Upgrade?

mambodave · 09:34 AM

Been shopping for a car for the wife, came across this:

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/8/67120688.htm

Heres what Im thinking. Sell the Benz, give the wife the 944 and Ill keep that for myself.

Sound like a plan? Think She'll buy it?

Dave

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

I remember reading a Car and Driver test from the early 80's with the 944,928, 308, and the Corvette. Even though all 3 cars were faster than the 944 the 944 still came out on top. It has been a while since i read it so I can't give you the reasons. Sorry. But for that $$$ I would opt to get a clean 944 turbo S.

scottmandue · 03-20-2004, 11:32 AM

If your serious I would do some checking on the internet re: what it costs to maintain a 308... seems to me I heard they are even more of a PITA than a 944.
just my .02

UconnTim97 · UconnTim97's Garage

That is a great looking car. I always thought the maintenence was extremely high on Ferraris though. Still would be a fun car to have and drive....

todd84944 · 03-20-2004, 12:30 PM

I had been shopping and looking around for a 308. Talked to a guy in Nashville that had a small collection. After he explained the maintance schedule, and the prices, decided I wasn't quite ready ..... yet

MrPants · 03-20-2004, 01:22 PM

Wayne just bought a 308.
I don't know if he has any tips on maintaining them yet

Britwrench · 03-20-2004, 01:23 PM

308's are DIY cars. Parts are available and you really only need a couple of special tools. The ignition distributor is a problem as you need a dist machine to check and repair it but most other maintenance and repairs are do-able at home. The Targa roof leaks (suprise,suprise) and electrics aren't the best. The carb version is more home mechanic friendly but the later, Bosch injected, ones are reliable. Buy one only if you prepared to do the maintenance.

mambodave · 03-20-2004, 01:26 PM

Im not worried about the maintenance I sold a v12 BMW that was a money pit, but...at least a 308 would be worth the money.

Also considering a nice 911. Always wanted a ferrari, but the 911 is probably more praticle. 308 Would be fun though.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

If your wife goes for that deal, can she please start hanging around with and being an influence on mine?

mambodave · 03-21-2004, 03:38 PM

lol, actually, she didnt much care.

She decided doesnt want the 944, but she also doesnt care if I buy a 308 either.

I sold the Audi, Im trying to sell the Benz. She said she wants a Benz Eclass ( the last body style)

Im trying to talk her into an A8 I found. But you know wifes, it has to be an exact color combo.

Roger Hall · 03-21-2004, 06:06 PM

I allways loved the 308. It makes me want to grow musatche more to Hawaii and solve crimes hehehehe.

Seriously though I remember hearing that a water pump can run 2k just for the part. Ferrari has a rep for rediculusly priced parts. Another thing to consider is parts availibility. I have an Uncle that owned a Cossworth/Vega. He had to order fuel injection parts from England and they took four months to arrive. Four months and one day later he put the car up for sale.

bill d cat · 03-21-2004, 07:40 PM

The Ferrari 308 was one of the cars tested in Car and Driver's "The Best Handling Imported Car is..." comparison test in July 1984. The Porsche 944 won. The Ferrari 308 came in next-to-last....

Like most Ferraris, it's a lovely thing to look at. I wish my NEIGHBOR would buy one!

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

I think that the Ferrari 308 is beautiful... but given the choice, I'd take almost any Porsche over it.

Britwrench · 03-21-2004, 08:07 PM

Parts availability for 308 is excellent. Water pumps are not 2K. Ferrari 308s (GT4, GTB, GTS, Mondial and 328 GTB/GTS) were not a limited production vehicle like the Cosworth Vega. Why would you even compare them?
Late MB E-class cars can have expensive problems, have a thorough PPI and consider a aftermarket warranty. (for instance, the service light system is part of the instrument cluster..that part is $1000)
Don't ever buy an A8 (or an A6) unless it has the factory warranty cover for as long as you are going to own it.

Tishabet · 03-22-2004, 07:06 AM

I've always thought those cars looked a little bit too high in the front, sort of like how the back end of a Beetle or a 911 looks when you remove the motor. Just too much wheel well arch above the tire.
Still a pretty sweet car though....

vital-transform · 03-22-2004, 07:30 AM

BUY IT...YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

mambodave · 03-22-2004, 07:30 AM

Ive ruled the 308 out. Ive decided to hunt for a super clean 951 and the wife the eclass.

Thanks for all the GREAT input!

Heres my next question:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=154671