Hello! I currently own a F430 and Porsche Cayman R. Prior to the F430, a 550. Now that I have a 1 year old daughter, I see myself driving the Cayman R less and less. Roughly around 800-1K miles a year. I’ve been thinking of selling the Cayman R and moving into a 355. If I purchased a driver quality 355 with some miles (20-40K) would ownership be pleasant for my 800-1K miles a year? I want to be realistic with potential ownership, cost, down time, etc. My Cayman R is roughly worth $75-80K but is a simple car, reliable and trouble free. But the low annual miles make me think I should get into something that is more of an occasion. Let me know your thoughts! Thankfully I’m used to Ferrari ownership so this won’t be totally new for me! My first ride in a Ferrari was a 355 and that memory still lasts. The sounds, the sounds.
Like the movie line “…like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. I drive it like your Porsche about 800-1k mi a year. over the past 3-4 years and my car has only needed a battery (last major in 2019). Last fall it threw a Catalytic converter code (both) which I’m sure will call for something, but I have not looked at it yet. So that’s not bad for reliability.
Intertesting post as I'm sitting here at 16 years of multiple Porsche ownerships (911's, Boxster Spyders, Macans), now with a Macan GTS (grocery getter) and a Gen1 Spyder (sister to your CR) and sniffiing around the 355 market. I briefly dipped my toe into the 1974 Alfa GTV market but was surprised at just many things were constantly going wrong and sold it to an enthusiast with more time than I had. With the 355's, many low mileage ones that I run across, what's the owership experience really like? Glorious days of driving with the flat plane 8 wailing behind you or days of white-knuckly trepidation if it will start? Maybe this needs it's own thread. I can search as well. Thanks in advance, JP
I really enjoy my Cayman R but only putting 800 or so miles on it a year makes me question if it’s the best use of the car. I personally think buying the right 355 is where a good ownership starts with. Same with any Ferrari. My F430 has been solid over the past 5 years, but I bought a solid car. So with a 355, recent major (and a properly done major), compression test for valve guide issues, proper PPI, etc. I personally would like to find a car with long owner history and to buy private party. That said, I’d still earmark $10-15K for the just in case scenarios. I’m surprised by the value of the 355, truly amazing. Compared to what people are paying for Porsches these days.
355s are fine, the issue is not the car it’s the previous owners. Many examples havre time bombs in them from abuse and poorly done maintenance and work and cut corners on issues then sold them to unsuspecting owners and wash rinse repeat.. that and time, most parts and wiring were not designed to last 30 years. It’s like musical chairs, there is a chance you’ll be left standing. Odds are these days you’ll have issues that royally suck. Maybe not but probably. Again it’s not the car it’s precious ownership issues especially with drivers and lots of owners. No one sells a car because it runs too good.
I've sold a ton of perfectly running cars. Just always feel like I want to try something new. That's why I sold my first F355 but will not make that mistake again
I would beg to differ. My F355 had some unknown to me issues when I bought it and by the time I sold it 5 years later, it was running well and looking great. It was sold due to health issues that made using the gated shift painful. Also sold my F-Type R that was kept meticulous inside and out. Sold it since I needed to have a fun car that is also a daily driver. The new owner is very happy. There are people that dump their problem cars onto others and then they are enthusiasts that take good care of their car and the new owner receives a great car. Just need buy from an enthusiast..
Yeah agreed with everything except the last line, every car I have sold was running in tip top shape, because that's how I like to treat them.
Yes but generally we do t buy cars from ourselves, we buy them for typical neglectful po’s. Hell I rebuilt my motor cause it failed due to crappy service and then replaced everything and I mean everything, when I do sell it then new owner will be problem free for a decade. Unfortunately I did not buy it from myself. WE sell great running cars but as mentioned we are the exception not the norm. We all know it to be true.
