What to look for when buying 355

schefdeh5 · Jan 6, 2009

J. Salmon said: ↑

PPI = private party inspection. It has to be someone good, someone you trust, someone with 355 experience. Even then, they may not catch things.

On 355s, the compression and leakdown test is the most important test, to look for valve seating issues. There are tons of threads about this, so do some searching, but be prepared to spend some time. Unfortunately it is a real problem that has bitten people hard.

Second most important is records concerning the last major. Make sure it was a competent shop, and make sure it was actually done! enjoy reading about the recomended interval

There is so much debate on failed headers - why they go and what to do - that it is hard to mire through it. The cheapest route is the QV repair, at $2500 or so. Cats can also be a problem. The factory ones are crap and very expensive. I know of issues with hyperflows on 355s, though others have used them without problem. So, some of us run test pipes...

All the interior plastic bits car be refinished. The leather starts to go on the instrument cowl first, and in the back corners around the butresses. Once it starts to peel on the dash, there is no turning back the damage. You either live with it or get the piece redone. If the interior is in good shape, then regular conditioning and some common sense will keep it looking good for a long time.

Clutch on the 355 is not that expensive (about $1200 complete, $800 ish for the part). If you know what you are looking at, there is a cover under the housing that you can remove and physically see how much friction material is left. Still, a blown clutch is not going to bite you bad here like it could on some other cars.

There are other issues that can come up, like broken adjusters on the electronic shocks, Spider top and seat issues, buttress cracks... these are high strung cars, but they are soooo fun! and this is a GREAT time to be looking to buy. Best of luck, -J.
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Thank You,

I'm still very patient. If I'm gonna get a Ferrar iA, then I don't want to regret it. I'm saving all this into a file so I can look back at it later on.

bkniep · Jan 6, 2009

What numbers shouls i be looking for in a compression/leak down test.
Thanks,
Bill

97spiderman · Jan 7, 2009

bkniep said: ↑

What numbers shouls i be looking for in a compression/leak down test.
Thanks,
Bill
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Bill,
You and I are in the same boat, I too am searching for my first F-car. I have recently found new wealth and a 355 is in my future. The prices for these cars has come down and the enjoyment factor for (355) is awesome. It appears as there are several potential expensive issues that are inherent with the species. My gut tells me to be patient, do your research and cast your checkbook to the wind. I kinda feel even with a thorough PPI, Murphys law could prevail. Best of luck,
John G

schefdeh5 · Jan 9, 2009

97spiderman said: ↑

Bill,
I kinda feel even with a thorough PPI, Murphys law could prevail. Best of luck,
John G
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+1

hahaha

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