Request Your Input on 355B I Looked at Today

Michael,

I have a 95 F355 GTS for $77.5 with none of the problems the Berlinetta you checked out had. Let me know if you're interested.

Best of Luck,
Kevin

 

To be brief, I'd say keep looking.

If the price were $65K, it might be a nice fixer-upper. But for 79K or something close to that it's not worth the trouble.

And the valve guides... that's a whole 'nother issue. If you're confined to the price range of '95 cars only, see if you can find one that had the valge guide job done during a recent major service. It'll allow you to sleep at night.

Please tell us where you're located so we can better help you.

 

Keep looking.

 

RUN!

 

Michael, I know of an owner in the Bay Area who had his red/black 1995 355B for sale with only minor issues but a bit higher mileage (34K or something like that). He is incredibly meticulous about his records and has everything since the car was new. He was asking $72K (firm) in March. As he didn't advertise it and (as he put it), he didn't have to sell it, its likely still for sale. He's a friend of a friend of a friend but I did meet him and saw his car and its in good shape. I didn't buy it as I wanted a newer (98 or 99) car. He's also had the valve guides replaced which is a big deal on a 1995. If you are interested, send me a PM and I'll contact him.

Scott

 

Michael,

Take your time. As we get into the nasty heat of our summer and then into winter, the Ferrari market will calm. Along with the 360 weakening by 430, I think you'll see more deals and better pricing as time goes....waiting & being selective is in your favor.

I think it's money well spent to find a '97, '98 or '99. The problems you found are rather typical, those cars are a decade+ old and those issues are common.

Just remember....finding the right Ferrari is like finding your wife; it's gonna take some time and you'll just know it when it's right. If your heart isn't pounding and you don't have the inclination to own that car no matter what...then it's probably not the right car.

Oh...unlike the wife situation, on your first test-drive in the 355, it's okay to nail it!!!

Hey, this coming weekend/Sunday I'm running with the ever-elusive Malibu Rat-Pack....we're meeting at The Commons a bit past 9am...up here in the BEAUTIFUL San Fernando Valley. You are welcome to co-pilot with me...just don't scream at me to slow the f down and don't be puking in my car!!!

Lemme know, we may just find you a deal too, Auto Gallery is right up the street.

- Steve [email protected]

 

Michael,

I recently purchased a red/tan 355B with 10000 miles, 6 speed. None of the issues you discuss. Major done last year with valves at same time. PPI checked out fine. I can not stress how important it is to be patient when looking for one of these cars. I looked for almost a year and pissed away some money in ppi costs but I dont think I would have done anything different. Really nice cars are out there!!!

I am a bit more partial to the 95 cars but you really have to make sure certain potentially expensive issues have been addressed. All those little things wrong with the car you looked at tell me alot about the owners who previously drove that car. Mileage isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as the previous owners were meticulous about the care and service of the car.

Good hunting,
Chris

 

And then there is the 355 valve guide issue!

Steve R has it right. Chose your car as you would your wife. High maintenance women are worse than high maintenance cars because there is little resale value.

However, a high maintenance car can be a nightmare!

 

Michael, I would be careful with that car too. I have a 95 F355B giallo yellow/black with tubi and challenge grille and only 19K miles and bought mine because I had known one of the previous owners who is a friend. Mine had the 30K engine out and valve guides done at a cost of $11K so I felt very good about buying it but I still did a pre-purchase inspection through Bianchi Motors in Santa Barbara, Jack Bianchi did the inspection himself. The 30K and valves were done by The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills. Mine has none of the issues you listed and I paid $72K. I have only had it since early April and may be selling already to invest in my small business again, still struggling with the idea but if giallo yellow is a color you would consider, give me a call to discuss, I will be making a decision soon. Mine needs nothing and is immaculate. I am replacing one emission plaque in the engine compartment that has become faded and found it today through Ferrari NA, got lucky! You can find all of my contact details on my website at www.miniwerks.com It is all Ferraris, just smaller. By the way, prior to the F355, I had a 1997 Porsche 993 Carrera C4S paint to sample in Ferrari giallo yellow (new from Porsche) and before that an Acura NSX. As much as I loved those two cars, the F355 has changed me forever. I hope to grow my business so I can buy another one. BTW, I am in Sacramento. Mike

 

Mike,

Nice car! However I believe Michael is looking for only rosso/black ones after we spoke.

Good luck with the sale however.

Regards,
Kevin

 

Thanks Kevin. I am still struggling with the idea of selling. It has been a dream car since I stood next to an identical one at Laguna Seca in the Ferrari tent when it was introduced in 1994. That was the year Ferrari was the featured marque at Laguna, most memorable!

 

Then don't. These stinking cars are addicting.

 

There should be a FAQ section on buying tips.

Red black are NOT rare dude...just sit tight. I know as I have bought a bad f-car before and it suuuuuuuuucks. Nothing is worse.

The one hint I will give you. Turned back or unhooked speedos. Get a look at the brakehandle and inside door handle on a 355. Also look at the label on the inside of the seat belt shoulder strap. See what the wear looks like. Do it after seeing a bunch. Go to Concourso in August in Monterey and take mental notes.

I had a 1995 that was choice w/ 19k miles I coulda bought for $69,000 almost three years ago! Needed a clutch and service...but was a diamond. I would avoid the one you saw unless you get it roachy cheap.

 

jsut got a yellow/black 95 355. I agree with all above but will add, get it from someone who can stand behind the sale. got mine from 4ferrari.com. Don't know him personally but have talked to several who reccomended him. It is clean, chipped, engine out 2x, valves done etc.etc.etc. and got it for 67K with 17K mi. Keep looking.

 

My advise....once U buy an f car U will never ever regret it. They have so much soul. Pcars may be faster and better built, but they don't even come close to the actual driving experience, which is what it is all about, unless U R racing or doing time trials, even then the Fcars aint' so bad either.

 

Martin certainly stands behind his cars. Did you get the one with the roll bar installed? I saw that car at Cavallino in '04. Looked very nice. Enjoy!