Is it possible to run a Ferrari 355 as your only car???
Discussion
I would say Yes. And no.
HTH.
Seriously, it is easy to drive, has power steering and air con and a stereo. Driving position and visibility are good and the boot is a decent size (3ft wide, 2ft long and 2ft deep). So in theory, not a problem.
In reality, maybe more of a struggle.
1. Assuming you do some mileage, fuel costs will be astronomical. Seriously.
2. Servicing likewise. You can do a lot of things yourself, but even parts are pricey.
3. The doors are big, and the car is wide. So even when you find a space you can park in, getting in and out is awkward.
4. You need to think about where you are happy to leave it.
5. You will get lots of attention, mostly good, occasionally bad
6. I run a Capristo exhaust, which I love, but around town it can become wearing
7. It is an old car now, and like ALL old cars, things can and do go wrong. There's a lits of common faults with the 355, all of which can be sorted but all of which cost $$ at some point. eg I just had to re-core one of the radiators because it was old and f
ked (like me really). Nothing unusual, and it cost me £180, but I did everything apart form the re-core myself. Use a dealer, and it will be £450+VAT for a Ferrari rad (or thereabouts) plus maybe another £300+ in labour? That starts to add up in my mind.
8. It eats tyres, especially rears
9. Speedbumps are a bit of a and the turning circle is no oil tanker, but certainly no London taxi either.
So like I said, yes. But in reality, you're better off having a £500 diesel snotter as well to take to the shops and back and that you don't have to rely on to get around in.
HTH.
Seriously, it is easy to drive, has power steering and air con and a stereo. Driving position and visibility are good and the boot is a decent size (3ft wide, 2ft long and 2ft deep). So in theory, not a problem.
In reality, maybe more of a struggle.
1. Assuming you do some mileage, fuel costs will be astronomical. Seriously.
2. Servicing likewise. You can do a lot of things yourself, but even parts are pricey.
3. The doors are big, and the car is wide. So even when you find a space you can park in, getting in and out is awkward.
4. You need to think about where you are happy to leave it.
5. You will get lots of attention, mostly good, occasionally bad
6. I run a Capristo exhaust, which I love, but around town it can become wearing
7. It is an old car now, and like ALL old cars, things can and do go wrong. There's a lits of common faults with the 355, all of which can be sorted but all of which cost $$ at some point. eg I just had to re-core one of the radiators because it was old and f
ked (like me really). Nothing unusual, and it cost me £180, but I did everything apart form the re-core myself. Use a dealer, and it will be £450+VAT for a Ferrari rad (or thereabouts) plus maybe another £300+ in labour? That starts to add up in my mind.8. It eats tyres, especially rears
9. Speedbumps are a bit of a
and the turning circle is no oil tanker, but certainly no London taxi either. So like I said, yes. But in reality, you're better off having a £500 diesel snotter as well to take to the shops and back and that you don't have to rely on to get around in.
Edited by Cactussed on Friday 17th July 14:27
Yeah interesting thanks for your comments. I currently run a 4.6iS X5 so I'm no stranger to massive fuel & tyre costs.
This would have to go if I was to get a 355. My main concern is if I was to use it everyday would it still feel special?. Plus, as you say it will attract attention & the island is a small place.
Would be nice though......
This would have to go if I was to get a 355. My main concern is if I was to use it everyday would it still feel special?. Plus, as you say it will attract attention & the island is a small place.
Would be nice though......
I suppose it is perfectly possible.
But for a grand, which will be a tiny fraction of your budget, you can buy and insure a presentable daily snotter.
And if you buy a sensible snotter, it would pay for itself in less than 12 months in the fuel you would save.
So why run one car, when you can run two for less money?
But for a grand, which will be a tiny fraction of your budget, you can buy and insure a presentable daily snotter.
And if you buy a sensible snotter, it would pay for itself in less than 12 months in the fuel you would save.
So why run one car, when you can run two for less money?
Manx1 said:
I don't do many miles
Does that mean few journeys, but of a reasonable length, or an average number of journeys but of short length? For me, this would be the decider. The last thing you want to be doing is with a car like that is lots of short trips - the car will never get up the temperature properly and that won't do it any favours.The Milfman said:
F355gtb2009 said:
its probably the most reliable ferrari ever made
Depends on your personal experience! 
If you get any piccies of my baby, feel free to post them in my thread!
Seriously though, to the OP, get one, you'll love every moment and constantly feel like a million pounds!!
When I was looking at mine I asked similar questions and most people told me I wouldn't want to use it everyday and I can see why. The actual car is easy to drive, as Cactussed said the steering is light, clutch isn't too bad, visibility's good, boots usable (about the same as a 911s) and the ride is comfy enough too.
Here's the problem though. No matter how user-friendly a supercar becomes, it is still a supercar and it will draw a lot of attention. The thing is every time you go to park it you need to think "will someone scratch it/kick mirrors off" and 9/10 times they won't, but there is always that risk. Also, come winter time would you really want to be driving it around when it's snowing. Another thing to remember is that it does only have 2 seats which does limit you.
As already recommended I would buy a little run around to take to the shops. I couldn't recommend the 355 enough I absolutely love mine. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to answer them.
Here's the problem though. No matter how user-friendly a supercar becomes, it is still a supercar and it will draw a lot of attention. The thing is every time you go to park it you need to think "will someone scratch it/kick mirrors off" and 9/10 times they won't, but there is always that risk. Also, come winter time would you really want to be driving it around when it's snowing. Another thing to remember is that it does only have 2 seats which does limit you.
As already recommended I would buy a little run around to take to the shops. I couldn't recommend the 355 enough I absolutely love mine. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to answer them.
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