348-poor man's ferrari or good intro to ownership?
Discussion
I hear so many conflicting views over this model - some people love the styling and looks, other's hate them with a passion. The apparent 'un-driveability' is also a subject of much debate - I have heard owners rant on about how fantastic they are - they are just simply looked down on because the 355 is a better car (undoubtedly).
Get a well serviced 92 or later seems to be the way to go, with belts just changed and FFSH.
My personal view is that I like everything about this car especially the current market price, but have this niggling feeling that there's a reason why I shouldn't be getting one.... advice appreciated.
Get a well serviced 92 or later seems to be the way to go, with belts just changed and FFSH.
My personal view is that I like everything about this car especially the current market price, but have this niggling feeling that there's a reason why I shouldn't be getting one.... advice appreciated.
Just to say - don't knock the 348 - it's a PROPER Ferrari that looks and goes like a Ferrari ought to. The cars ARE getting old now hence the residuals but that means you can get Classic insurance on them now making them cheaper to run. They're actually a rarer sight on UK roads than 355s AND 360s.
Sorry to disagree with you Manu, but it doesn't go like a Ferrari should. 300 BHP with not enough torque makes it a relatively slow. I think 0-60 6.2 and 0-100 is something like 15.5 seconds. My Calibra turbo used to give my neighbour a good run in his, and the Supra would make short work of it. Merc 500SL's were quicker!
I had a good look at a couple at the FOC and while they don't "cook my goose", they are still very nice cars. Lookswise I think the 355 is a facelifted 348, but certain touches make it a much better looking car.
For the money, you can't beat it. The main reason I could never love one was the sound.
>> Edited by ninja_eli on Wednesday 10th July 13:06
I had a good look at a couple at the FOC and while they don't "cook my goose", they are still very nice cars. Lookswise I think the 355 is a facelifted 348, but certain touches make it a much better looking car.
For the money, you can't beat it. The main reason I could never love one was the sound.
>> Edited by ninja_eli on Wednesday 10th July 13:06
Hey Manu,
I think we are on for a drink tonight. Good really 'cos I couldn't really be arsed with dinner!!! I'll call you after work. eh, what work? PH takes the p**s!
Where did you get those figures from? Mine are from Autocar and two of the US magazines. I have heard of 5.9 but not 5.2 to 60 and 13.5 to 100? Anyway, its not a lot of difference but when racing, I whipped every 348 EASILY in the Supra, and they were all associates/friends who were really canning the crap out of the car. Not one of them really complained about reliability though, just niggles, which is a good thing I guess.
I think we are on for a drink tonight. Good really 'cos I couldn't really be arsed with dinner!!! I'll call you after work. eh, what work? PH takes the p**s!
Where did you get those figures from? Mine are from Autocar and two of the US magazines. I have heard of 5.9 but not 5.2 to 60 and 13.5 to 100? Anyway, its not a lot of difference but when racing, I whipped every 348 EASILY in the Supra, and they were all associates/friends who were really canning the crap out of the car. Not one of them really complained about reliability though, just niggles, which is a good thing I guess.
I recognise they're not the fastest out there compared to many modern cars - my P1 will most certainly have been a lot faster car on track I imagine. As for supras - considering they can be upped to 700hp+ not suprises there eh! Joe McMad from Madville those things... 
I did however think the sound of them is still pretty nice with a tubi sports system - not as good as a 355 (but then what other cars are). Do you really not rate the noise of the thing??
Cheers
I did however think the sound of them is still pretty nice with a tubi sports system - not as good as a 355 (but then what other cars are). Do you really not rate the noise of the thing??
Cheers
Main things to look for are the service history. Personally now the cars are getting on a bit I wouldnt worry if its not all main dealer as long as its been regular and had cambelts changed at right times.
Check that the rear buttresses (the seam where the roof comes down and joins the wing) doesn't have any bubbling of rust. This is commonplace on 348's and 355's. Mine are being done now. Things like tyres can be expensive so check those. Interiors can get very tatty.
What's the spec of the car and how much ?
Check that the rear buttresses (the seam where the roof comes down and joins the wing) doesn't have any bubbling of rust. This is commonplace on 348's and 355's. Mine are being done now. Things like tyres can be expensive so check those. Interiors can get very tatty.
What's the spec of the car and how much ?
Hi Craig,
Just my experience, the 355 is definitely faster than my Supra, although not by much, and my Supra ate the 348. I have raced many, and everytime it was a large gap that separated us. I think the later 348 had 320 rather than 300 BHP, but the ones I played with were all later editions anyhow.
I am not saying its a slow car, anyway. If there is a bargain Ferrari, the 348 is it. The price IMO is undervalued and considering what you get for your money, they are a bargain. If you get a LHD one, you'll save even more. If you are interested in LHD, consider the option of buying it from an authorised dealer in Europe (Germany/Belgium) is best. You'll get an international warranty that will be honoured here too. All you have to deal with is the paperwork and the cost of registering. No VAT or Duty costs to deal with. I can furnish you with details of authorised dealers in Germany and Belgium, if for anything you can compare prices. From what I have heard I'd say get one, for the money nothing else comes close.
Also, I'd didnt fall in love with one or the sound. But thats not to say its not better than 90% of the cars out there!
GET ONE.
Just my experience, the 355 is definitely faster than my Supra, although not by much, and my Supra ate the 348. I have raced many, and everytime it was a large gap that separated us. I think the later 348 had 320 rather than 300 BHP, but the ones I played with were all later editions anyhow.
I am not saying its a slow car, anyway. If there is a bargain Ferrari, the 348 is it. The price IMO is undervalued and considering what you get for your money, they are a bargain. If you get a LHD one, you'll save even more. If you are interested in LHD, consider the option of buying it from an authorised dealer in Europe (Germany/Belgium) is best. You'll get an international warranty that will be honoured here too. All you have to deal with is the paperwork and the cost of registering. No VAT or Duty costs to deal with. I can furnish you with details of authorised dealers in Germany and Belgium, if for anything you can compare prices. From what I have heard I'd say get one, for the money nothing else comes close.
Also, I'd didnt fall in love with one or the sound. But thats not to say its not better than 90% of the cars out there!
GET ONE.
Hi Craig,
The car is a mint 20k miles late 92 lhd ts with a major service (all belts ie cam, fan, alt etc) just done. It has 4 brand new tyres and a 1 yr old clutch plus full fsh. It even has the proper scuderia shields (indented). The owner seems like a true enthusiast and the garage that just did the service were ranting on to me about how it was the best example they had ever seen etc...No rust at all - just a minor scuff in the front lower spoiler (£200 I am told to fix)
After my extensive research in the marketplace, including one dude who's off to prison as a reason for selling (!!!) I think I have found the best on paper hence am viewing tommorow.
I really want this car but have that niggling doubt that there's something my head is overlooking as my heart is so dedicated to buying it... hence the last minute panic!! Thanks for any tips anyway
The car is a mint 20k miles late 92 lhd ts with a major service (all belts ie cam, fan, alt etc) just done. It has 4 brand new tyres and a 1 yr old clutch plus full fsh. It even has the proper scuderia shields (indented). The owner seems like a true enthusiast and the garage that just did the service were ranting on to me about how it was the best example they had ever seen etc...No rust at all - just a minor scuff in the front lower spoiler (£200 I am told to fix)
After my extensive research in the marketplace, including one dude who's off to prison as a reason for selling (!!!) I think I have found the best on paper hence am viewing tommorow.
I really want this car but have that niggling doubt that there's something my head is overlooking as my heart is so dedicated to buying it... hence the last minute panic!! Thanks for any tips anyway
quote:
Craig - I agree as regards performance differential - in that there isn't much between 348 and 355 BUT in stock guise the 355 does sound better. (But I'll change that
Manu, maybe the 355's weren't driven as hard as the 348s? 80 BHP difference overall power which equates to 60 BHP per tonne difference. Thats like saying there's not much difference between Supra and Supra Turbo. That's quite a difference. Even 3 or 4 seconds at 100MPH means something like 150metres gap. Thats not a small gap.
Sorry, had to get the last word in
(Unless Manu can organise a 355 v 348 test? I am down for it!) Well I bought the car! Cost me £26.8 Marc, which I was happy to pay due to the condition of it.
In reference to the 355 being faster - yes, after now having driven both, the 355 is imo a lot faster, although I don't really mind as the 348 is fast enough for now. If I'd wanted a quick car I would have stayed with the P1! Love the whole driving experience in the car and after 400km this weekend I am dead chuffed with it to be honest Boy, does that metal gearknob get hot when left out in the sun though!
Now my next quest.... a sports exhaust, as it does sound a bit muffled with those 2 big back boxes on. Can any of you guys recommend the best sounding one (tubi? Straight through David?)
Cheers
In reference to the 355 being faster - yes, after now having driven both, the 355 is imo a lot faster, although I don't really mind as the 348 is fast enough for now. If I'd wanted a quick car I would have stayed with the P1! Love the whole driving experience in the car and after 400km this weekend I am dead chuffed with it to be honest
Boy, does that metal gearknob get hot when left out in the sun though! Now my next quest.... a sports exhaust, as it does sound a bit muffled with those 2 big back boxes on. Can any of you guys recommend the best sounding one (tubi? Straight through David?)
Cheers
Adi, congratulations on the car. But don't keep it all to yourself, take some pics and post here so that we can enjoy it too! If gearknob is hot, then at least the weathers right.
In regards to the sports exhaust, you should check with Manu as he specialises in Ferrari exhaust systems. Another PHer is having his 360 exhaust system sorted out by Manu. I have met Manu and must say that his proposal is a brilliant one. You can try out the exhaust systems on your car to see which you fall in love with. Scary, as that might lead me into getting some Tubis later this year.
In regards to the sports exhaust, you should check with Manu as he specialises in Ferrari exhaust systems. Another PHer is having his 360 exhaust system sorted out by Manu. I have met Manu and must say that his proposal is a brilliant one. You can try out the exhaust systems on your car to see which you fall in love with. Scary, as that might lead me into getting some Tubis later this year.
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