Pursuing a dream

The 355 is gorgeous but expensive (compared to other Ferrari V8's) to maintain. I considered all models from the 308 through 355, as I had budget for any of those. I would rate the 355 and 328 as my favorites among that group based on looks, but the potential five-figure service/repair bills on the 355 discouraged me. Do a search on this board - tons of useful posts about 355s.

It all depends on your budget, obviously. The early 360s are still depreciating, and there are tons for sale. $100K will soon get you a nice one, and you can basically pick your color/trans. Especially if you want a Spider, I think you might be happier with the maintenance.

That said, the 355 has always looked a bit more "Ferrari" to me. I think everyone loves that car.

If your budget is $60K-$70K, the 328 is the car to buy now. You can get a good one and have $10K in the bank to handle after-purchase expenses. Performance is mediocre, but I've had one for a year and have found it very manageable (reliable and not too expensive to run) for an exotic. Also, everyone recognizes it, so the car rolls around with its own cloud of celebrity about it. It doesn't do 0-60 like a 355, but you feel a lot of public adoration at lower speeds so it all works out.

If you like the looks, the 348 also seems to be a deal, and there's a nice red '94 Spider for sale near me for $64K. I happen to be a fan of the whole 308-355 run, but some people don't like 348s, or are afraid of the single timing belt design or flaky electronics.

They're all expensive. Make sure you sit in and drive the ones you're considering. They're all quite different.

My two lira...

(and welcome to FChat)

 

Here is your car: (on FerrariAds)
http://www.ferrarichat.com/ferrariads/showproduct.php?product=1569&sort=1&cat=11&page=2

 

+1---Jon is right on the money

 

For your research: http://www.the348.com/tech/348.html


There's also a 348 vs 355 cost comparison there.

 

Well written and very accurate!

The 355 (GTS, if I have my say in the matter) will be my next car, no doubt about it. There are many good examples of the model I have worked on and looked at this summer.

Until the 355 budget comes to be, the Carb 308 still does it for me. It will be even better when it has an engine to boot!

Dave

 

Tough question to answer in a few words.

Time tested Bosch engine management system, very good yet quite simple.
Power to weight makes an excellent performance package. Vehicle size and weight compliment the suspension design and wheel / tire sizes nicely. The sound and body shape are timeless.
The 355 is the last of the small, light (well ?) nimble, powerful, throw it sideways with predictabilty...... cars. After this model everything is wind tunnel designed and, to me, lost some of the classic Italian body design. The technology that goes into the 360 and on is incredible to say the very least, but the wind tunnel dictates its shape and style. This is a must in the "maximum speed" contest but is useless to most of the owners. The time we all spend above 100 MPH, where the body designs of the later cars start to work, is limited to say the least. Body shape is a matter of personal preferance and I am in no way saying the cars after the 355 leave something to be desired, the size of the 355 is what I like.
The down falls of the 355 have been identified and quality, time tested fixes are now in place for these problems. There is a great deal of untapped performance left in the 355's and we have been researching reliabilty issues when those are implimented.
The 550 is an exceptional GT car for those with that requirement, the 360 with its ground effects is a serious contender and great multi-use car.... With 99.99% of my driving being done in town, highways around towns, and short mountain drives, the 355 is the right size / performance package for my uses. There is also enough power that mine will get a reciever trailer hitch for when there just isnt enough space.

Dave