Hi mates, I am seriously looking for a 355 but definitely need more advices from you experts to make a smart choice : - 95,96 vs 97,98 (heard 95,96 are faster cars n better resell but 97,98 are more trouble-free ?) - manual vs F1 (personally prefer manual n heard F1 could suffer a lot if you are unlucky enough with super high maintenance cost ?) - original vs slightly modified vs big modified - track day car vs non - original color vs color change Appreciate if you can advise. Thanks.
Cyril, Welcome to FerrariChat. Most of your questions are really a matter of personal preference. My advice is to use the search function on this site with your keywords or questions. You will find most of your questions have been asked before. A number of threads exist with debates over your same questions. Enjoy! Steve
Welcome to the board---You will find answers to all your questions here... Scroll thru the first few pages of threads and alot of your answers will come to light---
Well at least you are on the right track with your choice of a 355.... . You should probably familiarize yourself with some obligatory 355 vids...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0OusN1y1Yc It really is the "best car in the world....ever!!!!" .....
Make sure it comes with all the proper tools Oh wait I'm talking about the drivers??? Ya that's right tools......
+355 Welcome to Ferrarichat, you have come to the right place for advice. The answers to your questions will depend on what the car is intended for, if it is a driver then buy one that has been used and has been well maintained, if it is a garage queen then buy a really nice poster and look at that
As said, these are personal preference items. Generally with F cars, however, the more original, the better the resale potential. The exception is correcting manufacturing faults -- like replacing valve guides in 95-97 355s. A lot of people seem to believe the softer metal ones are destined to fail, so replaced guides can be perceived as good value. Track cars are a bad idea unless you plan to track the car extensively. Though they generally get more care, they also get more wear and tear! Tracked cars should and do sell at a meaningful discount. Manual v. F1 is a absolutely a preference item. It seems sort of pbvious more parts means more repairs, and threads here tend to support that F1s are more expensive to maintain/fix. I've never heard that 95 and 96 cars are "faster" -- but these cars are plenty fast anyhow -- or that they are better resell. Older cars sell for less - check the ads. They're not collector cars yet, really, so older means--older. Otherwise, read up, and BUY A CAR!
Cool ! thanks All for your valuable comments. I will spend some times to read thru the threads and hopefully lucky enuf to get a nice 355, though it is not easy here. My aim is to have a nice 355 to do mostly wkend drive especially Sunday morning drive. Plus occasionally drive to work in a good weather n good mood day. Thanks again n let me ask for your help again should I need more knowledge.
- 95,96 vs 97,98 (heard 95,96 are faster cars n better resell but 97,98 are more trouble-free ?) I can't comment on faster cars, but I don't believe that is true. 97,98 are better because of the "trouble-free" as you mentioned. 355s have bad Valve issues that I believe were pretty much solved in 97-98. If you're going to buy an older one, make sure you get one that has the valves done. - manual vs F1 (personally prefer manual n heard F1 could suffer a lot if you are unlucky enough with super high maintenance cost ?) I've heard of F1 pumps costing about 15K. I personally wouldn't go F1, not my cup of tea, but its whatever your comfortable with. - original vs slightly modified vs big modified Depends on the modifications. Original is always good and resale is easy. Slightly modified, if you're doing the wheels or a stereo system, nothin' will hurt, if anything it will make it worth a bit more. But theres always those guys who are anal about having everything original. Big modified, I wouldn't go there. - track day car vs non I'm guessing you're talking about the challenge cars. Good if you're a big track guy and thats all you want to do, but don't get one unless you've been to the track numerous times, tried one out and love it. You can use a normal 355 on the track too, so unless your a speed devil, I wouldn't. - original color vs color change I can't really comment... On supercars and such I know its a BIG difference, but in terms of 355s, if everything else is right and its just that its been repainted from lets say Rosso Fiorano (darker red) to Rosso Corsa (normal, lighter Ferrari red) I don't think its much of a difference. As long as its done by someone reputable, no problems. Good luck with your search of a 355! Hope I helped!
Originality is a big deal. I wouldn't buy a modern Ferrari that had been color-changed. It's almost never done satisfactorily, and you always have to explain it when you go to sell the car. In terms of manual versus F1, it is certainly up to you. My opinion is that a pure manual 'box will still be desirable in 10 years, whereas by that time we'll view the early F1 systems as badly out of date, and possibly expensive.
Hi Chaps, I had a test drive on a 97 F1 car which is very original this wkend. The dealer just spent a big money ($15k) to replace the transmission pump/sensor (and some expensive parts that i dont know) things and the last owner also spent 20k one year ago to get many new parts so now the engine bay looks brand new. This is what I have been told by the dealer and thats all i can be aware before i do the PPI. In fact, i will take the car to do PPI to ensure no big crash history n good compression figures. But dont u think its a bit weird that in the past year or so they spent so big money on it ? I know it cud be good thing or bad to me. Good is i can buy a car with mostly new parts installed in official ferrari dealer. The bad is of cos what exactly happened to this car ? Can u share yr thought ? By the way, as discussed in some website i found the brake arent as good as it shd be. Is it just a matter of pad ? or most owners need to upgrade the braking system ? Thanks a lot.
A wise investment will be getting the PPI from someone who comes well recommended. Also, this forum was a great asset for me when I purchased my 355.
BTW, that F1 pump as a 355 replacement part is mega expensive, however using a 360 replacement is much less expensive. Make sure which way they went at the dealer. Retro fitting the 360 pump takes some extra work. Other than that, see what the PPI says. Brake pads are considered by the factory as an "owner" replacement item - easy directions in the manual. Good time to upgrade to pPorterfields, or other performance pad. Don't be a wuss and look for "clean" pads. As for all those new engine parts, I sure want to see a list of what was done and replaced. Could be valves (good) and maybe headers too (bonus!). GL
Oki I got the invoices of the two mentioned services today. First, the dealer just spent $15k to fix the transmission problem and I found that 95% of the money went to the item "power unit complete" and the relay and F1 pump in fact wasnt pretty big money. Anyone knows what does this "power unit complete" exactly mean ? As u can imagine, the dealer wudnt want to pay this money to fix it but the fact is the lovely F1 simply didnt work before this service. Secondly, regarding the previous owner did a major service 10 months ago. Here are the items : cam belt, clutch kit, flywheel, intake valves, tension pulley, clutch bearing, ball bearing gearbox housing, knock sensor,special stud for clutch, cyclinder head gasket, F1 clutch speed sensor kit, water hose, catalyst temp. control station, battery....and all the other gaskets, O-rings, bearings........plus the labor cost......now I understand why the bill $16k and looks like it is good to pick up this car, given that if the PPI result satisfactory ?
$31,000 in total service, give me a break and run away from that one sounds like a big lemon too me,and big boys are smarter then paying that kind of money.
