Nervous prior to buying a 355

I WAS JAZZED AS HELL! I always wanted the 308 since i was a freshman in High School.

Dont do it if you have any doubts? Ferrari ownership will bring many emotions. Most of them positive ones. Be prepared for a surprise or two to maintain it. Buying the F-car is the easy part. Maintaining it is a whole other matter.

What year 355? Any other info to share on the car? There are loads of people here that have amazing knowledge and experience wth Ferraris that could help you buy the right car. 355's can have a few issues that could easily set u back 20k or so if you do not buy wisely. Who is doing your PPI? Who did the last major service and what was done?

Cheers

Good luck in whatever u decide?

 

Congrats man, just do it! If all was well in the PPI don't be nervous. For every horror story you read about on Fchat there's tons of other happy stories. I've had mine for 1+ yr, loved every second. Even when it's cold out and she's stored in the garage I find myself just sitting in it (and if I buy too many more 'upgrades' my wife may have me sleeping in it too!)

 

Yeah, kinda like asking the prettiest girl to the prom, huh?

 

Well, if you've done your homework and know what to expect. DO IT! there are few things in your life like owning and experiencing a Ferrari. Your experience will be different than all of ours, it will be unique to you alone, you'll have to discover that yourself on your Ferrari journey.Finding yourself in the garage alone at 2pm just starring at it, your pulse quickening and your heartbeat pounding as you turn the key, the sound of a Ferrari, unique to the automotive world and instantly identifiable to all, pulling revs and running through the gears as you jump on the on ramp, I could go on for ever but you will create your own memories and experiences all your own the first time you turn the key and think "I can't believe it, I actually own a Ferrari". Even if you keep it but a brief period of time, it's an experience you will never forget or regret and one that will be with you forever and ever. Long live Ferrari and the 'Brotherhood'.

 

Also, it is wise to know where all the tunnels are around your home. The sound of you entering at redline in second gear and working your way through third, fourth, maybe even fifth through it will leave a smile on your face for at least a couple of days!!

 

Most people do get nervous making larger purchases.
but, in this case, after you get it, the excitement will make you forget everything else.

the 355.....The most Beautiful car ever built!!! (and my favorite picture below)
Enjoy, and go put that deposit down..
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Chris---I need the VIN's for all those cars!!!

 

I got em, they are all EURO'S

 

Great pic..........550 front and center!

 

sheeeut... ive had my 1st Ferrari for 3 months now... and I STILL feel all that!

If I had to explain it... its a dream come true, a blast to drive, and you feel all special behind the wheel... but the looming possibility of major mechanical failure and possible financial devistation as a result, is a very dark cloud over that excitement!

I truly believe this is the reason alot of people dont drive these cars... a running Ferrari thats parked in the garage is alot better than one that had to be towed back to your garage. Now worthless until you drop a small fortune to have it repaired... a MAJOR expense that will never be recouped.

 

AJ:

Congrats on making the leap into the life of Ferrari ownership. Regarding the 355 it was my first and will always cherish everyday I owned it. Lots of great info on 355s are located on this sight. I know many people here feel downright giddy whether staring at it in the garage, walking away from it in a parking lot or running through the gears on an open road.

Ferrari's are not cheap cars and not exactly cheap to maintain. However the expense of ownership is returned via smile on my face for driving it and the great friends I met through our Ferrrari club.

For those wanting you to put off the purchase, I have two words for them, screw 'em! If you can comfortably afford it, then get what you want, drive it and love it.

 

I wasn't nervous when I bought my 328. I crunched all the numbers, had the car gone over, talked to the previous owner, had a Ferrari mechanic all lined up here in San Diego just in case, etc. If the engine blew up the next month, I had budget for a new engine, and if little stuff went bad I knew who to call. So, zero financial worries, and a local expert to walk me through whatever came up. Those two things were enough.

Loads of people will put you off buying one, but they're all driving BMWs or (yawn) Lexuses.

 

You know he is absolutely correct the fear that these cars bring to new owners about reoccurring problems and major expense are in fact brought on by chat lines such as this. Don't get me wrong I love this forum but all you mostly really hear is people asking for help which in turn gives the impression of cars that are prone to problems (couldn't be further from the truth).
In fact I just went to find a site for my Porsche s2 cabrio and it s also filled with woes of car mishaps and failure. I have owned my Porsche s2 for 5 years with absolutely no problems as long as you are on top with regular maintenance, so I have to assume that there are a lot of people that go probably there whole life with there car with little to know problems, after all we only know of any problems because of this site and the old expression that misery loves company.
Personally I can't wait to get my Ferrari all I feel is anxious and that time is going to waaaaaaaaaay to slow.

I would like to know how many of you have gone without any major problems not including regular maintenance.

PS congrats on your 355 I'm jealous.

 

It is all about expectations. When I bought mine in 2003 I had done a ton of research and knew what I was getting into. When the cats were shot with 5K miles on them and then the headers cracked/burned through, I was ready for it. I had the gear break on the shock acuator and some other small stuff . My first year of ownership was unpleasant but the following years were flawless once sorted out.

My analogy of owning my 355 is that of owing a P-Car in the early 80's. It was a blast to drive, brought great enjoyment, but was a bit of a worry.

I love this forum because good bad or indifferent, most people tell it like it is.

The sounds and smiles per mile are priceless so go enjoy that new car.

 

My car arrives this weekend (95 355 GTB). I am nervous and anxious (this is my first Ferrari). The Vipers I owned beforehand had warranties so I drove them hard. I'm hoping as I get used to the 355, I'll begin to do the same without hesitation.

I plan on driving mine at least 3x a week.

Steve

 

My car also arrives this week / ezrly next week
95 355 spider

Pull the trugger AJ............you will love it.

 

Excellent, lots of new owners joining the brotherhood! Don't be shy, post lots of pics and experiences (good and bad) to help future owners...

Here's mine, complete with challenge grill to let water out just in case I get the urge to drive through a car wash like Xavior
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As a recent buyer - I'm with you. The excitement + worry = indifference. I don't get quite the tingle I got when I first bought my Porsche because I had no worries.

Having said that, I've been like a 16 year-old that just got his license. I watch the weather and look for any excuse to take her out for a drive. During a recent "demo ride" for a friend, he asked "Have you checked your mileage yet?" I replied, "Hell yeah, 10 smiles per mile!" Dropped a gear let her wail. Woo hoo!!

Your worst minute is the one before you twist the key, wondering - will everything be OK? Your best is the next minute hearing spark to life. You know that until you pull back in the garage, you're going to have nothing but fun.

 

make sure they perform a leak down and copresion test. Very importent

 

Chas,

You still haven't taken delivery of your 355? Wow!

Steve

 

Hi Steve

it was scheduled to ship on 12/20 but my wife and I were leaving for Europe for 3 weeks...............just got back.
Looks like it'll go this week or early next week depending on Intercity.

I am about nuts over the waiting..........I just looked back at the check copy I sent for the purchase ......... Oct 1st.............yikes!!

Anyway it was a good excuse to have them do a bunch of little things i wanted addressed before I took delivery.

I even have a little secret that Daniel has forbidden me to discuss!!

 

Sounds like me when I was going to have sex for the first time.