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355 1997 F355 Spider Purchase Advice

Discussion in '348/355' started by IndySB, Sep 17, 2020.

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  1. IndySB

    IndySB Rookie

    Aug 2, 2018
    40
    Indianapolis, IN USA
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #1 IndySB, Sep 17, 2020
    I've found a 1997 F355 Spider manual with 64K miles for sale locally and would appreciate some advice. Clean carfax, 5 owners, incomplete service records with last major service showing in 2016 at 56K miles. What records are available show that valve guides were replaced at 45K during a major service, and at 51K it had Fabspeed headers, test pipes, and ECU upgrade installed, along with Gothspeed exhaust and air handlers, and a Challenge rear grill.

    The car appears to have had a total repaint, high quality job, but noticeable to the trained eye. It also has tinted side markers and signal lenses, not my favorite but doesn't look bad. Needs a couple of wheels refinished, no big deal there. It presents well, and with a professional detail and paint correction, it would be even better. The interior has some wear evident on the driver's seat bolster, but is overall in good condition and just needs cleaning. The convertible top is inoperative, got it to raise halfway with the emergency switch, but could not get it all the way closed. I've read tons of threads on that issue, and am not overly concerned about it. The HVAC system is stuck on defrost, again I've read through the threads and believe I'm capable of fixing that problem.

    A test drive showed no issues, it ran strong, shifted well, brakes were solid and smooth, tracked straight down the road and of course sounded amazing. My concern is that while it seems to be a solid driver for the price (low 50's), it has relatively high mileage compared to anything else on the market and does not have a complete service history. I am mechanically knowledgeable, have access to a shop and work on my own vehicles which currently include a Mondial QV, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and a Triumph Spitfire, but I know the F355 is a totally different beast and will need professional servicing.

    I would have a PPI done by a reputable Ferrari mechanic before purchasing, but I'm wondering if I should even be considering this vehicle? Here are a few pics, your thoughts are much appreciated.

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  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,317
    Sydney
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    Ian Riddell
    #2 Qavion, Sep 17, 2020
    By half way, do you mean full extension of the primary rams, but not the secondary rams. The secondary rams do not activate using the emergency switch. Roof problems can be caused by anything from a simple adjustment to some very expensive components (including a no-longer available Roof ECU).
    If you've followed some threads on the HVAC system, you will realise that the system can be particulary tough to diagnose and get parts for. You can go through an awful lot of components in the process. ECU chips, actuators, panels, etc. A Ferrari SD tool may help to identify the problem faster.

    I would just follow the usual checklists and when checking the car, try to enlist the help of someone who has had lots of problems with the F355. Use the impeding major, high miles and inoperative items as a bargaining tool. Things could get expensive in a hurry if you plan to fix all the problems straight away.

    Does it have Teves or Bosch brakes?
    Other than the bolsters, how is the dash leather?
    Have the stickies been done?
    Any tears/repairs in the roof canvas?
    Any pictures of the engine bay?
     
    Michael_Davis likes this.
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,574
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #3 yelcab, Sep 17, 2020
    Good driver if you like convertible.
     
  4. zstyle

    zstyle Formula Junior

    Jun 28, 2007
    552
    Tempe
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    Jon
    #4 zstyle, Sep 18, 2020
    It depends on asking price and the price to bring the car up to a functional state. I would think you would need to buy this car around $50k to justify the labor/parts needed.

    With prices steadily increasing and many spiders on the market, I would personally find a different car with less mileage, less modifications (tail lights for example), and functioning.

    Additionally, how long do you plan to keep the car?
     
  5. IndySB

    IndySB Rookie

    Aug 2, 2018
    40
    Indianapolis, IN USA
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #5 IndySB, Sep 18, 2020
    I greatly appreciate the input. I believe I could purchase the car for $50K, but as I work through everything it needs I'm thinking it's not the right F355 for me. While it would be a good daily driver, I have other vehicles that fill that niche already.

    If anyone is interested in the vehicle I'll be glad to share the owner's contact information, it's located in Indianapolis, IN.
     
  6. Julia

    Julia F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 22, 2014
    8,980
    Houston
    #6 Julia, Sep 19, 2020
    Can those existing taillights/front turn signals be un-smoked, or do you have to get new ones?

    And what's the deal with the chrome strip around the windshield?
     
  7. eight8toy

    eight8toy Rookie

    Jun 8, 2017
    7
    #7 eight8toy, Sep 23, 2020
    This one is on ebay with only 2 hours to go
     
  8. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,631
    Sydney
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    Elliott Caras
    #8 MAD828, Sep 23, 2020
    Chrome strip is the window trim with failed or stripped anodized finish.
     
    Julia likes this.

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