Hi, I've been reading up a lot on Ferrari ownership since I'm considering whether to get an F355 or a CS. For the record I've posted a similar thread on the F355 forum, since they are individual and don't know how mich cross reading owners do on the different forums. Looking for owners experiences of the F355 or CS, in terms of regular maintenance and servicing. Are any of the two cars likely to have sudden drivetrain failures? I drive very sympathetic but can't know whether the previous owners have done the same. Can engines generally be repaired if anything happens or will they need to be replaced/ does anything tend to fail on them? Is the CS much better built? Does it need fewer visits to the dealer? In terms of regular maintenance, the engine needs to come out on the F355 but doesn't on the CS? So is the CS less expensive to maintain or does it have other big bills that the F355 doesn't have? Have they reached an age where lots of small annoying things fail constantly? Thank you very much.
I've had two F355 GTS and one Stradale. As much as I loved my F355s, the Stradale is so much better a car. The 355s both required a lot more maintenance and the Stradale has only required routine services and a battery. But go DRIVE a Stradale and I think you will answer your own question.
They're $100,000 apart....so if the 355 breaks, you can buy 2 more. If a 355 meets your needs, buy it and save $100k. If the CS only meets your needs, why consider the 355?
Exactly what I was thinking. I don't see a natural progression form 355 to CS, unless the OP is referring to a "plain old" 360...then it makes sense.
Thanks guys. Sorry - should have explained better. The reason the 360 isn't in the mix is that I just love the Strad, especially the sound. If any other 360 it would have to be the Spider I think. And I know it's more expensive, but then again it's value is higher so I dont mind. I'm asking in terms of overall problems, costs and of course enjoyment. edit: The price of the 360 coupe is also pretty close to an F430 coupe, but they are fantastic cars as well... Just more attracted to the aforementioned - maybe I shouldn't be. Challenge64, what kind of niggles did you have on the F355s, and was that a long while ago? I'm guessing the niggles only gets worse with age unless they are 'fixes'. Sounds good in regards to the CS.
If you can afford either I suspect you should let your heart lead you as they really are quite different cars and one will likely make you happier than the other.
Chistoffer, take your time and examine all options. When I was looking for my first Ferrari last fall, I started with 308/328, progressed to 348, then 355 and finally settled on the 360. The main reason was the reputation for reliability the 360 has as well as significantly reduced service costs (no engine out). I got a spider with a Tubi exhaust and it sounds amazing. I don't intend to track the car, so for pleasure driving, even "spirited" driving, it has more than enough power. Also, many, including me, believe the 360 is the best value in exotic car ownership right now. Jumping from a 360 to a 430 is a significant jump in performance, but also in price for cars with similar mileage. Bottom, line, as FerraiDublin advised, drive them and see which one ignites your passion then go for it!!
Sounds like I'm going through the same kind of process as you, although I havent really considered cars as old as the 308. It looks great but it's just that bit too old for me right now. A 360 Spider with tubi sounds like you made a smart choice. You are right I need to go and drive them to see if one steals my heart more. But either car will be amazing. I'm trying to find out what car is best for me in regards to things that are impossible to know from a test. Both cars looks to be great options at the moment, and still reading my way through older topics.
The Stradale is the best 'affordable' Ferrari. It's gorgeous to look out (esp sans stripe). Sounds amazing (Nothing short of an F50 or a 599 GTO sounds better) but it's the way it drives that is the most memorable experience. I was fortunate enough to have driven an Enzo and i always like to say it's a more powerful version of the Stradale.
I just got a 360 last week and also have a 355. I have had the 355 for 3 years now. While I love the 355, it is a totally different car. The 355 is a great car but it feels outdated and more like a "classic" rather than a modern car that seems more daily drivable. In a nutshell the cars are completey different and cannot be compared. I would say go 360 or CS for your first Ferrari and then if you still have the itch for the 355 then get one later down the road. The 355 can be frustrating and more expensive overall to maintain. Even with the actual sticker price being cheaper when purchased, if you add I'm service and problems they may cost the same over a long period of time.
I met an Enzo and Strad owner the other day and he said the Enzo was an easier car to drive than the Strad
If your biggest concern is maintenance and reliability and you have the means to buy a CS, why not get an F430? No belts to change, a nice modern interior, and overall the car has proven to be quite reliable. I know it's not what you asked, but perhaps an option you should consider.
Best to ask in the 348/355 section, but both my F355s were 1995 GTS models. The one thing I didn't have was a header problem. I did have issues with everything from some shocks going bad to the tanks that sit on top the engine that hold the oil or radiator fluid leaking. (Honestly don't remember which - although I can spot the cap and tank in a photo). It was not enough to ever say a F355 GTS was high maintenance - just a tad more than a Stradale.
what he said - best advice right here. stradale is just a baby enzo. no where close to the standard 360 and the purest ferrari since the f40. it's not just a lighter / faster 360, it's a completely different car that shares a similar look. funny enough, my favorite f-car outside of the CS is the 355 (6-speed, berlinetta). you're making the decision i'd be making - congrats on picking out the 2 best f-cars since the f40... tough decision for sure! *if you're asking me, just go all in and buy both.
CS without question. The 355 is one of the most beautiful cars ever but the service is a bit much for me. The CS is close in the looks dept but so much more car and more modern. Less maintenance dollars as well.
Thanks guys and bjorn156 - we think the same. In regards to the CS brakes, I read they are the same as on the Enzo, which are then the same as on the ZR1 Corvette - does anyone know if I would be able to buy Corvette brakes and save a lot on the carbon ceramics? I'll try a search and delete the question if I find the answer btw.
Answered your question here... http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141547622&postcount=612
Thank you very much for the extremely informative and thorough post 360trev! I really enjoyed the video as well. Looks like there are definitely possibilities. Regarding the different pad material, I assume one should actually go with the least hard/racy pad in order for it to wear more in comparison to disc wear? Thank you.
