355 asking prices via dealers

I had the same feeling when I was considering 328/348/TR -- getting a Ferrari to drive around on the weekend in So. Cal. and NOT having a spider seemed bizarre. I always have a hardtop for my daily driver, for security, practicality, yada yada yada... a convertible Ferrari is an absolute joy.

In regard to the original post, I'll second a comment I saw in here about the initial purchase price being important but far from the whole story. To be blunt, there will ALWAYS be something that you want to do, or that needs doing, on a Ferrari. You can always find a lower priced car based on how much stuff is due for attention. If you're new to the car, you really want everything to be in good working order on day one.