F355 Vs. Diablo in the war of Repair costs?

Hello, so I havent posted to many threads. I get most of my info from other peoples questions: However......

I just sold my F355 99'. The F355 myth of extreme repair costs didn't happen to me. I drove the car over 10,000 miles without one service interval. Never a brake, rattle, or left stranded. Now that I sold the car over the weekend (38,500) I already feel that i made a bad choice. I dont feel like the man I was before prior to having a flashy car that women LOVED!!!!!! And, I love women. So, I am thinking of getting a Diablo to bridge the gap of exotic sports car ownership. But, I am terrified of the repairs on the infamous diablo rants. So, here are my questions:

1) are these cars worse the the F355 in repairs?
2) do these require engine out service every 36-48 months? And, how MUCH?
3) is cost ownership just down right offensive?
4) what types of things are extremly important to look for in buying a car like a diablo?
5) 1992, 40,000 miles. Whats it worth?
6) Am I stupid for even considering such a move?
7) I live in Iowa, no Lambo mechanic's out here. I am on my own people!

Love the F chat. Love the feedback. Would LOVE some answers.

 

No timing belts to replace.

Normal maintenance items like any other car.

The clutch requires an "engine out" to replace ($10K) and if you like hard launches will wear out quickly. If you are careful it will last many thousands of miles.

The early cars had a chain tensioner that required updating. It would be prudent to check into that when looking at a '92.

If the car's been cared for there's no reason to expect trouble. If it's had a dozen owners and had the hell beat out of it by each of them?

Just like a Ferrari, if something breaks it will be expensive.

If you like attention, you'll get plenty driving a Diablo.

 

sorry to go off topic, but you let your 99 F355 go for $38.5?!?! Please tell me that was the mileage and not the sale price

 

I'd buy back the 355...wouldn't have to even think about that one.

 

Oil lines like to fail on Diablo's. Repaired a cylinder head on one that starved for oil.
A single bare replacement head was like 8k, and I'm not even sure it was available anymore. And NO used heads were around either.
Lambo labor and parts make Ferrari repairs look cheap!

 

Oh...and not sold the 355 to begin with...forgot to add that ;-) If you wanted a Lambo you should have bought one to begin with but it appears someone stole an Fcar when you let your go so cheap!!! Man, wish I'd have seen it....good luck on whatever you decide but you'll always have that Fcar sound churning away in your head....I couldn't ever go to the dark side....but that's just me. ;-)

 

It had 35,000 miles. In actually great condition. But needed a major. A major is about 7-10k. F355's are just not worth anything anymore. The repair costs really destroyed their value. 360's are pretty solid...... Ferrari owners prevail! A F355 should be in the $40's after a major. Hate to brake it to the other owners out there! they just arent worth any money

 

This is depressing news! The owner says he has 50,000 in mechanic bills over its life. With a recent engine overhaul. But still scared!

 

I think us 355 owners understand the cost of a major. Regardless, I disagree with your assessment. I think a fully serviced 355 is a $50k+ car. Someone got a STEAL!!!

 

Agreed, I have a friend that just sold his 1997 Black Berlinetta for $67,000 (<20,000 miles, last major in 2007, Tubi headers, hyperflows and Tubi Exhaust, great car) so this does appear to be a great deal.

 

Hmmm, I think a few of us feel that way. If the car was presentable...I'd have been all over it. I hope he does NOT post pics...there'll be some crying if the car was anything at all. I still say GIVE AWAY at his sell price...

 

Sorry owners. They just arent worth what you think. Check out ebay, thats what they are ACTUALLY selling for. And if one needs a major, 38 is a fair price. I understand that many owners are emotional about there cars, and have a HUGE self worth of what they are. But, just not realistic. Ones with a fresh 30k major go for 46-52k. If one needs a major, than 38 is what its worth.......... And trust me kids, when you go to sell yours for something different, dont be insulted.

 

I'm actually happy that you got what you feel your car was worth though. As long as you're happy about the amount received, that's all that matters.

 

I've owned both. It all depends on how you treat your cars. The harder you drive, the more expensive the bills get.
I loved my 355 and I am looking for another one. If you can, get a later model Diablo. As the years went on, improvements were made and the car became better.
Take your time looking for a Diablo. Look for service records. Educate yourself on what to look for and what to ask with respect to repairs and upgrades.

There is only one problem that you cannot avoid when enjoying a Lamborghini..... it really takes the wind out of any Ferrari experience you may have had!!!

Sorry F-Car guys!! I still own a 430 spyder, its a great car but driving a Lambo is just something out of this world. Everything is an experience, from the v12 sound to just filling the car up at a gas station. WOW!! Just getting in by opening the sissor door and hearing the "ooohhh" around you...... You may never go back to Ferrari life again

 

Ok here is what the NADA says on 355s all models right now.

FYI they show the spider the highest of all the models in all cases.

1995 Low 42,200 - 77,800

1996 Low 51,200 - 87,300

1997 Low 53,700 - 86,200

1998 Low 58,900 - 84,800

1999 Low 62,500 - 112,000

I think there are all fair prices?

 

Those are fantasyland prices

 

^

i know 2 guys that are sill orginal owners of 355s...they will keep there cars in the garage covered until they dry rot before selling for anything south of 85 grand for 97, and 98 355Bs.

though i respect prices are soft, but dont be fooled that you can find a great car for $50,000 ... taste and level of condition is different from eveyone .... how many of these cars selling that low still have original tires ?? or better still Khumo $60 tires ?? you get what you pay for... dont be fooled.

 

I think the first column is spot on. The second column, not so much haha.

 

As long as my insurance pays close to those prices if the car is totaled, I'll be very happy.

 

NADA guides should be used for used fords and chevys. Not exotics...... Honestly, everytime you want to know the REAL price of cars, go to Ebay. When people bid, the prices are what the general public will pay for a car. NADA is stupid, THAN, F car owners claim all of this service history....... That may only be the difference between 5-7k? The underlaying issue is a going price is a going price. Serviceing is apart of the ownership process and the general expense that will never be recouped when one trys to sell their car. Its part of the game............

 

First column seems a little high as well. Not crazy high, but a little. Second column is fantasyland.

Ive been closely watching 348/355 prices as I am considering getting another one in the next couple months IF I dont get another Viper.

 

Huh. Either that was a 100-point concours car, the buyer thought there was cash stashed in the trunk, or your friend is exaggerating a bit. This is ALLLLL the money for a 1997 F355.

But.....let's not turn this into a 355 market discussion thread. To the OP....do your homework. As you experienced firsthand, you avoided the major upkeep USUALLY required with a 355. If you get a good Diablo, you will be able to do the same, as if well kept, they are quite reliable. If not.....expect it to cost more than a boat with a hole in it.

 

$38.500 for a '99 355 wow! Lucky guy who bought it !!! I love the Diablo, talking about a head turner ....

 

Not anymore...not even close. You could shave about 15k off the low end and 20k off the high on those prices...that might get you closer to real selling prices.

 

Don't we call it Fleabay for a reason? Most good cars change hands privately, and never affect stats on the internet that most people have access to. I personally think a better way of seeing what market value for GOOD 355's is to compile a list of prices that authorized dealers are getting for the cars. Not to say that all 355's at Ferrari dealers are perfect, but they are probably better off than most of the ones on E-bay. I'm sure some would disagree.

Oh and why in the world do any of us care about any of this anyway? Even 3 years ago $70,000 wasn't that much to get to drive one of these bad boys. Get over it everyone. Who cares how much the d@mn car is worth, was it really an investment for anyone on here? I'm probably going to have $90,000 into mine when the stupid awesome thing is finally said and done, and it's led me on some of the craziest adventures that most would never believe. Not only that, but we'll never be that lame guy in the minivan with 3 whining kids looking at the guy in the 355 thinking "I could of... should of... would of..." I love that line, and I claim copyright to it dammit.