F355 Inspection - what to look for | FerrariChat

F355 Inspection - what to look for

Discussion in '348/355' started by Mike_D, Nov 25, 2010.

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  1. Mike_D

    Mike_D Rookie

    Dec 3, 2009
    25
    #1 Mike_D, Nov 25, 2010
    Hey guys, I am going to see a 1997 355 Spider this weekend and being new to the 355 I was wondering what the major items I should look for are? I will have a specialist look at the car if I am interested after my first viewing, but can someone advise what the major service intervals are and what items should be done? I also understand there might have been an exhaust manifold recall, is this true?

    If anyone can elaborate on the main things I should look out for it in the initial inspection would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

    Jun 18, 2008
    2,792
    Henderson, NV
    Full Name:
    Roberto Bellezza
    #2 rbellezza, Nov 25, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2010
    Hi, and welcome to F-chat. You should ask for the following things:
    1) How long ago was the last major service done. It's due every 3/4 years or 30kmiles, whichever comes first. It is a 5/7k expence at the least.
    2) Valve guides, if it applies for a 97.
    3) Exaust manifolds status.

    These are basics ....
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,314
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    #3 greyboxer, Nov 25, 2010
    Try a search on 355 buying guide - some of the 71 previous threads should be helpful

    Any remaining questions ask away
     
  4. 288575

    288575 Rookie

    May 3, 2005
    23
    ohio
    Full Name:
    steve
    #4 288575, Nov 26, 2010
  5. jefflynch

    jefflynch Rookie

    Sep 6, 2010
    28
    Kansas City, MO
    Full Name:
    Jeff Lynch
    #5 jefflynch, Nov 26, 2010
    Mike,

    I just went through this when I bought my Spider 2 weeks ago. Did a PPI (100-Point inspection) at a Ferrari Dealership. It passed every item. On the surface the car looked perfect. Not a scratch, ding, stain, etc...It had been 4 years since the last major, so it was going to need to be done. I knew I was looking at $6-10K for the major alone.

    I paid an extra $300+- for a compression test. They found low compression in two cylinders, which meant that there was a problem. It was determined that it was an exhaust valve problem, and all of the guides would be replaced.

    The deal I made with the seller was that I would pay full asking price for the car, but everything had to be fixed. I met the mechanic and felt comfortable with the work being done where I was buying the car (Phoenix) instead of where I live (Kansas City).

    The bill for all of the work came in at slightly less than $14,000, which included the major and all new valve guides. At $59,500 asking price, I thought the deal worked out pretty well.

    That's my 2c. Good luck! JL
     
  6. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,387
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #6 tbakowsky, Nov 26, 2010
    First..Start with what the car doesn't need..then go from there...It will be a long list of needs vs doesn't need unfortunately..
     
  7. Toddston

    Toddston Karting

    Nov 29, 2006
    156
    New York, NY
    #7 Toddston, Nov 29, 2010
    As a very happy new owner of a 1999 355 F1 spider I cannot agree more strongly, buy the best car you can find. A recent belt service (within one year), even better. The previous owner that sells his 355 right before an upcoming cam belt service more than likely has other issues.
    This can be a very fun car to own.
     

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