should i buy 355? | FerrariChat

should i buy 355?

Discussion in '348/355' started by gavin, Jul 7, 2004.

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  1. gavin

    gavin Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2004
    363
    NorCal
    Full Name:
    Gavin
    took wife to see 328 i was going to buy and she love's the 1995 355 Berlinetta because of the air bags and other safty stuff. Any owners or ex owners who can tell me what to look out for or what a great car this is would be appreciated.
    Thanks Gavin
     
  2. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
    2,212
    California
    Full Name:
    J.S. Leonard
    Let you know tomorrow. I have owned a 81 308, 89 328 and a 92 348. My new 97 355B arrives tomorrow. Of the three I have owned, the 328 was the most reliable. The 348 was a kick, much faster and responsive (plus the A/C worked much better!). However, tomorrow the 355 comes. My heart is beating just a little faster.
     
  3. vsnqust

    vsnqust Karting

    Mar 28, 2004
    60
    Next to roland
    I have a 355 with 30k miles on it and have a great time with. Basically
    I change the fluids and the tires.. wash it and treat the leather inside.
    I have had a few problems with ECUs and water pump but that is it.
    Though note the big expense is the belts.

    A few things to look for.

    1) If it is 1998 or older make them change the belts - this is 6-10k service and if the belts break it is more like a 20k and up fix.

    2) Check the dash leather for shrinkage

    3) Make sure the catalytic converters are in place and it passes emissions with ease. If the emissions are not super clean it might mean the cats are going out.. Ferrari should warranty these, but it is a pain to get it done.

    4) Make them get you a carfax

    5) Check the front end for chips and cracks

    6) Check the top and the leather cover.

    7) Make sure it comes with the original owners manual

    8) It has the original 355 tool kit

    9) It has the factory seat and car cover. This was standard issue

    10) Get all the records up front.
     
  4. gavin

    gavin Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2004
    363
    NorCal
    Full Name:
    Gavin
    JSL
    congats on new 355B.Where in Calif are you? I'm in marin co.

    Vsnqust
    Thanks for the info. Gavin
     
  5. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent


    Gavin,

    You should come out for one of our NorCal drives and you'll get some firsthand info.

    The 355 is an awesome car. If it is driven regularly they are quite reliable. Make sure that the issues have been addressed. There is lots of info on this in the archives.
     
  6. vsnqust

    vsnqust Karting

    Mar 28, 2004
    60
    Next to roland
    I have a 355 with 30k miles on it and have a great time with. Basically
    I change the fluids and the tires.. wash it and treat the leather inside.
    I have had a few problems with ECUs and water pump but that is it.
    Though note the big expense is the belts.

    A few things to look for.

    1) If it is 1998 or older make them change the belts - this is 6-10k service and if the belts break it is more like a 20k and up fix.

    2) Check the dash leather for shrinkage

    3) Make sure the catalytic converters are in place and it passes emissions with ease. If the emissions are not super clean it might mean the cats are going out.. Ferrari should warranty these, but it is a pain to get it done.

    4) Make them get you a carfax

    5) Check the front end for chips and cracks

    6) Check the top and the leather cover.

    7) Make sure it comes with the original owners manual

    8) It has the original 355 tool kit

    9) It has the factory seat and car cover. This was standard issue

    10) Get all the records up front.
     
  7. MY355

    MY355 Formula Junior

    Feb 4, 2004
    258
    NYC and AZ
  8. Robertb

    Robertb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2003
    1,331
    South Oxfordshire, U
    Full Name:
    Robert
    I second that; a truly great car.

    Look out for the manifolds too (headers?); they crack and cost $$$$ to replace.

    I've not so far found the 355 any more expensive to run than the 328, but I've not had it serviced yet!

    Robert.
     
  9. sad11

    sad11 Karting

    Jun 25, 2004
    119
    Of course! Wrap it up. I am just waiting to find the right one.
     
  10. SJN2004

    SJN2004 Karting

    Jul 7, 2004
    62
    Two other things to look out for;

    1- If the rubberised coating is worn off the ashtray it suggests a 'smoker'. You can check this by closing the windows and putting the aircon on full blast.

    2- I've noticed that some cars show extreme wear/cracking on the sides of the seats were you exit the car.
     
  11. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
    Owner

    May 24, 2004
    9,334
    DC/LA/Paris/Haleiwa
    Full Name:
    Mr.
    Short answer - Yes

    I'm happy with mine........

    Two things to look out for if your wife likes the car is:

    1. She'll be driving it all the time
    2. She'll want it if / when you divorce

    ..............LOL
     
  12. mondial86

    mondial86 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    298
    MA
    Full Name:
    David Holmes
    Evan after spending stupid money to replace the manfolds ,,I would do it again in a heart beat WONDERFUL CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    DAVID.
     
  13. Chiaro_Slag

    Chiaro_Slag F1 Veteran

    Oct 31, 2003
    7,789
    CA
    Full Name:
    Jerry
    Hi David-

    Looking good!
     
  14. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
    2,212
    California
    Full Name:
    J.S. Leonard
    I'm in Fresno
     
  15. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 28, 2003
    9,992
    Rocky Mountains
    Full Name:
    Bastuna
    Yes. Best car I've ever owned. Now it's JSL's.
     
  16. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
    2,212
    California
    Full Name:
    J.S. Leonard
    Thanks Ryan,
    The car comes tonight! I can't wait.
     
  17. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    10,043
    Singapore
    Bought my '95 355B in February 2004. Still can't wipe the smile off of my face. :)
     
  18. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    Is that rosso chiaro or whatever that dino orange color is called. Looks great!
     
  19. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    10,043
    Singapore
    I think that's a regular Rosso Corsa. Just getting the sunlight effect.

    Dino orange?
     
  20. Nametool

    Nametool Rookie

    Jan 8, 2004
    21
    If you're considering buying a 355, make it a Spyder (convertible) with F1 transmission.
    I bought a Red/Tan '99 355 F1 Spyder Fiorano with 2600 miles (only made 100 of these-upgrades such as rear end racing shield, carbon fiber througout the interior, badges on the body, wider turning ratio, stiffer suspension etc) and it truly is better than sex.
    It truly is my therapy once a week when I get it out in the canyons of Los Angeles. Sure it costs, but you'll never ever get the same buzz out of anything else in your life, period.
    Scott
     
  21. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    You should get one!

    Find the right car and buy it....don't worry about f1 or 6speed just get one of these. They do great on the snow and have plenty of room for beef jerky on the longer trips. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15568

    If you have a cd changer than yuou are golden on trip of more than 600 miles. Because the engine note is awesome but after 6 hours you'll wnat somthing different. Mine gets the ballgames pretty well, go giants.


    Some kidding aside it's an awesome car and was praised around the world when it came out. In 95 it was the fastest production car. Today it'lll blow the doors of a focus!!!!!

    get it, drive it home from wherever you bought it and then drive somewhere else. enjoy.


    you will not regret it. Unless you're looking for straight ahead throw your eyes back kind of speed then get a 550 (the torque monster ask darth and or bart and or bobafett). my 3cents.
     
  22. Boxer 512

    Boxer 512 Formula Junior
    BANNED

    May 5, 2004
    468
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Seb King

    These are good cars, but steady on !

    Seb
     
  23. ecadwell

    ecadwell Karting

    Nov 10, 2003
    203
    Bend, OR
    Full Name:
    Eric Cadwell
    And I'm thoroughly jealous!! I hope you enjoy it JSL, she's a beaut!
     
  24. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
    2,212
    California
    Full Name:
    J.S. Leonard
    The car came last evening at 7:00 pm. I didn't stop playing until after midnight. It is beautiful! Better than I had hoped. Thanks Ryan. I'm one happy guy.
    Scott
     
  25. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,321
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    Gavin you've got a pm
     

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