Nuances of a used F355.

It should make you nervous BECAUSE it barely has any miles on it! That's about 40 miles a month. This is a hard core garage queen which is likely to suffer from lots of problems associated with extremely low usage (dried out seals, suspension issues, corrosion from stagnant coolant, etc).

I know people are naturally attracted by low miles but do yourself a favor and search this site for garage queen related problems before taking the plunge. You'll be much better off with a properly serviced "moderately used" Ferrari (3-5K miles per year, IMO).

 

Most people think the lower the miles the higher the price...........not always ture. These cars need to be use or they will cost you, if the seller is okay for you to get it checked out and drop the price for FULL SERVICE and any extra's it may need go for it.
Just dont pay up for a car with 5k when your better off with a 15-20K car

 

I suggest you search for "garage queen". Don't forget to search the archives too. That should provide hours of reading and you might also come across posts in defense of garage queens (from garage queen owners, I suspect!).

I don't own a 355 so others will need to help you with 355-specific questions. Happy hunting!

 

I am not afraid of a low mileage car at all...don't assume that it was never driven...the car could have been used every so often or more yet just in the owner's immediate area in nice weather only. My last car, 86 328GTS, was mint w/19k on the clock and I made sure to drive it frequently and keep meticulous care to every aspect of the car to prevent typical garage queen problems. I sincerely believe there are many owners just like me out there...I would be excited about a low mileage car as long as it was taken care of.


TTG

 

If it is going to have a major service done anyway, then many seals will be replaced at that time. I will take the low mileage personally. IF IT IS REAL

I would look for mileage being spun or speedo disconnects. Look at several 355 before you buy. What do you look for as evidence?

"blank spots" of one year or more for service. It should all line up. Most F-cars will get something done where the mileage gets written down. Even if it is a tire service. The one year "blank could be the ownership period that got run 10K miles.

Also:

Brake handle wear.

Inside door opening handle wear

Door hinges having play, or not.

Seat belt has a sewn-on patch - label. Look for wear differences between cars there for a baseline.

Are tires original?

Be mindful of "stories" Be wary of people that use the term "no stories"...they weave the "most stories"

I mean...some people don't use there stuff. I have a 96 Harley with 5500 miles. But cars are different. I think some low mile stuff is bullsh1t.

 

- that's true, huh!

 

the bottom line is don't get attached too easily...simply do your homework on the car relentlessly and don't roll the dice...you might have a diamond in the rough or you may not.

 

Not necessarly. If the prior owner(s) had the annual services completed, (confirmed w/records) and you complete a proper PPI from a professional Ferrari mechanic that shows a clean bill of health or only minor adjustments why not purchase this car??

 

Pre Purchase Inspection

 

Mt Jtn, I recently bought a 98 with 5k on it and I can tell you, that is not enough miles for a 95(or even a 98). Better to get a car that was used adn well cared for. Look for annual service, all major service done and someone who has all the records os same. One of the problems with the low miiles car is the seals deteriorate, both weather and mechanical. People say I did not change the oil as it was not driven enough miles but oil deteriorates with time as well as mileage. Tube guy was right on in suggestions of places to look for wear that would not be present if the mileage is true. From my experience, I would for sure get a thorough ppi on any low mileage car. True, there is a great allure to an almost new car, but beware the hidden costs of low mileage cars. And good luck in your search, John

 

MTN JTN

Welcome. Do a search, on the link pick "old ferrarichat.com site"...plenty of good info there. Too much to list here in one post.

The 355 is bullet proof and a good daily driver...when they do go down parts can cost a lot.

The key is regular maint and use. Make sure the car has a full service history. A 95 should have had the 30K done with new belts and is due for another one in 2005...this is a biggy. If you don't know by know the timing belt change requries pulling the motor. While your there you check and or replace the water pump, etc etc.

355 can be broken down into 2 catagories: 95 and 96-99. 95 has an OBD 1 computer systems and the others have OBD2. Some say the 95 has 5 more hp, however that has not been proven nor is it confirmed in the owners manual. The OBD1 makes it easier to change exhaust (Tubi) without getting a check engine light...OBD2 has sensors before and after the cats.

Look at a couple of cars...then do a PPI at a Ferrari Dealer! They will charge from $300 to $500. MAKE SURE THEY DO A LEAK DOWN TEST with the compression test. Valve guides have been an issue in earlier cars. I spent over $2K on PPI's on cars that did not measure up before finding the right one.

Use this site and the web to your advantage. Look nationwide. Qualify the car over the phone (all books and records, pix, etc). If the car is of interest, post it here and ask someone to look at it. I guarantee you many will volunteer to go and look at the car and give you a visual report on the condition of the car. If it's so far so good, then call the dealer, give him a credit card number to arrange a flat bed and PPI.

If you want specific info on 355 send me a PM anytime.
Frank

 

Do not be afraid of a low mileage car. Yes, there are some things to be careful of - but that should be mostly taken care of during the major service.

I think there can be almost as many things that can go wrong with a 'driven' car too (for example needing brakes or other items that wear with usage).

Look at the condition of the car as well as how it was taken care of - that's more important. If you get a nice, well maintained low mileage car - that's great - an almost new car at a fraction of the price.

 

Exactly!!

 

To MT GTN,
Besides the mileage issue, '95 355 have problems with valve guides, connectning rods issue... I have a friend, he owns '95 355 GTB that have had an engine rebuild due to connecting rods failure- seem like a problem with '95 model, It was still under warranty but he still paid out $8K more. I'm not a F-cars mechanic, but I can tell you, all the "bugs" from 95 car have been corrected in a '97 or newer cars. If you can compare the engine bays of a '95 and and a newer one, it's different. Call your local F dealer service advisor for details. Henry

PS. Check out one of Forza magazine back issue that have- 355 buying guide article, very helpfull info.

 

1995 F355 was the first production year for the F355.For US market,it is an OBD1 emission system,dual intake air feed with dual mass airflow sensors;and no low speed exhaust bypass on the mufflers(louder than96-99).Early models had some issues with premature valve guide wear.95's were geared lower on the differential and provided alittle better off-line acceleration;but less top end speed and lower gas milage.

 

A well sorted (all recalls) and correct compression 95 355's are the loudest and the fastest of all 355s.

 

Nothing really. Except the 95 vs 96-99...no changes except F1 pad shifters instead of 6 speed manual offered in cars around 97.

Minor gremlins:

1. Power windows are slow...in all 355's (compared to US cars)
2. Dash shrinkage - the leather on the dash will "warp" due to bad glue at factory once changed you won't have to worry about it again. Usually occurs on airbag on pas side...you'll see the corners warp.
3. Center consol paint melt - Ferrari used rubber in the paint to reduce glare and in humid/hot areas it will melt and get sticky. You'll see it on the knobs of the AC control unit, etc. A member here has come up with a replacement plate...many of us are going to use it in the next few weeks.
4. If you're looking at a spider, some cars have issues with the automatic system...overkill with sensors..push button windows drop, seats move, top goes down, etc. We are working on a resolution to convert to manual. If you're looking at a spider, make sure the top goes up and down.
5. PPI - You want to look for valve guides (leak down) and cracked headers. Factory headers crack all the time, change to aftermarket and you're done with it. Again, the 30K service should have been done...the belts need to be changed every 30K or 5 years. Dealer charges about $7500 and independents about $4500 or so...

That's all I can think of for now....really a great car. Good luck with this one and post your comments after you look at it.

 

All the above information is pretty accurate.
I will add that the F1 trans became available in '98. Also in '98 a whole host of other options became available via Carrozzeria Scaglietti. That's when the fender shields, racing seats, carbon this and that, luggage, etc. became available from the factory.

Two other things not mentioned yet are the factory alarm available in '96, (along with a factory radio), and the cute little glove box mounted along the firewall between the seats about shoulder height. It even locks!

Best,
Pino