Looking to buy 1st Ferrari have some questions

Terry Mir in Port Huron might be the guy you are thinking of.

 

Spend a long long time reading all (ok : some of) the threads asking the same question in the 348/355 section

 

'95's handle exhaust modifications better if you have any plans for that. There were not many revisions in the model years that I've seen, the significant one is the change to obdII from obdI made in '96, which gives problems with exhaust modifications. The shock towers were revised sometime in '95 to a stronger design due to some cracking. There were some very small detail changes. Some time in '99 they switched the valve guide material as quite a few earlier cars had valve guide issues, and this is one of the main issues that gives the 355 a bad rep. Horror stories of $20k engine out services due to bad valve guides etc. Do your homework on this item, read up, get a PPI and check service records. The f1 system honestly seems fairly reliable with exception of the pump, but you can retrofit a 360 pump if it goes bad. There are other issues with the cars - the main one being exhaust manifold and catalytic converter fragility.

If you want as close to a trouble free ownership experience as can be had with a 20 year old Ferrari, buy a car that has had the valve guides done (or a late '99 with sintered guides from the factory - an inspection would be required as there does not appear to be any date or build number that they started with), has aftermarket headers and cats (or test pipes), has had the throwout bearing replaced with the Hill unit, has fresh clutch, the 360 hydraulic f1 pump and has had a recent major service that includes Hill tensioner bearings and a water pump rebuild. Be prepared to pay a premium for that car, but it should be as reliable as any other car that age.

The only other issues the car would have should be fairly minor stuff that any 15-20 year old car would have (worn rubber bushings, motor mounts, cooling system etc.).

 

There are reports of cars with half bronze, half steel. The only way to know for sure is to inspect, which can be done by opening an airbox and putting a scope down to look at the intake valve guide. There are some pictures somewhere in the forum of that what that looks like.

That said, there are still plenty of cars running around on the old style guides without issue. If a car had a clean leakdown, I personally would not rule it out. This is an area you must do your homework if you are concerned with maintenance costs and are not mechanically inclined.

Nothing will guaranteed you wom't have issues in the future, there is no such thing. Besides, after
driving a good 355, you won't balk much at havimg to pay the piper should he come calling, they're that good.

 

My friend buys all his exotics there and is very happy with them. He has purchased two or three Bentleys (currently has a Continental GT Speed) and two Lamborghinis (currently has an Aventador).

 

Check the 348/355 forums, headroom is covered in detail there. I don't think there's a difference but with the top behind the seats, there's less legroom.

 

Good luck with the search and when you eventually take the plunge. I think that the 355 is one of the prettiest 'modern' Ferraris.

I wouldn't discount a manual though. They are very sought after. I understand your concerns re the clutch but you must understand that the F1 box takes some getting used to - you might not initially like it - and around town I dislike the pull-off on my 360 F1. But once on an open road or track it is GREAT!!

Welcome to F-Chat too

 

You are 6'4 and want a 355? Have you ever sat in one? I am 5'10 and always say if I was an 1" taller I wouldn't want to try and drive this thing. I have taken my 6'4 friend for a ride a couple of times and watching him try and get in and out of the passenger seat is something to see.

 

Go sit in a couple different older Ferrari before you decide which model to pursue.

As stated, you probably won't fit comfortably in a 355; oh well.

I am tall also, and bought a 456 GT in order to be able to fit comfortably in a Ferrari: with the seats back all the way, reclined a bit, and with the steering wheel moved to its highest position it works okay, but things are still a bit tight.

 

Very nice! I have the same year/model/color, show us some pics of it!

 

+1