when purchasing a 355...

If you're getting a Spider, make sure the top is working properly. The previous owner of my F355 was honest and let me know that the top was not working properly and the fix was almost ~ $5000 at the Ferrari dealer which I deducted from the purchase price and had the dealer repair to new condition.

 

Good God, are we talking about a Ferrari or an 82 Dodge.

 

Think you got most of the biggies.

 

'82 Dodge had sticky interiors?

 

Haha!

 

Maybe the back seat

 

Don't forget to make sure it's not a ragged-out, POS, with a ton of deferred mechanical maintenance
Seriously, be cautious as there a lot of bad 355's on the market right now.

 

That should be a criminal offense!

 

i think i will be on the same boat real soon!!=)

 

ok on the valve guides...they were upgraded at the factory by mid-late '98 MY, so those cars can be considered safe. There's been 1 report to my knowledge of a late car having bad guides, but many well respected mechanics have stated they never had to do guides on a late '98 or '99.

Having said that, NOT all earlier cars will have guide problems. Many have been upgraded already, many will never need that. IF a car does need guides, it's not a complete disaster having them done at the time of the engine out major (which is every 3-5 years or so, to the tune of $5k-8k on avg), a few extra $k for guides. Yes, get ready for Ferrari maintenance costs...

 

Most of these so called "issues" for F355 are one timer which means once they're done they're DONE.

I think most prospective F355 buyers should really think long and hard and be honest with themselves whether they can stomach $7K-$10K (plus any while-you-are-in-there repairs or preventives) engine out service every 4 or 5 years or so. That, IMHO, is the true test for F355 ownership commitment.

 

My 99 Fiorano had bad valve guides so no 355 is safe. I was the third 99 355 that Competizione saw with bad valve guides.

 

Are you looking for a Berlinetta, Spider or GTS, you might also get more feedback if you provide a link to the sale listing, best of luck to you.

 

The same can be said about the 348

 

The best advice anyone can give to someone looking for a F355 is to do your due diligence, make sure you find a trusted tech who is familiar with the 355 model, have them check the potential car and if its all good then buy it. Go in with your eyes open to the potential for a good car to have an issue and keep it well maintained and driven.

This is how I did it, and I love my car.