1984 Ferrari 308: Talk About High-Maintenance

Don't look now, but the peasants are beginning to laugh and point at the Emperor's new clothes!

lol You guys could buy another shift knob. I suppose that would deviate from the charm of the Ferrari, though.
 
You know, I also heard the NSX was a gigantic leap in the world of exotics, but I figured it was just because of things like visibility, ground clearance, and climbing in and out of the driver's seat. I'm having epiphanies with every blog, here.

I guess there are two distinct issues that need to be contemplated with a car like this. One is the car's age. Is a classic worth all the old car hassles, and lack of modern conveniences, reliability, safety, and technology, just for the sake of being "classic", and "they don't make them like they used to...". The other is the Ferrari nameplate itself. Ferrari's have never been known for good reliability and low repair/maintenance bills. But at the same time, they've always been known to be among the most enjoyable cars you can drive. Is it that enjoyable that its worth the compromises you have to make? I think with newer Ferrari's there are much fewer compromises than a Ferrari of this vintage. I wonder if today's F430 would be viewed similar to this 308 24 years from now? Probably.

It is an OLDDDDDDDDDD Italian exotic with 50k+ miles, what do you expect?
 
It looks good, sounds good and provide the exotic image, that is what it offer.

"they don't make them like they used to..."
 
Thankfully....

So why was "driving a Ferrari" on your to-do list before you die? What about driving a Ferrari appealed to you? What were you expecting? I assume you thought it would be something special, something different than driving an Accord. Well, I think you found out that it is different, it is special, maybe just not in the way you though it would be.
   
Here's the problem: you are driving an older, entry-level Ferrari that has probably changed hands several times resulting in a car that has likely been driven hard and put away wet and not properly maintained. You might have a different experience if you drove a well maintained example that has been properly cared for.
   
Another problem is that many people have gotten used to driving a modern car. A car that all you do it get in, turn the key, put it in drive, and take off. Most cars these days are made for the lowest common denominator; they are designed to make driving an simple task, something you do while sipping your morning coffee, talking on the phone, doing your hair, and writing a blog. The driving experience has been sanitized for your protection. Fortunately, Ferrari still makes drivers cars (although they too are a bit sanitized).
   
I'm not too sure what you were expecting. If this car drove like a Camry, what would be the appeal? Hopefully you'll get another chance to drive a better example but be aware, even a good example will come with some driving instructions because after all, it's a Ferrari, not a Camry.

Driving a Ferrari may be on your bucket list, but then do it right. Don't waste time on an old beater. Splurge a little and go rent a new one for a day.
That's what I'm gonna do.

Don't go fast because there's no power steering? What do power steering and going fast have to do each other? What do you mean it drove like a tank? Did you run over and crush some cars or something?
  
I think it's clear the Ferrari is not for you, may I recommend a Rav 4 or the new Mercedes GLK.
  
The thing that is most interesting to me is that your post proves to me the appeal of the Ferrari; It wasn't just get in and go and commute, it requires work and therefore makes for an interesting experience and a good story.

Wow, so the 308 and the Honda Fit share reverse mechanisms. Who would have thought!

Wow, no power steering and no ABS? How can a car even function without those? Maybe a class in brake modulation and panic stops would be good for the Edmunds employees. Don't even get me started on a rant about how each time they try to idiot-proof a car they just make the drivers into bigger idiots.
 
As someone who regularly drives a car that makes the Ferrari look young those aren't high on my list of important features in a sports car. It isn't particularly fun in parking lots and stuck in traffic either but the punching the gas when the road up ahead opens up is worth it. Just listen to the exhaust note sing and forget everything else (except that corner coming up fast)
 
Then again I don't have a giant garage full of all the cars you guys have to choose from to drive every day either. So there isn't a lot to compare it to. And I've not driven a 308 so I might hate it too (see my ride and drive comment on the M3 post). But I'd be willing to give it a try. Maybe they need to start a saying like Jeep has "It's an old Ferrari thing, you wouldn't understand"

If you were really in the market for one of these (i.e. using your own money) do lots of research first to know what you are getting into. This car was bought low on the market value and there's a reason, that maintenance may not have been up to spec and many problems were already there. I'd like to speak for those of that have these cars (and to prove we're not all crazy as opfreak would say.) These cars do have expensive maintenance, but much can be done yourself if so inclined. Mine is well maintained and I can get in and drive it without fear of a breakdown. It has taken a bit of work and patience to get it to that state, but it can be done. It's worth buying a more expensive car that has been sorted, maintained than buying on the cheap end. And yes steering is heavy, gearshift balky till warmed up but it always puts a smile on my face, even just walking by it in the garage. I've driven WRX's and civics and they're great performing daily drivers, but to me the 308 is the piece of big chocolate cake you eat once a week to really enjoy.

sptsdn & desmo,
  
Actually I was able to cross "Drive a Ferrari" off my bucket list years ago thanks to the 2005 F430 Spider. I had put it on my list because how luxuriously awesome would that be to pilot a fast exotic? It's right up there with doing a lap on the Nurburgring.
  
benson2175,
  
Power steering and speed go together because you'll want to be able to take those turns quickly. Can't do that when the car handles like a tank, which this one does when you're driving normal speeds. But in all fairness, the in-office 308 fans have said that the steering lightens up the faster you go. So there you have it.

I'm with you on this one, Caroline. I wouldn't get one of these things to save me. Of course I'm also 6'4", so from what I'm reading I literally couldn't drive one.
 
There's a black 308 in my neighborhood driven by a guy in his 30's. Frankly, every time I see him drive by, I can't help but think that he just couldn't afford the Ferrari he really wanted.

"Wow, so the 308 and the Honda Fit share reverse mechanisms. Who would have thought!"
 
Priceless!
 
Sure the high maintenance and repairs costs are worth the Ferarri badge but for the performance the 308 offers Ill pass. Id at least have to have a F355 or better although they are much more pricey to purchase than the 308, you do get more car however.
 
Given the fact that this car cost about $1000 for 1000 miles (just in maintenance/repairs) of driving satisfaction I would spend my $30K elsewhere Prancing Horse or not.

I must agree with the people that say you tend to get what you pay for. This car was a bargin when they bought it so now they are making up the difference with repairs. When they bought it I looked online for similar deals and most that I found were closer to $35,000. So they are just making up the $8,000 difference a little at a time.
 
In my opinion styling wise the 308 is way better than the current ones. Granted the current ones are plusher, faster and easier to drive but for those that just enjoy driving (not drag racing away from stoplights) it might actually be the car they want.
 
I continually read about how it doesn't have enough horsepower. If you want 0-60 times then go buy a V6 camry and race the kids whenever you get the chance.
 
I don't think I'd want to try to have one as my only car but for the weekend drive or the occasional drive to work you probably couldn't pry the smile off my face. (and not the smile of "I just outran a kid in a Honda Civic, woohoo!")
 
But I also think the fact that it isn't for everyone just makes it that much better.

Oh for heaven's sake, would y'all just FIX the stuff you need to fix? It's not the car's fault that you have a badly adjusted gear shift and e-brake. To add insult to injury, that shift knob is a 4-minute fix with a 17mm open end wrench.
 
For reverse, try shifting to 1st first, then reverse.
 
I really don't understand the comments about the lack of power steering and ABS. It is what it is, and rest assured that you can certainly drive these things fast without either.
 
My 328 has over 100,000 miles on it, and it has none of these ailments. The e-brake works, all the gears work, the doors lock just fine, and the shift knob is just fine. I use it as a mostly-daily driver with a 70 mile commute. Your problems have nothing to do with "it's an old car" and everything to do with "we are cheap owners, and the next guys will hate us for the deferred maintenance."
 
The only good thing about this blog is that it may keep people who will NEVER understand away from these wonderful machines.

It's still better than 25 year old Mustang or Camaro. The NSX wasn't around in 1984.
 
There's Porche 911, but there's even worse steering and handling problems there.
 
Countash was too weird and really prone to reliability problems.
 
There was Buick with their GNX that came out close to 1984 ('87 maybe?). And Corvette, which was kinda lackluster.
 
There was Alfa Romeo Spyder and Jaguar XJ.
 
Umm. My knowledge of 80s supercars is kinda lacking (since I was born in '81). I can't think of any more performance cars Edmunds could have bought that was made in 1984.
 
I still think they're getting a good deal with the Ferrari.

I would buy a GNX or Countach way before this car. The great thing about the GNX is that people would look at it and shrug if they didn't know (which is good for the police looking at you), but everyone who knows about it would stop dead and stare. I've only seen one GNX (several Grand Nationals, though)--it was parked at a mall, I couldn't help but wait until the owner went to his car, just so I could talk to him. The owner even took me for a spin in it, just an amazing car, and guess what! No freaky problems like this Ferrari has! I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions, but the headaches of this Ferrari's transmission sound like the kind of thing that would turn a first time driver of stick shift against the concept of a manual transmission.
 
A Countach has the "look at me!" thing down cold. It's iconic without having to rely on a gimmick like Magnum P.I.
 
But for people who have one and love it: more power to you, most people hate my car (SRT-4), so I understand how someone can drive a car every day just because they're so in love with it that they love the good parts and the bad parts equally.

I LOVE the 1987 GNX. I think Edmunds should add it to their fleet next.
 
As far as this blog is concerned, finally we have one sensible editor who's not crazy enough about the Ferrari to go around comparing it to Camrys and minivans, and stating what a bargain it is.
 
One more thing - thankfully there havent been any Magnum PI jokes lately.

Daytona, think they could actually find a GNX? It would break my heart to see all of the miles that they'd put on the odometer.

Man, do you guys pounce on this car. But, at the same time I respect everyones opinion. The question seems to be "is it worth buying/keeping this car"? In my opinion, if you like the car and know what it costs to keep, you will make your decision based on what your wallet says. Some will buy it simply because they like the car, regardless of what anyone says. Boats are not exactly cheap either to keep but they are a lot of fun to use. I happen to own a boat and would some day like to buy a 308. Just for fun.

What did you expect? Take a ride in any car from 1984 and you are not going to be impressed by the driving dynamics. 24 years from now 2008 model year cars are going to feel like tanks compared to brand new state of the art technology. It's not unreasonable to think that a 2032 model year Camaro, mustang, or Miata will have comparable or better numbers than a 2008 Bugatti.

Oh, and don't go fast because there's no traction control or dynamic stability control either.
 
I know this sounds hard to believe, but we used to drive cars without electronic aids, and LIVED. I know. Crazy.

"I know this sounds hard to believe, but we used to drive cars without electronic aids, and LIVED. I know. Crazy."
 
But we didn't live as much. The U.S. highway death rate has been declining the last couple decades, and the IIHS has publicly stated that drivers are not getting better, but cars are getting safer. Stability control has been proven to tremendously reduce the chances of single-vehicle accidents and side airbags are reducing deaths in side collisions at almost the rate seat belts first did in all types of collisions. So believe it or not, thousands of lives are now being saved each year by these devices that we now expect. So while I still want to shut off my DSC when I feel like doing a burnout, the other 99% of the time you can bet I'm glad to be protected by a cocoon of airbags and an alphabet soup of electronic aids.

And it's a whole lot cheaper then trying to teach people to actually drive properly.
 
Stability control is meaningless if you know how to drive. You will never need it.

What he said:
 
"I must agree with the people that say you tend to get what you pay for. This car was a bargin when they bought it so now they are making up the difference with repairs. When they bought it I looked online for similar deals and most that I found were closer to $35,000. So they are just making up the $8,000 difference a little at a time.
  
In my opinion styling wise the 308 is way better than the current ones. Granted the current ones are plusher, faster and easier to drive but for those that just enjoy driving (not drag racing away from stoplights) it might actually be the car they want."
 
FWIW, I own a 328 and have passed up opportunities to move "up" to a 360. In my 328:
 
- The e-brake would probably hold the car on anything short of a vertical wall
- Reverse engages easily - just light pressure to push the lever down and it snicks right into place, first time, every time (same gearbox as the 308 and 348)
- My doors lock fine
- My shift knob is correctly positioned
- When my 328 needs gas, I unscrew the cap, stick the nozzle in and remove it when it stops.
- Brakes: here I agree with you, the brakes on the 308 (or any 1980s car) aren't going to compare to what you get in a modern performance car. That's something you learn as you live with the car.
- Steering: the best I've experienced in any car I've owned. It wasn't designed for parking lots, but for fast driving -- and the sensitivity and directness is one of the highlights of the car.
 
Finally, the only legitimate complaint I've heard about these cars, relative to other 1984 cars, is that the cockpit is small and taller guys have a hard time with headroom. I can't imagine how short someone would have to be in order to need a pillow to reach the steering wheel. Simply mindblowing.
 
I'd agree with a couple of the other posts that once again Edmunds is comparing a kind of decrepit 308 with all the 2008 cars on their lot. I don't think $8K would get your car in great shape, but if you're down in San Diego and want to know how good a properly kept 308/328 can be, drop me a note.
 
I love to buy and sell cars, but like several other Ferrari owners I know I plan to keep the 328 for years -- you can't buy a simpler, more nicely balanced and better looking Ferrari for five figures. Even the 355, while pretty, can be horrendously expensive compared to the 308/328.
 
I guess some people figure a Ferrari is the ultimate in cosseting and luxury, but it really isn't. A Jag or Lexus is always going to get you there more comfortably. And there's nothing wrong with that. If you don't relish the shifting, steering and sounds of a properly kept 308/328, then maybe it's just not your kind of car, and the modern ones with all the electronics are what you want. Just don't blame the older cars for what they are. Try steering a Daytona and you'll think the 308 feels like a Corolla...

Not sure about this:
 
"I would buy a GNX or Countach way before this car. The great thing about the GNX is that people would look at it and shrug if they didn't know (which is good for the police looking at you), but everyone who knows about it would stop dead and stare. I've only seen one GNX (several Grand Nationals, though)--it was parked at a mall, I couldn't help but wait until the owner went to his car, just so I could talk to him. The owner even took me for a spin in it, just an amazing car, and guess what! No freaky problems like this Ferrari has! I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions, but the headaches of this Ferrari's transmission sound like the kind of thing that would turn a first time driver of stick shift against the concept of a manual transmission.
  
A Countach has the "look at me!" thing down cold. It's iconic without having to rely on a gimmick like Magnum P.I."
 
Have you driven a Countach? The clutch effort is enough to fracture your left ankle; you can't see out of it; you have to remove the engine to change the clutch ($10K+); the windows don't lower; the seat doesn't adjust... it's horrid.
 
Have you driven a 308? Properly adjusted, they shift beautifully.
 
As far as the Buick, I just don't anyone cross-shopping a GNX with any Ferrari. One's a brutish American sedan, the other a delicate Italian sports car.
 
Finally, the 308 was around for 5 years (and immensely popular) before the Magnum TV show came on the air in 1980. You could say the show used the Ferrari as a gimmick, but hard to argue the other way.
 
Again, I think a lot of people here need to experience a well-sorted 308/328 before making these comparisons.

It's really obvious that you DON'T get it, and you should not be reviewing automobiles. With a comment of "Don't plan on driving fast because it doesn't have power steering or abs" just blows me away. Do you know ANYTHING about cars? Maybe someone should sit down and explain it to you. You obviously are not a car guy.
 
Oh, and you can reposition the shift ball, and tighten it up. After 30yrs of driving things can become loose.
OH, and in order to lock the doors, you have to close them first. This prevents you from locking yourself out of the car.
 Oh, next time you can't get it into reverse, shift to first gear, let out the clutch slightly so it grabs and then it will go into reverse. I know of modern cars that do this.
 
Jim

As far as I can tell (based on the mileages of the previous post and your post), this opinion is based on 13 miles of driving. My guess is that you took it home in the evening and brought it back in the morning, driving your standard commuting route in traffic.
 
If this is the case, then I am not surprised with your opinion, the Ferrari was the wrong car for the job. Take the car out for a spirited drive in the countryside, keep the RPMs over 4k, shifting at 7k and you will better understand the intended purpose of the car.
 
If doing so is not your thing, I suspect that this car is not your style and will continue to irritate you. I suspect you would have the same response to a E-30 series BMW M3. Stick with the modern sport sedans, I think you will enjoy them more.