Should I Buy a 95 F355 GTS - 27K miles

Valve job at 14K miles??? Don't like the sound of that...

Look for another one - don't take the risk.

Ferrari V8 are really strong so no longevity problems - just ask why a valve job...

 

12000 miles in 6 years and no oil/fluid changes?

Run.

 

In my opinion that is a good thing. The valve guides on early 355's are a potential problem that in this case has been addressed, assuming that they replaced the brass guides w/ a stronger material. I do however think that $79,900 is about $10,000 too high for a 1995 model needing a major.

 

Ditto on the valve guides that is a good thing not a bad thing. I would also agree on the price thing maybe 72,000.00 with service done and if the leak down/PPI is ok. Also did you say no service since 2000, no fluid changes. If that is the case same oil, coolant, brake fluid etc. I would look for another example there are enough cars out there. Regards, Vern

 

I'm mostly with the others here. I don't have a Ferrari, but I follow the F355 market closely. The price is much too high, even with a major already done. Before moving any further, you need to find out what else has been done for maintenance. If there is no history, you are really rolling the dice - and the price needs to reflect that. Good luck!

 

F355's are notorious for valve guide problems. If anything buying a car without a valve job is a sound you don't like. One with a valve job and repaired manifolds should put a smile on your face. That puts the two most major problems out of the way.

 

Sounds like a nice ride and a 6-speed GTS will be the one of the most difficult configurations to find. New valve guides are a plus and dealership maintained is a plus (with records). Its needs a major, so use that as a negotiating point. $75,450 with completed major is still a bit high for a '95, but I like the idea that once its done you've very little to worry about for a while.

If you really love the car and you have the funds, what's wrong with over paying just a little bit? I think a lot of people forget about the opportunity cost of the search. Besides the time consuming task of hunting all over the net, every month you keep looking is one more month of not driving. Thats got to be worth something. There were less than 3,000 GTS models brought to the US and most of the '98 and '99 models have F1 trannys. If I found one with in great shape, in the color I wanted, and with maintenance records I might be persuaded to over pay a little now versus waiting a few more months to locate another example.

 

He can't possibly mean no fluids since 2000!

At any rate - I agree the price seems high given the year and need for a belt service.

 

IMO that is way too much money.......I have seen 95-97 355 spyders with less miles and the services complete for that price. I would pass on the car unless you can get it for mid 60k.

 

Pics!

And we expect you to be here awhile since your an owner, so might want to fill in your profile.

 

WAYYYY high!

 

Congrats. Welcome to the F-car world and also F-chat. Post the results of your compression test and PPI. Then (assuming all goes well) post some pics.

FYI - I think you will find this website very helpful in your first couple of months of ownership. There's nothing like an F-car but it can be quirky. The folks here are great about helping the newbie.

 

Congrats! Drive in good health!!

Now go take some pictures for us ....

 

If you are Happy & satisfied with the Purchase Price, hats off to you
I assume your Deal is contingent on the PPI. CONGRATS !!!
Hopefully 180+ on all Cylinders

 

I would agree completely. Congrats, hope you enjoy for a long time!!!

 

Ditto!

 

I agree.... Congrats and Enjoy!

Remember... It's not the DEAL.... It's the FEEL!!!!

 

I believe the percentages you have given us are the leakdown values. Not sure if you want to see that kind of variability in the L/D numbers but maybe others can chime in.

 

That's really funny.... until it's YOUR money!

 

I know of a 95 355B that sold recently for $79k. So it sounds like the price is reasonable.

 

Darth, of course I am not supporting paying a huge amount over what would be considered "reasonable."

I am sure you would agree there comes a point where if he really wants THAT car, and wants to enjoy it today, ....if that makes him FEEL good, then heck, I say go for it!

The jingle "It's not the DEAL.... It's the FEEL!!!!" was used by an aquantance of mine once, and boy, sometimes its just funny and true. Does it really matter if the price of the *insert car or whatever* was low, if in the end, you don't feel good about the purchase afterward? Was it then really then a deal? Thats the point.

PS. I'll bet you twenty bucks you at least think of using that quote within one month to a buddy!!