Hey, y'all: I've been lurking around Ferrari websites for a while (and thanks to Mike C. and Branko M. for leading me to FerrariChat.com) trying to listen and learn. And I have a few questions. Many thanks in advance for all responses! I have looked at various F-cars over the past couple of years (no hurry to buy; I don't want something I'm going to regret) and find myself beginning to settle on the 355 series. I'm particularly interested in the F355 Spider as I believe I would enjoy shifting more than "paddling." I know I would enjoy top-down Ferrari-ing! I've read about the outrageous engine-out belt changes, and about the valve guide issues, and about the exhaust manifold problems, and many posts about melting or bubbling interior appointments. Too, I've heard a couple of pointed complaints about the convertible top. So... Given normal considerations when buying a used car, plus the 355 issues above, am I beginning to dig deep enough or just beginning to scratch the surface of considerations? Is it the general consensus that the valve guide and manifold problems have been addressed on most 355's that need such attention? Or, I guess, are those issues that should be covered in a PPI? Frankly, those sound like spooky--read, expensive--problems. What causes the interior bubbling? Is it heat and sun? Or general wear? Preventable? The faulty top mechanism seems to either exist (and is really confounding) or not (and causes no problems). What do you guys know about it? That issue wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me. But, I plan to test prospective cars' tops before plunking down the cash to try to avoid that hassle! Any other opinions or observations anyone cares to offer will be very welcome. Best to all, - Jim
its all luck. you can have a car that offers trouble free driving like a honda, or you can have a nightmare car that's money pit to fix every other day. try to get a car that has service history and the known issues worked, but even then it does not guarantee it will be trouble free compared to any other car.
most importantly, do not get tricked into looking for a very low mileage car. a car with miles on it indicates that its been driven and is more likely to be problem-free.
I purchased my 99' 355 F1 Spider several months ago. So far, I have had none of the above mentioned problems. Take your time, and find the right car. With a little effort, you can avoid most of these problems. Also, 99' is considered the year with the least problems. Tim
I was going to post a similar question like Jlocke's. Is there a short list of "things you should make sure have been done to a 355 before you buy one"? I am going to keep digging for a post along that line, I am betting there is one. Please reply with a link if you know one. I juat had a root canal and am on some wonderful Vicatin so my thinking skills are highly impacted. But the blue dots and leprechans are to die for
If either of you guys want to PM me (private mail), I can answer a lot of your questions having just gone through the process. Scott
HI GUYS I AM ALSO LOOKING TO BUY RIGHT NOW A 355 RED/BEIGE INTERIOR HIGH MILEAGE,75K WHATS UP WITH THIS,WHAT SHOULD I OFFER ? THANKS MARK KAHN (954) 551-8168 FT.LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA E-MAIL [email protected]
Any suggestions as to specifics to look for? I am going to see a F355 Berlinetta, 1998 model (I am told, thought the door plate says it was built in September of '97). How would I tell what kind of exhaust the car has? Are there mfg. labels that would identify Tubi, factory, etc., etc.? I presume any and all work by a reputable mechanic would be in the service manual (I would hope)--such as any exhaust manifold work and so forth--right? And if I take it for a test drive, anything in particular I should look for? Having never driven one, a part of this will be for comparing with other 355's I might consider. Lastly, a question about a Challenge Grille: I understand that it is the black mesh grille on the rear of F-cars and its advantage is that it allows engine heat to escape more rapidly. Is that correct? Thanks for all the kind replies so far and all the help. - Jim
JLocke, I am also looking for an F355 Spider and here are some of the informational points (questions) that I ask and some of the sources I use. This web site by far is the best place for information: 1. "Has this car had the 30K major with full belts done yet? If so may I please see the documentation? When was the 30K major done?" The 30K major should be done every 30k miles or every 3 years. 2. Forza magazine is another great source for information. 3. If you are looking for a good car that is either being sold or consigned by a dealer look on www.FerrariUSA.com in the marketplace section. 4. Finally, don't be afraid to offer a crazy low price. It is amazing how willing these guys are to deal. Good Luck, JD Tage
WIND, There is a very nice 1996 Red/Tan spider (with 6 speed) at Hatch & Sons Automotive in Wayland, Massachusetts. It has 17,000 miles and they are asking $86,000 for it Here is a link to their web site. http://www.hatchandsons.com/pages/sales/other_manufacturers/JH02 Good Luck JD Tage
HI GUYS I AM LOOKING FOR A COUPE...I WAS JUST OFFERED TO BUY (CAGE) THE ACTOR FERRARI FOR $59,000..BUT AGAIN I DONT LIKE THE COLOR IT LOOKS LIKE RED/BURGUNDY WITH RED & BLACK INTERIOR ONLY 6,000K MILES. SINCE I DONT LIKE THE COLOR I COUNTER OFFER $45,000 HE JUST ALSO SOLD A 928S4 ALL BLACK,LIKE MINE. I SOLD MINE 2 WEEKS AGO, AND A 993 ALSO I DON'T LIKE THE SPYDER ROOF, ONLY WHEN IT'S DOWN....AND HIDDEN... I DONT KNOW WHERE YOU GUYS ARE LOCATED,BUT HERE IN FT.LAUDERDALE THERE ARE LOTS OF SPYDERS FOR SALE(ASKING) FROM $61,000 LOW MILEAGE I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE, MONEY IS TIGHT, THEY ARE NOT SELLING. THANKS MARK (954) 551-8168 FT.LAUDERDALE,FLORIDA [email protected]
Jlocke, I haven't posted too much, but what I have posted is the experience of a "typical" 355 owner. Click on my ID and then on "view all posts by Dave_Car_guy" and you'll get my take on headers, top, cats, bubbling, etc. I have a 1995 spider. Love it. Be ready to spend $4000 per year in maintenance, even if you get a perfect one that passes a detailed PPI. If you end up with lower annual costs than that, then you'll just feel lucky, but I'm just saying you should be READY for that. E.g.: I just had a door handle replaced. The part was over $400. Clutch slave cylinder (in rear end): $1600 or so. I don't mind spending maintenance $$ when I'm driving it 3K to 5K miles per year, but of course I'd rather not. Others might find those maintenance numbers offensive. 30K service can be $10K or can be double that if you throw in headers, cats, valve issues, etc. I'm headed out to drive it right now in perfect top-down weather. All the costs are irrelevant when you get above 4000 rpm and hear that beautiful engine sing. Also, I just went to Ferrari of Sili Valley. Maserati Gran Sport for $110K or so looks like a great deal compared to a $90K 355. Engine of a 430, beautiful styling, warranty, and a back seat!
Well, I'm walking about a foot off the ground! What a blast! I test-drove a F355 Berlinetta, red with tan, today and had a blast. Started on a nice run down an Interstate section and back, and then several thrilling miles on a twisty two-lane road. Impressions? Well, it sure does get to speed quickly! And I never pushed the car hard. Just smoothed the gas pedal down and shifted between about 4,500 and 7,000 RPM's and enjoyed the ride. It was very easy to drive and very easy to select the proper gear for a particular speed and situation. I drive a Boxster so the 355 seemed a bit "big" to me upon getting in it. So it took a couple of minutes to adjust to the feeling of having all that cockpit room. (Not having a console still seems a bit odd.) But it sure didn't drive like a "big" car! Very nimble and quick. My only disappointment--and it was slight, very slight--was that the steering felt very loose. Maybe "too easy" is a better description. My Boxster has "tighter" steering. Perhaps the power assist on the 355 is a bit much? Opinions? And I would probably rather have a three-spoke steering wheel. It just seems more sporting than the four-spoke. I know I may be nit-picking; but, for me, the steering and the steering wheel is a point of intimate connection between car and driver and, thus, is a big deal. I am actually more interested in a Spider. But this was a very clean and nice Berlinetta. Very nice. None of the interior bubbling I have read about. So, if anyone is interested in it, let me know and I can give you more detail and a good contact name and number. Quick question: About Challenge Grille's, are they the mesh panels on the rear of the car? Most of the ones I've seen are black. This car had a red one. Is that normal? And, is that what a Challenge Grille is?
HI GUY I MIGHT BE INTRESTED,IN BUYING FOR THE RIGHT PRCE... I WOULD LIKE A 1995 ....HAS MORE HP... GIVE ME HIS NUMBER ,DID YOU REMEMBER WHAT YEAR..... MILEAGE..... ETC... ANYWAY THERE IS A LOT OF SPIDERS HERE IN FT. LAUDERDALE FOR SALE...IF INTRESTED I ALSO CAN GIVE YOU PHONE NUMBERS THANKS MARK (954) 551-8168 FT. LAUDERDALE,FLORIDA [email protected]
WHY IS THAT, SOMETHING WRONG WITH CHEMICAL IN THE BLACK PLASTIC/ HAS TO DO WITH THE HEAT ???? SOME QUALITY, HOW MUCH TO REPLACE THE CONSOLE ?
I had a Boxster S before buying my GTS. The Boxster does have better steering and like you I preferred its 3-spoke wheel to Ferrari's 4 spoke. Steering is one thing that Porsche probably does better than anyone. That said, the driving experience in a Boxster S is still a long way from the thrill a minute ride the 355 gives you. The challenge grill is black mesh, as it comes from the factory. If its a different color, it was probably an aftermarket paint job. I don't think they offered multiple colors from the factory (but I could be wrong). Nothing wrong with that, just depends on your preference.
Hello: I am a relatively new owner of a '95 355. Yes it is correct that the problems you mentioned do occur. The 'engine out' work is true for all the 'mid engine' cars since it's the only way to get at those belts. The model years '95-97 had silicon bronze valve guides that tended to be too soft and didn't wear well. Depending on how many miles and how the car was driven they will last 20-30K miles but in those model years, you will have to get them replaced at some point. Usually you would do this at a 15 or 30K major service when they have to pull the engine out anyway. The exhaust manifold problems are less common. The bubbling of the interior parts on the center console did happen in mine but that's really not a big deal. The bottom line is that Ferraris are a high maintenance but the 355 is overall very well built and I can tell you it is a TOTAL kick in the ass to drive! My advice is if you see a car that has a fairly clean history and fairly low miles, just go for it. If you have any other specific quesitions feel free to email me. OTerry
I am a 308 and as of today a 355 owner. If you are looking to acquire your first 355 you must look to someone you can trust. I am purchasing one from 4ferrari.com Martin is an honest and trustworthy dealer. He is also an FC moderator. My local mechanic reccomended him and after reading alot of the FC threads I made my decision. You must have a mechanic in your area you can ask or contact Martin, he can put you in touch with someone he knows. Ferrari owners and their mechanics must have a great relationship, you will need them eventually. If you are on the west coast of Florida I highly reccomend Luciano and Dino's in Sarasota. They have always taken care of me and will do the same for you. We meet monthly for dinner and at any time you stop by the shop for lunch, all work comes to a halt and Pizza is served!!!! ferrarisrq.com
I have owned a 355gts for a while now and must say that I am very happy with being ablke to simply store the targa behind seats and having no drama with leaking soft tops or mechanisms. my view is the car is safer, a little stiffer and less likely to be vandalised if left alone. Have had none of the engine troubles you mentioned as i drive mine at least twice per week and consider that these cars are meant to be kept lubricated. go for the GTS
HI GUY WHAT YEAR IS YOUR 355, ARE YOU FROM FT.LAUDERDALE AREA, I JUST SAW TODAY A 1997 YELLOW,BLACK INT. COUPE I NOTICE THE TOP OF THE DASH BOARD STAPLES SHOWING BECAUSE OF SHRINKAGE, ND ANOTHER WITH CONSOLE BUBBLING ALSO 1997 COUPE, I AM JUST WANDERING WHY IS THIS,YOU THINK THESE CARS SHOULD BE MORE QUALITY MINDED.WHEN BEING BUILT. JUST A TAUGHT ! BOTH OF THESE CARS HAS 28K MILES THANKS MARK
Please dont write with capslock. Its only meant for yelling at someone. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Mark, I'm curious as to where you're finding spiders for $61k? Could you email me at [email protected] with information on where these are or give me a call at 405-255-1803. I'd greatly appreciate it. Forza, Kevin
HI GUYS I AM IN FT LAUDERDALE,AND LOTS OF 355 FERRARI SPIDERS FOR WHOLESALE AROUND THESE PARTS,FROM SMALL DEALERS... THEY SELL LOCALLY... I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE TO BE FOUND ! I ALSO SAW A FEW DAYS AGO WHICH I MIGHT BE BUYING A BERLINETTA 1997 FERRARI FLY YELLOW/BLACK INTERIOR 28K MILES FOR 60 GRAND NOTHING WAS DONE TO THIS CAR YET.. ALL ORIGINAL,I AM TRYING TO TO GET IT EVEN CHEAPER THE EXOTIC CAR MARKET IS VERY,VERY SOFT EVERYONE IS PUTTING THEIR MONEY IN REAL ESTATE.... THE GUY THAT OWNS NICK CAGE 355 FERRARI COUPE WAS ASKING $65,000 HE E-MAIL ME FOR $59,000 ITS ON E-BAY & ON OUR WEB SITE HE WANTS TO BUY A MODENA... I LIKE TO TYPE THIS WAY (954) 551-8168 MARK KAHN
