1992 Ferrari 348 TS
Introduction
The 1992 Ferrari 348 TS is a mid-engine sports car powered by a 3.4-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. The 348 TS was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite its impressive performance and sleek design, the 348 TS has been plagued by a number of issues over the years.
Engine
3.4L V8
- Valve guide wear: Worn valve guides can cause excessive oil consumption, smoking from the exhaust, and poor engine performance. The cylinder heads must be removed and the valve guides replaced. $1000-$2000+
- Timing belt failure: The timing belt is a critical component that drives the camshafts and must be replaced every 30,000 miles. Failure to replace the timing belt can result in catastrophic engine damage. $900-$1500+
- Water pump failure: The water pump can fail prematurely, causing the engine to overheat. The water pump and its components must be replaced. $500-$1000+
Transmission
5-speed Manual
- Syncro wear: Worn synchronizers can make shifting difficult, especially when downshifting. The transmission must be removed and the synchronizers replaced. $1500-$2500+
- Clutch failure: The clutch can wear out prematurely, causing slipping or difficulty engaging gears. The clutch disc and pressure plate must be replaced. $1000-$1500+
4-speed Automatic
- Solenoid failure: Faulty solenoids can cause the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. The transmission must be removed and the solenoids replaced. $500-$1200+
- Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail prematurely, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. The torque converter must be replaced. $2000-$3000+
Suspension
- Strut/shock failure: Worn struts or shocks can compromise handling and ride quality. The struts or shocks must be replaced. $500-$1000+ per corner
- Sway bar links: Worn sway bar links can cause clunking sounds and affect handling. The sway bar links must be replaced. $100-$200+ per link
Electrical
- Alternator failure: The alternator can fail prematurely, leaving the battery unable to charge. The alternator must be replaced. $500-$1000+
- Battery drain: A parasitic electrical drain can occur, causing the battery to discharge prematurely. The electrical system must be inspected and the source of the drain identified and fixed. $300-$500+
Exterior
- Door handle failure: The door handles can become loose or break, making it difficult to open the doors. The door handles must be replaced. $200-$300+ per door
- Window regulator failure: The window regulators can fail prematurely, preventing the windows from being raised or lowered. The window regulators must be replaced. $500-$1200+ per window
- Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not work. The headlight switch must be replaced. $200-$300+
Interior
- Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can develop cracks over time due to sun exposure. The dashboard must be replaced or repaired. $1000-$2000+
- Air conditioning failure: The air conditioning system can fail prematurely, resulting in poor cooling performance. The compressor or other components must be replaced. $500-$1500+
- Radio/CD player failure: The radio/CD player can fail prematurely. The radio/CD player must be replaced. $300-$500+
Summary
The 1992 Ferrari 348 TS is a high-performance sports car that has been plagued by a number of issues over the years. Engine problems, transmission failures, and electrical gremlins are among the most common issues reported by owners. While these issues can be costly to fix, they are not uncommon for high-performance vehicles of this era. However, it is important to be aware of these potential problems before purchasing a 348 TS.