Day to day reliability 3x8

Hi,

First post here. I've been reading voraciously here and on other forums, and talking with a local independent Ferrari mechanic (here in San Diego), to get smarter before I pull the trigger and buy my first F-car. Given my budget, it will likely be a late 308GTS or 328GTS.

Question for you: While I'm not expecting a Honda by any stretch, I definitely want a dependable weekend driver to take on extended trips. I'm conscientious about maintaining cars -just have bad memories of a Fiat X1/9, MGB and other rides that have left me stranded once or twice. Are Ferrari electrical systems, fuel pumps, etc., pretty solid?

Let me know your thoughts! I wanted something with more heart than a P-car, but don't want to be afraid every time I pull it out of the garage!

Great forum, by the way. I appreciate all the information and enthusiasm here.

Jon

It's all about preventive maintenance, IMO.

Given the examples you've cited, you'll be fine!

I was worried about that, about 6 months ago I bought a 328gts. The car has functioned flawlessly
over that time. I think a lot of that was because of where I bought it from. They're really pretty good cars from what I can tell. I've owned many different makes.

As for the Porsche, I also have an 88 Carrera.
Say what you will about Porsche, that car is bullet proof. Hate to say it, that Porsche does everything that Ferrari does with 50% less moving
parts

The 308, 328 work pretty well. If they are properly maintained, they are very reliable. The key is the inspection on purchase, and the idnividual you select to service the car. If the car is well kept, you can rely upon it on long trips. The pre-purchase inspection is very, very important to make sure that the car has no issues.

Art

SportAuto in NC is where I purchased my 328.
I looked for 7 months trying to find a decent car that I could feel right about spending cash on.
They found me a car that exceeded my expectations, in a matter of weeks for what I wanted to spend. Steve Barney is the owner, very knowledgable.
Tom Jones the senior mechanic/tech is one of the best I've run across. Email me if you need more info. I think the previous owner let the car go because he couldn't get it to run correctly. Some other mechanic evidently put incorrect injection parts on it. Tom fixed it before I took deliverly. Like I said the car has functioned flawlessly since I've purchased it last year.... Oh, and I drive it like it wants it.

Hi Jon,

I have a 1985 308 GTS QV and have had no major problems at all. I am in the middle of the 60 service at the moment doing a lot of "preventative maintenance" as Alan mentioned. I have been very satisfied with how "solid" this car has been. The trick, I think, is to find a car that has been well maintained. These are usually the cars that have all of the bugs sorted out, and the small problems fixed. These are also the cars that have a higher asking price too. Remember, you pay one way or the other. You buy a good car at a slightly higher price and have fewer issues, or you get a "beater" for a steal but roll with the punches. I have been fortunate and have enjoyed ownership.


JL

<font color="000000"><font face="times new roman,times,roman"></font>I owned a porsche 993 carrera 4s before I baught my first ferrari, a 355 cabrio. It isn't true what most people say about ferraris, they are really quite reliable cars when used properly. It doesn't matter if you have a ferrari or a BMW, if you drive wrecklessly and ignore maintenace then the car will fall appart on you. If your buying a used ferrari, be sure to inspect it very thuroughly, and get a mechanic you trust to give you his opinion. Be aware of cars you suspect have been raced or driven wrecklessly. If you take proper care of your ferrari, I think you will be pleasently surprised how reliable it is. </font>}

In 1 1/2 year of ownership and 6000 miles on it, I had no problems on my 328.
Ciao
Eugenio

Hi Euginio! Welcome to F-Talk! ;)

And you have that cool rear wing now, too!

Welcome also to Cezary, a very good perspective on these cars!!!

When mine's on the fritz, I borrow my neighbor's "Fred Flintstone mobile"! ;)