Hello all, I've enjoyed reading the threads by the members over the past few months -- thanks! It has helped out tremendously on the direction I want to go for my first Ferrari. At this point, I'm contemplating a 355 I saw in Cars.com but really would appreciate input from anyone out there. Here's the one I saw -- fairly high miles but seems like this one-owner may have taken care of her, 1999 Ferrari F355 $57,000 (Or Best Offer) Mileage 37,000 Cylinders 8 Cylinders Body Style Convertible Transmission Manual Doors 2 Condition Excellent Drive Train 2WD VIN ZFFXR42A7X0114882 Exterior Color Red Listing Date August 17, 2004 Interior Color Beige Features: Cruise Control, Power Seats, Memory Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Steering, Airbag: Side, Alloy Wheels, CD Changer Additional Selling Points: $57,0000 FIRM ..NO DEALERS!!!!Red with tan leather. Options include red brake calipers, painted GTS top, and the factory carbon fiber racing seats with Connolly leather. Has new clutch, F1 tranny seals, pressure plate, motor mounts, BRAND NEW tires, catalytic converters, etc. from FoOC. 37k miles. One owner. More Information About This Seller Exclusive Online Classified Seller: Doug Thanks in advance! Sam
They say God is in the details, and in this case I'm willing to bet it is in need of some service. $57K is a great price for a 355 conv. Do a PPI on the car to find out what it may need. If that's not the case, then jump on it! Wait--I just re-read the listing. There are a couple conflictions. Is the top a convertible, or targa? Also, is the transmission manual or F1? 355s with the F1 tranny are still priced at or around $100K.
Yes,I noticed that it said "painted GTS Hard top". So,it must be a Targa,(355GTS) That price certainly sounds great...But,IMO,suspiciously so....Better make sure that it has some service records. If it is in need of a service,then that would explain the low price. Especially since it's a '99. (check www.ferraribuy.com or Hemmings Motor News for comparison pricing.) I definitely Agree with Jack. Get a PPI,and if it comes out clean...steal it!!! Red/Tan...? Good!
Sorry but clueless on the PPI. Is that some kind of search on the Technical Q&A? Also, looked at the pictures again and it's a targa and looks like the tranny is manual not F1 (pics attached). My first inclination was a TR but heard a lot of possible out of pocket with the V12 vs. the 355's V8 and it being much newer. What do you guys think? Thanks.
PPI = Pre Purchase Inspection. That photo of the interior clearly shows that it is an F1 transmission.
Assuming the PPI checks out, service records are good & current, and there are no "stories", this is a GREAT price for a 99 F355 F1. IMO F355 are some of the best sounding Ferraris out there, and they have a "classic" look to them that will stay fresh for a long time. From the description, this sounds like Doug H of "nsxfiles" fame -- be assured that this car has been adequately "road tested", and there should be no surprises . If I'm guessing right, then its a removable-top Berlinetta, not a Spider. Great racing stories and pix at www.nsxfiles.com
Thanks for taking the time to provide the input & insight -- goes along with what I assumed with the help I'd get here. BTW, had missed the "e" when originally registering so now I'm squared away. I'll research a bit more and make an appointment to check out the 355. Will let you guys know. Thanks all, Sam Lexington
Even GTS,even with this kind of miles,this price is way below wholesale,something is fishy,maybe "rebuilt" one?
Nothing fishy, nor irrational IMO. I would suggest its priced fairly, for a "motivated" seller, given this particular example's history of being driven ahem... exuberantly. Not too many cars that get driven as Enzo intended, and this is one of them. Check out www.nsxfiles.com and you'll find out why. In particular, this one comes to mind : http://www.nsxfiles.com/fontana_ferrari.htm -- check out the great clips chasing down the F50 GT1
Thanks RocketBoy, good to be aboard. Looking forward to socializing, learning, sharing experiences, and I'm sure some humor along the way with all you enthusiasts out there. Speaking of rocket, got one myself, an '03 Z06, but that's like those Everclear shots from back in the day (U of I - that figures, right? - grain alcohol). But now I certainly do have a craving for the more refined tradition & heritage of the prancing horse. We'll see what develops w/ this one. Thanks.
Caution taken -- guess 99.9% of the times if it's good to be true... Well, was still curious so e-mailed the seller (fishy already since no phone contact given). Vehicle comes back as saying it's about 20 miles away from me but certainly not case after all. Check out the e-mail I got back a moment ago, From: [email protected] Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2004 12:50:26 EDT Subject: Re: cars.com used car lead for Doug #6497548 Hi, Thanks for your interest. First of all I must inform you that I'm currently in Paris, France and also that the F355 is here with me and it is in a perfect condition. If you are really interested we can work something out... I can ship out the car to you or something like that. What do you say? Now, to tell you something about the car. The car's history is very simple. I am the first and only owner of this car, which was custom ordered around September 1998, and delivered in February 1999. Copy of the original sticker available. Approximately 1000 miles ago, the following servicing was performed at Ferrari of Orange County: New F1 transmission seals New clutch New pressure plate New catalytic converters New motor mounts I've moved this year to France and this car has to go. The price that I ask is $57000 non negotiable. I have a clear title which you will receive with the car. It can be registered into your name, so stay cool about this. The car is US street legal, does not need any conversion and it meets all DOT and EPA regulations. You can check the VIN (ZFFXR42A7X0114882) on http://www.carfax.com/ When I brought the Ferrari in Paris, I tried to register it, but I found that the import and register taxes are very high. I was very dissapointed, because I love this car and I would keep it for me and now I am forced to sell it. I can't sell it here in France or in Europe, because it is US street legal. You can see this, if you will check the VIN. The car was registered in US before. This is the reason that I want to sell the car in USA because european people do not like it prepared this way. The other offers that I have are also from the US. Regards, Doug.
Appreciate it, Jack. Thanks for the welcome. This one was too good to be true so will keep on hunting for the 355. Thanks, Sam
I also welcome you to the board. Hope you find the car that you are looking for,and join us for Drives,etc... If you want to stay Local in your search,Try checking out www.lfsc.com Lake Forest Sportscars now in Lake Bluff,IL.,to see what they may have available. Also,www.continentalautosports.com for Continental Autosports in Hinsdale,Il. They currently have a couple 355's,including a couple Spyders,at pretty reasonable prices. These are the 2 "Authorized Ferrari Dealers" in the Chicago Area. But,you can also check www.foxvalleymotorcars.com for Fox Valley Motors/Lamborghini Chicago out in West Chicago,IL. They have Ferrari's for sale,too. Good Luck! And,hope to see you join in on a Drive,Cruise Night,etc...sometime!
Many thanks Frank. Had a moment to check out the sites. Dealt with Fox Valley before -- pleasant experience although didn't go with the vehicle (was a Vette, ended up buying privately). Saw some pics from your past drives, seems like a hoot. Well, onward w/ my search.
Sorry to hear it didn't work out. Guess I was WRONG about my "guess" on this car's prior owner. Turns out it wasn't the same OC F355 F1-GTS that I was thinking of. Best of luck in finding your 355.
