan

[jos]

Here's a couple of useful threads from elsewhere

http://webpages.charter.net/aircover...348Spider.html

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...p?h=0&t=259176

[maars]

Thanks for the info - I've run a detailed search on the forum.

jos - the links don't work ... any ideas

[jos]

Sorry - start here - try search '348 buying' in pistonheads - for example :

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...&hw=348+buying

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...&hw=348+buying

And the other one is now at :

http://webpages.charter.net/aircover...348Spider.html

I should also add that on reflection our 348 buying threads seem to be in fact quite limited so maybe we need to start a really thorough one

[GrahamS]

Hi James

The Kent Ferrari owners Club are having their monthly meet this Thursday. Most of the regular Kent posse from here will be there also.

Why don't you come along and chat to some owners

It's at the Village Hotel next to J6 of the M20

[tonyh]

welcome James. Glad you've found us

http://www.sportscarguides.com/?guid...ch&marque_id=4

[Hud]

Welcome James, good luck in your search.

[Yorkshirelad]

some tips we followed:-
1. Talk to as many onwers as possible
2. look at as many cars as you can
3. If you buy private get an independant engineer to look over it
4. when you do see a car take a check list and make sure EVERYTHING works on the car (i've got a list if you want.PM me)
5. make sure the vents are not 'sticky'
6. when you decide on the car have a a couple of visits to it to get rid of the 'rose tinted glasses' syndrome