What should I be looking out for, pitfalls, positive signs? Is there any chance a seller could alter the odometer to lower km's travelled? Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Sydney, and insurer? I see a 328 advertised for sale, 'ANS43F'. Does anyone have any feedback on this car? Many thanks.
well i dont know of any car out of QLD that has done more than 70,000km the odometers all seem to stop working for some very mysterious reason, must be the weather, even taxis have never exceeded the 70k barrier
I'd be concerned about a 20+ year old car with minimal kms ... just asking for trouble, these cars need to be driven like any other car so giving a car a haircut is not always beneficial for the seller
Mileage is utterly irrelevant. Condition and history are what matters.. Verifiable history will back up your indicated mileage, but if history is missing, then just go on condition. History over 10 years old is pretty irrelevant too, unless the car has pedigree. Post chassis number. Rego number not easy to check.
Can anyone name a Ferrari that they can say 100% that the speedo has not been wizzed back(car older than 1 year)Tip on mobern cars many on a long trip just pull out a fuze to keep the Ks down.
firstly and FF may be able to confirm but with older (non digital speedo and odometer) ferraris are like anything Italian, their calibration can be way out bit like the fuel gauge (not always accurate)......hence speedo really means nothing............condition and history are more credible
spot on ,when i bought the BB i drove it fast for ten minutes,new the owner had owned it for 17 years and was respected in the FCA,and the history J.A had with the car.That was all i needed i dont think i even looked at the speedo or books.
gut feel accounts for 8/10ths of what is to be expected.......................books and mileage 2/10ths
I have had a 1986 328 GTS for about three years now, 51000 kms, and it has not given me any trouble whatsoever. One major service done in that time. The experts say that the 328 is the perfect introduction into the world of Ferrari. Not only that, but (in my opinion) one of the sexiest bodies ever shaped. 20 years on and still a work of art. I agree with previous comments that if the car presents well with service history, go for it, but get a PPI done by someone with experience. Ferrarifixer did mine and he was spot on. Tony
No one has asked "why a 328"? Carby 308 is a better drive (more torque, better throttle response, induction noise, etc) and now just beginning its appreciation curve. Buy the right car and your only cost will be servicing, a 328 possibly still has some depreciation to go. I personally find that Aus-delivered 328's are underwhelming as performance cars. UK cars are much better of course. Bolt on 328 brakes and a set of factory 16" wheels and you'll have the best of both worlds. 308 body is the original perfect design and cleaner looking, the 328 was an attempt to make a 70's design into an 80's car, at a time when Pininfarina were not at their best.
yes i purchased a car once on the basis that it had full books, and was a 1 owner car, with reasonable mileage. and beleive me it was by far the worst car i have ever owned (bar none, even my $1000 bombs which i have owned were actually in better nick). so i'd agree somewhat with goober here, you can get a good feeling from a car when you actually see it and check under its skirt.
I am concerned as to the possibility of buying a very used 328 which is presented to be a hardly used 328 based on a false low odometer reading. Future performance and durability will be impacted. This will be my first Ferrari and I want it to be a good/great experience.
History and wear on things like the seats, pedal rubbers etc should back up the miles, if not, walk away. If you are not sure of what you are looking at, then the best advice is an inspection by a reputable mechanic.
Peter, get in touch with the owners club in Sydney (email details on website www.fca.org.au) and ask if the car you're looking at has any history with the club. It will help if you can provide the name of the last few owners. As a rule club member cars will be known about, for better or for worse. If a car has no history (owners books, service records, club history) then walk away. There are too many dubious cars around, including LHD conversions. When you become an owner, join the club and you'll get all sorts of advice, not all of it useful of course!
If you email me the chassis number, I will be able to tell you if it is owned or was ever owned by a club member. I also concur with Horse, if the car is a genuine 51 K it should be in near perfect condition. This means: No sagging drivers seat No loose stitching No wear marks on carpet Pedal rubbers should be like brand new. Underbody should hardly be marked Inside wheel arches should be in very good condition The short of it is, a car with so few Ks, to be genuine, has either been stored or belonged to an enthusiast, either way the end result is the same. There are pleny of lemons out there.
Not necessarily. Remember the age factor on these OHOS. My very genuine mileage 308 with completely known history needs the foam in one seat replaced. Over the 30yrs since it was delivered the foam has just degraded from age. I completely agree with your other points though. It is really quite easy to tell if a car has been around the block a few more times than the odometer indicates.
