i think I might have found a 355...

So im look at this car on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-F355-F-355-1995-FERRARI-F355-F-355-BERLINETTA-COUPE-6-SPEED-RED_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6212QQitemZ4644288784QQrdZ1

I am new to 355s and dont know what to really look for in terms of problems. I see its had its 15k and 30k mile service done. I know you are supposed to check out the exhaust manifolds and valve guides cause they were a problem. What do you guys think? Do you think this car is too cheap and there might be something wrong with it? Carfax checks out ok. Thanks.

 

also...should this concern me?
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The price is reflective of the fact that it's high miles and a GTB. Beyond that get a good PPI and full service records. If you are comfortable with a 30K miles car, then this could be fine but research is required. (I would only trust a real F-car mechanic better yet a dealer. It will be the best $500 you can spend.)

 

The car looks nice but it has a few miles.

You would be best off to have a PPI done to make sure.

I am surprised that with 30K miles the driver's seat bolster shows no wear! I would ask if any leather work has been done and most importantly if they have documentation for the services they claim.

Remeber that the headers, cats, and valve guide issues can be quite costly!

 

I am not put off by anything I see here, but I echo the idea of a good PPI. The mileage on this car makes me fell better, in that the valve guides - if they are going to be an issue - will surely show in a leakdown and compression test at this point. If the PPI comes back clean, it looks like a pretty nice car. The records appear to show a 30k service done this month, can't ask for more than that. Just be sure the PPI checks (1) that the 30k was really done and (2) leakdown and compression. And then enjoy the fact that the 95's make a good 15-20 hp more than the later cars!

Good luck!

 

Don't worry about the crackle finish peeling on the valve covers. They all do it after awhile. I'm about to get my 30k service done, and I'm going to respray the covers at this time

Darrell.

 

ummm...is 30k miles really alot....is'nt it meant to drive?

 

Looks good to me. Price reflects mileage, year, and fixed roof. Appears to have been very well kept to me.
BT

 

My friend looked at that car last week. He said it looked like a decent driver and didn't think the price reflected market for its mileage/condition.

He's no expert, just his opinion after a quick once-over. He actually felt it would be "perfect" for him or I because it wasn't a jewel of a garage queen but didn't think the price was appropriate.

 

Since I'm only a few minutes from the dealer and I just happened to have my S4s with me with the title and records (no kidding), I drove over to see if my irrational side might sneak out.

The car presents pretty well as a driver. It's no garage queen. Nose chips and scrapes, some poorly touched up chips, scrapes on the passenger side wheels, wheel center caps ugly, crack in front passenger turnsignal, slight bend in fender lip on rear, passenger side. No dents or dings that I noticed. The front, passenger inner fender liner is missing so the battery is exposed. Maybe they keep it like that to make it easier to charge. I didn't ask.

Interior is very nice. The driver's seat looks so good because the bolster has been refinished. It was a good match but you can always tell because the stitching gets painted over. Slight leather shrinkage on the passenger air bag cover. Records of many sticky interior bits being replaced.

Very good collection of records from '02 forward. My read is that when the car traded hands in '02, it was brought up to spec for an FNA powertrain warranty. At that time or shortly thereafter (I wasn't taking notes) it had a 30k with tensioners, RH header, both cats, both O2 sensors. Note that the 30k is now 4 years old. I don't recall seeing a clutch replacement.

The records showed a number of complaints about the charging system. Serveral battery replacements. I don't recall if the alternator was replaced. Possibly just typical behavior from extended sitting.

There was a record of a leakdown test 2 or 4 years ago. #1 @ 13%. Another @ 10%. Everything else single digits. Another reference to stalling on cold start that was attributed to fuel pressure bleeding down overnight. The owner at the time declined service on that one.

The records also indicate a tubi installation. I meant to climb under and check but didn't. It's not very loud and I assumed a stock muffler was on the car.

There was a gentleman there with an '02 911 C4 Cab looking to trade on the F355. He seemed pretty serious and the dealer owner was test driving his trade when I left.

 

Well, that didn't take long. They just called me to tell me that the car is sold.

 

I guess everything that happens, happens for good. I didnt feel right about the car anyways. I wonder what they are going to do if the car sells on ebay

 

Sept and it's still for sale!!!

 

Interesting ... the buy-it-now-price would be OK in the UK and I thought F cars in the US were more expensive, live and learn.

 

someone on this board owns that car If my memory serves me.
maybe he will chime in.

Hey Shivam,
why don't you buy ffcobra's 355?
it's sweeet!!! serviced and ready to go!

 

do you have a link to ffcobra's car?

 

I just happen to have it

http://www.ffcobra.com/355.htm


http://www.ferrarichat.com/ferrariads/showproduct.php?product=1434&sort=1&cat=11&page=3

 

~~~~~~~~~~~The infamous Lipstick 355 Spider~~~~~~~~~~~
This car has been for sale longer than most of the houses on the market!
I am sure someone has to love the color combo.

Probably can get a deal on it.

Are you a Cincy Reds Fan Perfect!
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that car is sweet. is he interesed in trading for a 1990 TR? (i'm being serious)

john

 

sorry, ive really had my heart set on a red/tan car.

 

Probably

 

so how do i get hold of this guy?

 

pm on it's way