1992 Ferrari 348 TS review from North America
"Surprisingly bad design from such a premier manufacturer"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Poor design on the seals around the top of the windows... they leak furiously... always carry towels in the rainy season. The Ferrari mechanic tells me that all Targa-top 348's leak this way. The Berlinetta is a better design and does not do this.
The rubberized coating used on the dash/center console/door handles deteriorates and gets sticky after five or eight years. It comes off on your hands and clothes.
General comments?
This is a beautiful car, and is a lot of fun to drive. It will not accelerate as fast as any of the later Vettes, and is not as comfortable inside. If you are over 5' 10", you will have to recline the seat to have headroom.
Mileage is better than you think... about 22 MPG on the highway. This is hardly enough to make up for the ridiculous maintenance costs.
You cannot drive this car without scraping the front valence on the pavement. Anytime you encounter a swale you must turn at an angle to avoid destroying it.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 liter V8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 15000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 18000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Corvette |
| Date of Entry | 3rd February, 2003 |