| Author | Message | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 823 Registered: 6-2002 |
Get the 95, and drive the pee-pee out of it. These cars like to be driven. I find the people who only start it once a month have all the problems. People who at least start and warm up the car then take it out and up to 120 and back every day, have a great, solid, reliable car. Watch out for "extreme low mileage" cars. I would not buy a 1999 car with less than 10k miles (2500mi/year) personally. | ||
| Dave White (Dwhite)
Junior Member Username: Dwhite Post Number: 58 Registered: 5-2003 |
I too have debated on a 355 in the future - keep flip-floping between 246GT and 355. My understanding in 95 has more power, however there is the valve guide issue and then there is the header warantee issue (approx 10K if you pay yourself - insanity IMO) which has been stated here many times. So if the 99s have the valves resolved and you have at least 4 more years for the header there is certainly more value to looking at 99. I'm sure you can get a very nice example for 100K, if not a lot less if the car has some miles - which never scares me if it has been serviced properly. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 540 Registered: 6-2002 |
Brother Martin...we need to talk soon...about 355 Spiders. I will reach out for you soon. Hope all is well! | ||
| Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
Junior Member Username: Scott Post Number: 209 Registered: 6-2001 |
I scanned this thread quickly, but also (with an older car) make sure service updates were done. There is an issue with older 355 brake lines or fuel lines (can't remember which)--but any dealer should be able to tell you both the list of updates and whether or not a particular VIN has had them done. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1643 Registered: 11-2001 |
make sure you have one for me if they're on my tab!!!  doody! | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2002 |
Wow seems we can really get off base here, remember its only an opinion, I usually like my own but I like most of what I read here has merit. That said my 01 Red/Tan F1 coupe is going up for sale, going back to Algar, its a great car, as good as I've seen for an 01. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5917 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bruce we are not picking on each other... Doody is paying for beer here! Have one:  (and that is not a second owner beer | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2754 Registered: 4-2002 |
MARTIN AND DOODY..I LOVE YOU BOTH.. LETS PICK ON GARY GREEN, WOPMOBILE, ANGELO, TONY ROBERTS, ETC.....YOUR FRIEND, BRUCE | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5916 Registered: 5-2001 |
..but then if you rather have the one owner car, that would mean that once you own the car (now 2nd owner) the car is worth considerably less? So aren't you much better of buying a brand new Ferrari then, at least you are the first owner still but then the second owner would know he would be second and would lose money so he buys a new one as well, so nobody buys any more used Ferraris. ups, the beer is kicking in | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5915 Registered: 5-2001 |
 Thanks Doody, I charged it to your account | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1642 Registered: 11-2001 |
These "low miles and one-owner-car" are the only Ferraris you should buy ideas really get me worked up. don't get worked up, dude! somebody in miami buy this man a beer!!! :-) statistically speaking, if you have a row of 10 1999 355 6-speed spdiers with identical mileage, numbered 1 through 10, each with as many prior owners as its number (ie: 1 through 10) you're statistically likely to find that the ones at the high end of the # of owners scale are more problematic that the ones at the low end of the # of owners scale. it's going to be a bell curve. and a PPI can only take you so far. they're not going to drop the engine or take the tranny out and open it up. they can tell a LOT in a PPI, but there's no reason not to put the odds in your favor if you can, right? no argument that one bad owner can screw the whole thing up - that's true whether there's been one owner or fifty owners. if owners 1-37 were stellar and 39-50 were stellar, but #38 was a moron then your'e screwed. the more owners the higher probability that you had a #38 somewhere along the line, right? FOLLOWUP: all in all, i'd rather a one-owner 20K mile car than a three-owner 3K mile car, for sure! doody. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5913 Registered: 5-2001 |
...or what one owner can do to a tranny in only 6000 Miles...please guys get real! One owner does not mean anything just as 10 owners does not mean anything. I rather have 10 knowledgable previous Ferrari Owners as pre-owners on my car than the guy that has his first stick-shift car but being the only owner on the car. Valveguides can be an issue. As I said, do a compression check ad you know. Friend and ferrari dealer gets a 95355B has a compression check done for my client and one cylinder is very low compared to the others. What it was is the previous owner never reved the car right and carbon deposit settled on the valves clogging one valve. Guides are in perfect order. Go figure, a one owner car, just the ONE wrong owner! Look at the two air intakes from a 95 engine to the 96+ engine and you see the "difference". Airintake has changed due to extra emissions crap being put on the car. That slowed the airflow to the chambers and reduced the HP output. Less in less out! Cracked headers are a problem through the entire 355 line. I know of 97s that have it. As I and other said, for that price you can buy a Fiorano Package (and I would not spend the extra dough for that either) These "low miles and one-owner-car" are the only Ferraris you should buy ideas really get me worked up.  | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2002 |
Doody: I agree with you all all of your points, except I still think if this is a solid car, well maintained and in great shape it is worth spending the money for. I've always said "A good deal is a state of mind" whats a good deal to you might be a ripoff to someone else. I'd listen to Doody, and really have the car checked out, find out how many owners, you would be surprised what mutiple owners can do to the tranny. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Member Username: Davem Post Number: 389 Registered: 1-2002 |
Stu. The other reliability issue with 95's was with headers cracking. I would think the best 355 to buy would be a 95 with all these issues addressed. More power maybe a fresh valve job......an a 95 price. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1641 Registered: 11-2001 |
as morrie points out, the valve guide issue is the major difference. some folks have 95s that have never had a problem in this department; some folks have 95s that have cost them a fortune to fix on this front. in addition, we've all seen discussion here that the 95s sound a bit different and may in fact put out a bit more power (the euro cars were rated at 380hp while the na cars were rated at 375hp, so there were differences). i don't know if this power delta is documented fully (i've never seen it). perhaps somebody else could comment further? or disabuse me/us of this incorrect assumption? [EDIT: yeah, the OBDII - thank you martin!] if that car is a one-owner car; two-years running councours-winner; with all service records from day one from FoH; in showroom condition; with a late MY build month; has had its 30K major service done; is geographically convenient for you; and the seller has been forthcoming, open, thorough, and responsive --- then if i were you i'd have a long talk with FoH about the car and would consider paying $116K for it. that's high, but i'm sure there are lesser 1999 355 spiders going for more money out there (not many, but some). definitely get a PPI. plenty of good folks in houston, right? chime in, gents! definitely have all the service records faxed to you and review them with FoH. i paid a premium price for my 355. it was my first ferrari and i was very concerned about getting a no-stories, super-solid car. i apparently did (knock-wood!). in retrospect, i over-spent (maybe even 'wasted') a bunch of money and could have gotten a similar car (not better) for notably less coin. BUT the peace of mind was, for me, at that time, absolutely worth it. my two pennies. feel free to pm/email me if you have specific q's - happy to help. doody. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5912 Registered: 5-2001 |
Renee, price wise this car should be at the $100K mark! Again, I would think twice about it and rather go with a "older" very well maintained car and save some $$$ but then that is just me. 6speed on the younger 355s is more a discount than a plus. The car truely should have F1, even if you may not like it. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5911 Registered: 5-2001 |
Tim, I can tell you what I recently sold and that to me is market value. Doody, the only difference between the 95 and 99 is OBDII and it is questionable to me if that is a "good" upgrade. The HP loss is significant. I can feel it in the 95s vs 96+ all the time. Valve Guides can be checked through a compression check. $ 300 will do the check and you kow what is going on with the car. Yes, age does have value but $ 30,000 ???? On the e-bay auction all I can tell you PeterLudwig is the same as the seller. If he is not then the seller should grab the buyer and offer him the car at the $1000 less and he still gets better money than flashy dealers can get retail from an uneducated buyer! | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 54 Registered: 11-2002 |
Renee: I'm sure someone here knows the someone at the dealer the car has been serviced at, maybe they can give you some idea of the condition. It looks great in the photos. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 500 Registered: 4-2001 |
Mr. D, Waht are those "notable differences" between the 95 and the other years (other than the valve guide issues)? | ||
| Renee Levine (Bayoubiker)
New member Username: Bayoubiker Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2003 |
I forgot to give you the link for the car! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6212&item=2428977367 | ||
| Morrie Richfield (Carnut)
Junior Member Username: Carnut Post Number: 53 Registered: 11-2002 |
Maybe its me but if the car is perfect (no stories) and you like it, 116 seems not so crazy. Just so you guys know there is a difference between the 95 and the rest of the model years. They used a different material in the 95 valve guides, I know at least two people with 15 to 20K engine jobs. Just my opinion, but get the car checked out and if its okay, I'd say buy it. | ||
| Renee Levine (Bayoubiker)
New member Username: Bayoubiker Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Doody, I understand what you are saying. Plus I realize everyone has their own bias. You are correct in that I didn't say I'm about to buy the car for $116K. But I am, though, trying to figure out what a reasonable price is. Yes, there are many 6speed spiders for sale in the 120K range. Again, the tracking thing is secondary on my list so I don't think I need to buy a car that specifically is better for the track. I don't know why I am embarassed to say this, but I must...I found the car for sale on Ebay. Here is the link so you guys can check it out. Please, any feedback, good or bad, is much appreciated. The last thing I want to do is get ripped off. That's why I'm asking you guys and some others I know who are Ferrari knowledgable. Renee | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1640 Registered: 11-2001 |
guys - relax. none of us read "i'm about to pay $116K". the asking price is $116K, and it's not an unreasonable asking price given what the dealers are looking for, etc. there are plenty of 99s listed in the 120s still. renee - everybody here has a strong opinion about pricing. take the advice here with reasonable grains of salt. it's GOOD advice for sure, and it may in fact be dead-on accurate. but obviously there are a dozen factors that dictate price that we know nothing about in your case. as for reliability, my 355 has been great (a 1999 spider that i've had for about 18 months and 5K miles or so). super-solid. no problems. doody. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1639 Registered: 11-2001 |
There is no difference between a 1995 and a 1999 martin - you know this isn't a reasonable statement. (A) the 1995s have some notable differences from the rest of the years (B) entropy happens. a car built in january 1995 is four years older than a car built in january 1999. age has value - how much value is up to the buyer of course, but "no difference" is not an accurate commentary, imo. doody. | ||
| ELI (Titanium360)
Member Username: Titanium360 Post Number: 576 Registered: 4-2002 |
Renee, i know of a 99 F1 Fiorano package titanium on blue with only 2-3K miles and the asking price is around $116K. to much money for your car if you ask me? | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1612 Registered: 12-2001 |
Don't be smitten by the first ferrari you see or are offered. Get a subscription to the Ferrari Market Letter and see just how many are available. You will want a car with a known history, that has been driven and serviced properly. They are great cars, and would make a wonderful first ferrari. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 3368 Registered: 6-2001 |
Actually martin, the 95's are supposed to be more powerful, even though the hp rated the same. this is because everything after 95 had OBDII. I always see 355's offered at places like miller motorcars(online listings), and other dealers for outrageous prices. I wonder how often people negotiate those prices down to what they are actually worth? | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Advanced Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2510 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm with Martin. That is a stupid price. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5907 Registered: 5-2001 |
at $ 116K I think he is dreaming! Why buy a 6 speed 1999? For that price you can get a Fiorano package Spider with the same Miles. If you plan on tracking you should scrape the idea of the SPider. The Bs handle much better so do the GTSs. Paul's offer is actually pretty good. Also do not look for low miles but for overall condition. Low Miles means nothing. Still $116 is insane in the present market condition if you ask me. There is no difference between a 1995 and a 1999 so why pay tens of thousands of $$$ more? Just sold a flaweless 95 Spider with 16K Miles, service, new clutch for $ 85.000, that is $30,000 less than this guy is asking. Condition wise those two cars were probably the same. 4 more years yes but it still is the same car. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 710 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hello Renee (plus others). If interested, I know of a 1997 355 GTS in Florida. The GTS has the removeable roof and gives you the best of both worlds; a coupe and a spider. Plus the GTS model is rare. I think the total production was only 1,600. It has 17,000 and the major service was recently done. The color is yellow/black. It also has a Tubi and new tires. I have seen the car and it is flawless. The owner is asking $87-88K. Contact me directly for the owners contact info. | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 236 Registered: 3-2002 |
i have a 348 spider that i track 10x/yr and i dont believe (almost) any amature who says they can tell the difference vs coupe performance. if they drive at such a level they would be prof racer. as far as safety, just add roll bar and harness and drive within yourself. will be great car for you esp coming from boxst like i did. check car out top to bottom with all service records and look to pay about 100k if ALL perfect | ||
| jm2 (Yello355)
New member Username: Yello355 Post Number: 37 Registered: 8-2002 |
I can honestly say without hesitation that i have absolutely no regrets having bought my car.I just love it.No matter how crappy a day may be, coming home and going for a drive usually cures everything.These purchases are usually emotional. I would agree with Mr. Doody however, a spider is not one's first choice for a track event,but to each his/her own. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2474 Registered: 7-2001 |
My mechanic tells me repeatedly that the 355 is the 2nd most reliable Ferrari ever made. The first is the 328. The 355 Spider is a gorgeous car, but don't go in blind. Service is expensive, and it WILL need service. If you're prepared for it, it's no big deal. If you're not, your ownership experience won't be good. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2753 Registered: 4-2002 |
RENEE..IM A TESTAROSSA MAN MAYBE DOODY OR MARTIN HERE ON F-CHAT CAN HELP YOU.. THERE GREAT GUYS,, BRUCE | ||
| Renee Levine (Bayoubiker)
New member Username: Bayoubiker Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2003 |
Geez, you guys are great...you answered so quickly...well I was wondering if the 355 is looked upon as being a relatively more reliable series. Is there anything specific to this series that I need to look for? The car I'm looking at is a spider, 1999, 6800 miles, 6 sp, and the guy is asking $116K. Any thoughts??? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1637 Registered: 11-2001 |
although others opinions will vary, i don't think a 355 spider is an appropriate track car. if you flip it, your insurance agent will be very unhappy since you'll probably be 100% toasted. give us more data and we can help. any specific questions? doody. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Advanced Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2752 Registered: 4-2002 |
WHAT KIND OF INFO DO YOU NEED?? ITS A BEAUTIFUL CAR, SINCE 98 OR 99 F355Bs GO FOR AROUND MID 80S TO LOW 90S..WHATS THE PRICE FOR THE SPIDER?? BRUCE | ||
| Renee Levine (Bayoubiker)
New member Username: Bayoubiker Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2003 |
I have the opportunity to buy a beautiful low mileage 99 and have no Ferrari experience. Can anyone help me in my decision making? I'm a Porsche owner. I have a Cayenne, Boxster S(which I'ld probably get rid of) and some motorcycles for daily drivers. This would be purely a car to be babied...and maybe taken to the track every once in awhile! Thanks Renee |