Need buying advice (355 Spyder) | FerrariChat
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Need buying advice (355 Spyder)

Discussion in '348/355' started by robertpel9, Apr 18, 2008.

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  1. robertpel9

    robertpel9 Formula Junior
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    #1 robertpel9, Apr 18, 2008
    I have a 2007 Velocity Yellow Corvette Convertible but have always wanted an F-car. I just moved into my new house on lake norman here near Charlotte NC and i pass by a used high line car dealership every day. A black 355 Spyder caught my eye on the way in uesterday so i called today to inquie about it and ended up stopping on the way home and took a ~15 miles test drive. We let everything get up to temp and then he let me drive it as hard as i felt comfortable doing. Cosmetically the car on the outside is pretty much mint. On the inside the last owned replaced that large leather parts of the dash and the only real wear is seen on the arm sills and where the doorhandles are as they have the typical stickiness to them. The car is a little on the high side for mileage and has had 5 owners. All of the service is documentd, see link but they have a lot more than that at the dealership. The major service was done in 2005 and the owner spent ~$22,000 at that time pretty much refreshing the car (regular major service + clutch, radiator, exhaust from the engine back (headers, cats, mufflers, refresh the leather on the interior, brakes, etc).

    http://www.autosportsbythelake.com/w...spx?iid=310492

    This is no garage queen but i drive my cars and it would be driven hard anyway. It ran flawlessly, tracked straight as an arrow, etc. It felt a little underpowered conpared to what i am used to but i expected that going in. What are your thoughts on pricing at 69k (I think i can get it for 64-65). Am i just asking for trouble with a 5 owner car? What is this car really worth
     
  2. Mr. V

    Mr. V Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
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    #2 Mr. V, Apr 18, 2008
    Who cares if you have a new house on Lake Norman?

    Poser.
     
  3. robert biscan

    robert biscan F1 Veteran
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    #3 robert biscan, Apr 18, 2008
    If you think you would like the car then it would be a good buy. The price is low due to condition and ownership history. I owned a '98 and loved the car. It sounds a little bit on the abused side and would check it out with a good mechanic. I like the 355's overall but be careful and don't buy the first one you drove. If you are interested in one go check out a few more.
     
  4. robertpel9

    robertpel9 Formula Junior
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    #4 robertpel9, Apr 18, 2008
    No one, I was just saying it caught my eye as i live in a new area now and pass by the dealership everyday or i would not have saw it.

    I was not trying to be an @ ss. There is no need for you to be one
     
  5. mseals

    mseals Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 9, 2007
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    #5 mseals, Apr 19, 2008
    Bob,

    Sounds like it's sorted out... if you like it, BUY IT!

    I waited until I was 50 years old to get my car, and wish I'd done it many, many years ago...

    Of course, you'll have to stock up on Hair Gel, and you'll automatically become a member of the Nero Allenzia, but I suppose there are worse things in in life...

    And, you'll be joining the brotherhood...maybe, just maybe, you'll get the secret decoder ring if you upgrade to Rossa... but nothing in life is guaranteed...

    Welcome!

    Mike in Kuwait
     
  6. mpaub1386

    mpaub1386 Karting

    Jul 7, 2007
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    Matthew Bottoms
    #6 mpaub1386, Apr 19, 2008
    Of course no one. Good for him that he has that pleasure and that he choose to share that info with all of us. I dont see the need to call this gentleman out. He was basically just setting us up for his position with a local dealer.
     
  7. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

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    #7 JSL, Apr 19, 2008
    I agree, why is it that some seem to find it sport to be confrontational, especially on this board? BTW, sounds like a pretty good deal, go for it and enjoy.
     
  8. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    Dec 7, 2003
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    #8 Ricambi America, Apr 19, 2008
    The car was owner by another Fchatter. PM me and I can share the details.
     
  9. wetpet

    wetpet F1 World Champ
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    #9 wetpet, Apr 19, 2008
    get a PPI on the car for sure. You will find that the car is not underpowered. Let's say it is differently powered than a corvette. When you learn to drive it properly, you will enjoy the power. I came from american muscle too and was not impressed when i first drove a ferrari. I am now. and prefer it.
     
  10. robertpel9

    robertpel9 Formula Junior
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    #10 robertpel9, Apr 20, 2008
    I am a little concerned after reading a 2 year old 12 page thread on this car about potential valve guide issues that i cannot get any documentation on as to if it was resolved. I will have to inquire in more detail on monday
     
  11. Drew_4RE

    Drew_4RE Formula 3
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    #11 Drew_4RE, Apr 20, 2008
    Robert,

    I was recently looking for the same sort of car and found a couple of solid options in the same price range you describe. The best option I found was at cats exotics but the car has high milage. Recent service and has had the valve guides done. Plus, they have a good reputation here on the board. Another option I found was at, wait, auto sports by the lake....

    I didn't realize its the same car until I started typing that. Anyway, I've gone over all the service records on that car. Its due for a major within the next two years, and the valve guides weren't done (to the knowledge of the salesman).

    Anyway, good luck in your search!
     
  12. Drew_4RE

    Drew_4RE Formula 3
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    #12 Drew_4RE, Apr 20, 2008
    oh and congratulations on getting rid of the corvette ;)
     
  13. robertpel9

    robertpel9 Formula Junior
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    #13 robertpel9, Apr 20, 2008
    LOL I have not gotten rid of it, it is sitting nice and shiny in my garage right now. It is a fantastic car, i have had it for nearly 2 years and have put 9,000 hard driven miles on it without a single issue

    I really like this 355 and cannot keep both so in the event i buy one then yes the corvette will have to go ut it has been as good of a car as i think you can buy, no regrets.

    I am going to dive into this 355 in more detail on my way home monday
     
  14. Boca Exotics

    Boca Exotics Karting
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    #14 Boca Exotics, Apr 20, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Came across this thread and thought I would mention my 355 Spyder "FOR SALE". I have a 1999 355 Spyder, Silver on black, manual transmission, with the same type of condition described and the same type of mileage. The only difference is that you can own the last year of this model car for only a few thousand more but without the concern of the valve issues. Contact me if you have any interest. I was recently in Charlotte and would probably agree to have the car sent up to you without any additional costs.

    Rich
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