Seems like a good price for a driver. Anybody know this car? Mike http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F355-Spider-/150623291835?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2311d909bb
I replaced the radiator in my 355, not very expensive but proceed with CAUTION on this vehicle.... make sure you get the compression and leakdown checked or you may end up having to rebuild the entire engine! I just spend 20-25K plus labor to rebuild my 355.
Hope future 355 owners will read this. $36K for the car and another $25K to get it right is a lot of money considering it's not worth what you "now" have in it.
As far as I am concerned, if I were looking to get in cheap with a high-mile car, the number of owners and exact mileage would mean much less than a thorough PPI by a well-respected Ferrari tech. But if it doesn't check out, walk away and post something on the ebay ad. But lets face it, if this car checks out after a PPI and has had no major accidents, it could be a great car to have a lot of fun with - what the heck else can you buy for $36k for this much fun???
As long as you know what you are getting into and what you want out of it... I paid similar price for my car, my fathers friend rebuilt the motor - so yes I do have 65k into my car but it has a completely fresh motor with S&R Exotics guides, valves, pistons, sleeves, new clutch/hill bearing, brakes, tires etc... Gary at S&R Exotics - You are the MAN! I plan on DRIVING this car frequently on the road, track, and keeping it in the stable for a long time so I consider my investment to be sound. The last year has been a struggle but I am pleased with the outcome. I will agree if I had to pay labor I may be singing a different tune! Currently I could get my money back but there is no way I would let this thing go now. Someone can pay 60-65k for perfect low mile specimen and still have to drop the engine a year later to fix a valve guide issue.
Beware of this one. Note he says he has owned the car for over 5 years, then at the bottom someone asked the question "When was the last service" He replied supposedly right before he bought it. So at least 5-6 years since last service and likely more than that. tick...tick....tick
Take a guess This thing probably hasnt *ever* had a major. Poor car. Of course a baller on a budget will buy it. It will grenade. And then it will contribute to the "Ferraris are LOUSY on reliability" lore b/c you cant beat them to death the way you can with a Honda Civic. In terms of overall value, sure maybe rescuing these poor strays might work, but personally, I'd feel a lot better paying a lot more from a known owner who actually was able to afford the car, can show what has and hasnt been done, and is just moving on to something new.
This listing has been on eBay in many forms since at least February. The original listing described hail damage for a storm that came too suddenly "to get it in the garage". It looks like some of that was repaired...replacement bonnet and boot covers. The seller also buys and sells quite a few parts, and at the time of the original listing, was selling quite a few Ferrari parts. Hmmmm.
If you do your own work, it could be a great driver for cheap. Plenty of 355 parts available for reasonable prices if you don't have to have "pristine, perfect, concours".
If you guys are serious I have a 95 GTB that I need to put on the market. Send me a message (PM) if you are interested....
This is exactly what i was thinking... Buy this car, and DIY all the maintenance... You can do a complete major for around 6k$ in parts right? valve guides/valves, pull the heads take them to a machinist. In a way this car could be like any other beater that is a good value if you do your own work. However, like many others have said, i don't know that i would be comfortable buying this car myself, even though i do my own wrenching having 0 service records is pretty scary, at that point just go to the auction and get the car yourself, and not pay someone like this a markup... I would put money that this is just an auction car the guy is trying to flip.....
