Looking to buy a 355 but haven't ridden or driven one yet...

Hello everyone,

So I have been a fan of the 355 ever since I watched "The Rock." You could call it my "dream car." I've always wanted to own one, and I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying one. The problem is, I've never ridden in one or driven one yet. I had met another Fchat member in Cincinnati, who was very gracious enough to invite me to one of his group meetings. However, he drives a Lamborghini and his buddy drove a Maranello and another guy brought a TR. I was lucky enough to ride in the passenger seat in both the Lambo and Maranello. Nearly wet my pants, especially when he took the Lambo in a tunnel and revved it. But anyhow, that was about 3 years ago, and I've thused moved to Seattle now. I've seen the 2 355's in Park Place Bellevue, but one of them was in the showroom, and I'm not even sure if they'd let me test drive them. So, I was wondering if there was any kind soul in the Seattle area with a 355 that would let me ride in one [and possibly take it for a quick spin] to cement my decision in getting one. Thanks.

 

The 355 is a beautiful car and it is really, really fun to drive at speed: great balance and not too much power to get into "real trouble". However, the 430 is much more drivable than the 360 which in turn is much more drivable than the 355. As such, you ought to try those two out as well before you go full bore into a 355. Also, the manual transmission on the 355 is notoriously grumpy, especially while it's cold. And, the mornings in seattle are often cold...

As for park place, I dont know if they will let you "test drive" those, but generally the take cars on consignment and are usually pretty open to test drives. When I was much younger, they let me test drive in a 328 (which I promptly bought afterwards). If that's any indication, your chances for a test drive there are pretty good.

 

Totally agree. I have owned all three and the 430 is hands down the best by far. I will say however that nothing in Ferrari world sounds as good as a 355 with a Cpristo. SWEEEEET.

 

Hmmmm I think you should go with the 355... And yes I am biased, hehehehe.. I haven't had any problems on cold mornings and I drive my ~4 times a week, and then the weekends.. When it comes to stying, perfomance, and SOUND all in one package you can't beat it!!! Sure other cars are faster, but almost 400 ponies is plenty, and man there is just something intoxicating about the 355. I wouldn't take a 360 over a 355 maybe a bit faster but a 360 isn't going to leave a 355 in the dust on the road or the track. A 430, sure but there is still a LOT of depreciation left on the 430.... Can't help you with a ride as I live in PDX. Only real downside with the 355's are the service costs, and that belt change!!! Other than that it's really a solid car and a lot of fun to drive... GO FOR THE 355!!!

 

Let me know when you are ready...can work a good deal on this one...or find you the right car for you..

http://www.catsexotics.com/used_vehicle_details.htm?vehicleId=2f5508734046387400ea5d87861cfd7f
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Roy, that car is a sweet example of a 355. If I had spare garage room, I'd be awfully tempted...

 

NOT a problem...for you T O D A Y !!

Free garage space at my building for 365 days with any vehicle purchase...!! See how easy I make it!!

 

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but has there not been alot of bad press reguarding Park Place? I'd be looking to Ferrari of Seattle or Roy before I'd go there!

Cheers!

 

You da man Roy and so selfles. Soooooo are you getting that 95 512TR?

 

Roy, you make it awfully hard to say no. Really.

I'm seriously concentrating on fiscal prudence (a rare event) at the moment though, and adding the 355 for the Italian Trifecta is not compatible with that goal

 

I haven't done anything with them recently, but there is definitely some history there. Either way, I have had positive experiences there in the past. As I said earlier though, many of their cars are on consignment. So long as you know what you're getting into and what it's supposed to cost you to get into it, I think you'll do okay...

 

Park Place seems to have a history of "losing" service records, handbooks, and spare keys. This happened with the 348 I bought from them in 2000, and I have heard the same thing from others. But I had no difficulties with the deal itself.

 

Have I mentioned I hate Park Place. If your a young blond chick Dave H. will give you a ride.

 

Have a look at this awesome example, fully servuiced and ready to go and nice miles too.

http://www.ferrariofseattle.com/inventory/details.aspx?ID=142

 

You can rent a 355 in LA for $800/day if you have no other options:

http://www.dreamcarswest.com/cars.html

He has a 360 for rent also but it is down until April.

 

Yup!

 

I am in shock that car has not been snapped up yet. Recent major service, beautiful cosmetics, etc. Spring is almost here, and that car is about the nicest red/tan 355 I have seen a LONG time. Snooze and you loose! I know the price on that car is a bit higher than most, but once you see it, you can see why.

 

Roy - If I was a fan of black, then I'd be sold on your car. However, I'd like it in red or yellow.

As for Park Place, funny you guys mention that cuz I went over to check out some of their cars and the salesman was telling me that they "stole" 2 of FoS' best technicians. A guy named Jeremy and his coworker. I'm guessing the facts were true, but was Jeremy the "best" in town to begin with? The salesman made it seem like FoS' service is now crippled because Jeremy's no longer there.

 

You mean the 512M at Murphies?