WANTING TO PURCHASE A F355 SPIDER 1996-1998

I love spiders,But they are a nightmare lots of problems in the f355.Ferrari.Ferrari would have been better off with a manually top in the F355s.But good luck.

 

And on what personal, first hand experience do you base this on? I would hope before you state something like that you would be able to share a story of how this happened to you or your car versus reference second or third hand information or worse, previous posts that you're read on the web.

I personally feel the 355 gets a bum wrap. As stated on a another post (on Spiders coincidentally), 355's are much like aircraft. They require you to stay on top of the maintenance and if you don't, it can bite you. There are a few people that have had problems with tops but mine has been fine and never had a problem. Having said that, I check the fluid every couple of months and exercise it because I rarely put the top up. Sometimes the bars can get bent if someone were to sit on it (don't laugh it happens) or the fluid runs dry.

All the more important to find a car that has strong maintenance records and documented history with a reputable shop or dealer.

Sorry for the rant....

 

Why on Earth wouldn't you consider a 95 as well?

 

Or a 1995 only!

I went to a lot of trouble to get 2 airflow meters, and the potential that comes with it.

 

Do a forum search on spider tops.It was a poor design. I own a 355 gtb.Headers can be replaced. .http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253156 I just think Ferrari would have been better off with a manually top in the F355s.No problems.my 2 cents

 

Marcello, my bad. I guess I'm over sensitive to people posting that either don't own a Ferrari at all or state something with no basis. Clearly not the case with you.

I think 355's a great cars and get pretty upset when anyone attacks them. Don't totally agree on the spider issue but, then again, perhaps I'm lucky but I do firmly believe in a strong maintenance program.

 

Or a '99 for that matter!

 

Enjoy a sweet car.Brother

 

I'm not down on any 355 because I love and own one. But when I was looking to buy (took about a year and looked at a bunch) I saw three spyders where the top didn't work correctly. I am sure fluid may have been an issue on one or two of them and the other the seat didn't travel all the way to allow for the top to open or close (I forget now). After calling the dealer I was told it can cost up to $2K to fix the problems. I love the spyder but 355s have enough potential issues without another one. I decided to buy a coupe and have no regrets.

Yes, I agree to buy a car with ALL records. You won't regret it now or later (especially when you decide to sell).

But as we all know some people on this forum are looking for an "inexpensive" or "cheap" Ferrari. I don't think there is such thing.......is there?

 

Did you ever think that some people ONLY want a convertable ... it's a completely different driving experience. I never have my top up, except when it's really cold out. BTW, my top has worked flawlessly for 5 years and counting. Just keep the fluid level up