Would You Buy One with 53,823 Miles?

+1, you were planning an immediate engine out anyway, so it wouldn't be that much extra to have the guides done (if that's what it is, and it most likely is) at the same time. You could tell them $30k pending leakdown (on their dime) to determine the source of the low compression - if it's coming from the valves then it would be a killer deal even with a valve job factored in. I do understand being turned off, up to you. It'd be a shame to let the car waste away, though.

I'm a sucker for a project, maybe I'll call and offer them $25k and build a track car if they take it....

 

Glad you were diligent in your approach and tested it thoroughly.

 

Ouch. This is a Fcar mechanic project at $25k. I wouldn't do it. It isn't just the money. It's also the time and risk involved. If it needs the engine sleeve in #6 and head work you are going to be eyeballs deep in the $$$ by the time you are done.

 

Great opportunity for a DIYer to get into a 355 for 348 money.
1. Drive it like ya stole it as-is
2. Shop for good spare motor.
3. Swap motors.
4. Continue to drive as if stolen,
5. Rebuild original motor.
6. Swap original motor back in
7. Continue to drive as if stolen
8. Sell or keep spare motor
9. Count change, buy a set of slicks.
10. Let your children worry about resale value
11. Live happily ever after.

 

You are up Bruce! Do it!!!

 

No, Steve, I need rehab. I currently have 2 348s plus half interest in the legendary 358LM. I only have a 2 car garage. The red 348ts tree car is totally disassembled and in the body shop, with all the parts here. The yellow 348C is here. The race car is here. Need room. Need help. Considering Hazelden.

 

If it was a spider or GTS, I'd pluck down $29k for this.......may have that much under couch cushions.

 

If the guy asked for an offer and your didnt even this him one.......well that seems a little stupid. He may take it and you send it to a shop and have the work done. The time you actually have in it would be minimal. You were already going to drive it to a shop for a major so no time lost there!

 

Stupid meaning you didn't even make an offer. Hell, he might have taken $20,000! Just saying.

 

True, he may have taken $15K. Who can sell a 355 with a funky engine these days with all the info available on the net? He might have turned down $25 in the past and is now kicking himself.

It probably was the right decision to pass, as engine work on these cars can take some time
to complete.

 

My 355 just passed 43K, but both exchanged exhaust manifolds and both cats has been replaced and the ac compressor once. Anyhow, the car runs fantastic.

 

I don't think it's stupid to pass. I passed on a car a couple of years ago that needed less. Why buy a car that needs a lot of work when you can but one ready to go for probably the same total investment and be driving it immediately. It's a false economy to buy a fixer upper with all the unknowns involved. This car in particular seems to need a lot.

 

I got 58000 miles on my 1995.

Hyperflow cats
Renovated oem manifolds by QV London
Larini silencer
Hill Engineering throwout bearing
Just replaced all wishbone rubber bushes.

Car drives amazing
Strong as day one
No warning lights

Oh had the starter motor fixed with a new plunger ladt week for 100 dollars..it was getting stuck
Oh....the drivers door window guide bracket has cracked...20 dollars to get it welded up.

I adore my 355
Sublime engine/transmission
Wonderful balance
The most beautiful car i ever seen other than a miura

 

Oooh. What's that?

ketel

 

I'd be interested in a Larini Loudener. Is that a thing?

 

Okay, I am getting into this thread late, and I did NOT read every post....but my car is for sale. 1997 red/tan spider with 62k miles. Asking $49,900 AND, it is a no excuses, damn near perfect car....blah, blah (I can see the eyes rolling lololol!)...I'm sure you want details, and here they are:

1) Major service performed Jan 2013 by Ferrari of Seattle. Used Hill Engineering tensioner bearings.
2) 2012 I had the wheels refinished, lug bolts rechromed, new factory oem center emblems, and new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires installed...90% tread left. 285/35/18 rears!
3) Interior has no stickiness, as it was done over by Robbie at Stickynomore several years ago.
4) Hill Engineering metal gear upgrade to all four Bilstein shocks
5) Capristo exhaust, and Capristo bypass valve (no rattles) the sound of that exhaust is totally intoxicating. I installed in 2011, and regret I didn't do it years ago.
6) SRI/Dave Helms gold connector kit installed for utmost reliability.
7) QV London upgraded/rebuilt exhaust manifolds installed 2012
8) Newer oem catalysts
9) Convertible top boot cover replaced with new oem three or four years ago (they run $3700)
10) I have receipts going back about 12 years with Ferrari of Seattle. I have owned the car the past 9+ years. I am the third owner.
11) Has the Yoshi thin fender shields
12) Upgraded HIR Phillips headlight bulbs. LED back up lights to prevent melting of lenses.
13) Comes with 5" thick 3 ring binder full of receipts going back 12 years.
14) Clutch was done around 44k miles with all oem parts, except the throw out bearing, which is the superior Hill Engineering part.
15) Spared no expense for repairs...examples: Shifter rattled, and could not be adjusted anymore, so I had the entire mechanism rebushed at the dealer (nice and tight). Had a squeak in the steering, and had the steering rack bushings replaced. Has newer engine and trans mounts, all the dash lights work, no "check engine" lights. You are free to contact FoS and speak with Mark Glenwood (technical director) or Eric Brickley (service mgr) for details on the service history of the car. It is presently at Cats Exotics for sale, contact Roy Cats (no, I will not sell it privately) I am happy to speak with any prospective buyer, just PM me for my phone. Roy will have pictures and details up by Friday... it is at his shop presently.

As I said, no excuses....it is fully up to date on services and the cosmetics are outstanding. It is really a shame to sell it, since it is going for a song...but I don't have garage space, and been itching for an F430 for a while now.

 

We call headers, manifolds.
The big box at the rear we call the silencer.

My Larini wails..high pitched

 

Don't buy a 430 u will de disappointed ! But if u want to flog the larini chimney pm me

 

Sounds like a decent outcome. My car is sold as well...I'm going to miss it...there is no substitute for a F355 with a Capristo.

 

BMW 3-series.....meh