Hello! 355 here I come

Welcome Aboard!!

If it is a 95 Coupe in excellent condition - with lower miles - and the service is documented... I would say around 74K is probably in line. Shoot lower and work your way up.

Make sure you have a PPI done by a mechanic to cover all basis.

Also as a new person - might I recommend taking a look in FerrariAds (above) - many of the F-chatters have their car for sale in this section - and you can ask and gain a lot about these cars from this forums. Take a look at user Ghost and Woodear - they have very nice examples for sale...

Again Welcome and Good luck!!!

Rich

 

There is a gorgeous 95 F355 B advertised right now on ferrariads.com

 

Just make certain that you can manage the unexpected expenses. The dollar amounts can add up quickly. Some examples are: 30,000 mile service ($8000+), new clutch ($3000+), cracked windshield ($3000+), etc. As long as your "rainy day" fund is in order, go for it. Good luck and enjoy! Tim

 

Don, i understood your message to say you were looking for a F1 car. If this is true, you will need to go 98 or 99 as those are the only years offered. I have a really nice silver/blue car in the classifieds. PM if you want to talk price.

 

Don't worry so much about the miles as long as the service records are in order. A properly maintained Ferrari will last for many years and miles to come. I'd recommend going for the exact color combination you desire and make sure the services have been well documented.

In the 355's there is some additional peace of mind in buying a late 98 or any 99 model in that they have had fewer mechanical issues with valve guides. Of course you will pay a premium for those years. The F1 tranny will add even more to the price... and some would say... to the maintenance worries of ownership. I prefer the traditional 6-speed (which is what I have in my 98 355 GTB).

 

I'd go for a lower mileage one with complete maintenance records. Welcome to the group, remember the chase is often the best part. Take your time and go when it's right. It's always better to have the wife aboard with the decision.

 

Good luck in your search. Just had another one come back from PPI on Friday with some stuff. Motor mounts collapsed, header leak, cam belt loose, alternator idle, some other belt loose and needed tires. About $ 4,500 in all I have been told. Dealer willing to split costs, but the miles are kind of high so I may keep looking.

So far, four cars sent for PPIs and all four have had issues including one with valve guide, one with electrical, plug wires, and etc. and one with damage having been repaired. Definitely get a PPI. It is getting a bit expensive though as I have dropped over $ 1,000 on PPIs in the last week or two and I still don't have a car.

Getting a little frusterating, but I know it will pay dividends. Just got approved another one today that is absolutely perfect color combo and low miles. Hoping for a good PPI on Monday.

 

Ilovesoda,

clean up your profile, it's a 355 GTS not a "366 GTS" you seek. 95 only offered 6-manual but a slight increase in horse-power over later stock model years.

Keep in mind...you want to sleep at night w/ out the weight of worrying about a discrectionary purchase such as this, after purchase....take your time and research for at least 6 months.

Dealers add 10%; others are right look for good service documentation.

Look for manifold and valve issues relevent to this model.

Do searches on 355's and read, read, read...

Oh and your profile says your occupation is "Bum" is that retired bum or corporate/sole proprietory "Bum?" There's your lic. tag SODABUM

Good Luck,

 

The F1 box was actually introduced in 1997, but close enough. Good luck with your search.

 

This site is full of information from owners and techs. Search everything you possiably can in regards to these cars. Once you are armed with all the information your brain can contain..then go out searching. Some of these cars have been in rental fleets (avoid those) some have been garage queens..aviod those. In you case..I would try to find a car with about 30-40k on the clock that looks to be well cared for. Get the car checked over completly by a competent shop, and spare no expense in the inspection. This is one area that is worth the money spent, as it could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

If you can, try and trace all owners of the car, and if possiable contact them directly. Get all service history, and speak to the shops who have performed these services.

Good luck in your search, if you do your homework and TAKE YOUR TIME!! you will be rewarded with one of the best auto experiances the industry has to offer.

 

I have heard this too, however I have yet to see a "97" with a F1 box in the US or Canada

 

Hmm, I know they were introduced in 1997, and i would asume they would have also come to the states in this year as well. I'll do some searching and see what I can find.

 

I think they were introduced in Europe in 97. US they were only 98 and 99 unless a few grey markets ones exist over here...

 

Yeah yeah...that's all good. Just don't let her drive it or she'll likely torch your e-brake.

j/k, sorta

Welcome, congrat's, make sure the PPI is clean and have at it. Don't worry if you feel nervous and reconsider your decision several times...it's normal & natural. Just know that there will come a time when you drive your new car and a smile will come over your face and you will know you've made a right decision: it don't get no righter!

Use your gutt instincts; you'll know when the deal is right. If you have a fat friend, take him along...he'll have a bigger gutt feeling. Yeah, definitely double-gutt it. But let thy PPI be your staff and guide.

Oh yeah, run the Carfax...some jerk tried to sell me his damaged-goods pos after the title was magically scrubbed clean in some other state. Beware of any car being sold other then from the actual owner or a dealer...these guys who are helping their friend sell their car: RUN AWAY and don't look back.

Opps...Simpson's are on, gotta run!

- Steve

 

I think you are correct, I can't seem to find any 1997 models in the US equiped with the F1, or any information stating their introduction date in the states.