1991 Ferrari 348 3.4L Petrol · J172 CUC

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.

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.

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.