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Purchasing a 355

Discussion in '348/355' started by F1dreamer, Nov 23, 2008.

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  1. F1dreamer

    F1dreamer Karting

    Nov 10, 2008
    232
    Atlanta
    #1 F1dreamer, Nov 23, 2008
    Hello all, I just signed up here at ferrarichat in order to find some information and get to know a couple of people(especially those who own 355's). I have been looking to purchase my first sports car after years of hard work and saving. I am a true kick the tires and crawl up under a car kind of guy due to his father owning a car repair business since he was 10. I have always loved ferrari's and actually have friends with 360's and 328's but I am more attracted to the 355. Love the bodystyle and from driving a few they are a blast to drive. I wanted to get some feedback from some folks who have/or currently own 355's and get their advice. What should I look for and what pitfalls should I be aware of when looking for my first 355? For instance what are the little things that go bad that cost an arm and a leg, buying pre 30K maintenance vs. post maint., and so forth. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 285ferrari, Nov 23, 2008
    Welcome to the board. There are tons and tons of threads answering all the questions you may have about purchasing one of Ferrari's most beautiful cars of all time!! Right now is a great time to buy with regards to pricing. Just click the search button in the upper left and type some keywords about purchasing....
     
  3. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    #3 PAP 348, Nov 23, 2008
    Welcome to FerrariChat dreamer! :D:D
     
  4. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    Sep 29, 2004
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    Chas
    #4 Oengus, Nov 23, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. ScuderiaLV

    ScuderiaLV Karting

    Dec 6, 2006
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    Las Vegas, NV
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    #5 ScuderiaLV, Nov 24, 2008
    Most of what you will read is the 355 represents the beauty of the classic V8s with the technology, power and comfort of the modern cars. One of the larger issues is what body style (Berlinetta, GTS or Spyder). It is more of a preference issue, however, the number of examples on the market very greatly. As others have mentioned there is a ton of information here in this forum on maintenance, reliability, etc. You will enjoy the hours searching.
     
  6. F1dreamer

    F1dreamer Karting

    Nov 10, 2008
    232
    Atlanta
    #6 F1dreamer, Nov 24, 2008
    Thanks Scud. I really like this site! It has been very informative so far. I am probably about 6 months away from a purchase but I am doing all the homework now before I see something I like and be blindsided. Actually drove a 96 black/black 355 spyder this morning. Drove good but there were things all around; some road rash on the wheels, slick tires, and had some valve/piston damage that was fixed. Nice owner but the car I was unsure about. Though at the end she told me to make an offer....who knows?
     
  7. gatorgreg

    gatorgreg Formula 3
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    #7 gatorgreg, Nov 24, 2008
    Nice story! Welcome to Fchat.
     
  8. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    #8 Oengus, Nov 24, 2008
    I would take the valve/piston damage with a grain of salt.
    He may have just had the valves and valve guides replaced at a major service interval.
    If your interested in the car I would look into that a little further.

    Some 355's do require valve and valve guide replacement.
     
  9. F1dreamer

    F1dreamer Karting

    Nov 10, 2008
    232
    Atlanta
    #9 F1dreamer, Nov 24, 2008
    Thanks, this is the kind of info I was looking for. When I first saw that on the service record I was like "wow", but after reading some forums on here it seems to be a common problem. The 30K service was done at a Lambo dealer in town (don't know why they did not get it done at FOA here in atlanta but oh well) and the clutch was replaced a little later at an independent mechanic. car drives great for 33k miles so I am milling it around.
     
  10. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    Sep 29, 2004
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    #10 Oengus, Nov 24, 2008
    F1
    do you have pics or a link you can post?
    or even the VIN.......you/we can then check to see if there is any info in Robs 355 registry.
     
  11. titanium360

    titanium360 F1 Rookie
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    Nov 10, 2003
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    #11 titanium360, Nov 24, 2008
  12. Keith Imbriglio

    Keith Imbriglio Karting

    Jun 16, 2008
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    #12 Keith Imbriglio, Nov 24, 2008
    Spend a little more now or pay a LOT more later. Buy the most complete, well cared for car you can find. You will be happier in the end.
     
  13. F1dreamer

    F1dreamer Karting

    Nov 10, 2008
    232
    Atlanta
    #13 F1dreamer, Nov 24, 2008
    Found the car on craigslist. If you look in craigslist in the atlanta area, under cars subtitle ferrari it should bring it up.
     
  14. Dogdish

    Dogdish Formula Junior

    Dec 27, 2005
    368
    Denver
    #14 Dogdish, Nov 25, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    F1,

    Not having the car serviced at the dealer is not unusual. Many mechanics worked at the dealership, then leave to open their own places. So just like everyone is saying, buy the best, with paperwork....cheaper in the long run. Sorry, had to post one of my favorite views of the 355....it is Rosso Barchetta. Still have it and love it.

    Bill
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  15. modena2904

    modena2904 Formula Junior
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    #15 modena2904, Nov 25, 2008
    Wecome to Fchat - you will find a lot of friendly folks here and a wealth of information.

    IMHO - the preferred approach is to find a clean car that's ready for a major service, and then negotiate the service cost into the purchase price. That way, you can have the service done by a mechanic you trust, and you know it will be done right.

    My advice --enjoy the search process, and take your time. It's a buyer's market out there, so you can afford to be picky.

    - Eric
     
  16. notbostrom

    notbostrom Formula Junior

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    #16 notbostrom, Nov 25, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I know of a well sorted 348 Spider right in his back yard (wink wink)... no hair gel required
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  17. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #17 cuneo, Nov 26, 2008
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  18. amslb182

    amslb182 Formula Junior

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    #18 amslb182, Nov 26, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2008
    Ditto, look for records, talk is cheap.


    Research too the difference between model years. This will play a role into the car you buy.
     
  19. amslb182

    amslb182 Formula Junior

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    #19 amslb182, Nov 26, 2008
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  20. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

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    #20 fire_n_ice, Nov 30, 2008
  21. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
    100,232
    Mount Isa, Australia
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    #21 PAP 348, Nov 30, 2008

    Beautiful cars boys!! :D:D
     
  22. saw1998

    saw1998 F1 Veteran

    Jun 8, 2008
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    #22 saw1998, Nov 30, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2008
    OFF SUBJECT: Cuneo, my God, you have a "way" with a camera. Everytime I push a shutter button, I get "red eyes" and wiggle. If you were in the SA area, I would love to have you shoot some pictures of my cars and bike. Too bad.

    Same goes you you too, A.Max.
     
  23. F1dreamer

    F1dreamer Karting

    Nov 10, 2008
    232
    Atlanta
    #23 F1dreamer, Nov 30, 2008
    Thank you guys for all the responses to my thread. FWIW, over the Thankgiving holiday I went a test rode Moondogs 355 that he has listed here. I must admit that it was a spectacular car. He has babied this car and told me of every tiny flaw with the car (and there were almost none). I have ridden and driven a few 355's and this was the only time test riding/driving where I felt the flight or fight response kick in as we were riding the car hard. I knew right then that it is not a question of "if" I will have my ferrari but "when" I will have it. And btw, great looking cars you guys have there, maybe soon the one I purchase will be added to that list. Thanks again.
     
  24. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #24 cuneo, Dec 1, 2008
    The question isn't if, the question isn't when, but one thing is for damn sure, the answer is RIGHT NOW!!! These cars are dirt cheap right now, and you have the pick of the litter, along with killer negotiating power.
     
  25. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #25 cuneo, Dec 1, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks man! It's my job, so don't be too impressed (www.hudsoncuneo.com). I don't actually shoot cars, but I do sometimes get to shoot superhot models in underwear, and occasionally I get to shoot completely nude models, and get paid!! Some of this is on my website. Most of my time is spent sleeping, though, or cruising. Hate to brag, but damn life is good.

    Next time I'm in San Antonio, I'd love to shoot your car! Actually, the shots were really easy to do, you just need an overcast day and a nice background, along with a wide-range zoom lens, and a few basic photoshop skills. This picture, previously posted by "amslb182" is another of mine, and it takes basically no skill. Just line it up, get down low, and press the button, all under the right lighting condition, of course. This is a perfect example of how no frills are needed to highlight the beauty of our cars. Let the Ferrari do the work for you!!

    cheers, hudson
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