Upgrading to a 355

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year to all!

I've owned a beautiful 328 GTS (ABS model) since July and have had nothing but pleasure from her - owning a Ferrari at last is everything I dreamed it would be and more!

But my thoughts are already turning to my next Ferrari and am thinking of a 355 GTS. What does everyone think of the the 355 vs the 348?

The reason I am thinking of "skipping" the 348 is that everyone I've spoken to so far has warned me off it. One dealer went as far as to say "I wouldn't touch a 348!".

People, your comments would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,
Ochosi

 

Christmas spirit is sometimes lacking : do you honestly think this question has not been asked before ?

Once you have done a thorough search here and after you have read www.the355.com do ask any unanswered questions !

PS a lot of folk here like the 348 and their owners will no doubt be along shortly to hijack your thread to defend them !

 

That is exactly what I did traded my 328 GTS for a 355 GTS F1, had it coming on 6 years now longest I have owned any car, you will no regret it.

 

I have a 348 and it was a great starting point. I chose it over a 328 and have been happy. Between the two i would choose the one you like the best.

They both have their pros and cons. Most who say negative things about 348s are not educated about the car. It received bad press when first released and the 348 has never been able to shake it.

The vast majority who own or have owned a 348 have good things to say it about. So that should speak volumes.

The biggest differences are : 355 has more HP plus header/valve guide issues.

Both require engine out majors.

 

the 328 will be worth alot one day

 

all ferraris will be worth alot someday. It just may take a while

 

You're obviously talking to the wrong people.

 

There will always be different opinions.
I personally love my 348 spider and chose it over the "high volume" produced 355. But both cars are wonderful in their own aspect.
Luca di Montezemolo has silly enough contributed to the general opinion about the 348. That is a pity, but not a serious problem for the many enthusiastic 348 owners. I think that it says more about that man then about the car. I also expect that this opinion might change over the years to come.

Choose what you like (don't choose what someone else likes). Drive both and make up your mind. Both cars are true Ferrari's in every sense.

Good luck!

 

Interesting, that link states "The GTS is probably the most common of the 355's"

While searching I would have guessed that title would have went to the spider.

 

Over the years I've owned a '92 348tb (~2.5yrs), '95 355 berlinetta (~7yrs) & '00 360 (~3yrs). Also have had the "pleasure" of doing major services on all 3 (not cheap). At least the 360's major is done via the passenger cabin (not an engine-out affair).

My 348 had a few electronic "gremlins", primarily with the A/C controls, issues with the cats, etc. The 355 had issues with CV boots, rear shocks (~$1100 EACH). The 360, so far, hasn't had any major mechanical/electrical issues.

All 3 were fun to drive/track, but each successive model has had superior performance/handling/braking (no surprise, eh?).

Overall, my personal opinion is that: 360 > 355 > 348. BUT, that's just my opinion. Given the current economic state, there's not that big of a price delta between these 3 models. So, just follow your "gut" and choose the lowest mileage example of whichever model suits your desire.

My two cents,
James

 

I saw and heard a beautiful 355 yesterday.

Perhaps I should change the "confused" in the "Cars Wanted" line in my profile.

Love my 308QV, but it's just too damned slow.

 

I have a 348 and love it but the 355 is definitely a superior car in almost every sense.
Why I didn't buy it ? A couple of years ago there was a difference of about $20/30 K between them. I bought what my budget allowed me. :-(

 

+1, it's tough to find a good GTS as they had the lowest production numbers. GTB's are #2 on the 'hard to find a good one' list just because they seem to change hands less often. When I was looking I wanted a late model to avoid the valve guide problem (late '98-99) and wanted the F1 (and a GTB). That narrows the field quite a bit...then for color, I was looking red or yellow. THEN of course a car with a good PPI...you get the idea.

If you want a spider there's often a good selection being offered for sale.

 

Was in the same situation as you a year ago. Decided on the 348 spider. Personally love both cars, but to me it seemed like there were more issues that could arise w/ the 355. I wanted to be able to maintain the car I buy so I took into account the maintenance as well. Love my 348!! Haven't had any issues yet after about 1800 miles.

 

Many thanks fo all the replies! Much food for thought! Guess I need to look at the 360 then!

Ochosi

 

Used car dealers... Gotta Love 'em. I thought about a 328, but bought a 348 for the increased performance. I am very happy with it, but would still love to have a 328, or a 355.

 

If people can change your mind on which F-car you want to get based on a single thread, then that model is likely not the one that you really "want." By really "wanting" something you really prefer a specific model's style, performance prowess, specific technological advancements of the time, or "pure driving enjoyment." To make a true educated decision, it would be best to take all of the comments on threads such as these and then be able to ride in or most preferrably drive each of the models in the transmission of choice. However, I realize it is difficult to do this. Most F-car owners would not lend their cars out to "tire kickers" or "joy riders." in the sake for education. However, if you were really serious about making a purchase of one of the models 348, F355, 360, etc. you should be able to get a test drive out of a seller. Or, if you have a local group of F-car owners you can get to know them and get "ride alongs" to learn more. You may really fall in love with one of these models based on face-to-face meeting with it, the way it sounds, the way it handles, the way others react to you in the car. This love for the car may trump all of the advice that other people have given on a certain model.

 

Again, many thanks for all your comments.

As I'm still a Rookie in the Ferrari world, can someone please tell me what the F signifies in front of the model number, e.g. F355, F360 etc?

May sound like a stupid question.

And to all those who do their own servicing - especially a DIY "engine-out", all I can say is "RESPECT GUYS!"

Thnaks again,

Ochosi

 

Hi,

Ferrari, so nothing to worry about!!

Nothing wrong with 348`s, just buy the best car you can afford and the last model, ie GTS, GTB or a Spider as these are the best ones!!

355`s, nice cars with more power but can have as many problems as a 348 but will cost more to put right!!

Due to the engine needing to be dropped for cambelts the 348 & 355 are more expensive to run than a 328!! The 360 is less expensive for a cambelt service, so you will save there! But the 360 is not as good to look at as the 348 & 355, so you need to make sure why you want to change from your 328 after only a few months of ownership!!!

Sit down and think hard before changing models.

Regards,
Phil.

 

You gotta love the 349-haters....for me, I fell in love with the 348 and had my mind set that I was gonna get one, no matter what anyone said about it. My advice: test drive both models, and buy the one YOU like, and ignore what others say NOT to buy.

 

Hi Phil,

Thanks for clearing up the F prefix. And you are SO right. Took my 328 out for a spin today as despite being a very cold winter here in th UK it was actually sunny. And just hearing that engine sound and the feel of the road through the non-PAS steering wheel made me realise it would be hard to give up my gorgeous 328... not to mention the looks she gets whenever we go out!

Oh well... I know I am a lucky man to have such decisions to make!

Ochosi

 

The 348 is a great car for little money you can have great fun with it ,any of the problems with these cars are usually sorted by now with better parts by previous owners. I bought mine because of the price and there was such a difference in price for the 355.
Only issue I had was with oxygen sensors which caused the slow down lights to come on.I replaced them and had belts done and have had great motoring since.Buy one with history and enjoy.

Regds
Steve

 

good advice steve

 

+1 ......... now for some pics as to why the 355's virtues surpass any potential 'issues' ................
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Goth,

pictures are not enough to convince people of it's virtues ...and until you address 355 potential issues that overrides the virtues ...

with that said , if you have the opportunity to buy one DO SO!