F355 Vs. Diablo in the war of Repair costs? | FerrariChat

F355 Vs. Diablo in the war of Repair costs?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Nikoskevlar, Jul 12, 2010.

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  1. Nikoskevlar

    Nikoskevlar Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    105
    Mid West
    Full Name:
    M. squire
    Hello, so I havent posted to many threads. I get most of my info from other peoples questions: However......

    I just sold my F355 99'. The F355 myth of extreme repair costs didn't happen to me. I drove the car over 10,000 miles without one service interval. Never a brake, rattle, or left stranded. Now that I sold the car over the weekend (38,500) I already feel that i made a bad choice. I dont feel like the man I was before prior to having a flashy car that women LOVED!!!!!! And, I love women. So, I am thinking of getting a Diablo to bridge the gap of exotic sports car ownership. But, I am terrified of the repairs on the infamous diablo rants. So, here are my questions:

    1) are these cars worse the the F355 in repairs?
    2) do these require engine out service every 36-48 months? And, how MUCH?
    3) is cost ownership just down right offensive?
    4) what types of things are extremly important to look for in buying a car like a diablo?
    5) 1992, 40,000 miles. Whats it worth?
    6) Am I stupid for even considering such a move?
    7) I live in Iowa, no Lambo mechanic's out here. I am on my own people!

    Love the F chat. Love the feedback. Would LOVE some answers.
     
  2. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #2 2NA, Jul 12, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2010
    No timing belts to replace.

    Normal maintenance items like any other car.

    The clutch requires an "engine out" to replace ($10K) and if you like hard launches will wear out quickly. If you are careful it will last many thousands of miles.

    The early cars had a chain tensioner that required updating. It would be prudent to check into that when looking at a '92.

    If the car's been cared for there's no reason to expect trouble. If it's had a dozen owners and had the hell beat out of it by each of them?

    Just like a Ferrari, if something breaks it will be expensive.

    If you like attention, you'll get plenty driving a Diablo.
     
  3. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 23, 2007
    3,617
    VA
    Full Name:
    Brendan
    sorry to go off topic, but you let your 99 F355 go for $38.5?!?! Please tell me that was the mileage and not the sale price :(
     
  4. markgllc

    markgllc Karting

    Dec 25, 2008
    179
    Fairborn, OH
    I'd buy back the 355...wouldn't have to even think about that one.
     
  5. enginefxr

    enginefxr Formula 3

    Aug 20, 2007
    1,753
    S&R Exotics
    Full Name:
    Gary Sharpe
    Oil lines like to fail on Diablo's. Repaired a cylinder head on one that starved for oil.
    A single bare replacement head was like 8k, and I'm not even sure it was available anymore. And NO used heads were around either.
    Lambo labor and parts make Ferrari repairs look cheap!
     
  6. markgllc

    markgllc Karting

    Dec 25, 2008
    179
    Fairborn, OH
    Oh...and not sold the 355 to begin with...forgot to add that ;-) If you wanted a Lambo you should have bought one to begin with but it appears someone stole an Fcar when you let your go so cheap!!! Man, wish I'd have seen it....good luck on whatever you decide but you'll always have that Fcar sound churning away in your head....I couldn't ever go to the dark side....but that's just me. ;-)

     
  7. Nikoskevlar

    Nikoskevlar Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    105
    Mid West
    Full Name:
    M. squire
    It had 35,000 miles. In actually great condition. But needed a major. A major is about 7-10k. F355's are just not worth anything anymore. The repair costs really destroyed their value. 360's are pretty solid...... Ferrari owners prevail! A F355 should be in the $40's after a major. Hate to brake it to the other owners out there! they just arent worth any money
     
  8. Nikoskevlar

    Nikoskevlar Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    105
    Mid West
    Full Name:
    M. squire
    This is depressing news! The owner says he has 50,000 in mechanic bills over its life. With a recent engine overhaul. But still scared!
     
  9. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 23, 2007
    3,617
    VA
    Full Name:
    Brendan
    I think us 355 owners understand the cost of a major. Regardless, I disagree with your assessment. I think a fully serviced 355 is a $50k+ car. Someone got a STEAL!!!
     
  10. 05011994

    05011994 Formula 3
    Owner

    May 1, 2004
    1,865
    Golden, Colorado
    Agreed, I have a friend that just sold his 1997 Black Berlinetta for $67,000 (<20,000 miles, last major in 2007, Tubi headers, hyperflows and Tubi Exhaust, great car) so this does appear to be a great deal.
     
  11. markgllc

    markgllc Karting

    Dec 25, 2008
    179
    Fairborn, OH
    Hmmm, I think a few of us feel that way. If the car was presentable...I'd have been all over it. I hope he does NOT post pics...there'll be some crying if the car was anything at all. I still say GIVE AWAY at his sell price...

     
  12. Nikoskevlar

    Nikoskevlar Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    105
    Mid West
    Full Name:
    M. squire
    Sorry owners. They just arent worth what you think. Check out ebay, thats what they are ACTUALLY selling for. And if one needs a major, 38 is a fair price. I understand that many owners are emotional about there cars, and have a HUGE self worth of what they are. But, just not realistic. Ones with a fresh 30k major go for 46-52k. If one needs a major, than 38 is what its worth.......... And trust me kids, when you go to sell yours for something different, dont be insulted.
     
  13. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 23, 2007
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    Brendan
    #13 junglistluder, Jul 12, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2010
    :)

    I'm actually happy that you got what you feel your car was worth though. As long as you're happy about the amount received, that's all that matters.
     
  14. ijvpet

    ijvpet Formula Junior

    Jul 17, 2002
    480
    Calgary, Alberta
    Full Name:
    John P
    I've owned both. It all depends on how you treat your cars. The harder you drive, the more expensive the bills get.
    I loved my 355 and I am looking for another one. If you can, get a later model Diablo. As the years went on, improvements were made and the car became better.
    Take your time looking for a Diablo. Look for service records. Educate yourself on what to look for and what to ask with respect to repairs and upgrades.

    There is only one problem that you cannot avoid when enjoying a Lamborghini..... it really takes the wind out of any Ferrari experience you may have had!!!

    Sorry F-Car guys!! I still own a 430 spyder, its a great car but driving a Lambo is just something out of this world. Everything is an experience, from the v12 sound to just filling the car up at a gas station. WOW!! Just getting in by opening the sissor door and hearing the "ooohhh" around you...... You may never go back to Ferrari life again :)
     
  15. butch355

    butch355 Karting

    Jan 27, 2005
    114
    Denver
    Full Name:
    Brent
    Ok here is what the NADA says on 355s all models right now.

    FYI they show the spider the highest of all the models in all cases.

    1995 Low 42,200 - 77,800

    1996 Low 51,200 - 87,300

    1997 Low 53,700 - 86,200

    1998 Low 58,900 - 84,800

    1999 Low 62,500 - 112,000

    I think there are all fair prices?
     
  16. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2005
    78,876
    Las Vegas Nevada
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    Jerry
    Those are fantasyland prices
     
  17. MS250

    MS250 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    26,575
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    Avvocato
    ^

    i know 2 guys that are sill orginal owners of 355s...they will keep there cars in the garage covered until they dry rot before selling for anything south of 85 grand for 97, and 98 355Bs.

    though i respect prices are soft, but dont be fooled that you can find a great car for $50,000 ... taste and level of condition is different from eveyone .... how many of these cars selling that low still have original tires ?? or better still Khumo $60 tires ?? you get what you pay for... dont be fooled.
     
  18. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
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    Mar 23, 2007
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    Brendan
    I think the first column is spot on. The second column, not so much haha.
     
  19. jssans

    jssans Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2005
    839
    St. Louis
    Full Name:
    Josh
    As long as my insurance pays close to those prices if the car is totaled, I'll be very happy.
     
  20. Nikoskevlar

    Nikoskevlar Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    105
    Mid West
    Full Name:
    M. squire
    NADA guides should be used for used fords and chevys. Not exotics...... Honestly, everytime you want to know the REAL price of cars, go to Ebay. When people bid, the prices are what the general public will pay for a car. NADA is stupid, THAN, F car owners claim all of this service history....... That may only be the difference between 5-7k? The underlaying issue is a going price is a going price. Serviceing is apart of the ownership process and the general expense that will never be recouped when one trys to sell their car. Its part of the game............
     
  21. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2005
    78,876
    Las Vegas Nevada
    Full Name:
    Jerry
    First column seems a little high as well. Not crazy high, but a little. Second column is fantasyland.

    Ive been closely watching 348/355 prices as I am considering getting another one in the next couple months IF I dont get another Viper.
     
  22. switchcars

    switchcars Formula 3

    Jul 28, 2005
    2,223
    Full Name:
    Doug
    Huh. Either that was a 100-point concours car, the buyer thought there was cash stashed in the trunk, or your friend is exaggerating a bit. This is ALLLLL the money for a 1997 F355.

    But.....let's not turn this into a 355 market discussion thread. To the OP....do your homework. As you experienced firsthand, you avoided the major upkeep USUALLY required with a 355. If you get a good Diablo, you will be able to do the same, as if well kept, they are quite reliable. If not.....expect it to cost more than a boat with a hole in it.
     
  23. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

    Jun 18, 2008
    2,793
    Henderson, NV
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    Roberto Bellezza
    #23 rbellezza, Jul 12, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2010
    $38.500 for a '99 355 wow! Lucky guy who bought it !!! I love the Diablo, talking about a head turner ....
     
  24. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,044
    USA
    Not anymore...not even close. You could shave about 15k off the low end and 20k off the high on those prices...that might get you closer to real selling prices.
     
  25. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 20, 2006
    2,469
    Don't we call it Fleabay for a reason? Most good cars change hands privately, and never affect stats on the internet that most people have access to. I personally think a better way of seeing what market value for GOOD 355's is to compile a list of prices that authorized dealers are getting for the cars. Not to say that all 355's at Ferrari dealers are perfect, but they are probably better off than most of the ones on E-bay. I'm sure some would disagree.

    Oh and why in the world do any of us care about any of this anyway? Even 3 years ago $70,000 wasn't that much to get to drive one of these bad boys. Get over it everyone. Who cares how much the d@mn car is worth, was it really an investment for anyone on here? I'm probably going to have $90,000 into mine when the stupid awesome thing is finally said and done, and it's led me on some of the craziest adventures that most would never believe. Not only that, but we'll never be that lame guy in the minivan with 3 whining kids looking at the guy in the 355 thinking "I could of... should of... would of..." I love that line, and I claim copyright to it dammit. :)
     

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