First Serious Look ('99 355 Spider)

For anyone interested, there is a 1999 355 Spider near me. Has 18k, 6spd. Red/black/tan. Asking $89,500. You can find it in Auto Trader. It had the major done in 2005. Groupe M exhaust just installed.

I appreciate the seller being up front and honest with me about the history of the car. Car Fax shows insurance company bought the car - not salvage - when it had 400 miles on it. Took a hit in right front. (I'm not running away screaming yet...) Paint matches; looks good all the way around. Good panel fit, etc.

I had him take me for a ride, where I noticed some other details that makes me go hmmmm.... One such item is a recently failed tach. Car starts easy, idles smooth, runs smooth, rides smooth. No smoke, vibrations, or other. Heck, the car didn't even rattle.

His real price is much lower and fairly attractive for a '99. The biggest pro is that it is a no-guilt driver. Obviously, the downside is the questions... the little things, the unknowns.

Being a newbie to Ferrari, I don't want my first one to ruin me. Especially if I can't sell if I want to. I'm going to pass and not look back. Foolish?

 

Thanks for the reassurance. I was also considering Bayareaferrari's 95 listing. I'm just getting cold feet over the possible maintenance/repair hit.