Help - thinking of buying a 328

Hello Jeff,

This question comes up now and again--merit/demerit of an older Ferrari. I
went through this 6 yrs ago and chose a 328 over a new Vette (similar
initial outlay). You can search this group for past postings and find some
similar discussions.

One point I'll make here is about the economics. Very often when somebody
finds out I own a Ferrari they'll look at me funny and say something like,
"I heard that Ferrari oil changes cost $500, is that true?" Not quite that
much (but more than a Chevy...partly because the 328 crankcase is so damn
big). What I tell people is that the higher maintenance cost for a Ferrari
is *more* than offset by the nil depreciation. An extra bonus, in Arizona
my 328's annual license renewal is now less than $100 (my wife's new minivan
is $600!). Bottom line, when I figure my total cost of ownership (depr,
maint., license, insurance) for my 1987 328 and compare to what I estimate
it would have been for a new 2000 Vette, I find the 328 is slightly cheaper
to own. This is based on a 2-3k miles/yr usage rate. In a nutshell: most
people focus and fret about maintenance cost on an older car but tend to
underestimate the depreciation factor in owning a new car.

Food for thought. But regardless of financial arguments, you have to decide
what you like...no bargain to make a compromise choice and be unhappy with
that. The 328 is quick enough for me but if you lust for power then maybe
have to go with a modern sports car.

Ted.

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
 > Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
 > purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
 >
 > The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
 > expected.
 >
 > I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
 > owners can help here.
 >
 > I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
 > stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998
 > 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
 >
 > The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
 > $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
 > else to I need to know ?
 >
 > According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
 > (does that make sense to you guys ?)
 > What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
 >
 > HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
 > does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
 >
 > No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
 > owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.
 >
 > Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
 > maintenance ?
 >
 > I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
 > freeze, it isnt heated either.
 >
 > The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
 >
 > Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
 >
 > I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
 >
 > Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
 >
 > Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.
 >
 > Thanks
 >
 > -Jeff
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Thanks Ted.

I drive a Corvette C5 now. I understand your comments about awesome power vs
the Ferrari mystique.
I am also (more seriously) considering a 355. I will start a new thread.


"Ted Adlam" <tadlam.TakeThisOut@cox.net> wrote in message
news:XpVse.25770$6o4.12720@fed1read04...
 > Hello Jeff,
 >
 > This question comes up now and again--merit/demerit of an older Ferrari.
 > I went through this 6 yrs ago and chose a 328 over a new Vette (similar
 > initial outlay). You can search this group for past postings and find
 > some similar discussions.
 >
 > One point I'll make here is about the economics. Very often when somebody
 > finds out I own a Ferrari they'll look at me funny and say something like,
 > "I heard that Ferrari oil changes cost $500, is that true?" Not quite
 > that much (but more than a Chevy...partly because the 328 crankcase is so
 > damn big). What I tell people is that the higher maintenance cost for a
 > Ferrari is *more* than offset by the nil depreciation. An extra bonus, in
 > Arizona my 328's annual license renewal is now less than $100 (my wife's
 > new minivan is $600!). Bottom line, when I figure my total cost of
 > ownership (depr, maint., license, insurance) for my 1987 328 and compare
 > to what I estimate it would have been for a new 2000 Vette, I find the 328
 > is slightly cheaper to own. This is based on a 2-3k miles/yr usage rate.
 > In a nutshell: most people focus and fret about maintenance cost on an
 > older car but tend to underestimate the depreciation factor in owning a
 > new car.
 >
 > Food for thought. But regardless of financial arguments, you have to
 > decide what you like...no bargain to make a compromise choice and be
 > unhappy with that. The 328 is quick enough for me but if you lust for
 > power then maybe have to go with a modern sports car.
 >
 > Ted.
 >
 > <Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
  >> Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
  >> purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
  >>
  >> The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
  >> expected.
  >>
  >> I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
  >> owners can help here.
  >>
  >> I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
  >> stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a
  >> 1998 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
  >>
  >> The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
  >> $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
  >> else to I need to know ?
  >>
  >> According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
  >> (does that make sense to you guys ?)
  >> What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
  >>
  >> HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
  >> does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
  >>
  >> No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I
  >> have owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car
  >> yet.
  >>
  >> Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
  >> maintenance ?
  >>
  >> I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
  >> freeze, it isnt heated either.
  >>
  >> The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
  >>
  >> Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
  >>
  >> I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
  >>
  >> Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
  >>
  >> Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.
  >>
  >> Thanks
  >>
  >> -Jeff
  >>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Thanks for all of your advice. I think my day of obtaining my first Ferrari
is getting very very close.
I found a 328 GTS with mileage and a price that works perfect for me.
The hard part now is that it is in a different part of the country. It would
sure be a bummer to fly out, be disappointed and have to return. I also
don't want to buy it just because I flew all that way.

I have the CarFax report. I am requesting belt change date and mileage since
change.

Somebody mentioned the clutch. How do I test a *wearing* clutch. - Just by
too much motion towards the floor before release ?
What else do I look for, any spots that rust early ?

Also, should I drive this car 1,000 miles home or rent a truck/trailer ? I
know that is a personal question that only I can really answer but I am
nervous about this car breaking down or getting stone chips half way home
and being bummed out.


Thanks again. I am very excited but don't want to make a hasty decision.


<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
> Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
> purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
>
> The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
> expected.
>
> I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
> owners can help here.
>
> I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
> stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998
> 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
>
> The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
> $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
> else to I need to know ?
>
> According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
> (does that make sense to you guys ?)
> What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
>
> HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
> does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
>
> No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
> owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.
>
> Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
> maintenance ?
>
> I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
> freeze, it isnt heated either.
>
> The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
>
> Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
>
> I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
>
> Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
>
> Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.
>
> Thanks
>
> -Jeff
>
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Nikola Tesla wrote:
> Thanks for all of your advice. I think my day of obtaining my first Ferrari
> is getting very very close.

Nikola, I'm happy for you. But I don't think there's anybody in those
other groups, just to let you know. I mean, if that's suddenly where
all these new names are coming from, somebody has to let them know that
THIS is where it's at - though it's a kitchen with a bit of heat, if
they know what I mean.

M

--
"Sendai eyes are notorious for depth-perception defects and warranty
hassles, among other things."
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

Nikola Tesla wrote:
> Thanks for all of your advice. I think my day of obtaining my first Ferrari
> is getting very very close.
> I found a 328 GTS with mileage and a price that works perfect for me.
> The hard part now is that it is in a different part of the country. It would
> sure be a bummer to fly out, be disappointed and have to return. I also
> don't want to buy it just because I flew all that way.

Plan on staying overnight. See the car, sleep on it (literally) and
then decide. If you don't want to stay a day, leave a deposit and
decide when you get home.

> I have the CarFax report. I am requesting belt change date and mileage since
> change.
>
> Somebody mentioned the clutch. How do I test a *wearing* clutch. - Just by
> too much motion towards the floor before release ?

If the clutch is going, you'll feel it when you drive it. Have you ever
driven a 328 before?

> What else do I look for, any spots that rust early ?

Bottom of the doors. Duffin can tell you about that.

> Also, should I drive this car 1,000 miles home or rent a truck/trailer ?

Transport it. No matter how much you think the car's right and ready
for a journey, you're better off having your first driving experiences
close to home. 100 miles maybe, 1000 miles, no way.
I
> know that is a personal question that only I can really answer but I am
> nervous about this car breaking down or getting stone chips half way home
> and being bummed out.

The car will break down, sometime. Hopefully in your garage or
driveway. You will get stone chips, you might get door dings, hell, you
might bend it on something. It'll happen. If the thought of those
events scare you, you shouldn't buy the car. Remember, it's a car, not
a piece of china. Shit will happen to it.

T308


--
LIVERPOOL FC - European Champions 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

If you do a pre-purchase inspection at a Ferrari dealer (or knowledgeable
independent exotic car dealer) they would be able to assess how much
adjustment is left in the clutch--to determine roughly what % life is
remaining. They can also do a compression/leakdown test so you can be sure
the engine is strong along with and extensive laundry list of checks on the
car. Or if the car you are looking at has a complete service history, you
can gauge clutch life remaining from this based on 30k miles/clutch. I had
mine done at the same time as the last major service (27k miles)...on the
328 the clutch job isn't too terrible since engine does not have to drop
out. $1700 covers the entire clutch job including new throw-out bearing.
Clutches begin slipping at end-of-life, until slipping begins you don't
experience any other symptoms of a clutch nearing the end.

The 328 is actually rather reliable for an exotic, but if you have doubts
about the service history then having it transported might be the cautious
approach. But if the service history is solid, and you don't mind being
cramped for a long trip, go for it.

Ted.

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:jNKdnb7R-O-4YFDfRVn-3Q@comcast.com...
> Thanks for all of your advice. I think my day of obtaining my first
> Ferrari is getting very very close.
> I found a 328 GTS with mileage and a price that works perfect for me.
> The hard part now is that it is in a different part of the country. It
> would sure be a bummer to fly out, be disappointed and have to return. I
> also don't want to buy it just because I flew all that way.
>
> I have the CarFax report. I am requesting belt change date and mileage
> since change.
>
> Somebody mentioned the clutch. How do I test a *wearing* clutch. - Just by
> too much motion towards the floor before release ?
> What else do I look for, any spots that rust early ?
>
> Also, should I drive this car 1,000 miles home or rent a truck/trailer ? I
> know that is a personal question that only I can really answer but I am
> nervous about this car breaking down or getting stone chips half way home
> and being bummed out.
>
>
> Thanks again. I am very excited but don't want to make a hasty decision.
>
>
> <Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
>> Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
>> purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
>>
>> The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
>> expected.
>>
>> I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
>> owners can help here.
>>
>> I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
>> stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a
>> 1998 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
>>
>> The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
>> $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
>> else to I need to know ?
>>
>> According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
>> (does that make sense to you guys ?)
>> What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
>>
>> HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
>> does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
>>
>> No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I
>> have owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car
>> yet.
>>
>> Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
>> maintenance ?
>>
>> I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
>> freeze, it isnt heated either.
>>
>> The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
>>
>> Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
>>
>> I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
>>
>> Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
>>
>> Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> -Jeff
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

NikolaTesla wrote:
<<A sincere thanks to all the advice given here.

I found a car I liked in Miami (in the middle of its major tune up) and
purchased it.>>

Excellent! Congratulations! Any details you'd care to share?

C.
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328 

A sincere thanks to all the advice given here.

I found a car I liked in Miami (in the middle of its major tune up) and
purchased it.

An awesome car and a dream come true.

Thanks again

<Nikola Tesla> wrote in message news:v7adnfmq99dBfznfRVn-ug@comcast.com...
> Many of you can probably remember this feeling, I am thinking about
> purchasing my first Ferrari and I am very nervous.
>
> The car would be driven very little throughout the year - as to be
> expected.
>
> I have been searching the net for guidance but perhaps some previous
> owners can help here.
>
> I have a decent income but I am not at all wealthy and would have to
> stretch my budget to finance a percent of this car. I am looking at a 1998
> 328 and I am looking for some guidance here.
>
> The car is in superb condition and has 9,500 miles on it. Asking price of
> $59,000. 5 speed manual. It has already had its 15,000 mile tune up. What
> else to I need to know ?
>
> According to the sales guy this car is steel body instead of aluminum
> (does that make sense to you guys ?)
> What are the advantages/disadvantages ?
>
> HP rating of 270 I believe - seems kinda low. How does it perform ? How
> does it handle onramps - skiddsh ?
>
> No power steering or breaks - how do you guys like that ? Every car I have
> owned has had PS/PB. Of course they won't let me test drive this car yet.
>
> Is the car somewhat dependable or will I have constant tune-ups and
> maintenance ?
>
> I also live in the north with 5 months of snow. Although my garage doesnt
> freeze, it isnt heated either.
>
> The auto insurance I checked on - not a problem.
>
> Would a Testarossa be a better choice ?
>
> I could also choose a Corvette/Viper/Lotus
>
> Help please, Is this purchase worth it or problematic ?
>
> Sorry for all the questions, just looking for a friendly previous owner.
>
> Thanks
>
> -Jeff
>
 >> Stay informed about: Help - thinking of buying a 328