Describe Your First 348 or 355 Test Drive

I'm a potential F355 owner and general car nut. I've bought quite a few fun cars in the past few years and that first drive is always a special moment. Sometimes it's a disappointment, and other times it's like a revelation! I'd like to hear about the first time you drove your 348 or F355. Was it what you expected? Any surprises?



Since I don't yet own one, I will share one of many of my non-Ferrari experiences.

I have always lusted after the BMW E39 M5. Its 400 hp naturally aspirated V8 was, at the time, one of the most ridiculous lumps to be fitted into a four door sedan. I've owned and ridden in some quite fast modified cars over the years, so I had relatively low expectations when I met with the seller of my M5. I had just flown to NYC from Saudi Arabia (where I worked) to buy it, so I didn't want to be disappointed. I expected it to be a nice car, but I also didn't think it would blow me away.

The seller really loved the car, so I encouraged him to drive it one last time before I got the chance to drive it home. When he nailed it on a highway on-ramp, I was happily surprised by the torque the engine made and the ease with which the car gained momentum. Because of a slightly opened-up exhaust, the sound was also intoxicating. That was enough for me to hand over the cash before even driving it myself.

When I drove it myself, things got even better. I started to understand the car on a much deeper level than I had before. This car is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It will waft you down the highway in complete comfort and silence when needed, but then hit the sport button and open up those individual throttle bodies, and it will shoot you to the moon with the thrust of a four door rocket ship howling all the way there. It's a two-faced monster. I laughed at the hilarity of it all the way home to Florida on that first, long drive. This car taught me the meaning of torque!

I've got many other stories like this of the cars I've bought in the past few years, but this is a Ferrari forum, so let's hear about your 348 and F355 experiences 8)

 

well my first ride in a 355 ever was when I was 18. it was actually the day of my 18th birthday. my neighbor was having a BBQ, and one of the guests at the house had a red spider. at that time the 355 was already my dream car.

I walked over to the house and was cautiously looking at the car.. and not too long after a gentlemen walked out. it was his. he was more then kind about me looking at it, and suprisingly offered to take me for a drive.

in short I was pretty much blown away..

now 18years later.. I bought my own this past Sept 2014.
it was a 6hr drive to get to the car. and voila there is was on the owners drive on lift.
a 1997 GTB Euro, 6speed Giallo Modena.

I had done a ton of research on the car before even going. all the way back to its original point of sale at a Ferrari dealer in Germany.

the car had alot of good work done, valve guides etc.. it was a respectible, but not "flawless" example of a 355. but I knew already before going.

at the price agreed for the car, I could not pass it up. No PPI by the way.

the whole experience was very stressfull.. as there was no turning back.

when we for a test drive where he drove. seemed to be all fine.
then I test drove it. all seemed more or less fine. but to be honest.. I was so stressed, I did not appreciate that I was actually driving it.

after the drive, i probably spent another hour just looking over the car etc..
my girlfirend and I stayed the evening at nearby hotel.
and that evening I took a leap of faith and confirmed to owner I would buy it.

I drove it back the next day 6hrs back home. still not fully appreciating I actually bought a 355 lol.. pretty much drove it to my ferrari indie shop within 4 days. and it stayed there for about 4weeks, getting some work done. and I also bought a Nouvalari SS exhaust from a member here.

only after I got it back, and got in some decent drive time, more relaxed, with the new exhaust, that I was able to finally appreciate it. have never driven anything like it. the shifting, the sound, the feel, the stearing, the comfort. I still cant beleive how comfortable it is to sit in the 355.
we all know the 355 doesnt have crazy power/torgue, but it suites the car just perfect.
previoulsy I was all about power, but now the 355 offers an experience that cant be matched.

got to drive a handfull of times until i had to store it for winter. it sits in my garage now, and im having serious withdrawal lol.. I am dying for spring to drive it again..!

so to experience withdrawal from a car, the 355 is definitely llike a drug..! you get one hit of it, and you just want more, more and more..!!

 

I drove a 355 twice during my search (two different cars, maybe 6-8 months apart) in 2013. Nine years before I had chosen a Porsche 996TT at $70k instead of a $100k 355.

So I spent all that time saving up so I could comfortably afford an exotic this time. For me, the time difference took a toll on my perceptions of the car. As a result, I preferred other things.

The cars sounded good, but was slower than other things I was trying out. There were alot more choices for $125k in 2013 than there was in 2004-5.

So now I'm back saving for the next car (maybe 2 years out) and I'll try the 355 again, but with the mindset of driving a vintage car, which will put it on a more level playing field.

 

About 5 years ago when I bought my first F355, a 99 GTS gated, I was trying to decide between a 993 turbo and the F355.

After obsessively watching videos of each I decided on the F355 because of the amazing sound. (I think they are both gorgeous).

Once delivered, the first time I drove the GTS it felt like it had about 200 horsepower and sounded nothing like I expected. Fuel gauge didn't work and when I pulled it back into the garage it was pouring coolant out of the heater hose connections in the front.

I was really disappointed and super pissed off! Despite the car -just- having a major service, no one bothered to drain the ancient fuel from the tank and replace with new. Doing that fixed the power issue. I fixed the coolant leak as well and the sound problem was a leaking vacuum line for the bypass valve. Much better! In the end it was a great car but my first experience in it was horrible.

Fast forward 5 years (this was 2 weeks ago) and my 95 berlinetta was delivered. First drive was very enjoyable as the car was well sorted and maintained. Great power, no warning lights, chassis and suspension feel rock solid, brakes perfectly smooth and the shifter sliding through the metal gate is just an excellent sound and feeling. Steering is precise and overall the car drives so damn good I kept saying over and over in my head, "I can't believe this is a 20 year old car".

It sounds and drives amazing. Despite the lack of low end torque it really is a great engine. It has a lopey racey idle but still drives dead smooth at low rpm. Short gearing and close trans ratios are perfectly matched for the peaky engine and I love the instant throttle response of the ITB's.

Find a good one and I don't think you will be disappointed!

 

I'll make mine short:

The young salesman nearly crapped his pants and made me promise to not tell his boss
what I was doing on the test drive.

I was hooked immediately!

Great stories guys.

 

I own an E39 M5 (as well as a 512 TR and Fiat Dino Spider).

I agree with your impressions : it's a fabulous and absurdly affordable sports saloon.

 

I'm looking to add a 2003 E39 M5 to my stable as well.

Had an '03 540i M-sport. Loved that car.

 

I was so excited. We drove by a bunch of girls and I asked the salesman why I wasn't seeing panties dropping, he came back with "oh they will be" LOL

 

I first drove my 348 on some cratered back roads with low speed limits. The car was cold, so I could hardly get it into second. I think I hit a top speed of 40mph. I fell in love immediately

To top it off on the drive home a huge thunderstorm rolled through, and the car nearly got clobbered by hail in my first hour of ownership. But everything worked out and we had an unseasonably warm fall and winter this year, so I've been able to enjoy it thoroughly.

 

I brought my 89 328GTS to Algar for service in 1995..They wanted me to test drive the 355 and after I was done I did not want my 328 anymore!..I was sold on it!..i guess that was their plan..

 

I had a 2002 M5 Great car for a sedan!!

 

clever...

 

Short story about my first drive and purchase of a Ferrari (348 Spider)

Business was humming for me in Ft Lauderdale in the early 90's so in 1992 I bought a new NSX from Prestige Imports in Miami and just loved it. Quick, smooth, attractive and semi-exotic. Life was good.

Fast forward to early 1994 and I had stopped by Shelton Ferrari in Ft. Lauderdale to look at what was on the showroom floor. I had never really considered purchasing an Italian car what with their reputation and all. However, there sitting under the lights was a new red/tan 348 Spider and all I could say was wow! The salesman (Bud Root) approached me and we had a conversation as he knew who I was. Next thing I know he says "wanna take it for a test drive?". Well...... I purchased the car the next day.

While the NSX was a nice pleasant car it did NOT give me that tingly feel that the 348 did with its great steering, exhaust note and exotic appeal. NSX was sold shortly after.
LOVED my 348 Spider!

 

Thanks for the stories guys, and glad to see other M5 lovers here I hope to add my own story here, but not until I have enough time to actually enjoy one of these for more than a few days a year!

 

The first time I drove the 355 it was sooo dissapointing for me as I did not come from a Civic to a 355 since I owned very fast Porsches and BMW's before. I was probably expecting an Enzo or LaFerrari expenrience I guess because it was a Ferrari. After about 10 minutes I realized it was't the fastest car in the world but it had a soul and it was simply a different animal.

I remember the first time I took off from standing still I thought what the hell was the big fuss. I had a 800hp 1992 Nissan 300zx and a 1996 M3 that was supercharged at the time when I drove the 355 for the first time. Both my cars were faster for sure. After about 10 minutes on it I thought hmmm I understand what the fuss is about.
Next week I had the Nissan sold and bought my 355 within the month.

 

Its not about 0-60
I'm not sure if the 355 is the right car for you
From your posts doesn't look like you appreciate the machine
You should get in a launch rocket porsche turbo ...then you won't find it soooo disappointing and you won't have to change over all the parts to something more suited to your soul/taste

 

Like I said earlier.. My dissapointment lasted only few minutes. I realized with the 355 there was something more than just speed. Before and after my ownership of the 355 I had cars that were MUCH faster than the 355. Even my little M Roadster will eat the 355 for breakfast today.
I adore the 355, we all know 355 is much more than just speed. I do howevver wish it was a little faster. I am not going to spend $50K for a setup and ruin the car. I'll howevver get it breathing better, make sure it sounds the way it should, make sure it has the better throthle response, etc without loosing it's soul.
The video below sounds about right to me...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrX4L6AFQz0

 

I don't recall seeing you mention before, but why did you sell your F355?

I plan to keep mine stock besides exhaust but I have no problem with tasteful/functional modifications.

Most things can be returned to stock unless you end up building an all out race car. (in which case the idea of starting with a damaged/salvage car is a good one imo).

 

I didn't sell it.. My cousin totaled it in Atlanta on Piedmont road when he was visiting me. Hit a pole, luckily no one was injured. I would never have sold it as my car was a truly amazing car. It couldn't fixed as he hit that pole real hard. I do wonder who bought that car from the insurance. They must have parted it out. The insurance co. was very fair to me. They apid out all the extras I had on the car. After the insurance settlement I bought a 360 and started to fiddle with it. The 360 was replaced with a 430 which I also sold a while back.
Along the way there were many other cars. It's time for me to go back to a 355 and not let anyone drive it. If I can't find a 355 for a fair price I am also thinking about a 360CS.
My cousin now has a 458 in Turkey and whenever I am in I drive his car. I drive that car much harder than he drove any of my cars

I wonder about the salvage cars.
1. If you had a GTO or even a Dino today which was salvage million years ago do you really think anyone would care today?
2. Water damage cars scare me but crashed cars are worse if there has been major damage. Theft recovery is not so bad assume.
3. Say 20 years from now if the 355 is worth $300K and if you decided/needed to you could go back to stock easily if you keep all the original parts as long as there isn't anything done to the body( salvage or non-salvafe)

 

Oh I see, surely unfortunate! Interesting that you are looking to get back to an F355 after the 360 and 430.

In time when these cars become classics and we're talking nut and bolt restorations the history of the car won't matter too much in terms of value as long as the car ends up 100% (but an original survivor with good history will still bring more).

 

The first 348 I drove was a '93 Red/Black spider from the Auto Gallery with about 10k miles. That was in '98. It felt great and sounded right, but I was expecting more. Maybe the fact that it was 105 out and the salesman & I combined to weigh north of 400lbs.

The first 355 I drove was the '98 GTS that I bought in Lavagna, Italy in '00 and then direct imported. Gorgeous fall afternoon drive up A12 to Santa margherita in which we prob hit 150 kph, then back down the coastal road through Rapallo. The 355 felt more exotic and way more powerful. Could've had something to do with where I was, but I still really like my 355GTS.

 

I totally understand what you mean. I have had and been in lots of fast cars too with well north of 500 hp. They're a blast. However, last year I bought a euro import BMW 635 csi and I got a whole new perspective on driving.

That car in it's stock form is not fast by any means, but it doesn't feel lazy either. It was never meant to be a monster on the track, but with a little tweaking everything works together very well. Being a euro car, it is much more spartan inside than any of it's US counterparts. It is also significantly lighter, has a higher compression engine, has an LSD, and more. That makes it so very mechanical compared to anything modern. You hear and feel everything the car is doing. There is no airbag, the clutch actually has "feel", the engine is quite vocal with it's rocker-arm-controlled valves, shifting is precise and purposeful, and even the steering feels pretty good despite being a recirculating ball setup. Plus, I can't help but look back at it every time I walk away.

I can't really explain it well, but that car taught me how to just appreciate plain old driving. I don't have to go fast in it to enjoy it. However, I do plan to turbo it XD

Another example is my E30 M3. It is disappointingly slow in acceleration if you compare it to modern cars. I didn't understand the hype until I really drove it HARD in some twisties. I, my father, and all of my good friends who've driven it hard all had that same "Aha!" moment when they got it on the limit. It's like a revelation!

I imagine an F355 is great for very similar reasons, but on a whole different level.

 

A good F355 is much like the E30 M3 only on lots and lots of steroids! I had a 90 M3.

 

Neat thread.

The first time I drove a 355 was when they were relatively new, in the late 90's. My uncle had a F1 Berlinetta and later a Spider, and I got to drive both quite frequently. I fell completely in love with the car...the looks, the sound, the feel.

Fast forward to July of 2013, and after having had quite a few nice cars, including a 79 308GTB and 97 550, I went and bought one. But I tested three cars before ending up with mine. I only wanted a Berlinetta and it had to be manual...

The first one one I saw was what appeared to be a well kept 95, red/black two previous owners, low miles. But once I drove it, it didn't feel good...didn't seem fast, it felt uncomfortable, the steering not how I recalled. I went away disappointed and wondering if the 355 was the right car for me so many years later...maybe I should get a 430 or go back to a Porsche (never loved the 360, had a 993tt and 964 turbo previously, which I loved).

The second 355 I saw, was so rough and unloved that I passed without even driving it!

A few months went by and I said to myself I had to drive another one, as I remember loving the ones I drove back in the day. This time it was a 98 GTS, originally Canna de Fucile, but repainted resale red. The interior was cuio. I loved the fact that it was originally Canna de Fucile, because the combo with the interior is one of my favourites for this car, and if I bought it, I would get her back to original. I drove the car...and LOVED it. It revved beautifully and was a blast to drive, just how I remembered. The car had several issues though, like a slipping clutch, a non standard exhaust from an unknown brand, original headers that looked beat, it was heating up after the drive and had a coolant leak!! Not great, but I still made an offer. It was not accepted, and a year and half later, the car is still for sale.

But the positive note was that I had fallen in love with the car again...I knew I had to have one.

A couple of weeks later I drove to the north of my country to see another one for sale, a late 97 Berlinetta, manual, red/black. Low miles and one owner car since new! I drove it, and it was perfect!! I closed the deal driving back with the salesman still in the passenger seat.

I still own the car today and have put close to 9,000 miles on her in the last 18 months. The car had been sitting for a while so it got a full major done when I bought her, with headers and water pump replaced as well. Once the few niggles here and there from sitting were sorted, the car has been perfect and I love very drive.

 

I was surprised in a negative way, expected more performance from the car the first time I drove it.

But the sound of the Tubi de-catted exhaust was intoxicating! Also the clic-clic-clic from the gated shifter was exactly what I invisioned since I was a teenager.

Ended up purchasing the car on the spot.

'99 Berlinetta 6spd Blue TDF with light grey interior.

Added shields, challenge grill, carbon sills, and custom floor mats matching the car's color.

Love it untill today.