Hi All, First time poster, but long timer lurker. Finally in the active market after selling my 911 and Ducati. I always wanted a GTS since I fell in love with the 308 GTS. But they seem to be harder to find and higher priced than the GTB.(makes sense since they made the fewest of the series). Basically, I'm hoping someone will tell me why not to get a GTS-too much noise, leaks, more issues, etc etc, so I can go on with my search with peace. Or tell me it's worth the wait and be patient. Not into open tops so a Syder is out of the question. It will be a semi-driver in California. Any input would be appreciated. BTW, search the archives already for previous posts. Thanks Ray
Will you be driving the car in the rain? Ferrari targa tops leak and creak. If you won't be driving in the rain, then the leaks won't bother you. Will the creaks bother you? It's a matter of personal taste. I am a fixed roof berlinetta guy. I would never own a removable top car. Plenty of people on here love their removable-top cars, and I hope they chime in.
A 355 GTS is a good compromise, the wonders of open top on sunny days without the hassles of a soft top. A GTB sounds boring in comparison, even with the windows down. They do squeak a bit occasionally, and you might see a drop or two sneak in around the mirrors (when you pressure wash the car, but they don't "leak" (at least mine doesn't). Another downside is the shorter legroom when the roof is stored behind the seats. Never regretted my choice vs a GTB or a Spider. Can't comment about earlier models (3x8s).
My '98 GTS with 17K miles is leak free. Yes, it creaks a bit, but once the car warms up its a non issue. Gummi phledge on the rubber cures most creaking.
Thanks for the inputs. As long as there are no "un-curable" creaks, I can live with it. I don't plan to track or drive it too much in the rain. So...I will just be extra patient to find the right car. Darn, I just wish they made more Targas like the previous 3 3x8 series. Thanks again. Ray
I owned 1990 348ts for four yrs without any leaking or creaking issues.Keep the rubber seals around the windshield and rear targa ban clean and treated with Armour All or other treatment.Presently have a f355 Spider.
I have a 98 GTS and it has never leaked, the only time i have heard a squeak was when it was really cold out and i went out of the driveway a bit crossed up. When the sun is out its great fun, i'm 5'10" and with the top behind the seats i have no problem. Get the 355 GTS. vince
If you have never had an open top car, then the B will be fine...but once you experience open top motoring, it is hard to go back. My advice is to find a GTS. They may squeek a bit or leak a bit, but no worse than a spider...and no hassles with the top maintanence and repairs, like a spider! As others said, a little gummifledge will cure most squeeks, and leaks are rare, and usually only when hit with a direct spray from a garden hose, not while driving in the rain. Dave
I recently got my '99 GTS and it squeeked like a "Big Dog" at first. I put some vaseline on the seals and inside the fasteners and all quiet with the top on now. I like the ride with the top off as you don't get as wind blown as a convertable and I actually like the looks a lot better with the top off over the convertible. I heard only 5% of the 355's were GTS's... but wait for a good one to come around and you will be extremely happy for many years.
