I had always wanted a 355 spider. Decided to buy one off BAT and it just got delivered here this week. I've put maybe 50 miles on it so far and if it wasn't for the Tubi headers and exhaust, I wouldn't be impressed at all. The sound is fantastic. That's about all I can say. The gated manual is iconic but I'd rather row gears in my S2000. I was expecting angels to marshal me around as I drove a Ferrari or something special. What am I missing? For a car that takes maintenance like it sounds like the 355 will, what makes you all love them?
1.Is this serious? I'd like to start there. You'd have to be in a near comatose state to not recognize the performance and driving pleasure the 355 has to offer.... 2. Is the car in tip top condition mechanically? New-ish tyres (tires) not 15 or 20 year old tyres. The car hasn't been sitting for 20 years? 3. Have you driven it in anger on a long section of winding road. Where you can take advantage of the handling/balance and so forth?
Yes, serious. Car is in fine shape, had a recent engine out major. Unsure on tire age to be transparent. Car was driven by prior owner a couple times a month he told me. I don't drive rapidly or in anger and always take the back roads.
Ive had an AP2 and currently daily an AP1 s2000. I'm pretty much in love with that car, it fits like an old pair of blue jeans. I expect to love my na1 NSX the same way once it has PPF on it.
Perhaps you can give us some more details? What type of driving are you doing? What specifically is it that you don't like or are unimpressed with. What other Ferrari's or exotic cars have you driven which were manufactured in the same time period which you can compare it to? Have you driven any other Ferrari's?
I rented a 355 Spider from Rent A Vette in Las Vegas in 2003. Car was relatively new at the time. Was in perfect condition tho I’m sure it wasn’t babied. At first i was not impressed and I’d never driven a sports car before nor anything with more than 200hp. Between my expectations and the wonky roof and the tight shifter I was let down. It wasn’t until I got out into desert did I understand. I fell in love. I had to be pried out of that car. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Same time period is key, it's a classic experience not a modern one. Sounds like you were expecting a McLaren. Issue is not the car it's your expectations. Sent from my SM-G990U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Old Ferraris are not old Hondas. The NSX was built as a reaction to old Ferraris, in fact. It just might not be for you.
I get the same feeling in a 993, 250k for this rough tail heavy go kart? The 355, it's just not for you I'm afraid. Sent from my SM-G990U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Thanks for listening to me. I do think selling it is the right thing to do. Going forward, I've had my eyes on a 458. How does one sample before buying?
I have both a 355 and 458- It's no sin to not be a fan of the 355- You either love them or you dont- I love mine but the 458 is a complete different ballgame- The 355 is analog- 458 is digital but with NA soul- If your not blown away by the 355 then sell/trade it- Nothing wrong with that
I'm pretty impulsive. Had some cash, it looked cool, so I wanted to buy it. Not a whole lot more than that.
Well...you should have driven one 1st before you bought on BAT. The 355 and many Ferraris for that matter are the hot prom queen but when she is on your arm she has BO and bad breath. All those guys envying you from "over there" don't get the same wiff.
I think you've figured out the main point for the 355 over an NSX, S2000s, Porsches, etc - its the sound of the engine. Sure it handles well enough but a slightly modified Miata will out corner it. It looks great but a Countach poster graced far more bedroom walls. The combination of looks, power, handling and that glorious sound is what drew us all in. The only thing I'd sell my 355 for is a different one.
Maybe be less impulsive, do more research. Think more about what it is you want/expect, talk to people and so forth.... Good luck.
Sounds like the OP just sold his company or got an inheritance and is going hog wild. Good for you OP. Be impulsive. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
(I posted this comment accidentally in the wrong thread. So moving it here as well.) I kind of have to agree with the OP. An F355 is only special if you want an F355. Performance wise, no, not that special compared to many, many other cars. My Cayman S out performs it in just about every way other that top speed (useless on the street), sound, and appearance. I had more fun tossing my 89 BMW 3 series around. I did things with my Miatas I'd never do with a 355. I bought my 355 for one reason, I wanted one. I love driving it, event pushing it over 6000 RPM every now and then (Yes I do. ) but performance wasn't a factor. What makes it special to me is I just like it.
Hmm, if it's not a car that you connected with after driving it no amount of explanation will change that. My first guess is you were shifting at 6k Seeing as you have an S2000 I'm guessing that's not the case.
Yes, exactly. I just sold one of my businesses. After two decades of reinvesting cash flow, I decided to play with some of it finally.
