Help with possible 355 Purchase

Whenever I've inquired about them in the past, my list of q's includes the following...

1) How is the Carfax? Any accidents, liens/title issues to be concerned about?
2) Sometimes scratches don't come across in photos. Ask if there are there any scratches/dings/dents which can't be seen in the photos?
3) Actual cost/logistics in real world terms (after taxes, excise/use tax (if any), paperwork, license, the works&#8230?
4) Do you have the service history/books/documentation of the car?
5) When was the last major service done? Follow up, what exactly was done during the last major service? I.e. belts, H2O pump, clutch, cat converters, valve guides, manifolds, ECU connectors etc.
6) Some early '97s have had connecting rod failures due to bad connecting rod bolts. Are there any issues with that?
7) Any cold engine start or other engine issues? Does it run smooth?
8) Was the Nov 2009 recall inspection done on the fuel distribution block connection? Any damage/replacement?
9) Any harsh gear shifting issues or a rattling gear stick (annoying and somewhat costly to fix)?
10) Does the exhaust bypass valve rattle?
11) Do all supports work well for raising/holding the hood & trunk in place (open)?
12) Status of tire wear?
13) Status of spare tire inflation can / tool set.
14) Are there any electrical issues with the upgraded sound system or elsewhere in the car?
15) Do the controls/knobs all function (i.e. windows go up down at normal speed from both window switches – sometimes both windows work from the driver’s side switch, and the passenger window switch doesn’t work – radio/cd player work. A/C blows cold/heat works -- the A/C compressor can be a weak spot of some 355s)?
16) Is there any noticable rust in the buttress/rear wing seams?
17) Is there any noticable rust on the sill plates?
18) Has it ever been smoked in?
19) How is the condition of the leather? Are the seat bolsters, etc. in good shape?
20) Are the control knobs, etc on the interior "sticky" at all? Many 355s have this problem, as the interior knobs/panels are a somewhat low grade plastic and are prone to problems.

I'm sure I'm forgetting things, and some of the cosmetic things can be seen in photos, but that's a good basic list that I use.

Good luck! She looks nice!

 

I would also want to know if there is an aftermarket stereo (given the money I have paid Scuderia Rampante to fix the hatchet job the previous owner's highend stereo installer did I will now pass on any Ferrari that has an aftermarket stereo).

Ask if the SRI gold connector kit has been installed (it makes as a huge difference in my experience).

I would not let sticky interior parts turn you off a car that has great compression numbers and the valve guides completed, Ferrari has offered sticky parts as a standard feature for every model since the 348 (including the Enzo) and Stickynomore can fix the issue permanently at a very reasonable cost.

There are very few cars that are more fun to drive than a well sorted F355 Berlinetta, but one that has not been maintained properly or with cobbled together service by someone who does not know what they are doing will be less than an acceptable experience.

 

Im picky and this car from what I can see looks nice.

 

I have been to that dealership to view a 360. They are very reputable and a good place to get a used Ferrari from. I worked with Pat Persichini who was very helpful and very knowledgeable about 355's.

I was in the car biz in a former life and I can tell you the best advice I have seen is buying a car from a dealer that sells that car. IE if you want a used Mercedes get it from a Mercedes Dealer. I have seen that most high end car dealers have a reputation to protect. When a used car comes to their lot they can choose to resell or wholesale. If the car has any issue they don't feel they can fix and still make money or my cause them headaches later on it goes to wholesale. They only keep the cream on the lot. Ferrari of Newport Beach had a few used Ferrari's when I was there and all were in pristine condition. Some super rare like a silver Enzo.

The worst place to get an older Ferrari in my opinion is Al's Used Car Lot, Vinny's Exotic Cars or Fast and Furious Brothers (you get the idea). You are asking for trouble with an atractive low price and no documentation.

 

As far as price goes, when my dad purchased his 328 (and this may be just a particular dealer's opinion), he was able to get a slightly better price on the car as it was after the "high season" for the cars. He bought his during the summer, and was told that most previously owned Fcars were purchased in the early spring months and there was a relative lull later in the year.

Probably to be taken with a grain of salt, but it's another tidbit, FWIW.

 

agreed

 

Some great information in this thread.

 

Looks like a nice one at a decent price. The aftermarket whiz-bang stereo unit always turns me off but that's minor (assuming someone knowledgeable did the wiring). Good luck - I hope it turns out to be "the one" for you.

 

Just went through the same dilemma you are going through. (purchased a 99 355 with 10K a few weeks ago) Getting a "concrete" maintenance number is impossible because of the variables associated with purchasing a used car. After some research my best guess is to expect to pay 10-20K for the next 5 years for service. This would include a 30K service which is 5-8K depending on where you go. Also this 10-20K number is going to go higher if you drive the car a lot 10K+ miles a year. I figured about 5-7K miles a year for me since it is a second vehicle.

There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum and some respected mechanics so take my advice with a grain of salt as I am new to Ferrari ownership.

Best of luck and you will not regret your purchase. As someone else stated "it was the best gift I ever gave myself" I could not agree more.

 

Routine maintenance is about $5-6K for an engine out major every 5 years, a little more if they find some odd stuff. Water pump rebuild would probably be included in that range. Figure about $1K per year for the annual services - fluids and filters. Tires, well, if you need them, that's variable depending on what you prefer. One set will probably run you about $1200, less if you look for slightly used sets on eBay.

Now, if anything breaks, wow, it can add up. You've got a bunch of computers on that thing. Interior parts shrink and wear. These can add up too if you insist on NOS parts.

The good news is that this forum is dedicated to saving you cash and helping you to maintain the car at a more modest level, if you are so inclined. Lots of experience here too.

Buy well and wisely. That's the best tip to keep your maintenance costs down.

 

Darn! Sorry to hear that. The right one will come along...

Amazing that he would buy it for only a month of use.

 

What about having the dealer notify him to contact you in a month to buy it from him?

 

I see...I just re-read the post and now it makes more sense...go for the 458