Ferrari 348 TB – Fred74’s Long-Term Ownership Experience

Dive with us into the authentic world of the Italian berlinetta that makes purists’ hearts race.

@Fred74’s Ferrari 348 TB is, above all, a story of passion — sharp lines borrowed from the legendary Testarossa, paired with a mechanical simplicity and raw character that are utterly disarming. A car used on the road with love and precision, rekindling the pure joy of driving without electronic filters.

Here, you won’t find abstract technical jargon: only sensations, deliberate choices from an experienced owner, and a genuine invitation to share your own story.

Ready to experience the soul of Ferrari through the 348? Let’s go.

Specifications - Ferrari 348 TB
Years: 1989 – 1993
Production: 8,800 units
Engine: 3.4L V8 (3,405 cc), 32 valves
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Max power: 300 hp @ 7,200 rpm
Max torque: 324 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Curb weight: 1,393 kg
Top speed: 275 km/h0–100 km/h: 5.6 s

@Franck: Can you briefly tell us about your automotive journey and why you chose the Ferrari 348?

@Fred74: Since childhood, I’ve always been passionate about the automotive world. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to get my license so that one day I could own the most beautiful cars.

At 18, after saving some money from my first job, I decided to buy my first new car at age 20: a Volkswagen Scirocco, later tuned by ABT. A small German sports car while waiting for something better. To this day, it’s the only sporty car I owned before Ferrari.

Life led me to buy cars for daily use, as I didn’t have the budget for more exclusive ones. But I’ve always been passionate about the Prancing Horse, thanks to my father who passed down a little of his love for the brand. I also grew up during Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 world titles. So, I always dreamed of owning a Ferrari!

When I was a kid in the early ‘90s, living near the Swiss border, I vividly remember seeing a magnificent Ferrari Testarossa in the streets of Geneva. That was the moment I fell in love with Ferrari. I still recall the incredible sound of its V12. From that day on, I’ve loved the Testarossa line, carried through to the 348, the 512…

Even today, I prefer those models compared to modern Ferraris. The 80s and 90s Ferraris give you goosebumps with their sound — they truly live — and that’s why I prefer them.

Why the 348? They call it the “baby Testarossa” — and it’s true. The lines are very similar, and I’ve always loved it. Of course, I would have preferred a Testarossa or 512 TR, but when it came time to buy, the wallet spoke — the 348 was far more affordable.

@Franck: What were your criteria when buying your 348, and how did you find it?

@Fred74: My criteria were simple:

• A red 348 because for me, a Ferrari must be red! Yellow is acceptable too.

• Side skirts painted red — purely a matter of taste, but I find it looks much better this way.

• A car with solid maintenance history. Unlike some owners, I wasn’t afraid of mileage. To me, a car with kilometers on it is one that runs, and you’re less likely to face hidden issues.

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I found my car on Leboncoin and bought it from a garage in Saint-Étienne. The manager showed me its history, was fully transparent, and when he started it up for a road test, the stainless-steel exhaust note sealed the deal. I said, “I’ll take it,” without even driving it.

@Franck: What advice would you give someone looking to buy a Ferrari 348 today?

@Fred74: It’s a raw, masculine car that doesn’t go unnoticed, with high running costs. This isn’t just any sports car — you have to think carefully before buying.

But if you’re a true enthusiast, don’t hesitate — go for it! It delivers unmatched driving pleasure. Be patient and determined to find your dream example. You’ll need to dig online, but at some point, you have to pull the trigger. Perfect cars don’t exist!

As I said, it’s a 35-year-old model, so maintenance history must be impeccable. Don’t obsess over mileage: mine has nearly 102,000 km today and runs like clockwork. On the Ferrarista forum, you’ll find all the known strengths and weaknesses of the 348 TB, so read thoroughly and ask other owners questions.

@Franck: What impressed you most about owning the 348, compared to your previous cars?

@Fred74: That’s a tough one, because before the 348 I only had one sporty car, and going from Volkswagen to Ferrari is like changing planets.

I’ve since driven several prestigious cars, both on road and track, including Ferraris like the F430, 458, 488… but for me, nothing beats the Ferrari 348. It’s sensational, and mine has an extraordinary sound thanks to a Nouvalari stainless exhaust.

The driving pleasure is unmatched! Even today, I prefer driving the 348 over a Ferrari F8, despite the F8 having more than double the power. The 348, with no driving aids, is simply way more fun.

@Franck: Can you tell us about the typical costs of owning a Ferrari 348 (insurance, annual maintenance, major service, unexpected repairs, etc.)?

@Fred74: Insurance isn’t huge compared to modern Ferraris with far more power. For this 300 hp classic, I pay between €100–150/month (with a 50% malus), which is reasonable provided you have it appraised every 2–3 years. Classic car insurance relies on “repair packages,” so the appraisal is crucial.

Maintenance, though, is the weak point of the 348. Costs are high for a car this age. I work in construction and don’t have mechanical skills, so I outsource everything to a specialist in prestige cars. I usually schedule servicing and repairs in winter, since he often works with race teams during the year.

On a Ferrari, every part is expensive, especially if you want to keep it in concours condition. On a 1990 car, there’s always something to fix: mechanical, bodywork, or interior (plastics often wear out).

Annual upkeep costs me around €4,000–5,000, and a major service with timing belt replacement hits €10,000.

I’ve owned it for almost 4 years, and so far I’ve spent about €22,000 on maintenance (mechanical, bodywork, and interior). Surprises? With old cars there are always some, but I’ve been lucky not to face anything serious.

@Franck: In your opinion, what are the key points to watch for long-term with a Ferrari 348?

@Fred74:  Nothing specific really. It’s a reliable car if properly maintained. You won’t get nasty surprises, apart from replacing parts worn by time.

@Franck: Would you do it all again?

@Fred74: Absolutely. I have no regrets. It’s true that I’m not a wealthy Ferrari owner — I work hard every day to pay for it. I sacrifice quite a few things, but it all fades away once I’m behind the wheel.

@Franck: How do you use Ferrarista in your ownership journey? What does the community bring you?

@Fred74: I discovered Ferrarista after buying the 348. I was immediately drawn to the club’s simplicity: here, only the love of Ferrari matters. Whether you’re a big CEO with the latest hypercar or a modest owner with an “entry-level” Ferrari, everyone is equal. That’s what Ferrarista is all about.

The forum is packed with essential information about every model, full of little tips that really help us day-to-day, especially with older cars.

Thanks to this club, I’ve realized my dream of joining countless extraordinary gatherings — like the 500 Ferraris Against Cancer at the Vigeant circuit, and above all the Annual Ferrarista Meeting, where you meet incredible people and see exceptional Ferraris.

@Franck: A huge thank you to @Fred74 for sharing his Ferrari 348 TB experience with such detail and honesty. These owner stories are invaluable: they expand our knowledge, strengthen our bonds, and remind us that behind every Ferrari lies a unique story.

👉 Now it’s your turn: what do you think of the 348 TB? Have you driven one, or dreamed of adding it to your garage?
Ask questions, share your stories and opinions: the more we exchange, the more Ferrari passion lives and grows together. ❤️