The F355 a 'Maintenance Hog'...I disagree! | FerrariChat
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The F355 a 'Maintenance Hog'...I disagree!

Discussion in '348/355' started by billyfitness, Jan 29, 2009.

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  1. billyfitness

    billyfitness Formula Junior

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    Bill Leavitt
    #1 billyfitness, Jan 29, 2009
    I had this response in another post but I think it warrants some discussion:

    I am so tired of hearing the F355 getting labelled as a 'Maitenance Hog'. I think the only reasons it obtains that label is because:

    1) Many used ones are abused and/or neglected and have you to fix the problems the previous owner didn't do but should have
    2) Many owners just plain drive the sh*t out of it, redlining it everytime out
    3) Many don't do the required maitenance or change out 'wear parts' when it needs to be done

    I think the F355 is a heck of a reliable and maintenance free car as long as you do what your suppose to do when you're suppose to do it, do a thorough-don't-cheap-out-on-replacing-parts engine out, warm the car up properly before hitting it hard, and have an honest and reliable mechanic or invest the time to know the car yourself.

    -Billy
     
  2. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #2 gothspeed, Jan 29, 2009
    I will jump on this band wagon ............... I agree completely ........... one should not wait until the car dies before getting some work done it ........... there are lots of things that can be maintained that will prevent a host of issues ............. :)
     
  3. thurston howell III

    thurston howell III Karting

    Jan 10, 2009
    77
    #3 thurston howell III, Jan 29, 2009
    +1 i have had mine for 9 years now and i got her from an abusive owner.I don't understand how people can destroy a car in just 9k miles! Anyways i got her all up to date within the months of purchase and haven't had a problem since,except maybe the top but what convertible don't .
     
  4. traimpz348

    traimpz348 Formula 3

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    #4 traimpz348, Jan 29, 2009
    If the cars runs great, but every 4 or so years you have to spend $7k+ for a service ... well no other way to describe it "Maintenance Hog".
     
  5. Dean355

    Dean355 Formula 3

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    #5 Dean355, Jan 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2009
    I agree completely as Oz also said. I have had no issues at all with my 355 except for a sticky throttle since I bought it almost 8 months ago! It has been awsome!
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #6 f355spider, Jan 29, 2009
    355's ARE maintenance hogs. I service my car way above the requirements, have all critical services performed by my local dealer, and am intimately involved in all service requirements on my car, performing many myself. And it still breaks and crap leaks anyway. But I make no excuses, I love the car. ;)

    If your 355 is not a maintenance hog, they it is simply because you do not drive it enough or are skipping services! My car has over 50k miles by the way.
     
  7. Dean355

    Dean355 Formula 3

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    #7 Dean355, Jan 29, 2009
    In the last 8 months since I've had it, I have driven my 355 any chance I get. I have put about 3500 miles on it and it has been awsome. Had no issues except the throttle sticking which has been fixed. That's the max extent that I can drive it, and it has been great. Not sure what mileage/month is considered as "not driving it" or as "driving it too much", but in my case, that is the most I can drive it, so I am happy with the realiability.
     
  8. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

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    #8 speedy_sam, Jan 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2009
    Disagree, this is merely a price of admission. Gotta pay to play.

    BTW a 348 will cost $7k or so every 4-5 years as well while I suspect the equivalent on a 355 is about $2K more.

    I would define a maintenance hog would be one that breaks down often, that spends more time in the mechanic's place than at your home, that is the last choice for a long trip, etc. All of which are not true of a well sorted 348 or 355.
     
  9. Dean355

    Dean355 Formula 3

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    #9 Dean355, Jan 29, 2009
    +1

    PS. "Gotta pay to play"........ I thought that was only relevant to Illinois Governance! :) :)
     
  10. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
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    #10 J. Salmon, Jan 29, 2009
    Ask Daniel how much a 348 can cost you.

    It is the nature of Ferrari. And I am addicted.
     
  11. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #11 jetfixr, Jan 29, 2009
    Well,

    I agree that it *is* a maintenance hog, I have 2 and they both eat money. Further, I think ALL Italian cars eat money, my Maserati spends a ton of time in the shop and its damn near new! This does not mean that I do not love these cars, after all who can design a car better than Pininfarina? To me it's worth it.

    Chances are if it hasn't broken into your pocket book yet then it will...Give it time:)



    This is the nature of the beast, I have never known anyone to view a Ferrari as a reliable vehicle. In fact, this is sort of what makes them not within the reach of the average Joe. Those folks buy Corvettes, Porsches, and Vipers!

    I'm happy that some of you have had an enjoyable experience. You should feel thankful that you have been blessed with many good miles, I certainly would prepare yourself for the worst however.


    Weasel


    P.S.-The most reliable Ferrari I ever had was my 308, I still miss that damn thing :(
     
  12. billyfitness

    billyfitness Formula Junior

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    #12 billyfitness, Jan 29, 2009
    I bought my '97 F355 with 29K miles on it, so it had basically one major and a clutch. My stock headers failed at 33K at which time I did a major-major: engine out, new headers, every hose, clamp, wire, pump, boot, replaced. Sure that cost. But, since then it has been nickle and dime stuff and now I have 42K on the car.
    $7K to pull an engine, not just to replacing timing belts, but to inspect everything at eye level and replace as things needed is a small price to pay for this type of machine IMHO.
    -Billy
     
  13. jetfixr

    jetfixr Formula 3

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    #13 jetfixr, Jan 29, 2009
    Billy,

    You have a good car that's for sure, dont ever sell it :) :)
     
  14. schefdeh5

    schefdeh5 Formula 3

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    #14 schefdeh5, Jan 29, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I agree with Bill,

    There is NO WAY it's a maintenance hog. There's a bunch of idiots out there with too much money and get the Ferrari for the ego show, not because they appreciate its timeless looks, or beautiful engine work.

    I don't care the F355 drops to $.01 and every other retard drives one. I'll drive it because I love it, and appreciate its looks and performance.....

    You gotta take care of the baby..u kno...

    Some more motivational pictures....:
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  15. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #15 UConn Husky, Jan 29, 2009
    Depends on what numbers are quoted...if the known issues are taken care of, should be 'only' a $4-5k engine out (independent price, not a dealer) every 4 or 5 yrs...say $1k per year. I can deal with that for the pleasure of driving a 355 :D
     
  16. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #16 gothspeed, Jan 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2009
    50k ??? ............. you freakin rock Mr. Rection!!!!

    Just for reference ..................... my VW has sucked far more money than my 355 has by multiple factor .................. my VW is on its second engine ..... each engine had their respective cylinder heads off for various reasons ......... and the following parts have been replaced in the past 2 years .......

    CV axles twice!!
    Steering rack twice (one replacement was defective ;) )
    Water pump
    Idle control valve
    Heater core
    AC compressor
    Battery
    Wheel bearings
    Catalytic converter
    Both front A-arms twice (bad bushings)
    Shifter linkage
    Clutch
    Leaking oil pan gasket
    Leaking crank seal
    Leaking cam seal ...................Tires/brakes/fanbelts .....etc etc

    Granted it is my commuter ........... but this was just in the last 2 years ............. :eek:



    .
     
  17. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #17 Bullfighter, Jan 29, 2009
    What he said. I wish the services were cheaper, but then you take it for a drive and it all makes sense.
     
  18. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

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    #18 vvassallo, Jan 30, 2009
    goth u r sure lucky it wasn't ur 355 u were commuting in or you'd have had to sell the house!
     
  19. thurston howell III

    thurston howell III Karting

    Jan 10, 2009
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    #19 thurston howell III, Jan 30, 2009
    one of the main things no one has mentioned is your doctor. How good your mechanic is,(ie experience) makes the world of difference. God knows it took me a long time to find mine. I've been to some real idiot shops before, when my exhaust manifold when out and the car started missing ,these fools gave me a tune up charging me over 1200.00 not even two blocks from the shop the car does the same thing when i bring it back this guy(the owner) is scratching his head going "well, uhh why don't you leave it and we'll run some more tests" (morons)i took the car to the dealer not only did they find the problem within minutes but covered parts under california emissions law. Your doctor will determine how bad your car is going to be. A good doctor will tell you how to properly take care of your baby. Also lets remember these aren't Honda accords , but fine tuned violins
     
  20. billyfitness

    billyfitness Formula Junior

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    #20 billyfitness, Jan 30, 2009
    Eddie's exactly right. Ferrari Mechanics are definitley not all created equal. And, I wouldn't even say 'created'. Many are just plain unqualified, lazy, or crooks. I could tell a hundred stories from the shop where I take mine about cars coming in that 'just had service' and still have check engine lights, rattling, misfiring, leaking, etc... My favorite has to be when I showed up in Denver with my mechanic to do a PPI at a shop that offered service and the car had no coolant in it and maybe 4 oz of gear oil. The engine bay sure was shiny though!
    It's not that I have a better car than anyone else, but a trustworthy, meticulous, experienced, and ultra-qualified mechanic.
    -Billy
     
  21. gatorgreg

    gatorgreg Formula 3
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    #21 gatorgreg, Jan 30, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2009
  22. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #22 gothspeed, Jan 30, 2009
    Awesome vids ............. :D!!!
     
  23. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #23 f355spider, Jan 30, 2009
    +1! ;)
     
  24. 355 Fixer-uper

    355 Fixer-uper Karting

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    #24 355 Fixer-uper, Jan 30, 2009
    Anyone ever try to maintain a Lotus Esprit V8? It has the 355 beat hands down!
     
  25. rllucero

    rllucero Formula Junior

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    #25 rllucero, Jan 30, 2009
    Yep, BIlly is a true entusiast. He knows how to drive his car and enjoy it. When I was looking to buy mine, he took me out for a ride in his and of course that ride re-enforced that I should buy a 355.
     
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