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355 Problems

Discussion in '348/355' started by europa, May 26, 2010.

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  1. europa

    europa Rookie

    Oct 16, 2006
    32
    Ventura County,CA.
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #1 europa, May 26, 2010
    Hi, Is it just me?? I have been having troubles lately with my 1998 355 spyder which has about 15,000 miles. Ever since I purchased my 430 2 years ago, I have been neglecting my 355. It has been garaged for 2 years and occasonaly I'll start it up and drive it several blocks around my neigborhood.
    Please keep in mind I had my timing belt done along with a clutch and then they found I needed valve guides to be replaced ($19,800)
    Lately, with the beautiful weather we've had in CA. I am finally driving the 355 spyder so I brought the 355 to the dealer for the annual fluid changes and a fuel something recall in which they did ($1100). I drive it home and all of a suddenly I am hearing some kind of knocking noise from the engine.I quickly take it back to the Ferrari dealer and they said my steering pump bearing are shot and have to replace it along with my belts. I had them do that. ($2100).

    So, my question is are their any more problems that I will encounter in the next several weeks. I have so much money invested in a weekend car.The dealer said you must drive this car more often. But I'm afraid to, thinking something else is going to happen and get stuck somewhere.
    May I have your inputs please.

    Thank you...
     
  2. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 20, 2006
    2,457
    #2 cuneo, May 26, 2010
    def drive it more!!
     
  3. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,578
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #3 Bullfighter, May 26, 2010
    Sell one of them. If the 430 isn't fun enough to be a weekend car...

    I don't think you avoid maintenance and repair costs by letting a car sit.
     
  4. PeteyP

    PeteyP Formula Junior

    May 3, 2005
    828
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Petey
    #4 PeteyP, May 26, 2010
    Yes... it's just you.
    I haven't had a single problem with your 1998 355 spyder..
     
  5. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 2, 2004
    72,073
    Cloud-9
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    Jason
    #5 TexasF355F1, May 26, 2010
    It doesn't matter the brand, if a car sits it's going to have more problems (usually it seems).

    My parents bought a Chevy Tahoe back in 2000. The damn thing sat for a couple months b/c it was just the "going out vehicle". I drove it more than they did and I was living in another city, lol. Pretty quickly it developed some problems, never broken down but running off. It was eventually fixed, but IMO, has never been the same.

    Drive Drive Drive!
     
  6. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,674
    #6 Mitch Alsup, May 26, 2010
    The very least expensive way to own/drive/operate any of the modern Ferraris on a per mile basis is to drive than often and get in 30K miles before the belts need changed (again).

    The most expensive way to own/drive/operate <...> on a per mile basis is to put it in a garage, warm it up occasionally, and neglect the **** out of it.
     
  7. rvficklen

    rvficklen Karting

    Apr 8, 2007
    88
    McDonough, GA
    Full Name:
    Randy Ficklen
    #7 rvficklen, May 26, 2010
    +1000!!! I would add that you may actually add "unintended" maintenance through atrophy. Seriously, these cars are not rare museum pieces or collectors items (few automobiles truly are). Get in the car and drive the damn thing! Circulate the oil, get it up to operating temperature, flex all the pieces, and lastly ENJOY!
     
  8. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,766
    Ontario, Canada
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    Mike
    #8 AceMaster, May 26, 2010
    LMAO!!
     
  9. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,766
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #9 AceMaster, May 26, 2010
    I think you said it yourself - neglect is the problem.
     
  10. PeteyP

    PeteyP Formula Junior

    May 3, 2005
    828
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Petey
    #10 PeteyP, May 26, 2010
    Drive it like you stole it and stop worrying about what "might" happen...
    You can only do so much preventative maintenance.

    If something breaks later on... fix it. :)
     
    spyros tsiamantas likes this.
  11. europa

    europa Rookie

    Oct 16, 2006
    32
    Ventura County,CA.
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #11 europa, May 26, 2010
    Thanks for all the replys....I will drive it more. You all made sense.
    Thanks!
     

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