355: On the precipice
Discussion
67Dino said:
Think Bispal makes some really good points (although does sound like he was a bit unlucky).
To me, one of the pleasures with a classic supercar like the F355 is taking a bit of time to warm it up on the drive before heading out, and then going gently until the gauges creep up and the oil is flowing. I enjoy getting to know some if its quirks (like a sticky second gear when it’s cold). And I don’t mind too much working my way through some fixes, like getting the sticky button surfaces refurbished (albeit noone enjoys a big unexpected bill, which is also a possibility).
But for lots of people those sound like a massive nuisance, and they’d be quite right to avoid a classic and get something newer. It’s really a trade off of character and practicality.
TBH I didn't mind the warming up but many people would, it did sort of add to the experience like playing vinyl and warming your valves up in the amp. But many wont and it could be grating on a quick trip. I agree you have to treat an F355 like a classic experience.To me, one of the pleasures with a classic supercar like the F355 is taking a bit of time to warm it up on the drive before heading out, and then going gently until the gauges creep up and the oil is flowing. I enjoy getting to know some if its quirks (like a sticky second gear when it’s cold). And I don’t mind too much working my way through some fixes, like getting the sticky button surfaces refurbished (albeit noone enjoys a big unexpected bill, which is also a possibility).
But for lots of people those sound like a massive nuisance, and they’d be quite right to avoid a classic and get something newer. It’s really a trade off of character and practicality.
cgt2 said:
I used Redline gear oil in all my old Ferraris and in 308, 348 and 355 that eliminated the second gear issue, though I tend to go 1st-3rd-5th on any older car while gently warming up provided there is sufficient torque. I never had any second gear issue in either of my two 355's.
Now you mention it, might have been my 328 had the sticky second gear... 67Dino said:
Now you mention it, might have been my 328 had the sticky second gear...
I had a 328 which I never got round to putting Redline in, that was definitely notchy for five minutes from cold and I do remember the biggest difference was on the 308, after the gear oil change it was a super slick change. Totally transformed my enjoyment and usability of the car. Later cars such as 550's were smooth out of the box.I've owned mine for nearly 10 years now. No plans to sell it. Always kept a record of running costs involved. Average £2.5k a year. See my profile for a full breakdown.
It isn't the quickest car, but sounds amazing and is always a real occasion to drive and that's what I want as I'm only averaging around 1k miles a year.
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
It isn't the quickest car, but sounds amazing and is always a real occasion to drive and that's what I want as I'm only averaging around 1k miles a year.
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
Bispal said:
67Dino said:
Think Bispal makes some really good points (although does sound like he was a bit unlucky).
To me, one of the pleasures with a classic supercar like the F355 is taking a bit of time to warm it up on the drive before heading out, and then going gently until the gauges creep up and the oil is flowing. I enjoy getting to know some if its quirks (like a sticky second gear when it’s cold). And I don’t mind too much working my way through some fixes, like getting the sticky button surfaces refurbished (albeit noone enjoys a big unexpected bill, which is also a possibility).
But for lots of people those sound like a massive nuisance, and they’d be quite right to avoid a classic and get something newer. It’s really a trade off of character and practicality.
TBH I didn't mind the warming up but many people would, it did sort of add to the experience like playing vinyl and warming your valves up in the amp. But many wont and it could be grating on a quick trip. I agree you have to treat an F355 like a classic experience.To me, one of the pleasures with a classic supercar like the F355 is taking a bit of time to warm it up on the drive before heading out, and then going gently until the gauges creep up and the oil is flowing. I enjoy getting to know some if its quirks (like a sticky second gear when it’s cold). And I don’t mind too much working my way through some fixes, like getting the sticky button surfaces refurbished (albeit noone enjoys a big unexpected bill, which is also a possibility).
But for lots of people those sound like a massive nuisance, and they’d be quite right to avoid a classic and get something newer. It’s really a trade off of character and practicality.
W111AAM said:
I've owned mine for nearly 10 years now. No plans to sell it. Always kept a record of running costs involved. Average £2.5k a year. See my profile for a full breakdown.
It isn't the quickest car, but sounds amazing and is always a real occasion to drive and that's what I want as I'm only averaging around 1k miles a year.
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
Mmhh yes but that is only 12k miles if I read that correctly - if you do that little mileage, then I guess the 2.5k makes more sense It isn't the quickest car, but sounds amazing and is always a real occasion to drive and that's what I want as I'm only averaging around 1k miles a year.
https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...
Edit: I took the higher mileage from your profile
Edit 2: my favourite colour combination
Edited by MDL111 on Monday 24th February 12:11
FWIW, I've owned mine since 2008. Its currently on 60k+ miles..
When I used it regularly, it was right as rain. Sure, little things needed doing here and there but that was just the joy of running an old car.
I've had more issues recently but that's more due to an extended layup (kids, house build etc. Life in general).
If you're in any way DIY inclined, they can be comparatively affordable to run. Some parts are pricey but much of it can be sourced generically if you're prepared to hunt about and get your hands dirty.
If you only ever take it to someone else to work on then there can be some big bills fairly quickly, mostly due to labour rates.
Remember, its an old car now so won't feel very fast or modern (which may or may not appeal).
It also takes upkeep (like any old car) so all the rubbers, bushes, hoses etc need replacing. Interiors need a freshen up as some of the surface materials have degraded over 20+ years. etc you get the idea.
Luckily there's plenty of guides and support networks so everything is doeable.
As something to own, drive, tinker with and enjoy I like it but its not for everyone.
If you just want to drive the thing, my 2c would be to get a higher mileage car and just check what's been replaced. eg:
All the rubber hoses
Suspension bushes,
belts and bearings (all of them)
water pump
Clutch
Manifolds (there's a design flaw in the stock exhaust system)
Sticky switches
don't be fooled by shiny paint and a service stamp. Look for receipts and regular usage....
When I used it regularly, it was right as rain. Sure, little things needed doing here and there but that was just the joy of running an old car.
I've had more issues recently but that's more due to an extended layup (kids, house build etc. Life in general).
If you're in any way DIY inclined, they can be comparatively affordable to run. Some parts are pricey but much of it can be sourced generically if you're prepared to hunt about and get your hands dirty.
If you only ever take it to someone else to work on then there can be some big bills fairly quickly, mostly due to labour rates.
Remember, its an old car now so won't feel very fast or modern (which may or may not appeal).
It also takes upkeep (like any old car) so all the rubbers, bushes, hoses etc need replacing. Interiors need a freshen up as some of the surface materials have degraded over 20+ years. etc you get the idea.
Luckily there's plenty of guides and support networks so everything is doeable.
As something to own, drive, tinker with and enjoy I like it but its not for everyone.
If you just want to drive the thing, my 2c would be to get a higher mileage car and just check what's been replaced. eg:
All the rubber hoses
Suspension bushes,
belts and bearings (all of them)
water pump
Clutch
Manifolds (there's a design flaw in the stock exhaust system)
Sticky switches
don't be fooled by shiny paint and a service stamp. Look for receipts and regular usage....
Reflecting on the topic of running costs I would easily spend £5-7k per year running it over the 4 years I owned mine. However that covered everything except Insurance and fuel. So, servicing, 3yr cam belt services, tyres, upgrades (tubi exhaust and decaf pipes), manifold replacements, front end resprays, plus other bits and pieces (eg mine ate a couple of ecus, a cooling fan, alternator, etc etc). I did circa 3k miles per year. I had many friends who also had 355s and their experiences were similar. Anyone hoping to get by on less than £2k / yr running costs is sadly in for a tough time and that will just ruin the ownership experience. Go on with a reasonable budget and if you come out with a lower annual score, you’re a winner!
jtremlett said:
MDL111 said:
I used mine to commute from battersea to canary wharf every day - usually just shifted 1 to 3 for the first 25 minutes (also known as the first 1.5 miles ...)
With that commute I'm not convinced you ever needed anything other than 1st!Cactussed said:
FWIW, I've owned mine since 2008. Its currently on 60k+ miles..
When I used it regularly, it was right as rain. Sure, little things needed doing here and there but that was just the joy of running an old car.
I've had more issues recently but that's more due to an extended layup (kids, house build etc. Life in general).
If you're in any way DIY inclined, they can be comparatively affordable to run. Some parts are pricey but much of it can be sourced generically if you're prepared to hunt about and get your hands dirty.
If you only ever take it to someone else to work on then there can be some big bills fairly quickly, mostly due to labour rates.
Remember, its an old car now so won't feel very fast or modern (which may or may not appeal).
It also takes upkeep (like any old car) so all the rubbers, bushes, hoses etc need replacing. Interiors need a freshen up as some of the surface materials have degraded over 20+ years. etc you get the idea.
Luckily there's plenty of guides and support networks so everything is doeable.
As something to own, drive, tinker with and enjoy I like it but its not for everyone.
If you just want to drive the thing, my 2c would be to get a higher mileage car and just check what's been replaced. eg:
All the rubber hoses
Suspension bushes,
belts and bearings (all of them)
water pump
Clutch
Manifolds (there's a design flaw in the stock exhaust system)
Sticky switches
don't be fooled by shiny paint and a service stamp. Look for receipts and regular usage....
I sat in your car once about 10 years ago to look at your seats/interior - so so pretty - good to hear that you have still got it When I used it regularly, it was right as rain. Sure, little things needed doing here and there but that was just the joy of running an old car.
I've had more issues recently but that's more due to an extended layup (kids, house build etc. Life in general).
If you're in any way DIY inclined, they can be comparatively affordable to run. Some parts are pricey but much of it can be sourced generically if you're prepared to hunt about and get your hands dirty.
If you only ever take it to someone else to work on then there can be some big bills fairly quickly, mostly due to labour rates.
Remember, its an old car now so won't feel very fast or modern (which may or may not appeal).
It also takes upkeep (like any old car) so all the rubbers, bushes, hoses etc need replacing. Interiors need a freshen up as some of the surface materials have degraded over 20+ years. etc you get the idea.
Luckily there's plenty of guides and support networks so everything is doeable.
As something to own, drive, tinker with and enjoy I like it but its not for everyone.
If you just want to drive the thing, my 2c would be to get a higher mileage car and just check what's been replaced. eg:
All the rubber hoses
Suspension bushes,
belts and bearings (all of them)
water pump
Clutch
Manifolds (there's a design flaw in the stock exhaust system)
Sticky switches
don't be fooled by shiny paint and a service stamp. Look for receipts and regular usage....
jtremlett said:
MDL111 said:
I used mine to commute from battersea to canary wharf every day - usually just shifted 1 to 3 for the first 25 minutes (also known as the first 1.5 miles ...)
With that commute I'm not convinced you ever needed anything other than 1st!67Dino said:
jtremlett said:
MDL111 said:
I used mine to commute from battersea to canary wharf every day - usually just shifted 1 to 3 for the first 25 minutes (also known as the first 1.5 miles ...)
With that commute I'm not convinced you ever needed anything other than 1st!I was reading this thread last night - admittedly with a glass or three of wine in my hand - thinking "Hmmm, that £100k I have burning a hole i my hand for the next 18 mo before a house purchase..... could I buy this heavenly car own and store, very lightly use, and get some profit out of....."
I've still half a mind to say it could work - but could also backfire.....
I've still half a mind to say it could work - but could also backfire.....
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