Hi all, I'm bidding on this '97 355 Spider: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4618168260&category=6212 Assuming all is well with it, what's a fair price for me to pay? Thanks, Tom
Assuming all is well with it, this is what I would pay. If I was patient and looking for an amazing deal, about $73-75k, but it's coming from a dealership, so don't expect them to bargain. If I was looking for a fair price I would pay around $85k for it. In my opinion that is a fair selling price for the car assuming everything is well with it.
It's hard to see the condition of the dash (shrinkage?), and there's no pic of the engine bay (essential) or undercarriage (I would want to see this). I'm not an expert on 355 prices - $85K seems right to me. But I wouldn't buy it without either flying out to have a look or getting someone you trust to check it out. Nice looking car, though - good luck!
Looks nice but it does not mention having the timing belt changed yet. This is recommended at least every 5 years. If you need to have it done expect to pay at least $5k at an independant shop. Call the seller to ask when this was done. If it was done recently see if you can get them to fax the service invoice and see if the tensioner bearings etc... were also changed out. Good luck in the pursuit. BT
I was wondering about exactly what things were supposed to have been done after a certain timeframe or # of miles, stuff I should look for, etc. Thank you all for your help! I'm thinking they want more than I'm willing to pay. I just asked about the tensioner bearings, timing belt, service records, etc. I have a feeling that stuff hasn't yet been done or they would have mentioned it. Tom
In my experience you're right - if someone had just spent $7K on a major service and incidentals you would hear it multiple times. If you search on 355's, you'll find discussions on defective headers (earlier cars), "sticky" interior trim and the automatic top. It's worth it to spend some time reading. Some of these issues can be $$$ if they haven't been taken care of already. In terms of maintenance, common advice on all of these V8 cars is to get the major service done within 5 years/30K miles. Here's a link to a reputable independent F-car tech in LA -- I like his site because he lists what gets done and how much it costs: http://emelbon.tripod.com/eugeniosferrariservice.html
If you do decide to move on the yellow car, Mark Starr at HRM is a class act. I have worked with him before and I found him to be most sincere with his representation of a car. Good luck!
Thanks for the heads up. Seems like a great deal. Two of my cars are yellow and I love the way the 355 looks in that color. Also, lighter colors are easier to keep clean. I have a black car that shows every freakin' spec of dirt! Oh--I also want the 6-speed manual, not the F1. All that said, there is a blue 355 Spider with a GORGEOUS red interior at Hunting Ridge Motors that is quite tempting. The red interior is stunning but the red steering wheel really does it for me. =) Image Unavailable, Please Login
Jodi, The car you bought is better looking. Besides, they want too much for that TDF Fiorano! I thought you were color blind? How do you know what color it is?
I bought my 98 355 spider w 11,000 miles in great shape for $88k about 9 months ago. So I think $85 might be just slightly on the high side
Your profile says you have a '99 Spider. Is the '98 a different one or did you pay $88k for a '99 nine months ago? Or did you mean to say '98 in your profile? I'm guessing the one from Hunting Ridge is due for a major service (timing belt, etc.) but I'll wait to hear what they say. If it needs service, I would like to be in the high $70s. Of course, there are five other yellow Spiders I'm looking at, so I have a few options. Thanks, Tom
-Valve guides are a rare problem but you definantely want to make sure they're available. -Manifolds are a major problem in these cars, I have customers that have changed the factory manifolds over 3 times before switching to ours. -Make sure the service is up to date. If the car needs either the 15k or 30k try to get them to take it out of the price. Or if it's a car you really want and they're not agreeing to pay for it, see if they'll split the bill on the service with you. Never hurts to try. -Clutcn and flywheel is a plus since it's quiet some change on the 355's -On F1 cars watch out for the pump it's a $15,000+ part. Doesn't go out often but when it does, big bill. An f-chatter found a source to get the part for $3.9k however. I can pull up a search if you decide to get an F1 in case you want the contact info. -Also keep in mind the resale, while I think the blue/red car is sweet; when time comes to sell, not as many people will agree with us. - Lastly I recommend Eugenio's since you seem to be in their area, they're a real good shop from what I've heard and a couple of my customers that have used them absolutely loved them. Good luck and if I can help you out more or if you have any other questions about 355's in general give me a call at 405-410-8149 or just shoot me an email. I'd be more than happy to help assuming time allows it. Regards, Kevin
misprint in my profile..its a '98. And I also recommend Eugenios. He sorted through my car the week I bought it and gave it a clean bill of health ( other than the top which does not seem to go a week without breaking down again - but thats alright..Id never put it up anyway)
WOW ! Very Impressive & Informational Site. Memo to Dealers & other Independents : They will get my Business when my 30K is Due. OUCH !!!
