355 vaule hard top vs spider

If you guys are that conflicted then get a GTS.

Coupe, spider, spider, coupe. bla bla blah.

I would never buy a coupe. But I don't race the cars....if you race or autocross, the coupe is stiffer and probably better...

blah blah blah

What's next? Shields or no shields?

 

I'm not sure but I like the spider. I think the one that is more unique is that ts targa top one, I'd rather have that than the spider and I think the ts model is more pricey than both.
I bet someone has done some sales data compilation on model and cost I'd be interested in seeing that.

 

The price to repair the convertible top pump is 0 if you just convert it to manual operation. Believe me you don't need the weight of all that stuff.

Convertibles are sexy exotic machines, however, they have severe limitations for use depending where you live. In SoCal we can drive them year-round; probably not in Winston-Salem is my guess.

You will note the significant number of convertibles for sale versus coupes. This should give you an idea of ownership cycle. I had a 348 Spider for 6 years and swapped it out for a Porsche TT and then a 348 SS. I loved cruising around topless, but the negatives outweighted it after several years.

 

Two things determine the value of a "collectable" car...rarity and race history. Although the F355 is a great car, I don't see them shooting through $100k any time soon. IMHO of course.

 

See this thread / pole. The results are that spiders bring less than GTS and GTB's

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/416962-whats-brings-more-%24%24%24%24.html

 

The Market seems to indicate that GTS & coupe are more valuable....I have a spider, I'm happy with it.

 

Depends. Dealer or DIY? I have an extra pump & valves just sittin' on the workbench becuase it was $500 on ebay...and yea, it works.

What does it cost to enjoy a beautiful top-down day in a coupe?

They are all nice cars....depends what you like. If I were to buy a second one I would get a GTS.

 

Recent Forza buying guide says that 355 coupes are $30-$45k, GTS $35-$45k, spiders $40-$60K per Michael Sheehan. Bottom line, you have to really love them to pay ~30% of their value in maintenance every 3-5 years, plus misc. failures. Their ownership costs have already made them cheaper than 328's. This same guide says a 328 GTS is $35 - $75K! Remember service costs for a 328 are at least half of that for a 355, especially a spider when you consider roof complexity and F1 tranny issues.

 

Doesn't that guide also say you can get a 512m for $75k? You can't even get a flooded 512m for that cheap, so the guide is garbage imo.

 

I just drove my friend's Spider top down today ... it was glorious. Then the top stopped working, and it was a stupid design! Then the rain went away, and the top came down and it was glorious.

But, I would pay more for a coupe, a good coupe, any day.

 

$45k is on the low end for a good condition non-salvage titled Berlinetta. Show me a strong runner with recent service and a clean interior/exterior for $30k (that's not sky blue or puke green) and I'll buy another one.


Sheehan must be looking at insurance buy-back prices....



Rob

 

Agree -- Forza guides are worthless in regards to accurate value of F cars ; otherwise I believe that mechanically complexity of 355 spiders will make them less valuable in the future ; this obviously is not typically the case as we all know that convertibles (albeit manual tops) usually bring more money in "collectible" cars. Berlinetta and gated shifter for me please.

 

Buy what you like and drive it. If you are doing that, what does it matter?

 

Yea, really. Find a car you like and write the check. You can find examples of all models all over the map as far as price. Depends more on how motivated the seller is and condition than whether the top goes down, comes off or is fixed. And remember, you have no idea what the car will be worth when you decide to sell it. I do know one thing. I'll spend less on my Ferrari in 10 years than my buddy will on his boat. He spends more than a major service every year just on slip fees and winter storage.

 

Actually Sheehan is spot on for the Seattle market. Witness this: recently sold very nice 95 spider with 15K miles, no issues, gorgeous car (black/black) needing the major service sells for $49.5 k. A mint condition 97 F1 spider (indistinguishable from new) with 6,000 miles (yellow/black) with a recent major sells for $55k. Sheehan says top price for a spider is $60k. This would be a sub 5,000 mile car owned and serviced by a fanatic.

 

It is all personal preference...but I think the GTB makes the 355 gorgeous, the lines flow so nice with the roof and C-pillar. And as stated already, it's harder to find a GTB you want because of fewer on the market.

As for price, yes I'd buy 2 more at $30k!! I wouldn't let my high mileage well maintained '99 F1 GTB go for under $45-50 min...

Biased GTB owner

 

agreed

I disagree. I think (and own) a Spyder. I passed on a GTB. I think the Spyder has nicer lines. I'm no fan of the GTS. Though I'd rather have a GTB if caught in the rain or if you want to take a track day.

Yep. And hence it can command a premium if you really want one.

 

I spent the last three years looking at 355s before I bought my spider. I looked at both spiders, GTBs and GTSs. I found that for cars which I felt were of similar quality and mileage asking prices were highest for Spiders, then GTS and lowest were GTB. I'm not implying my data is definitive, but when your really in the market for a car you tend to pay attention to prices. You can always fine an exception. Oh, and for what it's worth, your cars aren't worth anything until you have the cash in your hand.

 

I don't think there is any real difference in values between a GTB, GTS and Spider,

It comes down to condition, history, colour, mileage,

They are all good cars, GTB stiffer, more solid, GTS gives looks of GTB but with wind in hair motoring, spiders are good with roof up but more rattles, but with roof down on a sunny day are hard to beat,

have had both and 360, bought a spider as for me its only a sunny day car, and trust me that's rare in Glasgow.

I wanted a yellow one, if I could have two I would have a red GTB with carbon seats as well, but not in preference over the spider, have to admit I have a GT3RS and a 964 which are also both coupes, so for me it was a no brainer, spider all the way