Looking to buy a 348 advice needed
Discussion
Good evening all,
Having recently Sold my weekend car after 3 great years i was looking for a change, i have never owned a Ferrari but have come from more humble grounds like Lotus, 996 Porsche BMW M// cars and other bits and bobs along the way,
I have the funds ready and waiting but the only thing holding me back apart from getting a drive in one first is the question of running costs,
Can you guys please help me try get me over the line and give me any tips or ideas on what can or will go wrong on these?
I'm aware of Cambelts every 3yrs and service annually that's all fairly simple pricing wise,
Any advise or other things i should know would be great, also is it a bad time to invest in one? that is another reason i can't get my head around after reading a few threads on a forum.
I wanted a 348TB but seen a nice TS would you hold out for a TB?
Any input is grateful
Having recently Sold my weekend car after 3 great years i was looking for a change, i have never owned a Ferrari but have come from more humble grounds like Lotus, 996 Porsche BMW M// cars and other bits and bobs along the way,
I have the funds ready and waiting but the only thing holding me back apart from getting a drive in one first is the question of running costs,
Can you guys please help me try get me over the line and give me any tips or ideas on what can or will go wrong on these?
I'm aware of Cambelts every 3yrs and service annually that's all fairly simple pricing wise,
Any advise or other things i should know would be great, also is it a bad time to invest in one? that is another reason i can't get my head around after reading a few threads on a forum.
I wanted a 348TB but seen a nice TS would you hold out for a TB?
Any input is grateful
Jay-44 said:
...Can you guys please help me try get me over the line and give me any tips or ideas on what can or will go wrong on these?
Nothing much that I can think of. They're pretty bulletproof mechanically providing they're looked after. Jay-44 said:
...also is it a bad time to invest in one?
They're not an investment. You won't make money. But providing you buy sensibly you should expect gentle depreciation.Jay-44 said:
I wanted a 348TB but seen a nice TS would you hold out for a TB?
No. There are only half as many tbs as ts' in the UK. Much better to get a good ts than a less good tb. I will likely have a little history on any car you're interested in so feel free to PM me.Definitely don't think of it as an investment. I bought mine at ~28k in around 2011 I think, sold it 18 months later for the same - prices have gone up a fair bit since then, but I think they're going down again now (same for other models too).
Mine was my first Ferrari. I had considered one about 5 years earlier, but would have had to sell my Porsche 911 (964) to fund it. My research came across too many stories that said things like "it's not as well built as a Porsche, but....." - I decided if it wasn't as good as the car I had, there was little point in selling a Porsche to buy one.
Five years later, I was selling the 964 anyway since it was no longer used, and prices meant it was 50% of a 348. I was nervous - I expected fragile build quality, and unreliability - but I took the chance.
Bottom line? It made me wish I'd done it five years previously. Actually built pretty well in my opinion and generally reliable. It's an old car, and often had niggles - the wiring at the door connectors is a known weak point, but fairly easily solved - but even when it did need something fixing it was usually relatively simple.
Mine was great fun - far more fun on a twisty road than my 964 was. They have a reputation for not handling well, but I didn't find this to be the case at all - it was like a go cart, and lots of fun (at least, it was once I replaced the very old tyres).
Given the market at the moment, in the short term I suspect you'll lose a bit of money - but that's equally true if you buy most cars at the moment. But having had one myself, I recommend it - I liked mine.
ETA : I wanted a TB, but couldn't find a nice one and ended up with a TS. Taking the roof off was lovely, and I was glad I hadn't bought a TB.
Mine was my first Ferrari. I had considered one about 5 years earlier, but would have had to sell my Porsche 911 (964) to fund it. My research came across too many stories that said things like "it's not as well built as a Porsche, but....." - I decided if it wasn't as good as the car I had, there was little point in selling a Porsche to buy one.
Five years later, I was selling the 964 anyway since it was no longer used, and prices meant it was 50% of a 348. I was nervous - I expected fragile build quality, and unreliability - but I took the chance.
Bottom line? It made me wish I'd done it five years previously. Actually built pretty well in my opinion and generally reliable. It's an old car, and often had niggles - the wiring at the door connectors is a known weak point, but fairly easily solved - but even when it did need something fixing it was usually relatively simple.
Mine was great fun - far more fun on a twisty road than my 964 was. They have a reputation for not handling well, but I didn't find this to be the case at all - it was like a go cart, and lots of fun (at least, it was once I replaced the very old tyres).
Given the market at the moment, in the short term I suspect you'll lose a bit of money - but that's equally true if you buy most cars at the moment. But having had one myself, I recommend it - I liked mine.
ETA : I wanted a TB, but couldn't find a nice one and ended up with a TS. Taking the roof off was lovely, and I was glad I hadn't bought a TB.
Thank you all so far for the response, much appreciated
I have been reading up on Club Scud for a few weeks, I shall get myself back on and search old threads so thanks,
johnnyreggae - thank you I will check that out now,
jtremlett- again thank you, i shouldn't have used the word 'investment' really as that is just a bonus, i sort of meant a solid bulk should be 'safe' i purchased my 996 C2 with no thoughts on it being an investment but i came out level ish when it sold 3 days ago, still not sure i should have but hay ho.. we move onto new things, i would be chuffed if i can come out level after maintaining it, i would like it to be 3yr+ ownership maybe even a keeper if i can afford to, i see them as a fairly simple machine but i don't want to be spending 100's if not thousands on niggles, that would hurt!, i will PM you the details,
andyman_2006- how do i go about changing that? i did have a quick look!
davek_964- Nice to hear your side, sounds very much like my situation in a way, i just sold my pride and joy Porsche 996 C2 that i wanted to keep for many more years but the thought of owning 348 and trying a new marque excited me enough to make a move, it sold for a little under 50% of what the 348 is going for, problem is i have cold feet now!!
I have heard they drive like a go kart and feel through the steering is a joy, i look forward to trying it out for myself,
How long was yours on the market when you decided to sell?
Are engine re builds needed or likely? that is one thing i felt hanging over my head with the 996 as you hear so many stories but i was happy enough with mine but as a future thought i knew it would be likely if i was to keep it for many more years, i don;t hear this with the Ferrari V8 in the 348/355?
Thanks again guys, i will keep this thread updated on my progress, any buyers guides do's and don'ts and good reviews on the 348 let me know i'm keen to get stuck in, i will be going to Festival italia at Brands with or without one just so i can get a closer look at others so looking forward to that,
I have been reading up on Club Scud for a few weeks, I shall get myself back on and search old threads so thanks,
johnnyreggae - thank you I will check that out now,
jtremlett- again thank you, i shouldn't have used the word 'investment' really as that is just a bonus, i sort of meant a solid bulk should be 'safe' i purchased my 996 C2 with no thoughts on it being an investment but i came out level ish when it sold 3 days ago, still not sure i should have but hay ho.. we move onto new things, i would be chuffed if i can come out level after maintaining it, i would like it to be 3yr+ ownership maybe even a keeper if i can afford to, i see them as a fairly simple machine but i don't want to be spending 100's if not thousands on niggles, that would hurt!, i will PM you the details,
andyman_2006- how do i go about changing that? i did have a quick look!
davek_964- Nice to hear your side, sounds very much like my situation in a way, i just sold my pride and joy Porsche 996 C2 that i wanted to keep for many more years but the thought of owning 348 and trying a new marque excited me enough to make a move, it sold for a little under 50% of what the 348 is going for, problem is i have cold feet now!!
I have heard they drive like a go kart and feel through the steering is a joy, i look forward to trying it out for myself,
How long was yours on the market when you decided to sell?
Are engine re builds needed or likely? that is one thing i felt hanging over my head with the 996 as you hear so many stories but i was happy enough with mine but as a future thought i knew it would be likely if i was to keep it for many more years, i don;t hear this with the Ferrari V8 in the 348/355?
Thanks again guys, i will keep this thread updated on my progress, any buyers guides do's and don'ts and good reviews on the 348 let me know i'm keen to get stuck in, i will be going to Festival italia at Brands with or without one just so i can get a closer look at others so looking forward to that,
Mine wasn't for sale for all that long when I sold. If I remember correctly, I had it up for sale, changed my mind and decided to sell it the following summer, but somebody appeared on CS looking for one. It took him a couple of months to finally commit, and then he sold it almost immediately.
The car is now owned by somebody else on CS who must have had it 5+ years.
Fight that cold feet feeling. I had it, and genuinely regretted not doing it earlier.
The car is now owned by somebody else on CS who must have had it 5+ years.
Fight that cold feet feeling. I had it, and genuinely regretted not doing it earlier.
If i had the funds i would go for F430 with a manual gearbox!, i do however like most V8 Ferrari's and just love the 348's retro looks very much, is there a particular model you can think of in the same sort of price bracket i should maybe consider? i really am looking at other options if this doesn't happen including bashing my head against the wall for selling what i felt was amazing for £20k!
Davek_964 - Good to know, its something that does also bother me and that is selling on if funds are needed, seems we all have a similar feeling (well not all of us of course) but it isn't likely to be a quick sale due to the nature of the car and age etc,
Feet are warming
Davek_964 - Good to know, its something that does also bother me and that is selling on if funds are needed, seems we all have a similar feeling (well not all of us of course) but it isn't likely to be a quick sale due to the nature of the car and age etc,
Feet are warming
Jay-44 said:
...i see them as a fairly simple machine but i don't want to be spending 100's if not thousands on niggles, that would hurt!
I don't think you should be spending lots on niggles. They are fairly simple in some respects. Windows can be slow and get slower with lack of use. As on all Ferraris, interior plastics can get sticky in time and need sorting. Not expensive particularly. The sills below the doors can attract rust. They're not structural and easy to replace if necessary but cost a few bob. I think the ones Maranello Classic Parts have now (or are getting) are better protected against rust. Seat side bolsters get scuffed as you get in and out. Not much else that I can think of. Jay-44 said:
...Are engine re builds needed or likely?
I'm sure an engine re-build would be necessary eventually but as long as they're maintained properly that's likely to be a long way off. Jay-44 said:
...i will be going to Festival italia at Brands with or without one just so i can get a closer look at others so looking forward to that,
I will also be at the Brands Festival Italia (although not with 348) but do look out for me if you want to chat. If you PM me I can give you my mobile number if you wish.Jay-44 said:
...but it isn't likely to be a quick sale due to the nature of the car and age etc
Like anything else you sell, if you need a quick sale you expect to get hammered on price.andyman_2006- how do i go about changing that? i did have a quick look!
OP - if you sign in, load your profile, under 'My Account', then click 'forum profile' it will display your public profile, scroll down past detail, profile pic etc, and there is a section for 'members email' tick the box 'allow other members to contact you via the forums' then click update, job done.
Andy
OP - if you sign in, load your profile, under 'My Account', then click 'forum profile' it will display your public profile, scroll down past detail, profile pic etc, and there is a section for 'members email' tick the box 'allow other members to contact you via the forums' then click update, job done.
Andy
I've had mine for about ten years now and have no desire to ever be without it! I will confess when I first got it I was a little crest-fallen... it was a bit clunky to drive, I was baby-ing it a bit and I remember on some of my first journeys being rather underwhelmed, wondering what all the fuss was about.
Then I had an epiphany.
I pulled out of a side road onto a busy main road into a fairly tight gap and proceeded to absolutely pin it - the first time I had actually done so from 1st and up through the gears .... oh-my-word! That was a life-changing event! Suddenly the whole car came sparkling to life and it was electric. The gear ratios were so perfectly matched to put it into the power in the next slot having approached the red line, the clutch felt perfect, the steering was alive and my senses were overwhelmingly assaulted in an instant, ably assisted by the F1 style shriek emitting from the Capristo exhaust on my car. It put a massive smile on my face and I recall thinking ...'NOW i get it....'. I haven't wanted to part with it since. Mine is a tb, one of the 130 RHD cars, and it does indeed feel like a big go-kart, very stiff and 'planted'. A few months after that epiphany it slapped me in the face with a sharp reminder to handle with respect... Having established that it was most fun when being 'pushed' a bit, I got too close to the edge of the envelope one day.... full throttle over a bit of a crested corner I managed to unweight the rear end and it span up the rear tyres so fast I was sideways before I could blink. I don't possess race-car driver reactions and saved it probably by luck, but it served to illustrate that it needed treating properly - no electronic nanny to save you here! I suspect any mid-engined car would have behaved the same, it was just a surprise how fast it all happened! I actually really like that, though. It's a properly thoroughbred machine, taught and sinuous, requiring finesse and sympathy to drive enthusiastically... it's 'involving' in all the best ways, yet equally happy pottering around town. I thoroughly enjoy driving it and never tire of the wailing banshee behind my head, although I will confess to not driving it enough.... I should point out that they aren't particularly 'quick' though... not by modern standards. There are plenty of mid-exec diesel saloons that will embarrass it.... not that I care! I'm too busy enjoying the cacophony and sensual assault of getting there!
From a more practical stand point, they do appear to be pretty tough things. They have a number of well known issues that are all well understood now, so you should be able to research these. Engines are largely tough, but there are some nasties that can bite - all largely related to the critical cam belt. Failed fences on the cam belt pulleys, failed bearing in the drive pulley, failed tensioner bearings etc. etc. A broken cam belt will produce a big bill. The gearbox is known for a tough 2nd gear selection when cold - that can be improved with oil selection or simply driven around, they're normally fine when warm. The 'boxes also have documented cases of a gland nut coming undone, which makes an expensive mess and the odd example of sheared input shaft (a surprisingly easy fix). The clutch pack is hung right at the back under the rear bumper and they use a 'damped' grease-filled flywheel. With age the grease liquifies and leaks out, often onto the clutch - there is now an outfit in the UK who can refurb all that for you or sell you a kit to DIY it (MD Clutches), so that's a simple fix if required. Note though, the grease is very special (read expensive!) - many alternatives have been tried and none have matched the OE spec.
Elsewhere you are looking at various electrical and HVAC issues. The door connector issues are well publicised (the wiring harness fractures in the door jamb preventing windows / door locks working). Engine and fuel injection wiring should all be pretty reliable as it's all well used Bosch Motronic. There's effectively two stand alone 4 cylinder fuel injection systems running side by side. The most likely issue here is 'overheat' lights where you get a dashboard warning for catalytic converter overheating - the lights are controlled by separate ECUs that are known to fail and suitably Ferrari priced to replace! Again there are work-arounds...
The HVAC system can be problematic, not least because the controller is bespoke. If the controller completely dies they are proper money to replace.... if you can find one. That drives a number of other components that can all have their foibles, although are generally easier to source. For example an erratic heater fan is likely the result of a duff fan speed controller, lack of heat is likely the circulation pump, no recirculation air a broken drive peg etc. - all well understood and relatively easily fixed issues.
Outside there are a number of bits of trim and lights etc. that you would be advised not to break or lose! The rear lights are 348 only, the rear grille is an expensive thing to replace, the front foglight / sidelights are bespoke and largely unobtainable etc. although a supply of new lenses for the original foglights have come to the market, so they can be repaired if you break one. There are other little bits of trim that are very difficult or near impossible to get, but hey, it's a Ferrari so it does rather go with the territory. The wheels are directional and handed so it's worth checking that they are a 'set' and fitted correctly.
Inside, as Jonathan says, they interior plastics go 'sticky' - there is a firm in the States that will refurb them for you. There is plenty of leather to be looked after and plenty of bespoke trim, parts and switches to take care of. Some owners have also reported windows going milky at the edges as they delaminate. The driving position is decent - a big leap forward in ergonomics from the legs akimbo, gorilla stance required of the earlier Ferraris. The clutch is heavy though, fearsomely so if you have become used to modern cars.... a long stint in stop-start traffic is a proper work-out! Using the iconic H gate is a joy however, with a dog-leg first - again one does not tire of the click-clack of slotting the ratios back and forth and the aligned 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th changes.
As you can probably guess, I've seriously enjoyed mine and feel very privileged to be its custodian. It was not an aspirational purchase for me, it was a logical and progressive decision driven by a desire to experience outstanding engineering. I like getting my hands dirty and have done all manner of jobs on mine - it's very DIY-able if you're into that (I very much am). It is certainly an event to drive and feels every bit as special as a Ferrari should in my view. I don't consider myself a Ferrari 'guy' either - in fact the opposite. No branded hats or apparel in my house, just an appreciation of the focus, design and engineering. The one thing I'm not so keen on is the attention it generates. I have a few cars, many of which attract attention or admiring glances and I'm totally comfortable with that, but it just feels a bit 'awkward' for me in the Ferrari.... it's my issue for sure, but it bears thinking about before you take the plunge...
If you like them and it's an itch you want to scratch, I'd be surprised if you find many downsides to purchasing one. Yes, it might throw a big bill at you, but its more likely not to and to just 'work'. I haven't regretted buying mine for one second since my epiphany and have some lifelong memories and experiences that I will always treasure ... plus the joy of looking forward to all of those yet to come!
Then I had an epiphany.
I pulled out of a side road onto a busy main road into a fairly tight gap and proceeded to absolutely pin it - the first time I had actually done so from 1st and up through the gears .... oh-my-word! That was a life-changing event! Suddenly the whole car came sparkling to life and it was electric. The gear ratios were so perfectly matched to put it into the power in the next slot having approached the red line, the clutch felt perfect, the steering was alive and my senses were overwhelmingly assaulted in an instant, ably assisted by the F1 style shriek emitting from the Capristo exhaust on my car. It put a massive smile on my face and I recall thinking ...'NOW i get it....'. I haven't wanted to part with it since. Mine is a tb, one of the 130 RHD cars, and it does indeed feel like a big go-kart, very stiff and 'planted'. A few months after that epiphany it slapped me in the face with a sharp reminder to handle with respect... Having established that it was most fun when being 'pushed' a bit, I got too close to the edge of the envelope one day.... full throttle over a bit of a crested corner I managed to unweight the rear end and it span up the rear tyres so fast I was sideways before I could blink. I don't possess race-car driver reactions and saved it probably by luck, but it served to illustrate that it needed treating properly - no electronic nanny to save you here! I suspect any mid-engined car would have behaved the same, it was just a surprise how fast it all happened! I actually really like that, though. It's a properly thoroughbred machine, taught and sinuous, requiring finesse and sympathy to drive enthusiastically... it's 'involving' in all the best ways, yet equally happy pottering around town. I thoroughly enjoy driving it and never tire of the wailing banshee behind my head, although I will confess to not driving it enough.... I should point out that they aren't particularly 'quick' though... not by modern standards. There are plenty of mid-exec diesel saloons that will embarrass it.... not that I care! I'm too busy enjoying the cacophony and sensual assault of getting there!
From a more practical stand point, they do appear to be pretty tough things. They have a number of well known issues that are all well understood now, so you should be able to research these. Engines are largely tough, but there are some nasties that can bite - all largely related to the critical cam belt. Failed fences on the cam belt pulleys, failed bearing in the drive pulley, failed tensioner bearings etc. etc. A broken cam belt will produce a big bill. The gearbox is known for a tough 2nd gear selection when cold - that can be improved with oil selection or simply driven around, they're normally fine when warm. The 'boxes also have documented cases of a gland nut coming undone, which makes an expensive mess and the odd example of sheared input shaft (a surprisingly easy fix). The clutch pack is hung right at the back under the rear bumper and they use a 'damped' grease-filled flywheel. With age the grease liquifies and leaks out, often onto the clutch - there is now an outfit in the UK who can refurb all that for you or sell you a kit to DIY it (MD Clutches), so that's a simple fix if required. Note though, the grease is very special (read expensive!) - many alternatives have been tried and none have matched the OE spec.
Elsewhere you are looking at various electrical and HVAC issues. The door connector issues are well publicised (the wiring harness fractures in the door jamb preventing windows / door locks working). Engine and fuel injection wiring should all be pretty reliable as it's all well used Bosch Motronic. There's effectively two stand alone 4 cylinder fuel injection systems running side by side. The most likely issue here is 'overheat' lights where you get a dashboard warning for catalytic converter overheating - the lights are controlled by separate ECUs that are known to fail and suitably Ferrari priced to replace! Again there are work-arounds...
The HVAC system can be problematic, not least because the controller is bespoke. If the controller completely dies they are proper money to replace.... if you can find one. That drives a number of other components that can all have their foibles, although are generally easier to source. For example an erratic heater fan is likely the result of a duff fan speed controller, lack of heat is likely the circulation pump, no recirculation air a broken drive peg etc. - all well understood and relatively easily fixed issues.
Outside there are a number of bits of trim and lights etc. that you would be advised not to break or lose! The rear lights are 348 only, the rear grille is an expensive thing to replace, the front foglight / sidelights are bespoke and largely unobtainable etc. although a supply of new lenses for the original foglights have come to the market, so they can be repaired if you break one. There are other little bits of trim that are very difficult or near impossible to get, but hey, it's a Ferrari so it does rather go with the territory. The wheels are directional and handed so it's worth checking that they are a 'set' and fitted correctly.
Inside, as Jonathan says, they interior plastics go 'sticky' - there is a firm in the States that will refurb them for you. There is plenty of leather to be looked after and plenty of bespoke trim, parts and switches to take care of. Some owners have also reported windows going milky at the edges as they delaminate. The driving position is decent - a big leap forward in ergonomics from the legs akimbo, gorilla stance required of the earlier Ferraris. The clutch is heavy though, fearsomely so if you have become used to modern cars.... a long stint in stop-start traffic is a proper work-out! Using the iconic H gate is a joy however, with a dog-leg first - again one does not tire of the click-clack of slotting the ratios back and forth and the aligned 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th changes.
As you can probably guess, I've seriously enjoyed mine and feel very privileged to be its custodian. It was not an aspirational purchase for me, it was a logical and progressive decision driven by a desire to experience outstanding engineering. I like getting my hands dirty and have done all manner of jobs on mine - it's very DIY-able if you're into that (I very much am). It is certainly an event to drive and feels every bit as special as a Ferrari should in my view. I don't consider myself a Ferrari 'guy' either - in fact the opposite. No branded hats or apparel in my house, just an appreciation of the focus, design and engineering. The one thing I'm not so keen on is the attention it generates. I have a few cars, many of which attract attention or admiring glances and I'm totally comfortable with that, but it just feels a bit 'awkward' for me in the Ferrari.... it's my issue for sure, but it bears thinking about before you take the plunge...
If you like them and it's an itch you want to scratch, I'd be surprised if you find many downsides to purchasing one. Yes, it might throw a big bill at you, but its more likely not to and to just 'work'. I haven't regretted buying mine for one second since my epiphany and have some lifelong memories and experiences that I will always treasure ... plus the joy of looking forward to all of those yet to come!
Part ex’d My 348 in January towards a 355 manual
I did enjoy the 348, the rear end is marmite personally I didn’t really like it, although it looked a lot better at night.
Mine was a TS, be warned though if your anything like me and over 6 foot storing the targa top behind the seats means losing a couple of inches leg room, this proved to much for me so I had to gamble leaving the roof at home, This grained on me so much I made sure the 355 was a spider!
Regarding the belt replaced every 3 years, I’m pretty sure ferrari more recently released a statement stating every 5 years, I believe the reasoning was better quality modern belts
I would recommend getting an exhaust system, I was constantly underwhelmed by the stock exhaust
I did enjoy the 348, the rear end is marmite personally I didn’t really like it, although it looked a lot better at night.
Mine was a TS, be warned though if your anything like me and over 6 foot storing the targa top behind the seats means losing a couple of inches leg room, this proved to much for me so I had to gamble leaving the roof at home, This grained on me so much I made sure the 355 was a spider!
Regarding the belt replaced every 3 years, I’m pretty sure ferrari more recently released a statement stating every 5 years, I believe the reasoning was better quality modern belts
I would recommend getting an exhaust system, I was constantly underwhelmed by the stock exhaust
usn90 said:
Mine was a TS, be warned though if your anything like me and over 6 foot storing the targa top behind the seats means losing a couple of inches leg room, this proved to much for me so I had to gamble leaving the roof at home,
Yep, it does need an interesting driving position when the roof is off......... There are some fairly rare folding roofs available so you can at least cover the car while leaving it somewhere if you don't take the main roof - they're discussed on the CS site sometimes.davek_964 said:
usn90 said:
Mine was a TS, be warned though if your anything like me and over 6 foot storing the targa top behind the seats means losing a couple of inches leg room, this proved to much for me so I had to gamble leaving the roof at home,
Yep, it does need an interesting driving position when the roof is off......... There are some fairly rare folding roofs available so you can at least cover the car while leaving it somewhere if you don't take the main roof - they're discussed on the CS site sometimes.There are two versions, an official Ferrari OEM version (which for some strange reason, Ferrari never seemed to advertise anywhere as being available!), and a Ferrari North America (FNA) version:
The difference is, the official Ferrari version has no latches like the standard hard top does, and relies on the opened frame tension to keep it in place. Also, the official folding top sits proud of the top frame for the windscreen, and comes with a top speed warning, due to concerns from the factory of the top being pulled off by wind pressure (the speed warning is 160Kmh/100mph - So shouldn't put any prospective buyers off):
Ferrari official version (Note the lip above the windscreen top frame):
The Ferrari North America version has factory latches to hold the roof panel to the car, and sits level/slightly below the top frame for the front windscreen, just as the factory issued targa panel does. Because of the front latches, the FNA version has no speed restrictions.
FNA version (Note there is no lip above the windscreen top frame):
Let me stress - Either top does a superb job! - If you find one for sale: Grab it whilst you can!
usn90 said:
yes I always kept a look out for those foldable roofs, never once came across one for sale!
They are hens teeth rare, not cheap (because of their rarity/demand for them), and those of us who are lucky to own one, don't want to give them up!I sold my 348 TS a couple of years ago, but I've kept the roof (a FNA version), just in case I have the urge to buy another 348 TS/GTS.
Once you've owned a 348, felt the incredible, go-cart like steering, and realised that they're nowhere near as bad as some Ferrari snobs claim they are, and found that for normal, fast road use, the handling is perfectly fine, they get under your skin
(All the scary tales of losing the rear end suddenly are based around: "on the limit" handling, lifting off/braking/accelerating hard when you shouldn't, at speeds that should only be used on racetracks, and not used on the public roads)
If you're 6' + tall, the folding targa tops are an absolute Godsend, because you can leave the hard top at home, and carry the folding top on the rear parcel shelf (I bought a cheap electronic organ bag, and a cheap duvet to keep mine in. Sat on the parcel shelf, you don't even lose any rear visibility through the rear window!).
I was lucky to stumble across my folding top for sale on Ebay.com, in the United States. It had been on Ebay for @ 25 minutes, when I hit the "Buy it now" button, because I knew how rare they are, and I knew I had to have one. The size meant it wasn't cheap to ship to the UK, and I paid a fair old bit in import duties too, but it was well worth the costs involved.
I'm currently tempted to buy another 348 TS/GTS, especially as the prices are coming back down to "sensible" price levels, and I loved owning/driving my previous 348, but the Ferrari that is the absolute love of my life is the 308/328 GTS, which is also dropping back down in value. Should I buy a 308/328 GTS, it will never be sold, and so a "hens teeth" rare folding targa top might come on the market. Should it happen though, knowing how sought after the folding tops are, it won't be cheap! (Not to say the price would be unrealistically high, but let's face facts here, the latches alone are worth £500 each [If you can find them!], so that's £1K straight away!)
Thanks guys for the replies, really helpful, i have been away for a week and couldn't get time to reply, i have a plan to go see the car again this week and try make a decision,
jtremlett- kind of you, I shall send you a PM and get in touch for a chat, thank you,
andyman_2006- Done, nice one for that!
larrylamb11- Wow! great to read, thanks for taking to time to write you your thoughts and emotions regarding the experiences you have had so far, it paints a picture of just how much feeling you can get from certain cars, that is something i'm already missing from the 996, even just pulling it out for a clean and tinker!
Also appreciate you highlighting the common issues,
I'm 5'11 so should be fine, a fold able roof would be better but i should be fine with the hard top. and sounds expensive anyway!
4rephill - what would you call sensible? i feel early 40's would be ideal, i would say that though as i'm buying but i just can't see them going below 40k? it's uncertain times but i don't buy cars based on that, this wouldn't be the most expensive car i've purchased but for some reason it feels the most nervous one?
jtremlett- kind of you, I shall send you a PM and get in touch for a chat, thank you,
andyman_2006- Done, nice one for that!
larrylamb11- Wow! great to read, thanks for taking to time to write you your thoughts and emotions regarding the experiences you have had so far, it paints a picture of just how much feeling you can get from certain cars, that is something i'm already missing from the 996, even just pulling it out for a clean and tinker!
Also appreciate you highlighting the common issues,
I'm 5'11 so should be fine, a fold able roof would be better but i should be fine with the hard top. and sounds expensive anyway!
4rephill - what would you call sensible? i feel early 40's would be ideal, i would say that though as i'm buying but i just can't see them going below 40k? it's uncertain times but i don't buy cars based on that, this wouldn't be the most expensive car i've purchased but for some reason it feels the most nervous one?
Jay-44 said:
...I'm 5'11 so should be fine, a fold able roof would be better but i should be fine with the hard top. and sounds expensive anyway!
I'm 5'11. You will be OK, but you will need the seat quite far forwards, and you will find your knees are level with your ears. You will find that before you start your journey, you look up at the sky and think : It's probably not going to rain, I could probably leave the roof at home........When I was looking for 348s (2011), the difference in quality was huge. At that time, the average price was probably ~£25k but there were some bad examples about. One literally had holes in the metal around the wheel arches - and the engine didn't sound great when cold (the owner told me why, but I can't remember - and didn't care since I wasn't buying it!). One GTB tempted me a lot - it was a nice car to drive - but it had bubbling paint the size of my hand on the bonnet, and the sills literally seemed to have been painted with a brush!
In the end, I bought mine from Walkersport - well worth a look to see if Tim has any in if you haven't already. Price was a tad higher (think I paid £28k) but you get what you pay for. (And obviously it was a bargain compared to todays prices).
Good luck with your search.
Why a TB over a TS? In real world day to day driving stiffness or lack of, would not be an issue. Mine is a Ts, yes it leaks slightly like any old Fiat in the rain lol, but then I can remove the roof if required.
I did everything wrong when buying mine. I ran an Assetto Corsa 3200 Maserati for six years, a great car, but a 348 had been a bucket list car for me. I wanted rawness, the gated transmission, and lack of electronics. I wanted RHD, not red, preferably black or blue. I also wanted a car I could use and not be afraid of mileage etc. So I went for a neglected black 348. It had sat unused and badly stored for 11 years, but had had an engine out belt service, and brakes done and a few other bits and bobs and was MOT'd. I have tidied it a bit as I went. I decided just to run it and see what required doing as and when it raised it's head. Half the fun for me is bringing the car back slowly to what she should be like.
I had the paint tidied so it looked good from a few feet. Changed the cats as the rusty heat shield on one was banging, and on removal they had both started to break up. Two new back tyres as although they looked new they were 13 years old! She runs great now, there are a few electrical niggles that seem to point to the connectors in the doors, so will tackle them soon. After a recent car show, the run through in torrential rain, the aftermarket alarm is playing up so in the process of removing the bumper to reach the siren.
They are easy to work on, reasonably simple, and quite strong. So if you are handy with a spanner you should be able to save a lot on potential labour costs.
As she is a keeper, my plan is to run her for around 5 years and when I retire have a full blown restoration done.
Why a TB over a TS? In real world day to day driving stiffness or lack of, would not be an issue. Mine is a Ts, yes it leaks slightly like any old Fiat in the rain lol, but then I can remove the roof if required.
I did everything wrong when buying mine. I ran an Assetto Corsa 3200 Maserati for six years, a great car, but a 348 had been a bucket list car for me. I wanted rawness, the gated transmission, and lack of electronics. I wanted RHD, not red, preferably black or blue. I also wanted a car I could use and not be afraid of mileage etc. So I went for a neglected black 348. It had sat unused and badly stored for 11 years, but had had an engine out belt service, and brakes done and a few other bits and bobs and was MOT'd. I have tidied it a bit as I went. I decided just to run it and see what required doing as and when it raised it's head. Half the fun for me is bringing the car back slowly to what she should be like.
I had the paint tidied so it looked good from a few feet. Changed the cats as the rusty heat shield on one was banging, and on removal they had both started to break up. Two new back tyres as although they looked new they were 13 years old! She runs great now, there are a few electrical niggles that seem to point to the connectors in the doors, so will tackle them soon. After a recent car show, the run through in torrential rain, the aftermarket alarm is playing up so in the process of removing the bumper to reach the siren.
They are easy to work on, reasonably simple, and quite strong. So if you are handy with a spanner you should be able to save a lot on potential labour costs.
As she is a keeper, my plan is to run her for around 5 years and when I retire have a full blown restoration done.
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