Morning all Further on from my recent posts regarding changing my 993 for a 355 I've been trying to put together some running costs, and wondered if someone could take a look to see if i'm somewhere near. Insurance - About the same as my 993 but perhaps a £100 or so more. Tyres - Again about the same as the 993, new set every 10-12K. Fuel - A bit thirstier 15-18 mpg. Servicing - Heres the dodgy one! I'm only going to do around 3K per year so I'm assuming 1 annual service at around £500 + vat and the Belt service every 3 years at around £1K + vat. And a major service every 2nd year at around £800 + vat. Have I got it about right? And one last question, whats the normal life expectancy of the clutch? I've seen a number of reasonably low mileage cars advertised with a new clutch. Cheers
you are about right except for the servicing aspect, at a main dealer ( I use Graypaul) the belt service is £2000 to £2500 and the annual about £1k. Clutch life seems to vary drastically dependant upon driver abuse and if it is an F1 or not.
Why is the price a problem?? I can't get near the pumps to get a gallon in me tank, let alone be able to pay for it.
I think your service costs are a touch on the low side but not by that much. Most specialists will charge between £500 -650 for annual and between £900 -£1300 for belts . VAT is extra.
Most people go through rear tyres on a 355 in under 8K miles - we had a poll on this a while back. I dont think ANYONE did 12K miles on one set of tyres even with a less sticky tyre. If you do manage it, you wont have enjoyed the car at all
running cost on the 993,, I have has been on average £500 service,, but last year £1800 as it need clutch,, insurance on 355 is pretty much same as 993,,,,,, have spoken to couple of pals who have 355's... and various dealers, specialists,,, all suggest putting £2000 away each year,,, and it will level itself out,, one year may be £1000,, but you will get bills,, of £3000 and £4000, once in a while,,,,, I'm expecting around £1000 year service plus £2000+ when the belts come round,, and I wont be near a main dealer unless I can help it,,, tyres/paint/fuel/shiny new exhausts/insurance/depreciation/ etc, etc are all extra,,,,,,,, buy it,, you only live the once,,,,, scottie.
Hello there Ray- good to see you on FerrariChat! As you know from 911uk I currently am running both and IMO the 993 stacks up very well against the 355 with the added bonus of practicallity dramatically lower running costs. A 50k mile 355 is a high mileage anomaly, but would be considered low miles for a 993! A few comparative thoughts- The steering and gearchange on the 993 is better. The 355's engine is truly magnificent at high revs, but the 993's is a more characterful lump more of the time IMO. The 355 feels more taught and racerish, and seems far more composed at high speeds but then my 993 is a relatively soft Targa. But the 993 is a more involving car more of the time IMO and more exploitable performance in a UK context. I'd be very interested to have a proper go in a 993TT. The 355 feels a more 'special' car, probably because of its layout and quality of leather trim etc- feels every inch the bespoke supercar.
if you are bothered about running costs tyres service clutch insurance ect dont buy one cos if something goes wrong you will be up the creek
Best budget for a bottle of Optrex as well m8, 'cos if you get a bad one, you'll have your eyes so wide open, tears will be running down your back! Most of them, judging from the majority of comments on here, are pretty much ok, so don't have nightmares (as Nick Ross says)
Robert Thanks for your post. The 355 is on the short list along with a 993tt or even a 996tt. As I fancy something a little more modern I thought the 355 might do the trick. Plus the fab looks and engine really appeal. No practicality is needed. It would be, as is the 993 at present, my second car. So I would try to buy a lowish mileage (Sub 20K) example and keep it that way. The only problem that I can forsee at present (see resent thread) is getting it in the garage. Ps when is your next running report appearing in Total 911?
I just had a complete service done, with belts/engine out. It needed a new cat (replaced with pipes), alternator belt tensioner bearing, water pump bearing kit and a new rear shock. One of the cat ecu's had started to split but no water in it yet so it was repairable. Total bill £2100 inc VAT and they did a mega job, car came back pristine. Personally I am budgeting on £4000 a year to "look after it". Which should take care of the odd "biggy" when it arrives. Got to do about 600 miles this weekend in it (355), any idea where I can find fuel?
Replacement pipes were £180, Shock is £200 re-build at Bilstein (balanced to other good shock so they match) although I know a race suspension-engineer that would do same for £145. I forgot, it also included a couple of new O2 sensors (old ones heat welded into Cats). It was Shiltech in Loughborough - really great guys who know their onions. The only snag is they are extremely busy so you just have to leave the car with them and collect when its done, have patience etc. But I would really recommend them. http://www.shiltech-ferrari.com/
I am writing my running report as we speak, for the next issue. They've asked if they could use my 355GTS and 993 Targa for a back to back comparison feature which would be fun, but nothing done so far...
