Looking for a 355

Recently started my search for a 355. Looking for a 97/98, rosso or yellow. Berlinetta/ GTS/ Spider- flexible on. Mileage/ kms flexible on. An advantage is that I am looking for an LHD.

Would love some feedback/ advice from Fchatters as to which specialists to go to or buy private (if so anyone know someone who can check it over?), if you know of anyone selling a 355 that fits this bill, anything in partic to look out for, etc. I am based in London/ Surrey area. Have got a good feel for prices now, but would value others input.

Thanks on advance.

Cheers, Charlie

 

Charlie, I recently purchased my 355 a couple of months ago. Main thing to do is to monitor cars for sale for a while at both the dealer websites and on autotrader so you have a really good feel for the prices at the moment. I looked at cars at both dealers and private sales, and ended up buying privately.

The most important thing without a shadow of a doubt with these cars is to get a comprehensive PPI at a Ferrari specialist, I had mine done at Verdi's in Hayes, they carried out a very thorough check of the car (including compression tests etc). This highlighted all the bits that needed doing to the car, and was a very good tool to use in negotiating a sale price with the seller.

Cheers
Eric

 

Joe will be selling his 355 spider, as soon as his new toy arrives.

 

Charlie

I'd give Mike Wheeler at Rardley Motors a call. www.rardleymotors.com He might be able to locate something for you.

Also, my big tip is to make sure you get the Red master key fob as well as a Black one. If you don't you can't programme new remotes and will have to mess about getting a completely new set (not to mention the £££'s).

Good luck

Steve

 

I'd echo these remarks. Usual rules apply; private is cheaper, but buyer beware. A dealer sale will probably come with a warranty and some comeback if something goes wrong.

Welcome to Fchat, and I hope you can find your dream car soon!

Robert.

 

Hey Charlie,
I have PM'd you.
Ade

 

Thanks guy for the gt advice. Am off for further viewing tomorrow, after extensive research. Can't wait................

Does anyone have a Tubi fitted to their car? Would you recommmend?

Cheers.

 

Charlie

There are many many threads on here about Tubi exhausts. Try doing a search on Tubi to get feedback.

Many of the UK guys (including myself) have a 355 with Tubi and it is a truly magnificent combination , once you have heard the sound you will never go back to standard.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search.

James

 

Charlie,

Check out this thread for other options before you commit...

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22730

Good Luck,

Seb

 

Dont know where you are but there are two 355 gtbs at the performance car dealership in Duffeild Derbyshire. One red with black, and i noticed today there was a new yellow one with black, screen price £58,000, but he always comes down.

 

Charlie,

I'd recommend getting your @ss down to KHPC. They were the first and last place I went to. Didn't quite have the car / price I was looking for when I first visited, but within a few days, they called to let me know that just what I wanted was arriving in a couple of weeks. I basically did a deal over the phone. First time I ever went out in a 355 Spider was when they took me for a test drive in the car I had just placed a deposit on...............!!!

Can't recommend KHPC enough!

Cheers and good luck whater you get and wherever you get it from!

Dem
d;-)

 

I've got a LHD 355 (1996) first registered in Italy and it does not have a factory fit immobiliser, i.e. no red & black key fobs.

As far as I can tell immobilisers were not standard fit in Italy on the 355 (maybe prospective theives are scared of upsetting 'the family').

I raise this for 2 reasons:

1, check the immobiliser situation before arguing the toss with the dealer

2, the car will need minimum Thatcham 1 alarm WITH CERTIFICATE OF FITMENT to bring it in-line with the UK Spec & to get any insurance. I additionally needed a 24hr tracker which cost me £400.

 

Just to add my two pennethworth regarding immobilisers / insruance, I have a 1996 LHD 355 Spider which was apparently improted from new from Italy. It does have both black key fobs, but not the red one unfortunately. Regarding insurance (with Footman James), the did not require a tracker (and I live in London!), but did request a Thatcham 1 immobiliser / alarm. I stated several times that the car had the original Ferrari alarm system, but that I had no certificate or proof that it was Thatcham 1 approved. According to FJ, the car is listed as having a T1 compliant system so I was OK. No certificate needed.

Of course, come insurance claim time, who knows what they actually needeed me to have....................

 

Most companies will also accept a letter on headed paper from the dealer you bought the car from. My 355 had an alarm fitted in Germany with no installation certificate and they were happy to accept a letter from KHPC confirming the details of the immobiliser fitted.
As long as you don't write the letter yourself they're fairly ok about i

 

My car has Immobiliser and Tracker fitted

 

If you speak with Liverpool Victoria, they don't care what the car does or, does not have. Still insurnace it for peanuts. . .

Although, my car came from Germany and is fitted with a VDO immob, which I can't get any info on in thei country.

Rob

 

Well many do indeed have tubis as do I- have to say there are many other choices out there as the other thread on sports exhausts show.

For many owners a TUBI is not the best exhaust, ok it sounds good at over 3.5k but it has a horrid resonance at 2/3 K which equates to 60/70 in 6th which is where you are most of the time.

Wish i had not bought mine!

 

did you buy it from scuderia systems if so take it back and get your money back as manu says if you dont like it they will refund your money please let me know what happens

 

Ill buy it off you I luv resonance

 

I am still here guys and thanks to all of you for your fantastic advice/ input, both here, via PM's, on the phone and in person. Cheers.

Spent most of last week looking @ 355's some excellent, some dogs. Put in a couple of offers on 2 different cars yesterday, owners are having a think, so will see outcome next week.

In the meantime should nothing come of these, I am still on the hunt. To define my search more closely, looking for a 97/ P (or younger), must be LHD, Red (or Yellow), Spider or GTS, manual, MUST have full history from main dealer/ recognised specialist @ least annually, plus all paperwork. Not so concerned with the no of kms done, provided it drives well and is tidy. Anyone thinking of selling or know of anyone thinking of selling, pls PM me.

Thanks all.