Considering an F355 purchase, what to look out for? | FerrariChat
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Considering an F355 purchase, what to look out for?

Discussion in '348/355' started by pshep138, Jul 2, 2014.

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  1. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #1 pshep138, Jul 2, 2014
    Hello, all!

    I am looking at F355s (not interested whatsoever in a 355 F1, personal thing). I'm looking for a Berlinetta or possibly GTS, must be red. I came across this '98 (VIN ZFFXR41A4W0109798) and it seems to be a remarkably nice car for the money. 19,000 miles, 15k service was done at 14k miles (though I don't know how long ago that was...), Tubi exhaust, Tubi headers, and Challenge grille. Comes with all books & manuals, tool kit, tire compressor, tire inflation kit, car cover, 3 sets of keys, window sticker, sales brochures, etc.

    I haven't found a nicer car for the money. Other than the 15k service being done, what else should I look for? Do any of you know the history of this car? I have been able to find very little about the car.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #2 Dave rocks, Jul 2, 2014
    Click the link in my signature...
     
  3. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #3 pshep138, Jul 2, 2014
    Very good info there! Thank you. Is there any way to try and look up any history on this car through Ferrari North America or anything? I don't trust Carfax, it is too easy to hide things from it. The PDF F355 buyer's guide is absolutely fantastic.

    If anyone has any specific information regarding this car, it would be much appreciated.
     
  4. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ
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    #4 Eric C, Jul 2, 2014
    You can give Ferrari the VIN for a recall check. That's about it.
     
  5. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #5 pshep138, Jul 2, 2014
    How may I go about doing that? Forgive my constant questions, this my first Ferrari.
     
  6. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ
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    #6 Eric C, Jul 2, 2014
    I just fired off a email to my closest Ferrari dealer.
     
  7. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #7 Dave rocks, Jul 2, 2014
    You need to contact a dealer.
     
  8. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #8 pshep138, Jul 2, 2014
    Email sent to Ferrari of Denver. Thank you both.
     
  9. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ
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    #9 Eric C, Jul 2, 2014
    That thread should be a sticky. Obviously.
     
  10. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #10 pshep138, Jul 2, 2014
    Agreed. I looked through the stickys and was surprised there wasn't a thread like that in there.
     
  11. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

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    #11 Badabing!, Jul 2, 2014

    something is weird. this is the vin # and description of the car that i said the seller reneged on me and that puorro stated he just bought and received.
     
  12. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

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    #12 Badabing!, Jul 2, 2014
    you have a pm
     
  13. F1moving

    F1moving Formula Junior
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    #13 F1moving, Jul 2, 2014
    Your last statement says "I haven't found a nicer car for the money" so what are you waiting for?
     
  14. pshep138

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    #14 pshep138, Jul 14, 2014
    Thanks for all of your PMs, guys! I've decided to move on past this car. It sounds like it has a few things that I don't want to spend any time sorting out.

    Looking now at a '97 F355 Spider. Hopefully picking the car up this weekend, pending a PPI.
     
  15. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
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    #15 phrogs, Jul 14, 2014
    PPIs are about as good as a carfax.
     
  16. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
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    #16 johnk..., Jul 15, 2014
    PPI's, are like advice given of FChat, are very dependent on who is providing it. There are good and there are bad. I personally would not buy any car over $20k w/o some type of PPI. It's no guarantee, but it's better than kicking the tires. And if you 2500 miles away form the car it is cheaper than a plane ticket. I can not imagine why anyone would buy a $60+ used car w/o having some type of inspection by a qualified individual.
     
  17. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #17 drbob101, Jul 15, 2014
    Agree 100%. At least get a compression test done.
     
  18. RWP137

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    #18 RWP137, Jul 15, 2014
    The belt service is time based more so than miles for these cars because they aren't driven much. Dayco says the timing belts have a 5yr shelf life. Of course this is open to interpretation, but if the service was done 5 years and only 1000 miles ago I would say it needs a major. Personally I'm taking my car to six years.
     
  19. Steve355F1

    Steve355F1 F1 World Champ
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    #19 Steve355F1, Jul 15, 2014
    So in the space of a week you've gone from wanting a Berlinetta or GTS, to buying a Spider?

    The best advice I can give if you're really looking to buy a 355 is:

    Ignore this website!!!
     
  20. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #20 SoCal1, Jul 15, 2014
    Watch out for little green men :)
     
  21. butcher

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    #21 butcher, Jul 15, 2014
    Ha ha, there is a lot of truth to this suggestion...

     
  22. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #22 drbob101, Jul 15, 2014
    He decided on a different body style. He is still looking for a 355. This site provides a valuable resource and az wealth of knowledge and experience. It is opinionated and full of testosterone but not to be disregarded.

    With that said. I hour your spider car comes through. They are a fantastic body style. Looks, sound and the unmatched wind in your face experience. Enjoy
     
  23. pshep138

    pshep138 Formula 3
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    #23 pshep138, Jul 16, 2014
    Leakdown/compression test will be done as part of the PPI. I've found a very reputable, knowledgeable shop, and I have nothing but confidence in them.

    Spider was not the first choice, but this one seems to be a very well sorted car at a very competitive price. Thank you for your input.
     
  24. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ
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    #24 Eric C, Jul 16, 2014
    Don't settle.
     
  25. cuneo

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    #25 cuneo, Jul 16, 2014
    I agree.
     
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