I should...

...run like Hell from this one, right?

http://tinyurl.com/2baaz5

 

Get a PPI with compression & leakdown test.

 

All depends on what you plan on doing with the car. If you plan to keep it awhile, I would say go for it. If all the info is correct than the car should be mechanically near perfect. Even with the paperwork mess up, the car is priced very reasonable to counter the paperwork problem. I believe this car will sell quick for that price.. Offer them $55k and drive the crap out of it.... Just make sure your state will issue some kind of title when you re-register it wherever you live... Would suck to get it and find out your home state will not register it....

 

++++

 

Def. 100% do that!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't even consider the purchase w/o it....

 

The possible odometer rollback wouldn't scare any of you off?

My intention for my F355 is to buy it, and drive it - A LOT. I'd rather not have a low-mileage car for myself, as I'm just gonna destroy the resale value on it if I do. Of course, I wouldn't buy ANY car without a PPI, but if a PPI were to come back clean, you'd go for it? The price is, of course, wonderfully tempting.

 

Yes, I would buy it for a price like that--IF you have no plans of reselling anytime soon. Yes--possible odometer rollback(probably not)--In my experiences--it is usually a clerical error 9 times out of 10.. There are VERY FEW odometer rollback discrepencies out there, compared to the number of clerical/secretary paperwork screwups.....

Not saying there are not odom rollback problems with cars, but it is ALOT less likely in high end exotic cars. And if it does occur--it is usually a few thousands miles, not 10's of thousands of miles...that data comes from my auto theft dectective brother, who deals with this kind of stuff EVERY day......
Bottom line---If you are serious--


1.-Go look at the car in person and take a friend who may point out something you miss
2-Have a GOOD look at all the paperwork the dealer has to offer for yourself, maybe you can catch something they missed
3-If possible, make a few copies of the paperwork and return to your state DMV--ask them what it will take to register said car in your home state
4-Schedule PPI by Ferrari dealer or certified independent mechanic
5-Enter your owner info with your new car into the 355 registry!!!

just my opinion---

 

I know there's a good chance this car'll be gone by Monday, but first thing Monday, I'll give 'em a call. Sacramento's a good long drive from that car, but I'd make the run down and check it out if I can. Then, of course, it's a hard-code PPI and we'll go from there!

One of the pics behind the car shows a trailer for Smith Lotus, and if they're the ones with the car, that makes me feel good, rather than if "Jim-Bob Jones's Big 'Ol Car Lot" has got it, ya know?

I'll keep you all updated... And, of course, I'll update the registry entry if ownership changes hands - I'm very impressed by all the work you've done on it!

Orrie

 

Condition of the motor is paramount IMO. Low miles or high miles affects resale price but low comp/leak #'s show the what kind of life is left on the motor before some 'major' service expenses are iminent.

 

I'd buy it. I'm no expert, but that seems like a great deal if the ppi checks out. I wonder if they would take $55k? Maybe I can afford a 355. Did they make 355 Targas? Maybe I should start looking at 355s also.
Bee Jay

 

yes, a 355 GTS was made. Not that easy to find these days and probably won't find a GTS for anywhere that cheap..

 

Yes that is supercheap! When I was looking there was 'nothing' under $80k. There are some good deals to be had and remember anything could be 'fixed', it is just a matter of cost.

 

Omigosh, that car is right there in San Luis Obispo. That's only 45minutes away.
Bee Jay

 

I just called. I can see the car tomorrow. Dang, I already sent a check on another car, a 348.
Bee Jay

 

Go see the car anyway!!! remember round taillights rule and so does 375HP at the crank!!!

 

Get back that 348 check! Depends what you're looking for, but this can be an awesome deal. This is great if you want to buy and hold for a long time, drive it to enjoy it. That ODO issue won't go away, clerical or not. It's on the carfax, this car will always be a bit discounted for that. But that's reflected in the price...so if the PPI checks out as do the records, then go for it. I'd need to see records of valve guides being done for sure, and the major, etc.

 

Gentlemen, excuse me if I'm being a little sensitive here, but I believe that I have right of first refusal on this car. Sure, it's on eBay, but I brought attention to the ad here because I was seeking advice on the car, and out of respect to the rest of the community, I personally wouldn't step on another forum members' toes, if they had been the one to initially express interest in that particular vehicle.

Do I have a point, or am I talking out my a** here?

Orrie

 

Honestly, If you truly wanted this car--you would of told NO ONE where it was. Asking questions about a "car" is one thing. But you put the ad out for everyone to see. I am sure the dealer would not agree with you---first one to sign the paperwork drives away. Not trying to be a *****, that is just life.

I asked questions when I was looking, but never told anyone which car I actually was interested in and where it was. I spread out my posts about the dealer and the car over different regions as to not give it away because I REALLY wanted the car. It worked--I got the car I wanted for less than I expected....and it was on Ebay also...

 

Are you saying someone else is calling 'dibs' on the car? When I was buying mine I didn't broadcast the ad here for that reason, I PM'd a few respected members (285Ferrari and Gothspeed) to get their opinions first. Then I was talking with the seller and got first right of refusal for a week or so. At least 2 other guys wanted it if I let it go, but now it's in my garage

Quite honestly if I were looking to buy and just saw a post saying you should 'run like hell from this one, right?' I wouldn't consider that dibs. If I saw that another Fchatter was more serious about a purchase I would for sure back off...Is this even what you were asking?

 

Well, I'd posted that I was going to call tomorrow to start investigating the car (PPI, since I'm not close enough to go over there just to give it the initial once-over), so I figured that would be enough to let folks here know that I intended to move forward with it. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough about it.

Like I said, it's on eBay - hundreds of people will see the ad, and I've already accelerated my time frames to find out where I'm going with that particular car. If this car doesn't work for me, or if it's sold before I can get my chance at it, I'll proceed much more carefully on the next one, rest assured.

No offense taken here - first to cut the check wins, I suppose.

Orrie

 

That is the way to do it!! If anyone is truly looking for a 355, they can find it the way you did!!

I agree, the post should have read "I am interested in buying this X 355, is there anything I should look out for?" That would imply some interest that most here would respect.

Good luck, do your due diligence and hope for the best!!

 

You are right, you have first dibs. I didn't mean to appear unfair. I thought you stated "I should run like hell". But I did look into the car more and something is fishy here. My friend that advises me on these sort of things thinks the odometer was either disconnected or rolled back while it was being leased afterall. Too many owners, too many stories. I would still like to go up at lunch tomorrow to take a look. I'll post a report here. I think I'm still going to get my pristine no stories 348. I don't like convertibles anyway. Let me know if I can do anything for you if you are going after this car.
Group hug.
Bee Jay

 

What a sweet ending !!!

 

FIRST DIBS?? We are talking about a Car, a car that is publicly forsale.

 

Reading the feedback for this seller is kinda funny...