Considering a purchase of this car: 1997 355 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2487764804&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT It is a one owner car with ALL receipts. Serviced by Shelton of Florida and WWOC in NY. In Feb of '04, it had a new clutch, throwout bearing, new battery, new exhaust manifold, and new cat converter. In July of '00 it had its last major service. They had to "remove 1.4 cylinder head and overhaul to correct compression leakage" apparently, the right bank cylinder head was leaking down at 2 cylinders. Obviously it's due for its next major. Should I be concerned about the leakdown? It seems crazy that a 3 year old car would have that problem. Any other advice re: problems, areas to watch out for, or pricing? Thanks in advance! Steve
Ad says 15K service and belt change was completed, so I it may not be due for another major service for a while. Was this done in July 2000 or after that service? If done in 2000, then you might consider changing the belt in July 2005 as that would be 5 years. General rule is 30K miles or 5-7 years. Bad compression numbers are not that unusual and could be indicative of bad valve guides. You would certainly want a compression and leak down test to be performed before finalizing any deal.
bump... Any other thoughts...?? Really want to get to a go/no go decision asap! Thanks in advance. Steve
I think it looks pretty decent and the price looks right... Make sure you get an independent PPI - just due to the leakdown problem from the past. This may not be uncommon - sometimes these things happen - as long as it was fixed PROPERLY - you will not have an issue - Make sure you get all records to review and ask questions, call the service place that did the work, etc. The one thing you mentioned raised some concerns - they replaced one manifold... or are you saying both? I think the 1997's had the different manifolds than the 1995 and 1996's (which most were replaced due to issues). If they didn't replace both - may not be a problem - but many times when you see one go - you will see the other go shortly after (not all the time but often). Was it/is it because of a cat issue - overheating a bit - I wonder? I have to say when I buy an F-car - I don't mind having to get the service done shortly after I buy it... This car should be on its 30K service - regardless of miles - and nearly ready for a 45 - though this is often the case with these low miles cars... I would go with the every 4 years service theory - The factory is saying 3 years - some people will say 5 - 7 years - I only drive mine 2K or so per year - often sitting during the winter - which I think is harder on the belts, etc. that is why I tend to lean less time for mine. With that said - I would consider - getting this car (if every thing checks out) - putting some money aside and have the major done late winter - have it really worked over - do some upgrades while you are at it - Tubi, Test Pipes, etc... Hope that helps a little. PS. I love My 355 Spider - (as you will see a picture of it in my profile) and Red and Tan are the "right" colors
Steve - I also have a 97 = Great Car! Don't feel pressure to buy it right away on ebay. He also has the car listed in Dupont Registry. If you're serious about the car, give me $1K or so on a credit card to hold it pending your visual inspection and PPI. Don't buy a car without seeing it in person...check out the interior. Make the offer contingent on your inspection and passing a PPI. A credit card is good in case there is any conflict down the road. A word of caution. I'm concerned about the 15K service with belts. I looked into 2 different cars that had the same wording...the belts they spoke of were A/C, altenator, etc belts....not timing belts! Make sure the timing belts were changed. That's what caught my eye right away. When a dealer does the timing belts, the service is called at 30K service (regardles of miles). Make sure he has the receipt with itemized parts. After visual inspection send the car out for a PPI. You can arrange that with a credit card for a flat bed and to pay for the PPI. It should include a leakdown test to make sure the valve guides are good. Shelton, for example, charges $300 for the PPI. If all goes OK write the deal.
