Not wanting to open another can of worms on the 355

If you are concerned about valve guide problems--Buy 98 or 99--You have alot better chance of NOT having those problems..
I would say a valve guide problem could be picked up on during a full PPI to include compression and leakdown test..
The word on the street is all 355's will eventually have header problems, but every car is different and I would not be so quick to say ALL cars will have a problem--alot of variations to that theory..
Intake manifold problems?? That is a new one to me..
I would say most cars will eventually have sticky pieces..All depends on how often it is in the sun and what you use to clean the interior-I use water only..damp cloth..
I would not go as far to say ALL 355's will have ALL these problems. Some may have a few little problems and others a ton of problems. No different than any car made in the world. The GOOD thing about the 355 is these problems are known and are not a surprise when they happen.
When was the last time someone bought a new Lexus and could predict at some point the dash leather will shrink...You are never going to know. At least with these cars the main problems are frequently spoke about and many solutions are offered to fix most of these problems...Just my 2 cents...

 

Don't give up. The right car is still out there.

Not all 355's have valve guide problem. Late 98 and all 99 have upgraded valve guides as to earlier cars.

All 355's will eventually have exhaust manifold crack problem just as mater of time and how much heat you stress on them. I think most owners here don't have that problem.

Not all interior shrink or melt. Again, it all depends on how much maintenance care was given and how much sun exposure.

Haven't heard of intake manifold crack problem....?

Other possible problems: Clutch, F1 pump and/or relay, shock actuators, A/C compressor, stress crack at the base of c-pillar (for berlinetta and GTS anyways)... But nothing money can't fix.

 

If you want a GTB car--I know where a great black/tan is for sale--recent service priced right...

 

I'm also looking. Have been for 6 months. I believe it when they tell me it takes time but the right car will come along - eventually.

If you want to see a couple of well maintained cars for a change, there are two really nice 355s right here in So. Cal. - both are advertised in FerrariAds.com. One in Burbank by "kev355" the other in Irvine by "EdMo7".

They aren't red but they sure look nice.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-1998-FERRARI-F355-GTS-RED-TAN-18-926-MILES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6212QQihZ006QQitemZ160129496390QQrdZ1 Check this out...Looks VERY clean..

 

What are you looking for?

 

certain year or interior color?

 

That sounds like me when I was looking....

BTW, if does not have to be RED, EdMo7's car would be an awesome choice. It's got all the right upgrades and done right. More importantly, car was serviced by no other than Master E (Eugenio). Ed's car was the inspiration to get my own last year. Someone will be very happy with that car.

 

"But nothing money can't fix"

Spoken like Man !

awesome car Patrick ! No Substitute for Capristo.

.....don't give up Robin, you'll find a car eventually. patience is the key.
most people who do their homework take 6 months or longer.

 

Just get a 348 and be done with it

Just don't get red, there are too many of that darn color
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Did you check these out?

http://www.sportauto.cc/inventory_ferrari.htm

I think they had 5 red 355s in inventory a couple of weeks ago. In fact the hard part is to find one that's not red...

I bought my 328 from Sport Auto in '05 and would recommend them.

 

I think this is the most honest thing you've said, indicating you don't have the initial capital for the car you want (your $80k budget won't get you a no story '98 or '99) nor are you ready for the $10k service bills that can happen at any time. I'm still working to grasp that too.....

Nothing wrong with that, like you I drive a bullet-proof Porsche (996TT) that is great fun to drive, but less exotic. I think a GT3 would suit you best.

 

Nahhhhh, once you get bitten by an F-bug any P-car vaccine isn't gonna cure it!

Besides, Robin has already got plenty of P-car experience...he needs that Rosso Corsa F-car.

 

I spent over a year looking for a 355 while owning my 328. I passed on a couple due to sales pressure and 'shadiness'. We eventually found mine in Denver at a consignment shop. I paid for my mechaincs airfare and days salary to head out there and interogate the car for about 5 hours, made a decision, made an offer, and had it back in KC that week. I knew that a 30K and headers were in my near future, within 6 months or so, but I was prepared.
So lessons learned on my part:
1. Be patient
2. Know, have, and take a knowledgeable third party, experienced F mechanic
3. Do a leakdown and thorough inspection
4. Insist on records and carfax being available when you arrive, or prior to
4. Have a $ number in mind before you get there and be prepard to walk
5. Have your disposable income in check for repairs or don't buy a Ferrari
6. Plan on and do the required maitenance
7. Wake up every morning knowing that there is a 355 in your garage waiting for you and that the weather is good
-Billy