Opinions on a 355???

The only problem with the F355 is that repairs are more expensive compared to the 360. I.E. the F1 pump on the F355 is $15k+ (albeit the source to get it for $3k) and on the 360 it's a $1k part. Belts are more on the F355 because they are engine out. The performance on the 360 is better but the F355 even in todays day and time puts respectable numbers down. The F355 in alot of peoples opinions sounds much better. The F355 is a more affordable car but make sure you get an extensive PPI done. Problems on the F355 can run you some money. But if you get a nice serviced car, it can be a very enjoyable drive.

 

Just an additional note when the problems are fixed they're fixed, valve guides, headers(thanks Kevin for your involvement in that)for example. There even more affordable if you can do your service work yourself. Regards, Vern

 

I've owned a 355 Spider and now a 360 Spider. I really liked the 355 but the top operation made me crazy. I wouldn't want another 355 Spider because of that, but I wouldn't hesitate on a GTB or GTS.

Pluses on the 355 for me were initial cost (obviously), the sound is better IMO, had a very raw feel.

Pluses on the 360 for me are interior is much nicer, has a race car feel, top operation, gear box is much smoother (but that could be the specific cars), seems to have more torque. Plus I kind of like the ASR.

I will note that I have only had the 360 for about a month. So far so good, but I know I need work on both the top and the fuel system. (Worrisome!)

Tim

 

the 355 is a beautiful car! its design is almost timeless, doesn't age that fast

 

have owned my 98 355 spider now for about five months now and enjoy it greatly. previous car was a testarossa and loved the raw feel and power of it, but the 355 is definatly a more civialized car power steering and more rear view. if problems are a issue stick to the 98 and 99's

 

I love the sound and looks of my f355 but the repair and service numbers are the highest out there....

 

Average maintaince costs and frequency of visits are much higher in this shop for 355 owners. All of the other shop owners with similar client bases that I keep in touch with agree.

 

I don't doubt that as the 360s age, the gap won't narrow much. Ferrari got a lot better at building RELIABLE cars with the 360, and many services/parts are cheaper on the 360 as well.

355 has some issues, but if you solve them (late 98 or99, or guides&headers done on any year car) then you're doing pretty good.

I would not get an F1.

 

i just got a 430 but for the record, i've always wanted F355 it looks like the original ferrari classic supercars, i still want 1 maybe because they are my childhood dream cars so i'm back to my old dreams hehehe
the F355 and the testrossa are just magnificant

 

I just purchased my '97 355 with 32K on it a month ago and even after an extensive PPI I was, and am prepared to keep the car tight regardless of the maitenance $. Headers are on the block in a couple of weeks and when we pull the engine to do belts this summer replacing what looks worn will be done. I spent over $14K on my '88 328GTS with 28K miles, pretty much replacing and restoring everything the car required. The new owner should be happy that I took the time, (and $), to get the car where it should be instead of running the piss out of it for a few years, get it detailed, and dump it to some unsuspecting schmo.
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I have found my 1997 355gtb to be a very reliable car. It is my favorite to drive and I put 10k miles on it last year and only 900 on my 550!!

 

I have a 99 355 Spider bought pre-owned two years ago and have 12k miles on it now. I had the belts done and some other 'tuning' of the clutch and leaks etc. last spring and spent $10k. I was told the car is mechanically perfect now. I've found maintenance costs to be more than I anticipated but as soon as I fire it up I forget all about the costs. And as one gentleman said this is my idea of a perfect Ferrari, what I dreamed of !!! If you are passionate for the car you will overlook some of the downsides, like the $$$$ and that annoying convertible top mechanism.

 

I've had my 97 355B for about two years now. The car had new valve guides already done and I have had a service done just for security. To date, this has been a wonderful car both to drive and to own. I love it. Have often thought of getting a 360 but each time I look at the 355, the desire goes away. However, mine is pretty dialed in thanks to Eugenio!