Buying 355 advice and 30k service

Well, I bought a 1997 355 with 11k 6 months ago from Luxury Motors in Chicago (not the best outfit but thats another story). I paid $75,000 for the car with no service history. First off I am INSANE buying the car with no paperwork or PPI done and sight unseen. I know that now!!

Took the car to Dave Helms in Boulder and right off the bat said cats are gone and need to be replaced asap. Drove the car until begining of August and got the car back. I have much advice for new 355 buyers and the costs of owning one of these cars.

List of things wrong on 97 355 with 11k miles.

1. Both cats shot and blown out parts in the muffler

Cost $1,200 for High Flow cats. O2 sensors wasted but can fix them (the would have cost another $1,000 )

2. Waterpump bad rebuilt cost about $950 for parts.

3. 2 belt roller tensioner bearings ($650 each parts)

4. Thermostat ($140)

and then all the small parts that go along with the 30k service and labor.

So in the end I spent $12,000 for a car that runs epic and know all about. Would I go this route again, YES...I want the car repairs done by someone I know and trust.

Few other things I learned about the car during all this.

The manifolds were both replaced on mine with late 97+ model so good news. Bad news is from I learned that pre 97 manifolds will go bad, not if but when...I didnt know that since if mine were bad thats another $7,000 repair (Tubi with labor)!!!

Also learned that the manifolds can last longer by two things. One, dont drive the car really hard then hit redline limiter. Creates pressure that can blow the manifolds. Also, when done driving the car act like its an old turbo and let the damn thing cool down at idle for a bit. Also, found out you can hear if the valves have an issue sometimes by starting the car and if one turn is fast such as RVVVV RVVVV RVVVVVVVVVVVVV RVVV that is first sign of an issue...make sense less compression with the valve not closing all the way open??

SO many things that also need to be checked that will not know until the engine is out like Clutch (will need new one if last drive thought we was on F-1 track), the usual valve problem without leak down test, and water pump and on and on.

My service didnt include the usually that are needed like brakes and rotors either. (thank god one thing was good, clutch was just average at best)

SO, my advice is have the car checked out...look at the car....read every thread or you might have a bill with $7,000 manifolds, new clutch, brakes, cats, waterpump, and o2 sensors and the normal $5,000-$6,000 30k service for about $20,000+ and cry to the bank....

Also, buyer beware of those cheap cars on Ebay, I saw three of them in the shop all in legal action with them needing massive amounts of work. Not worth the risk buying these cars at a discount from slim shady dealer/owner I have learned. Learn from others mistakes on these please...hope this helps someone out in the long run.......