1991 Ferrari 348 tb / ts / GTB / GTS / Spider

The 348's cam belts must be renewed at the factory interval regardless of mileage, and the engine must be removed to carry out the work properly, so the service is often skipped by cost-conscious owners. A snapped belt on this interference engine causes severe internal damage. Prioritise cars with documented belt changes and invoices showing the engine was removed; a cheap 348 with no service history can become very expensive.

Symptoms: No usable warning before a belt snaps — the engine stops suddenly, Service records missing any documented cam-belt change...

Est. repair cost: £1,200–£2,500

Early 348s can suffer electrical faults centred on the climate control ECU, which can fail and leave the air conditioning inoperative; the usual cause is broken connections that an auto electrician can re-solder. Early cars also used Delco alternators that regularly failed and were replaced by Ferrari with Nippondenso units. Warning signs include erratic climate control, poor cold starting or a battery that will not hold charge. Check the alternator has been updated and that all electronics work.

Symptoms: Air conditioning inoperative or behaving erratically, Poor cold starting or a battery that will not hold charge...

Est. repair cost: £400–£900

Although the 348's galvanised steel body is not badly prone to rust, cars stored outside can corrode around the wheelarches, door bottoms and sills. Seam areas trap moisture and once paint blisters the corrosion can spread quickly. Check the lower door edges, sills, wheelarch lips and under the carpets for dampness. A paint-depth gauge and torch help reveal filler or repaired panels.

Symptoms: Surface rust or bubbling paint around wheelarches and door bottoms, Corrosion along sills and lower body seams...

Est. repair cost: £1,000–£3,000

The rubberised polyurethane coating on the 348's interior buttons, switches and vents degrades with age into a sticky, tacky residue that marks fingers and attracts dust. It is one of the most common complaints on 348s and affects cars regardless of mileage. Switches for the windows, lights and climate controls can all be affected. The coating can be professionally stripped and refinished or the switches replaced, but left untreated the residue spreads to surrounding trim.

Symptoms: Buttons and switches feel tacky or melted to the touch, Black residue left on fingers after touching interior surfaces...

Est. repair cost: £500–£1,500