| Author | Message | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 27 Registered: 5-2003 |
Guys thanks for all your input. I made my decision and will hopefully pick up the 355b this week. Deep down, I don't think either car is a bad deciscion, I just had to go with my gut. Thanks again. | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 132 Registered: 10-2002 |
You think mid $60's is high for a nicely represented 348 Spider ?? I agree the 355B price is a steal and that is what makes this deal so tight. Do you think the 355 ( non Spider ) will ever sell for less than a 348 Spider ?? Interesting thought, what do you guys think. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4727 Registered: 5-2001 |
JOn, you have two things here. The Spider is a little high on price. The 355B you have is an absolute steal. Heck I guess I will be losing my shirt on the yellow 1995 B I have bought. One word though, the clutch on the 355 will go any time now. It requires a throwout bearing upgrade. Some dealers want to charge you for a disk and plate in one but you can effectively also replace just the disc and save some real $$$. The throwout bearing replacement is not cheap either. In all about $2K you are looking at. | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 306 Registered: 10-2002 |
Guys, I have 1994 348 Spyder and I was having the same problem deciding. I like the more raw 'Go-Kart' style handling and feel in the steering. You must drive the 348 spyder. The 348 spyder is the last of the models with all its problems resolved. I have 365 BHP from mine with not cats and a tubi, just sounds like the F355 and nearly the same performance. The styling on the 348 is nicer, more agressive looking. The 355 is nice and the rear end of it is nicer then the 348, thats all. The 355 is much better on performance and more forgiven in its drivability. If I bought a 355 I would have to go for a later model most probably the 355 syder F1. The later the model the better the car. | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
New member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 20 Registered: 2-2003 |
The reason I traded my 355B was because they seem to be in a price tailspin right now. Especially 95's amd 96's. I wanted to preserve as much of my equity as I could and the 355 had slowly dropped to 4th in my current rotation behind the 575, 360 and Z8. (I'm a little sick I know). The price thing means that you can really find well priced 355's (B's and Spiders), not far off 348's. The 355 is simply a better car and if the price difference is under $10K there's no question I would choose the 355. | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 131 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jon, I think your last post says a lot about 355 B prices, lots of better deals happening on these cars right now. How will you feel after a year. Dollars aside, try them both. As for the manual top - after you have done this a few times it will probably take you approx. 30-45 seconds to put down and under 2 minutes to affix the boot. At worse double this if you move at a snails pace on the boot. I still like the 348 styling top up or down - my .02 | ||
| BJ (Bjkim)
Junior Member Username: Bjkim Post Number: 101 Registered: 10-2002 |
I would choose F355 Berlinetta. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 365 Registered: 6-2002 |
Omar; OOPS, of course I do  ) http://web.mit.edu/bic/www/5-24-02-%20F355%20Spider.jpg It is a confusing one though, there's much debate over the use and orgin of the word. The back of that Rosso 355 is enough of a compelling argument for me though! Best! Ben. | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2003 |
Sorry for the miscommunication on the $15,000 price. When I originally started this thread I was looking at a different 355. I have subsequently found a better deal with the 355 at 71k with 22k miles. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 592 Registered: 9-2002 |
Ben you mean a Spider? | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 364 Registered: 6-2002 |
Wade- most track days I've been to ask you to run with the windows down anyway. Though I agree in principal a hardtop is by far the better choice for track use. GTS/Targa car is also good for the track. Spyder isn't as suited, though I'd track one anyway, it'd be more at 9.5/10ths  Best! Ben. | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 55 Registered: 4-2003 |
$71.5k-$66.5k=$5k difference. Where did you get $15k? $71.5k for a 95 355b sounds like a good deal to me. | ||
| Wade Nunez(FortuneMotors) (308nut)
Junior Member Username: 308nut Post Number: 220 Registered: 7-2002 |
Jon if you are going to track the car then the 355 is by far the choice, the wind noise in the spyder will aggrivate the hell outof you on long track days. Also I noticed the price on the 355 b with 22k on it remember my 95 355 B with 6500 on it for $80 let me know what you think and even if you do not buy my car I think the 355 is the wiser choice of the two. Wade my ..02 | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2003 |
How hard is it to deal with the 348 spyder top and cover. If you just want to go out for a quick ride is it worth putting up/down. Also, what do you think of the look of the 348 with top up? | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 360 Registered: 6-2002 |
If you want (read: LUST AFTER!) a Spyder, get a Spyder, end of story! I agree with the others, get the car that ignites your passion more! PS: I'd recomend you drive both, take the top up/down, etc. You need to know what you're getting into here. Best! Ben. | ||
| scott chivers (Spider_scott)
Junior Member Username: Spider_scott Post Number: 51 Registered: 3-2002 |
Im contemplating trading in my 94 348 spider for a 355b sometime before the end of the year. How do the two cars compare reliability wise ??. My 348 has so far been a great car with only a couple of small problems, ive had it a couple of years now and just fancy a change, I know ill miss the top down experience of the 348 spider(cant quite afford a 355 spider)...maybe ill stretch myself and go for a 355gts!! | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 703 Registered: 9-2001 |
Jon, The 355 is by far the better car! If it wouldn�t it would be a "bad" Ferrari since the 348 is it�s predecessor. Still the car is "just" a VERY good face lift of the 348. 355 owners often tend to forget that when speaking bad about the 348. The 348 Spider is definitely the better investment since it�s production number is far lower compared to the 355 GTB. I would buy the car which fascinates you most. If you like the extravagant but more 80ies style and a much rawer and bruter handling go for the 348. If you like the all in all better car which is more comfortable and handles and looks more civilised go for the 355. Anyway you do it will be the right choice since both cars are just great IMO. Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2003 |
Alex, I am coming out of a 1999 911 c2 Cabriolet that I use as a third car (as I would the ferrari). I am located in NJ and top down weather is usually 4 months a year (if the weather cooperates). I do not plan to take either F-car on the track, it is more just the pleasure of driving an exotic car that puts a smile on my face. As far as the manual top, I am not sure. The porche top came down in 20 seconds and did not need a snap type cover. Is the 348 top a pain in the A!% as well as puting on the Convertible cover with snaps?. | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
New member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 19 Registered: 2-2003 |
I had them both. A 94 Spider and a 96 B. Different cars for a lot of reasons. The Spider looked great and handled beautifully with direct predictable steering. The B looked great as well, just different. Far more classic look than the 348 series, but it was almost ordinary in its ride and feel. The real question for me is whether a soft top works for you. Is the weather cooperative where you live? Do you ever use your car for club track days? Do you mind the manual operation of the top? I personally prefer coupes to Spiders and my current stable has only hardtops. | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2003 |
Down to the wire. Lets get a final decision from you gurus out there. Here are the details: 1994 348 spider red/tan $66,500 14,950 miles 1995 355 coupe red/black $71,500 22,000 miles Both have had major service with belts out. Please help, I can't make a decison. Thanks | ||
| neal (95spiderneal)
Junior Member Username: 95spiderneal Post Number: 146 Registered: 3-2002 |
i had this same decision last year and went with the 348 spider with no regrets. i love the top down aspect and even though i track about 10x year i do not miss extra 50+ hp esp coming from relatively low powered boxster. if $ no object get 99 355 spider otherwise go with 348. | ||
| Rohan Mani (Rmani)
New member Username: Rmani Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2003 |
355 targa | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 737 Registered: 12-2001 |
348 Spider. As everyone has said, more responsive steering. Also, I just think the 348 spider is a better looking car than the 355B. | ||
| Chris A. (Asianbond)
Junior Member Username: Asianbond Post Number: 123 Registered: 5-2002 |
I agree with Martin's comments. If you want a more raw mechanical direct feel, go with the 348, the steering feedback is excellent for tight curvey mountain roads. If you prefer a more comfortable experience for cruising the boulevards and interstates then the 355 would be the better choice. | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2003 |
Speaking of Nicolas Cage, I just saw the movie 'Family man' on cable. And the first words out of his mouth after he wakes up in the alternate life are: 'WHERE IS MY FERRARI?!" | ||
| Lou Papaleo (Papaleo1)
New member Username: Papaleo1 Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2002 |
Martin - you know the drill, this is your business. We have all been there before - knowing when to pull the trigger is just as much luck as it is planning. We have all been victims of insecurity or paralysis with indecision when it comes to a purchase of this nature. Sometimes you win, other times you have to move on to the next one. Enjoy - | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 130 Registered: 10-2002 |
I will be the first ( not anymore since I tried posting this last night ) to vote for the 348 Spider. Yes I own one, know that part is out of the way. I can not deny the performance upgrades that the 355 has but I also have to vote for top down over Berlinetta - the Spider also had all items sorted out, 95 355 has the usual beginning of a run issues. I also vote for the Spider as a better value since prices have stabilized and the car is far more rare since only 1090 were made. I think over 4,000 355 Berli. were built. Compare both models in the same body style and the 355 shines on performance alone but a solid top against a Spider and I have to have a Spider. Just my .02 - add $25,000 and get the 355 Spider or save the money and enjoy the travels with a 348 Spider. How often are you driving at the limits where the 355's performance advantages will be noticed ?? | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4726 Registered: 5-2001 |
I somehow disagree with most of you. I had a 348 for 3 years and now a 355 Spider for 2 months and right now I am driving a 355 B. The 355 is definetely improved over the 348 power and comfort BUT the handling on the car is bad. The 355 handles like a normal car. Like a Mercedes. I personally like the 348 for its direct steering. The power steering kills the 355. Jon, since you are talking 2 different worlds, between a Spider and a B your main focus is cost. In that case I would go with the 348 SPider and have less depreciation in the coming years than on the 355. 348 Spiders have lost value over the last year tremendously (about 10K) and will hit a rock-bottom soon. The 355 B will have some more way to go. Might as well buy the Spider today and trade up in a year or two. Lou, I know a fellow that is not very happy that you bought that car. He was heavily negotiation with Sean on this car. Unfortunately never pulled the trigger right and that is how you got the car. Happy it stays in the F-Chat family. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 1782 Registered: 6-2001 |
Jon: I had a 94 Sypder. Bought a 96 355tb. Go with the 95, if its had the problems sorted. There is no comparison. Art | ||
| Dr. Ken Lee (Kenster888)
Junior Member Username: Kenster888 Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2003 |
It appears that those who traded are from an early 348 to an early 355. Now if you read Forza's 348 buyer guide, they made specific comments about how late 348s are much much better than early 348s. Also note that the 348 spyder was so popular at the time that Ferrari was selling the 348 alongside the 355 at the same time in 95. The problems with 95 355s are well documented and there are faults with the 348 such as the mad mouse belts. While I do agree that in general a newer model is better than an older model (e.g., 360 better than 355 better than 348 and so on), but I wouldn't go as far as saying it is night and day, especially comparing your 94 348 spyder with a 95 355. Now the question is how much premium can you afford and do you want the top down experience. If so why not go for a 355 GTS or a spyder? | ||
| Tom Lassen (Nzo4re)
New member Username: Nzo4re Post Number: 26 Registered: 3-2003 |
I totally agree with everyone else. I just got out of a 91 348ts and into a 95 355B. It's another world. Get the Berlinetta and don't look back. | ||
| Lou Papaleo (Papaleo1)
New member Username: Papaleo1 Post Number: 29 Registered: 6-2002 |
Damn, the prior post should have been addresses to Jordan. Sorry ! | ||
| Lou Papaleo (Papaleo1)
New member Username: Papaleo1 Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi John. . . that's the one. Bought it from Sean Harris. The car is absolutely awesome and dealing with Sean was a absolute pleasure. The color attracts more attention than you could imagine. . . and the strangest thing happens regularly. . . ladies just jump in the front seat and, well, I will just leave that up to your imagination! Thank you, Nicholas Cage !! :-) | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1079 Registered: 12-2002 |
Lou, that wouldnt happen to be Nick Cage's old 355 would it? That car looks so familiar. | ||
| Lou Papaleo (Papaleo1)
New member Username: Papaleo1 Post Number: 27 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi John - I just traded me 1991 348ts for a 1995 355 Berlinetta. . . I couldn't be happier! In my opinion, the 355 is far superior to the 348. It is faster, more refined, more comfortable and just all around a more sophisticated car. My 348 was a fun car and with the roof section removed, it was a great ride. Having to live with the leaking problem was really a pain in the neck, though, and placing the top section behind the seat effectively eliminated the legroom for anyone over 5'5"!! Hey - if anyone wants to purchase my Carbrella from me, please drop me a line. It was never used. In addition to the improved performance of the 355 over the 348, the mickey mouse seatbelts in the 348 are just ridiculous. They have a mind all their own and rarely work efficiently. In my opinion, get the 355 - you won't regret it! | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 969 Registered: 9-2001 |
355B  | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2003 |
355B without question. the performance is not even close.... | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 561 Registered: 11-2002 |
355. Just make sure the inherent problems of the 1995 model year have been fully sorted. You can't go wrong with either, but that 355 is just gorgeous. Cheers | ||
| JON BAER (Bobaer)
New member Username: Bobaer Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2003 |
For a difference of about 15,000 would you choose the 1994 348 Spyder and enjoy the top down experience or would you choose the 1995 F355 BERLINETA. Both cars are 9+. Thanks Guys |