What to do....

[jmortensen]

You can buy a used 308 for about the same price as a new Civic. No, that's not a joke. The only problem is that it is harder to get financing for a used car loan and the interest rate on the loan might be higher. But if you don't mind paying just a little more for it, then it's not a very expensive car anymore.

Same thing with the Z's; I'm doubting Carl's optimistic view of future pricing for Z's, especially in the US where Japanese cars don't command the kind of prices that American cars do, and even more so in a recession. OK, so a PERFECT series one Z might, if you can find a buyer, bring about the same as a high end Civic at the Honda dealer. You might even find someone willing to spend as much as they would on a new Accord. Perspective sucks sometimes, but that's really where they are at. They are going up in value, but the value of the dollar is going down, and people are spending relatively more for cars today than they did 30 or 40 years ago. So how valuable is that series one Z, really? When put in context of what you could buy new for the same money, not too valuable. I know it's a rarity thing and that new Civics are a dime a dozen, but I just don't see Z cars going to 60K any time soon.

[Carl Beck]

+1 - It's been my lifelong dream to own a Ferrari - specifically the 308/328 cars of my youth. If I were ever to make that purchase, it's now - which means the 240Z would likely have to go. And yet, I struggle with this sooo much it's unbelievable...I am potentially passing on a lifelong DREAM because I love the Z that much!

Hi rdefabri:

I for one say that you should have your lifelong dream. I mean that - go for it.

I also have to say that:

If you are less than 5' 10" tall. If your sleeve lenght is at least 140% of the inseam for your pant legs. If you don't mind paying $48.00 for an oil filter, $87.50 for a thermostat, $201.00 for a distributor cap or $316.00 for a set of OEM spark plug wires.... The 308/328's are most certainly beautiful bodies.

OK - maybe prices have gone up since I last checked in 1988 .... But I would get on the phone and call a few places to check the current price of Ferrari Parts. You can plan on replacing the clutch often in the 308's and not quite as often I understand in the 328's... So check the price of a new pressure plate and clutch disc. You will of course do that yourself - as the Ferrari Service Facilities will give you a price that will be about 10% of what you paid for the car.

Nonetheless - do it. There is nothing like finally owing your life long dream - unless its the feeling of joy that you have when you help the next guy own his, by selling yours to him. ( I speak from experience here ).

There is a reason the 308's and 328's have such a reasonable purchase price .... Just get the newest, lowest mileage example you can find. Drive it less than 3,000 miles and pray nothing goes wrong with it.... Then pass it on and enjoy that "been there done that" feeling.

Only then, will you fully appreciate just what an outstanding Sports/GT the Datsun 240Z is. Because you'll have the ability to directly compare the dream with the reality... Personally I believe that the reality is that the Datsun 240-Z is a far superior automobile.

good luck,

Carl B.

[=Enigma=]

Personally I believe that the reality is that the Datsun 240-Z is a far superior automobile.

Spoken like a true Z-holic. But seriously, as much as I'd like to have a Ferrari, albeit a 550 Maranello, I have to agree with you. The Z is one sweet ride.

[rdefabri]

Hi rdefabri:

I for one say that you should have your lifelong dream. I mean that - go for it.

I also have to say that:

If you are less than 5' 10" tall. If your sleeve lenght is at least 140% of the inseam for your pant legs. If you don't mind paying $48.00 for an oil filter, $87.50 for a thermostat, $201.00 for a distributor cap or $316.00 for a set of OEM spark plug wires.... The 308/328's are most certainly beautiful bodies.

OK - maybe prices have gone up since I last checked in 1988 .... But I would get on the phone and call a few places to check the current price of Ferrari Parts. You can plan on replacing the clutch often in the 308's and not quite as often I understand in the 328's... So check the price of a new pressure plate and clutch disc. You will of course do that yourself - as the Ferrari Service Facilities will give you a price that will be about 10% of what you paid for the car.

Nonetheless - do it. There is nothing like finally owing your life long dream - unless its the feeling of joy that you have when you help the next guy own his, by selling yours to him. ( I speak from experience here ).

There is a reason the 308's and 328's have such a reasonable purchase price .... Just get the newest, lowest mileage example you can find. Drive it less than 3,000 miles and pray nothing goes wrong with it.... Then pass it on and enjoy that "been there done that" feeling.

Only then, will you fully appreciate just what an outstanding Sports/GT the Datsun 240Z is. Because you'll have the ability to directly compare the dream with the reality... Personally I believe that the reality is that the Datsun 240-Z is a far superior automobile.

good luck,

Carl B.

Well said! I have been looking at Ferraris as a purchase for most of my adult life. I have tracked prices, just never jumped in as they are temperamental beasts (as noted). I am less than 5'10" and I have driven a few, so I know what to expect. The 308/328 is (relatively) easy to work on, and not unlike the Z car, there are many "Honda" replacement parts

I am more seriously investigating it, but it would be a lot easier if I could keep my Z. I haven't decided what to do yet, but as I hit 40 last year, it's been weighing on me.

Enigma - that pic of your Z is fantastic, looks much better than it does in your avatar!