First Ferrari

If your going to do your own services at home, you absolutely need a shop service manual, and also a parts manual. Then you also need to soak up every bit of info. you can from other's experiences. Ask lots of questions, and listen to those that know. This is the best forum for the do-it-yourselfer. Have a plan prior to starting the work. Take notes, take pictures, label everything, and be organized. It may take a bit more time in the beginning, but in the end things will go soooo much better. I've done services without a hoist, and even without an air compressor. Just hand tools and common sense.

As far as owner-performed services hurting value, it depends on who you ask. I think an owner-serviced car may be better in some cases than a dealer-serviced one. The owner tends to be more picky and take more time, and isn't on the clock trying to get the job done as quick as possible. The real key is, if an owner has done the work....I would want the car to have been driven a few thousand miles since the service. This will kinda prove out the quality of the work. If shoddy work was done it will show up pretty quick. But if the car has maybe 6k or 8k miles since the service, that says a lot for the work. There's no beating an expereinced mechanic who can hear and feel their way through problems. But if a car doesn't have any hidden issues and just needs serviced, then a skilled owner should be able to do it. I think the 348 is probably the newest Ferrari that can still be worked on by the enthusiast. Newer cars get a bit more complicated.

I'd like to hear some other views on these subjects too....

Thanks Jeff,

One other question: When discussing the 348's on forums, there seems to be a concensus that the early 348's had engine issues. I am not sure what the problems actually were, but poeple seem to complain about them like they are taboo. Do you bewlieve this and will a car with 20 - 30,000 miles have these issues sorted or are they terminal non-repairable flaws. I can affford an early 348 or I have to stick with the later 328.

What do you think?

Thanks again, Mark

I've heard only rumors about some electrical issues on early 348s, but nothing concerning engine mechanicals. In my opinion Ferrari engines are very well built and durable. All cars will have a few issues or gremlins. But if you buy a nice 348 that's got a few miles on it, chances are that any problems will have been sorted out already. This is one of the reasons many people stress buying a car that has been driven and not a garage queen. All the bugs and kinks have been worked out by the previous owner or owners.

I have a 90 348ts with 40k miles on it now. The only trouble was a 02 censer in the last four years. I think its a great car.