Hello everyone, Let me first introduce myself to you guys. I'm Erik and currently own Viper Gts. For the past few years I have been Buying a selling my way up. And I think I'm ready to start looking for my first F-car. Which would happen to be a F355 GTS or Berlinetta. Just a few things worry a bit. I have owned NSXs, Z06s and this viper. All in all maintenance it stupid easy as well as super cheap (compared to the Ferrari). Is the maintenance really as bad as everyone makes it out to be? I look all over for cars and never have had a problem with buying something far away. I found one on Ebay. It looks like it may need some work. the engine compartment looks dirty and the black around the windshield looks faded, along with the missing side engine compartment panel missing. I'm sure there are other things that need maintenance as well Since simple things like this are missing or need some loving. But I think for the right price It would be a great buy. LMK what you guys think. I will be getting my Own PPI if I do decide to take a trip out to see it. Just thought I would ask on here first since I never owned one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F355-Berlinetta-/221150196872?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337d943488#ht_4413wt_882
You're off to a good start. You've found a nice looking 95 355. I've owned 2, and the 95 is the most desirable for many reasons. That car looks like its honest and being well represented. I wouldn't worry about the issues you raised. These cars are almost 20 years old. If the service was recent, the compression and leak down numbers are good, I'd say its a great deal. That car looks great. Oh, and by the way... You could buy a 360 for the cost of a good 355. But, there is NOTHING like a 355. The good ones are worth much more than any 360.
Thanks. Once stuff cools down over here in NY, Ill head up there to check it out. I never was a fan of a 360 the only one I would buy is a CS. And they aren't in my price range.
We are alike, I too came from a Viper GTS to my F355 Berlinetta. You'll miss the torque at first but will soon get over it. I loved my Viper and would like to have another one day but not if it means I have to get rid of my F355. Good luck in your hunt, take your time, it will be worth the wait. Rob
I have owned a nero/tan 1995 F355 Berlinetta for 6 years now, virtually identical to this car, minus the missing engine bay panel. It's the only car that I've owned anywhere near this long and it's also the car that I've spent the most money on, by far. That being said, in a very good way, it's like no other car I've ever driven, and that includes a 2003 Viper soft top, a 1999 911, and a 2001 360 hardtop, as well as a bunch of BMW's, Lotus, etc. The photo of the stock rear grille looks as though the paint is really messed up, hopefully the rest of the car isn't like that. Make sure you see it in person, as well as getting a thorough ppi with leakdown/compression tests. If you buy it, put Hyperflow cats, improved headers, and a Capristo 3 on it asap!! Oh, and the edit... Be sure to find out when the last major service was done (engine dropped, belt changed, etc.). 30k miles or 5 years is the outside.
