Buying a 355, To F1 or not to F1? | FerrariChat
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Buying a 355, To F1 or not to F1?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Iceberg, Aug 30, 2008.

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  1. Iceberg

    Iceberg Rookie

    Aug 11, 2008
    5
    Langhus, Norway
    #1 Iceberg, Aug 30, 2008
    I am loving the 355, and finding my self in a position to finally aquire one here in the icy north of scandinavia i am torn between buying one with the F1 and the manual stick shift. The economist and rational part of me (be it minutely small) tells me in the left ear that buying a ferrari with an F1 gear is stupid. As I intend to use the car as a daily driver in the summertime, i will fast and furious rack up some heavvy milage. Changing the clutch every year-or every other year seems like a totalt waste of money to me. ( I know, economy and Fcars dont match, but hey im a workin stiff)

    As I intend to keep the car, i think buying a manual is the right way to go. Hassel free (if there is such a thing) ownership and service intervals to live with.

    What do you guys think, should i buy the F1 for the thrill, or stick to old skool and manual for the long haul?
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,703
    South East
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, Aug 30, 2008
  3. RossoCorsaItaly

    RossoCorsaItaly F1 Rookie
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    Jun 9, 2004
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    #3 RossoCorsaItaly, Aug 30, 2008
    Daily driver F1 here. 27k miles on original clutch (bought car a little over a year ago with 14k miles)

    Only potential issue really is the F1 pump which there are cheap solutions to fixing it.
     
  4. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,608
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    Jon
    #4 Bullfighter, Aug 30, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2008
    Stick to the old school for the thrill and the long haul.

    I have an F1/DSG box in my Audi (better than the old tech in the 355s). It works as advertised, but I'd liken the difference between the DSG and a true manual to the difference between adopting a kid and conceiving one.
     
  5. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2005
    1,168
    Sweden
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    Johan
    #5 johan6504, Aug 30, 2008
    I am on my second 355 F1 now and wouldnt have it any other way, I would go for the F1. But F1 v.s. manual is religion here so drive a few cars and find out for your self...
    Where in icy north of scandinavia do you live? I am in Göteborg Sweden, why not fill in your profile settings... ;-)
     
  6. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    Sep 29, 2004
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    Chas
    #6 Oengus, Aug 30, 2008
    6 speed gearbox for me
     
  7. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
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    Jay
    #7 UConn Husky, Aug 30, 2008
    In my opinion the F1 is the BEST!!! Absolute blast to drive! The F1 is extremely reliable...BUT being located so remotely you might want to consider the 6-spd just to be safe. The F1 can go through clutches faster if not driven properly...and if you do have a problem, it helps to have a skilled F mechanic nearby.
     
  8. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
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    goth
    #8 gothspeed, Aug 30, 2008
    Mechanical and chassis condition being equal, I would go for the manual 6-speed .... :cool:
     
  9. gf1red

    gf1red Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2006
    413
    Staten Island N.Y.
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    Mike G.
    #9 gf1red, Aug 30, 2008
    Keep it simple 6 speed, remember these cars are not brand new and the potential for a problem could be greater with the F1.
     
  10. Iceberg

    Iceberg Rookie

    Aug 11, 2008
    5
    Langhus, Norway
    #10 Iceberg, Aug 31, 2008
    Definately torn right now. looking into importing a car from germany, but dare I say it also looking into Porsches as well. ( I know I will probably ble ousted immedeately:))
    Still cant decide. I have never tried the F1 system because no one in my imediate "circle of trust" owns one. Stick shift and turbos are the order of the day around here.

    Hey how about that Tesla (kidding)
     
  11. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 11, 2004
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    Robbie
    #11 285ferrari, Aug 31, 2008
    Your close to the Koenigsegg factory, go for that!! :D
     
  12. Iceberg

    Iceberg Rookie

    Aug 11, 2008
    5
    Langhus, Norway
    #12 Iceberg, Aug 31, 2008
    Even if I had the money, I somehow dont think I would be able to drive it for to long without getting it twisted around a lamppost. (Its a real mans car, in the sense that you actually have to know how to drive to go really fast in it :)

    The local tirebaron here in Norway (sharif) bought one and ran it straight into the sandtrap at a meet for streetcars. It sure is a beast. For us posers Audi will do you know.....;-)
     
  13. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 27, 2005
    4,367
    VA
    #13 J. Salmon, Aug 31, 2008
    First Ferrari and/or only stick shift car for a person who likes to drive stick, get the manual.

    Other manual(s) to drive and you like the idea of the F1 box, well then get the F1.




    If you have any plans to use the Auto mode, get the Porsche :)
     
  14. Fpassion

    Fpassion Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2005
    599
    #14 Fpassion, Aug 31, 2008
    Part of the feel is the engagement with the vehicle and what better way than hearing click click as you shift through the gates.

    Let us know what you decide.
     

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