Why should one NOT buy a 1995 F355 Spider (manual)? | FerrariChat

Why should one NOT buy a 1995 F355 Spider (manual)?

Discussion in '348/355' started by DriveAfterDark, Nov 25, 2008.

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  1. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #1 DriveAfterDark, Nov 25, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2008
    Anyone wanna give me reasons NOT to buy a 95 F355?

    Is the roof electric retractable?
    Is the 1995 first year of production?
    Is 30.000 miles "much"?
    How much is a engine out service?

    The price is without doubt very attractive.

    Buyers market, prices dropping, most beautiful Ferrari ever made (IMHO) - it just got interesting. But I can only afford the early models. Our tax system is a bit** against later on models, then I'd rather get a 360 but I have no feelings for it - so it's early F355 purchase or no purchase at all.
    It will eventually be my first Ferrari. Heavily excited, but if I can't afford to run it or if the early model's got lots of bugs, I'm not that interested - the point is to drive and enjoy, not drive and worry. :)
     
  2. 2000YELLOW360

    2000YELLOW360 F1 World Champ

    Jun 5, 2001
    19,800
    Full Name:
    Art
    Those cars had issues. Valve guides, etc. However, most of them have been fixed. 30k isn't anywhere near enough mileage to effect the car. If it works, buy it, but check the service records very carefully, make sure that everything has been done, including all potential problems.

    Art-
     
  3. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    Thanks. Which model-year was these valve guide issues fixed? Is a 1997 a "safe" bet?
     
  4. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,618
    South East
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    Jimmie
    To answer your questions Yes yes no yes & then no

    I'm suprised that in 1700 posts you have not found the search function - it is especially useful for all the questions and opinions that arise with great frequency on the 355
     
  5. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway

    I'm reading lots of previous threads atm. Thanks for the reply.
     
  6. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
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    BCHC
    Because they DON'T want one of the most beautiful cars ever to grace the road. ;)
     
  7. JF308

    JF308 Formula 3

    Jan 17, 2007
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    Boulder, CO
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    John Feeney
    Just ensure that the spider top works....can be VERY costly to fix.
     
  8. Puncheeng

    Puncheeng Karting

    Sep 24, 2008
    163
    By the Water OC
    Full Name:
    Jim
    Run.
    Unless you have 20g sitting idle
     
  9. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Sep 11, 2004
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    MD and NE
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    Robbie
    NO---even some 99 cars had bronze guide problems...
     
  10. pino

    pino Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    208
    South Central PA
    While everyone knows every model has its problems, and some cars more than others (they are all a little different),
    I have to agree with the spider top comment. Mine was a bit problematic enough to warrant me getting a GTS later.
    Didn't want to deal with the top problems again.

    Positives: when the top is down, there is nothing in the way of the symphony behind you.
    and a well running '95 absolutely rips!

    Negatives: people staring at the back of your head all the time with the top down.
    also, a bit of cowl shake.
     
  11. Vegas-Guy

    Vegas-Guy Formula 3

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,828
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Reg
    Don't worry so much about the year.. Find a nice clean well serviced car, get a PPI and buy it (if it checks out). 15k or 35k on the clock won't matter if all the problems have been addressed, headers, cats, valves (if needed) not all of them need to be replaced..:) And it's up to date on services. Good luck with the search...:D
     
  12. 996cupracer

    996cupracer Karting

    Jan 12, 2006
    197
    Westport, CT
    I had a 96 and had a problem with the top. It was fixed but the dealer said if they could not fix it they would have to replace it for $10k. There are a lot of lower mileage cars around. Think about one of those. I loved my 355 spider and it was the best sounding car I have ever owned (including 360, 430 and 308). G They are pretty cheap now and IMO the best bang for the Ferrari buck. Good luck !
     
  13. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    20 g for what........
    Stupid comment without any idea of the condition of the car
     
  14. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    I agree, could you be more specific please, Puncheeng?


    Good replies in here. I too love the F355 sound, it's just epic even with stock exhaust.

    We have a new dealer opening up not far from here, with 30+ years experience with Ferraris, I will contact them when I'm 100% sure on what I want. I will ask them about what they ask for F355 services, and use them for PPI.


    I'm not interested in wasting your time, but I think I'm going to move slowly ahead with a F355 purchase for many reasons. It will be mye first Ferrari, I want to get a car I can live with over some years, I want one that is in perfect condition and with black (or blue) exterior. Lots of boxes to tick before I hand over my money :)
     
  15. Night life

    Night life F1 Veteran
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    Dec 1, 2007
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    Roberto
    Good choice good luck I'm surprised it took you this long to buy a Ferrari..:)
     
  16. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway

    Just re-discovered the love for F355... :) I didn't actually want one until I could get a F430.
     
  17. 355Aussie

    355Aussie Formula Junior

    Jul 3, 2007
    685
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    George
    Here is the answer to your question and I will make it simple.

    1. The 1995 model is a quick model and quicker than the 5.2 motronic. There are fewer issues with check engine lights etc
    2. But any F355 is a pleasure to enjoy regardless
    3. Engine out costs??? If this is going to worry you then don't buy it.
    4. Problems?? Get it checked out and then buy it if the PPI etc comes back OK. Make sure there is a good traceable history.

    So in summary if you are going to worry about running costs etc then it is not the time to buy one.

    Hope this helps you.

    I have a 1995 F355 and it is fantastic and a joy to drive everytime.

    Have I worried about running costs, engine out etc. Absolutely NOT!!!!!

    I drive it like it should be and you can't wipe the grin off my face!!
     
  18. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
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    You only live once! :D:D

    (That is the answer to your question!! ;);))
     
  19. Fpassion

    Fpassion Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2005
    599
    lol I think hes leaning towards headers replacement cost(8K), engine out service and valve job(12K) all at one shot unless your doing the service yourself than subtract half that.
     
  20. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,571
    Gates Mills, Ohio
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    Jon
    I'll agree with the owners' comments on the engine sound: the 355 really does sound great. I love my 328, but it sounds tame next to a stock 355.

    With regard to a 355 Spider, I'd agree with Pino's post -- the GTS affords a lot more privacy. I can't stand having people stare at me in a full convertible -- targa design would be my first choice.

    In the current market, I think the 360 is getting to be the better buy. There's no doubt the 355 is a better looking car, but the build quality of the 360 seems much better. The convertible top was completely redesigned and seems to be more dependable. If I wanted a modern Ferrari, I'd probably go with the Modena/CS versions, however, with the manual box.
     
  21. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    More of your kind, please! And thanks a lot for the reply :)

    That's true, my Aussi friend :) It's expensive to think like you do.

    I see. That is a lot of money indeed. I have to see if the financial disturbance is going to effect me in the near future, otherwise I just have to put a side a good sum of cash just for the maintenance...

    Thanks! Convertible is not my style, but; 1) It's looks so amazing with the top down!! 2) The option of having the top down on enthusiastic mountain drives is... very tempting. I can only imagine the noise.
     
  22. RossoCorsaItaly

    RossoCorsaItaly F1 Rookie
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    Jun 9, 2004
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    Kevin
    I used to drive my 355 F1 everyday. Now about 3 days a week. I put about 12-15k miles on it a year. I love it, it's been very reliable and little things do break here and there but if you are mechanically inclined you can fix it yourself. I've spent very little money on it. It's just the greatest car you can own, I have plenty of seat time in the 360, 430, 911 turbo, Gallardo, and I can't imagine ever replacing the 355.
     
  23. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 20, 2006
    2,454
    I agree, unfortunately I have spoiled myself for the rest of my life by buying a 355 as a first exotic. There's nowhere to go from here, except getting more 355's. I honestly don't know what I'd rather have instead of the 355, barring the Ferrari supercars, of course.
     
  24. 355Aussie

    355Aussie Formula Junior

    Jul 3, 2007
    685
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    George
    #24 355Aussie, Nov 27, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well I have spoilt myself 3 years ago when I bought my 355. I have just got back from driving it and holy crap!!!

    It doen't get any better!!!

    Truly a dream car and of course I want to get another one as well so I can have 2!

    Have a look at my car and you can see why I have a grin!
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  25. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    Good to hear!



    I can understand it, it's going to be my first "exotic" as well.



    One happy customer, aren't you :) Beautiful car!
     

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