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does anyone know someone with a 355? I remember a member here had a Blue vert purchased a few years back. But I cannot find the thread.
Ive been researching a bit and the engine out maintenance has me really nervous. This would be strictly a weekend / seasonal garage queens. Perhaps even a ultra low mileage investment.
The lines are irresistable. Future collector value is through the roof.
One of my favorite cars. Pretty sure the movie "The Rock" helped me to fall in love with it.
I have looked into this car on and off for years. They can be had for a decent price, however, as you mentioned, those maintenance costs are pretty damn high. I know you need to pay to play, but to spend $65k to $70k plus on a car only to have to spend $15k to $20k for some of the maintenance? No thanks. I love the car, but someone else can take that on
They look and sound fantastic but are cheap for a reason. I've never heard of anyone having a good experience with this car in regards to upkeep. If you plan on just letting it sit there and look pretty, I suggest you buy something else. If you want to drive it like it's supposed to be driven, I suggest you either have very deep pockets or buy something else. The F430 is coming down in price rapidly and doesn't have the same issues that the F355 has.
One of my favorite cars. Pretty sure the movie "The Rock" helped me to fall in love with it.
I have looked into this car on and off for years. They can be had for a decent price, however, as you mentioned, those maintenance costs are pretty damn high. I know you need to pay to play, but to spend $65k to $70k plus on a car only to have to spend $15k to $20k for some of the maintenance? No thanks. I love the car, but someone else can take that on
My uncle who is now 83 has some well to do colleagues and one had a used ferrari of some sort. Possibly a bit newer but on the same scale. His wife had purchased the car used for him and after a few years had sold it. The maintenance was much too expensive for someone that was very wealthy.
The thought of owning one of these cars sometimes is better than owning one.
The F430 is coming down in price rapidly and doesn't have the same issues that the F355 has.
Indeed. There are early examples listing for less than 100k! Cost of entry is quite lower now (though avg is still looking about 120k-150k) but even then I assume you need to be well prepared financially for the maintenance/repair costs of an exotic like a Ferrari.
does anyone know someone with a 355? I remember a member here had a Blue vert purchased a few years back. But I cannot find the thread.
Ive been researching a bit and the engine out maintenance has me really nervous. This would be strictly a weekend / seasonal garage queens. Perhaps even a ultra low mileage investment.
The lines are irresistable. Future collector value is through the roof.
Pass on it.
Three friends own Ferrari's (two 328GTS and one F360), and none would get a F355 due to all the problems.
I've been to a few Ferrari meets in the MD area and those folks have similar feelings about the 348 or F355.
Originally Posted by juniorbean
One of my favorite cars. Pretty sure the movie "The Rock" helped me to fall in love with it.
I have looked into this car on and off for years. They can be had for a decent price, however, as you mentioned, those maintenance costs are pretty damn high. I know you need to pay to play, but to spend $65k to $70k plus on a car only to have to spend $15k to $20k for some of the maintenance? No thanks. I love the car, but someone else can take that on
Indeed. There are early examples listing for less than 100k! Cost of entry is quite lower now (though avg is still looking about 120k-150k) but even then I assume you need to be well prepared financially for the maintenance/repair costs of an exotic like a Ferrari.
I don't think the newer ones are nearly as bad as people think they are. I think even the 360 was fairly low key in terms of maintenance.
I don't think the newer ones are nearly as bad as people think they are. I think even the 360 was fairly low key in terms of maintenance.
Very good to know.
Certainly more costly than I would imagine a typical BMW/Merc....but looks like it's not TOO too bad.
Annual service with oil change and fluids/filter seems to run between 1000-2000 a year depending where you go. (It's high for just an oil change and some fluids top off at $2000 but it is a Ferrari after all and probably only need to do it once a year with the low miles driven per year).
If you drive it alot then it will definitely go up in cost in terms of brakes/tires. And of course if anything major breaks.....
Thanks, guys very helpful. I am setting aside for a used targa. The F355 is (was) at the top of the list. If the NSX wasnt so overpriced that would be a top pick, but alas. 996/997 911 Targa makes the cut too. And for some reason, a 07/08 M Coupe is on that list for personal reasons. I was willing to stretch the budget for the F355, given how special it is, otherwise, the desired price point would be lower.
Any other targas I am forgetting about? Not a big corvette fan, and the old MR2s are a no-go. New Miata targa is ehhh, not sure.
If I would get an NSX, it would be a 2G with 40-50k miles. To me, personally, that is worth no more than maybe $45k. Obviously those are trading closer to $80k, or more. I cant mentally bridge that gap.
Certainly more costly than I would imagine a typical BMW/Merc....but looks like it's not TOO too bad.
Annual service with oil change and fluids/filter seems to run between 1000-2000 a year depending where you go. (It's high for just an oil change and some fluids top off at $2000 but it is a Ferrari after all and probably only need to do it once a year with the low miles driven per year).
If you drive it alot then it will definitely go up in cost in terms of brakes/tires. And of course if anything major breaks.....
If I would get an NSX, it would be a 2G with 40-50k miles. To me, personally, that is worth no more than maybe $45k. Obviously those are trading closer to $80k, or more. I cant mentally bridge that gap.
Agree 100%. The bubble for classic Hondas is so inflated right now, it's nuts.
Thanks, guys very helpful. I am setting aside for a used targa. The F355 is (was) at the top of the list. If the NSX wasnt so overpriced that would be a top pick, but alas. 996/997 911 Targa makes the cut too. And for some reason, a 07/08 M Coupe is on that list for personal reasons. I was willing to stretch the budget for the F355, given how special it is, otherwise, the desired price point would be lower.
Any other targas I am forgetting about? Not a big corvette fan, and the old MR2s are a no-go. New Miata targa is ehhh, not sure.
If you further evidence how much fun it is to work on a 348 (which evolved into the F355), here's a 348 drivetrain/subframe dropped which has to happen for timing belt/water pump, exhaust headers,...
At least the dry clutch is located at the back of the transaxle which makes changing the clutch a very easy job
Hey ThermonMermon, don't give up on the NSX. There are deals out there. You just have to be patient. It took me over a year to find mine, and it was the right price/condition/maintenance. You have to keep those Autotrader and Cars.com search parameters saved so you can check on a daily basis. When you see the right deal, you have to be financially ready to pounce or someone will beat you to it, and flip the car for more.
I'd pass on the 355, as gorgeous as it is.
Alternatives:
S2000 (not a targa, but obviously a convertible)--still achievable, whough also appreciating
996-997 Porsche 911
Porsche Cayman S
Ferrari 360 (but has no targa)
Along with everything else mentioned, the interiors on the F355s are known to literally melt.
I would rather have an NSX, even a '91 with 150k on it. I think the number of F355s with that kind of mileage are very rare, for good reasons. Both cars have aged very well though.
Great source of information if you still have thoughts on the F355, and the work behind it. Many owners can help you perform maintenance yourself and save money.
I think the most logical thing would be a 997 targa. What I’m realizing too is that I could probably trade in my second car for a 911 and just have an suv and 911 in the stable. The second car would serve as my car and emergency baby transport if the Wife is out. I could get away with a 911 as long as the baby seat is front facing. Which means that if I set more funds aside and wait closer to two years (from both a forward facing car seat and depreciation standpoint) a 2014 991 targa mayyyy be within reach...go cryptos go lol
Thanks, guys very helpful. I am setting aside for a used targa. The F355 is (was) at the top of the list. If the NSX wasnt so overpriced that would be a top pick, but alas. 996/997 911 Targa makes the cut too. And for some reason, a 07/08 M Coupe is on that list for personal reasons. I was willing to stretch the budget for the F355, given how special it is, otherwise, the desired price point would be lower.
Any other targas I am forgetting about? Not a big corvette fan, and the old MR2s are a no-go. New Miata targa is ehhh, not sure.
You have to keep those Autotrader and Cars.com search parameters saved so you can check on a daily basis. When you see the right deal, you have to be financially ready to pounce or someone will beat you to it, and flip the car for more.
This is what I tell my friends/family as well on how to buy any car. The most important thing is have time and the dedication to check every day: CL, Autotrader, Cars.com, CarGurus, etc. Competition may be more when the market is niche/enthusiast cars.
That would be a great reliable choice. It can be driven in any weather and you will have a greater choice of mechanics compared to an F car.
Originally Posted by ThermonMermon
Thanks guys. This is all super helpful
I think the most logical thing would be a 997 targa. What I’m realizing too is that I could probably trade in my second car for a 911 and just have an suv and 911 in the stable. The second car would serve as my car and emergency baby transport if the Wife is out. I could get away with a 911 as long as the baby seat is front facing. Which means that if I set more funds aside and wait closer to two years (from both a forward facing car seat and depreciation standpoint) a 2014 991 targa mayyyy be within reach...go cryptos go lol
The bigger issue is sourcing replacement parts. Ferrari doesn't keep stock piles of parts for older cats.
some parts are not longer manufactured (ie 328 GTS fog light glass lenses).
Originally Posted by Costco
Along with everything else mentioned, the interiors on the F355s are known to literally melt.
I would rather have an NSX, even a '91 with 150k on it. I think the number of F355s with that kind of mileage are very rare, for good reasons. Both cars have aged very well though.
Friend of friend has a side business rebuilding 348/F355 interiors (dash, door panels. center console). That soft foam dash cover disintegrates with time/temp, has enough business that he's backlogged over a year last I heard.
Originally Posted by nist7
Very good to know.
Certainly more costly than I would imagine a typical BMW/Merc....but looks like it's not TOO too bad.
Annual service with oil change and fluids/filter seems to run between 1000-2000 a year depending where you go. (It's high for just an oil change and some fluids top off at $2000 but it is a Ferrari after all and probably only need to do it once a year with the low miles driven per year).
If you drive it alot then it will definitely go up in cost in terms of brakes/tires. And of course if anything major breaks.....
co-founder of a startup I worked at in the mid 2000's had a SL55 that was a shop queen, spent 3 months of the first year in the shop or waiting for parts from Germany.
Sold it, and bought a F430 as his DD. No problems after a few years of ownership, only trips to the dealer in LA were for basic maintenance.
Originally Posted by SamDoe1
I don't think the newer ones are nearly as bad as people think they are. I think even the 360 was fairly low key in terms of maintenance.
The newer Ferrari's (late 90's top current) are much better than the 90's Ferrari's (the 456 and 512 are much better than the 348/F355). It took Montezemolo's reinvention of Ferrari in the 90's to take hold toward the end of the decade for their road cars and F1 team. Quality went up dramatically, no more Fiat switchgear, the drivetrains were redesigned,.... Current Ferrari's are far easier to own than the 90's models. The 70's and 80's cars are also pretty easy to own, the 90's was the bad decade in general
Former neighbor has a '92 348 Spider & a '99 355 Spider.
Never pushed enough to inquire about maintenance on them, both are in great shape though.
I'd posted a few photos of his 348 in the Ferrari thread, need to link up with him again & see if he'll let me do a shoot with him to get some practice.
The newer Ferrari's (late 90's top current) are much better than the 90's Ferrari's (the 456 and 512 are much better than the 348/F355). It took Montezemolo's reinvention of Ferrari in the 90's to take hold toward the end of the decade for their road cars and F1 team. Quality went up dramatically, no more Fiat switchgear, the drivetrains were redesigned,.... Current Ferrari's are far easier to own than the 90's models. The 70's and 80's cars are also pretty easy to own, the 90's was the bad decade in general
Ferrari just got lazy going into the late 80's/early 90's; they had already long cemented themselves as one of the great manufacturers. Cars lost some of Ferrari's charm, and whilst the F355 was where the feeling came back, as you said, build quality was still iffy.
I don't think the 360 made it, but I believe the F430 was one of the first cars introduced under Ferrari's 7-year warranty plans, which now has options to expand to 12-15 years. Pre-Owned cars now have a possible 10-year warranty as well.
My uncle who is now 83 has some well to do colleagues and one had a used ferrari of some sort. Possibly a bit newer but on the same scale. His wife had purchased the car used for him and after a few years had sold it. The maintenance was much too expensive for someone that was very wealthy.
The thought of owning one of these cars sometimes is better than owning one.
I had an engineer that use to work for us who had a 348...he did all his own maintnence, which meant...when major services happened, the motor would sit out of the car for 6 months.......lol
I had an engineer that use to work for us who had a 348...he did all his own maintnence, which meant...when major services happened, the motor would sit out of the car for 6 months.......lol
Lol no kidding, What's the point of owning a ferrari if you do that kind of stuff. Might as well get a job as a ferrari technician if he likes working on them for so much/long, heh
Ferraris, weirdly enough, can suffer a huge depreciation if you or anyone non-Ferrari certified works on it. Having service records from a dealer seems to do wonders for their values.
01-11-2018, 09:16 PM
