Is the 355 GTS that bad?
Discussion
I'm looking at getting an F355, but not sure which model to go for.
The main thing that puts me off the Spyder is the lack of rear and 3/4 visibility compared to the GTS/Berlinetta. Also there's a lot of electro-hyraulics to go wrong.
On paper the GTS seems best - it preserves the Berlinetta styling and visibility, but you have the oportunity to drive in open-top mode occasionally.
But having looked through all the previous posts here, it sounds like there are a few problems:
a)The seals leak (more than the Spyder).
b)Taking off/stowing the top is a major pain and possibly a two man job (someone said it has to be turned 180 deg to stow it).
c)It's generally regarded as the least desirable model by dealers.
I'd be interested to hear from owners (and others) about their experiences with the GTS/Spyder, especially how easy it is to take the roof off the GTS. (How much does the roof section weigh?)
>>> Edited by driver on Sunday 1st February 11:32
The main thing that puts me off the Spyder is the lack of rear and 3/4 visibility compared to the GTS/Berlinetta. Also there's a lot of electro-hyraulics to go wrong.
On paper the GTS seems best - it preserves the Berlinetta styling and visibility, but you have the oportunity to drive in open-top mode occasionally.
But having looked through all the previous posts here, it sounds like there are a few problems:
a)The seals leak (more than the Spyder).
b)Taking off/stowing the top is a major pain and possibly a two man job (someone said it has to be turned 180 deg to stow it).
c)It's generally regarded as the least desirable model by dealers.
I'd be interested to hear from owners (and others) about their experiences with the GTS/Spyder, especially how easy it is to take the roof off the GTS. (How much does the roof section weigh?)
>>> Edited by driver on Sunday 1st February 11:32
1. 3/4 and rear visibility is amazing in the spider(providing the roof is down where it should be).
2. Drive it somewhere hot or somewhere without heavy rain- with the roof down.
3. Add a tubi.
4. Look in the rear view mirror and congratulate yourself on buying a beautiful car.
5. Introduce the go pedal to the floor.
repeat daily.
2. Drive it somewhere hot or somewhere without heavy rain- with the roof down.
3. Add a tubi.
4. Look in the rear view mirror and congratulate yourself on buying a beautiful car.
5. Introduce the go pedal to the floor.
repeat daily.
Read the archives with regards to 355's in general, and I'm sure there were a few threads about spiders and GTS etc.
Also, I've tried to document my experience with my 355 spider in my profile. Hope its useful.
In summary, my neighbours 355 GTS rarely had its roof off, mine was often down. Even when it was cold, but I fancied roof down, I would do it, because it would take literally 30 seconds or so. No hassle at all, and in fact the 355 was exceptional for buffeting, there was NONE!!! And it kept fantastically warm. Only thing is you have to release and lock the catch manually, but after and before that its all auto.
Some will argue GTS more desirable, my experience was they were less, but I'm sure you'll get a gist of it all by looking through dealer prices as much as you can. Call them up and throw low offers around and see which they are most receptive on. Might be an idea to not use your own name though, as it seems to stick with these guys and they might remember you as a timewaster!
Either way, its a great car, and you wont really go far wrong. I much prefer the spider, roof down looks good and I had no visibility issues either, plus you could still hear the exhaust note roof up (you really can't on GTB). Get a tubi and decat done too.
Also, I've tried to document my experience with my 355 spider in my profile. Hope its useful.
In summary, my neighbours 355 GTS rarely had its roof off, mine was often down. Even when it was cold, but I fancied roof down, I would do it, because it would take literally 30 seconds or so. No hassle at all, and in fact the 355 was exceptional for buffeting, there was NONE!!! And it kept fantastically warm. Only thing is you have to release and lock the catch manually, but after and before that its all auto.
Some will argue GTS more desirable, my experience was they were less, but I'm sure you'll get a gist of it all by looking through dealer prices as much as you can. Call them up and throw low offers around and see which they are most receptive on. Might be an idea to not use your own name though, as it seems to stick with these guys and they might remember you as a timewaster!
Either way, its a great car, and you wont really go far wrong. I much prefer the spider, roof down looks good and I had no visibility issues either, plus you could still hear the exhaust note roof up (you really can't on GTB). Get a tubi and decat done too.
The Spiders are generally more expensive, but I always thought the Berlinettas were the cheapest, with the GTS in the middle.
Personally, I'd go for a GTS every time.. Roof up it has the perfect lines of the Berlinetta and yet you can still enjoy top off/posing driving when/if the sun comes out.
Oh and you won't fear your roof being ripped.
Personally, I'd go for a GTS every time.. Roof up it has the perfect lines of the Berlinetta and yet you can still enjoy top off/posing driving when/if the sun comes out.
Oh and you won't fear your roof being ripped.
as said above you do turn the roof but its definately a 1 man job.....or woman, cos my girlfreind takes it off when she's out in it.It would nbe a bit more time consuming than the Spyder but its no hassle and won't get cut up by an envious vandal. Very similar to the TVR Chimaera/Griff apart from you don't have to remember which way round it goes in the boot cos the locating pins make it very obvious.
The roof does squeak a bit over bumps but I think a silicone type spray stops this; I have run out of it.
Unlike the TVR's mine has never leaked and I have been caught out in some very heavy rain a couple of times. Just get the seals checked. Verde did mine.
I always thought the prices were a bit higher than the GTB.
IMO you get the the looks of the GTB and the roof off action of the Spyder.... the perfect compromise.It's simply a matter of what you like. If you prefer the Spyder looks get it. I don't think any one car is worse than the other.
The roof does squeak a bit over bumps but I think a silicone type spray stops this; I have run out of it.
Unlike the TVR's mine has never leaked and I have been caught out in some very heavy rain a couple of times. Just get the seals checked. Verde did mine.
I always thought the prices were a bit higher than the GTB.
IMO you get the the looks of the GTB and the roof off action of the Spyder.... the perfect compromise.It's simply a matter of what you like. If you prefer the Spyder looks get it. I don't think any one car is worse than the other.
TO be honest don't believe the 'dealers least like them' line from any dealer. Dealers can be absolute sods when it comes to this marque. (my experience was very fair and we all know where mine came from but not naming on here as that is not fair)
I have been told that the GTS is like rocking horse shit when you are trying to source one and therefore command a high premium but when you want to sell them they are 'not in high demand as the spider' blah blah blah....
a bit like the ' Verdi Green with beige(yuck) is a rare colour sir hence it is 2k more than a Rosso Corsa one of same spec ..... (then it does not sell for 12 momnths (funny thaat)) and when you sell it - oh well if it had been red sir...yawn yawn...that is their busienss i suppose...
3 Important things with any Ferrari
1. Buy the shape your heart wants - buy the one you fancy (you drive it after all)
2. Get a tubi
3. Make sure you do not 'stretch' too far to put yourself in danger of not coping with an unexpected bill
I have been told that the GTS is like rocking horse shit when you are trying to source one and therefore command a high premium but when you want to sell them they are 'not in high demand as the spider' blah blah blah....
a bit like the ' Verdi Green with beige(yuck) is a rare colour sir hence it is 2k more than a Rosso Corsa one of same spec ..... (then it does not sell for 12 momnths (funny thaat)) and when you sell it - oh well if it had been red sir...yawn yawn...that is their busienss i suppose...
3 Important things with any Ferrari
1. Buy the shape your heart wants - buy the one you fancy (you drive it after all)
2. Get a tubi
3. Make sure you do not 'stretch' too far to put yourself in danger of not coping with an unexpected bill
Thanks for the input. I guess I need to check the cars out myself at dealers. Problem is, I've found Ferrari dealers very reluctant to give test drives.
One other point about the Spyder - I've noticed in some pictures that the roof seems to stick up behind the seats when folded, presumably blocking rear vision to some extent. Maybe this is sorted out if you fit the tonneau cover - how easy it that?
Does anyone know how much it costs to replace the back window on a Spyder? Come to think of it, how much is it for a new Spyder roof, and how much is the carbon fibre GTS roof (can it be colour coded)?
One other point about the Spyder - I've noticed in some pictures that the roof seems to stick up behind the seats when folded, presumably blocking rear vision to some extent. Maybe this is sorted out if you fit the tonneau cover - how easy it that?
Does anyone know how much it costs to replace the back window on a Spyder? Come to think of it, how much is it for a new Spyder roof, and how much is the carbon fibre GTS roof (can it be colour coded)?
Driver i used to have a 348ts which had the same arrangement as the 355. Ok you do have to stop the car to take the roof off, but that does not take long and it stows easily behind the seats, unless you are a midget 
you should be able to do it on your own no problems. Never really liked the 355 spider roof arrangement looks horrible inside with the roof up IMHO. With the GTS you don't have to worry about the roof being slashed. But end of the day its a question of what you prefer either way i would say get one the are such fun to drive 
you should be able to do it on your own no problems. Never really liked the 355 spider roof arrangement looks horrible inside with the roof up IMHO. With the GTS you don't have to worry about the roof being slashed. But end of the day its a question of what you prefer either way i would say get one the are such fun to drive I've now had my GTS for 6 years and would never be parted with it. I've driven quicker cars, better track cars, but nothing quite makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up quite like a 355 Tubi at 8,500 revs in a tunnel! To this day, each time I drive it I have a large grin on my chops.
I guess your choice of model really depends on whether you are a dedicated wind in the hair type, weather permitting. The spider looks great top down, but top up the GTS wins hands down IMHO.
I live in Dubai where it virtually never rains, but opted for the GTS as it was a great compromise between the berlinetta and spider. The top comes off in seconds and stows easily, however be warned that if you are tall you may have legroom problems with the seat moving forward to accommodate the roof. I would suggest you check that out before you buy. It is a bit of a problem for me at 6'3", however I don't normally stow the roof (no rain!).
I have had some leakage problems, but only when washing the car with a hose, and silcone on the seals normally solves that.
Go with your heart though, all three options are great in their different ways.
I guess your choice of model really depends on whether you are a dedicated wind in the hair type, weather permitting. The spider looks great top down, but top up the GTS wins hands down IMHO.
I live in Dubai where it virtually never rains, but opted for the GTS as it was a great compromise between the berlinetta and spider. The top comes off in seconds and stows easily, however be warned that if you are tall you may have legroom problems with the seat moving forward to accommodate the roof. I would suggest you check that out before you buy. It is a bit of a problem for me at 6'3", however I don't normally stow the roof (no rain!).
I have had some leakage problems, but only when washing the car with a hose, and silcone on the seals normally solves that.
Go with your heart though, all three options are great in their different ways.
Davidoff, I'm 5'7", so legroom shouldn't be an issue.
F355GTS - I'd love to take a look at your GTS, but I live in Limehouse (London Docklands), so unfortunately it's a fair treck to where you live. Do you ever bring your 355 near London? I have to warn you though, if I buy one I'll probably go for silver paintwork.
Ninja eli - £20k depreciation in 18 months - ouch! But I suppose that's based on the buying it from a dealer and then trading it in to a dealer, so £20k includes the original dealer mark up (£12k?).
If I buy one for say £60k, sell it 18 months later and do 5000 miles, I suppose I'd still lose at least £15k.
F355GTS - I'd love to take a look at your GTS, but I live in Limehouse (London Docklands), so unfortunately it's a fair treck to where you live. Do you ever bring your 355 near London? I have to warn you though, if I buy one I'll probably go for silver paintwork.
Ninja eli - £20k depreciation in 18 months - ouch! But I suppose that's based on the buying it from a dealer and then trading it in to a dealer, so £20k includes the original dealer mark up (£12k?).
If I buy one for say £60k, sell it 18 months later and do 5000 miles, I suppose I'd still lose at least £15k.
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