Thinking of a 355 Spider
Discussion
Hi Guys,
This morning I had the pleasure of seeing (and hearing!) a red 355 spider scream past me (unfortunately I was not in the Cerb as it is at the Garage!). Must say it looked and sounded awesome (on a par with a decatted Cerb 4.5)! Anyway it has got me thinking about adding one of these beasts to the garage. I would be looking at getting one in the winter (better prices and time to sort out finances). I have had a look at a few posts regarding ownership of these cars and in particular running one concurrently with the TVR (Frostie?). How does the 355 compare to a Cerb in terms of servicing (costs, frequency) and general running costs. Also insurance (am 26, but will be 27). Getting rid of the Cerb is not an option as I am smitten.
General advice I have encountered are: avoid the F1, Full service History, Expert inspection prior to buying.
Any other comments an advice would b welcome.
P.S would be looking at a P-Plate i.e 40-50k?
Thanks in advance,
Dan
This morning I had the pleasure of seeing (and hearing!) a red 355 spider scream past me (unfortunately I was not in the Cerb as it is at the Garage!). Must say it looked and sounded awesome (on a par with a decatted Cerb 4.5)! Anyway it has got me thinking about adding one of these beasts to the garage. I would be looking at getting one in the winter (better prices and time to sort out finances). I have had a look at a few posts regarding ownership of these cars and in particular running one concurrently with the TVR (Frostie?). How does the 355 compare to a Cerb in terms of servicing (costs, frequency) and general running costs. Also insurance (am 26, but will be 27). Getting rid of the Cerb is not an option as I am smitten.
General advice I have encountered are: avoid the F1, Full service History, Expert inspection prior to buying.
Any other comments an advice would b welcome.
P.S would be looking at a P-Plate i.e 40-50k?
Thanks in advance,
Dan
Dan
On average they cost about £3K a year to run, so slightly more than a cerb but huge amounts. What you won't get are the stupid niggles and the constant trips to and from your dealer to get them sorted. Major services are at 6K and then every 12K afterwards plus annuals if you need them in between. Cambelts are every 3 years and this unfortunately is a £3K dealer service as the engine has to come out. Parts are expensive for example my last service was £5K as I needed a new exhaust manifold which was £2K fitted ! My first year was only £800 so I think the £3K average is about right and this seems to be what most people budget.
One thing to check on purchase is the area where the roof joins the back wing panels. Because of nature of construction you may see bubbling of paint. Its not serious, they all do it, but just make sure its fixed before purchase to save you the cost later. Also if you can get them to do the cambelts as part of deal. I did this which holds of the expensive service for 3 years !
Mark
>> Edited by frostie on Sunday 28th July 19:09
On average they cost about £3K a year to run, so slightly more than a cerb but huge amounts. What you won't get are the stupid niggles and the constant trips to and from your dealer to get them sorted. Major services are at 6K and then every 12K afterwards plus annuals if you need them in between. Cambelts are every 3 years and this unfortunately is a £3K dealer service as the engine has to come out. Parts are expensive for example my last service was £5K as I needed a new exhaust manifold which was £2K fitted ! My first year was only £800 so I think the £3K average is about right and this seems to be what most people budget.
One thing to check on purchase is the area where the roof joins the back wing panels. Because of nature of construction you may see bubbling of paint. Its not serious, they all do it, but just make sure its fixed before purchase to save you the cost later. Also if you can get them to do the cambelts as part of deal. I did this which holds of the expensive service for 3 years !
Mark
>> Edited by frostie on Sunday 28th July 19:09
Pinkey,
If you are in this delectable position then throw caution to the wind and follow your heart.
I never stop boring people with tales of my old Cerby and by the sounds of it you fully understand the illogical passion of that car's pull - well, IMHO, the 355 commands a similar emotion.
I know EXACTLY what you mean, indeed probably how you felt when that incomparable machine screamed past: it's like a Siren's call, totally intoxicating.
Quite a few TVR owners on PH have recently, whilst still retaining faith in Blackpools' rockets, been seduced by the unique desire that only Maranello seems to consistently produce - the concept of owning a Cerbera AND a 355 is almost too much for my fevered imagination to cope with! The sexiest two cars on the planet, surely?
The sheer tactility of a Ferrari, almost any Ferrari, is a genuinely unique experience. First of all there's the style (oh my God! PERFECTION!), then the excitement of just being in the damn thing. The grin induced by fire up and a couple of prods of the throttle to hint at what's to come, followed by the joyous clack of metal on metal and move off...and then, find your moment, traffic's thinned, drop a cog - on cam at 7 or 8000 RPM - it really doesn't get much better.
This is an opportunity most would die for. You owe it to yourself and the entire PH community to buy one, no arguments. Dribble, drool, longing sigh.
If you are in this delectable position then throw caution to the wind and follow your heart.
I never stop boring people with tales of my old Cerby and by the sounds of it you fully understand the illogical passion of that car's pull - well, IMHO, the 355 commands a similar emotion.
I know EXACTLY what you mean, indeed probably how you felt when that incomparable machine screamed past: it's like a Siren's call, totally intoxicating.
Quite a few TVR owners on PH have recently, whilst still retaining faith in Blackpools' rockets, been seduced by the unique desire that only Maranello seems to consistently produce - the concept of owning a Cerbera AND a 355 is almost too much for my fevered imagination to cope with! The sexiest two cars on the planet, surely?
The sheer tactility of a Ferrari, almost any Ferrari, is a genuinely unique experience. First of all there's the style (oh my God! PERFECTION!), then the excitement of just being in the damn thing. The grin induced by fire up and a couple of prods of the throttle to hint at what's to come, followed by the joyous clack of metal on metal and move off...and then, find your moment, traffic's thinned, drop a cog - on cam at 7 or 8000 RPM - it really doesn't get much better.
This is an opportunity most would die for. You owe it to yourself and the entire PH community to buy one, no arguments. Dribble, drool, longing sigh.
quote:
Dribble, drool, longing sigh.
Exactly what I'm doing after reading your post Derestrictor! You sure would make a good salesman. Just the thought of a Cerb and Ferrari on the drive
! Like I said it wouldn't be until the winter (possibly a birthday treat in January) that I would contemplate getting one. This will give me time to investigate further (have had no experience whatsoever with Ferraris) and work that little bit harder (sort out finances).
Basher, saw the 355 in South Bank/Eston area of Middlesbrough about 12-1ish.
Dan
I bought a 355 Spider in May. Its undoubtably the best car I have ever had. Best fun you can have with your clothes on! Really looking forward to taking it to Germany next month.
Only problem is that it is very low slung and 'bottoms' very easily. This worries me a bit about taking it on the Eurotunnel. Has anybody else taken one through??
Only problem is that it is very low slung and 'bottoms' very easily. This worries me a bit about taking it on the Eurotunnel. Has anybody else taken one through??
Dan
Most ferraris do very little mileage at all. When I was looking for mine most five year old cars had about 5000 miles. The one I bought had 32000 miles and was considered stratosperic. It also had only two previous owners. This is unusual. Average is a new owner every 18 months.
I love my 355 to bits but don't go into this blinkered to its failings.
It is seriously low with long overhangs. Speedbumps = terror, multi-storey car parks...forget it. When you are looking you'll find cars with the front skid plates scraped and chipped.Don't worry, it's the norm. I had owned my car 15 minutes when I first scraped the nose. Even with care and experience with the car , it still happens from time to time.
It has all kinds of quirks. The brakes stick on if left for a long time between drives, the throttle can stick open and the handbrake can jam on. These are a pain but easily sorted ....if you know how.
A good waranty is invaluable. I got my car from a main dealer. Expensive...yes. Good warranty....yes.Worth it....definately yes! Ferrari formula one warranty(available to cars less than five years old and 30000 miles)is great. About £1000 to extend the std 1yr warranty, that comes with any approved F355, to 2yrs. For reference, on my car the warranty company paid out about £6000 in the first year.
The weak points on the F355 are:-
1)The CATs and CAT sensors.
2)The rear dampers.(approx £600 each)
3)The exhaust manifolds. There is a newer design that should prevent the cracking.
If I haven't frightened you off yet happy hunting. I echo most of the comments above. Most of all when you get it drive it, don't leave it moulding in the garage.
Kevin
Most ferraris do very little mileage at all. When I was looking for mine most five year old cars had about 5000 miles. The one I bought had 32000 miles and was considered stratosperic. It also had only two previous owners. This is unusual. Average is a new owner every 18 months.
I love my 355 to bits but don't go into this blinkered to its failings.
It is seriously low with long overhangs. Speedbumps = terror, multi-storey car parks...forget it. When you are looking you'll find cars with the front skid plates scraped and chipped.Don't worry, it's the norm. I had owned my car 15 minutes when I first scraped the nose. Even with care and experience with the car , it still happens from time to time.
It has all kinds of quirks. The brakes stick on if left for a long time between drives, the throttle can stick open and the handbrake can jam on. These are a pain but easily sorted ....if you know how.
A good waranty is invaluable. I got my car from a main dealer. Expensive...yes. Good warranty....yes.Worth it....definately yes! Ferrari formula one warranty(available to cars less than five years old and 30000 miles)is great. About £1000 to extend the std 1yr warranty, that comes with any approved F355, to 2yrs. For reference, on my car the warranty company paid out about £6000 in the first year.
The weak points on the F355 are:-
1)The CATs and CAT sensors.
2)The rear dampers.(approx £600 each)
3)The exhaust manifolds. There is a newer design that should prevent the cracking.
If I haven't frightened you off yet happy hunting. I echo most of the comments above. Most of all when you get it drive it, don't leave it moulding in the garage.
Kevin
Speedbumps = terror, multi-storey car parks...forget it.
Ninja my man - are you listening mate.....
- Agree about the manifolds and cats - the factory shouldn't be allowed to get away with what amounts to an inherent design flaw - still as long as their replacing under warranty, it's their problem.
Ninja my man - are you listening mate.....
- Agree about the manifolds and cats - the factory shouldn't be allowed to get away with what amounts to an inherent design flaw - still as long as their replacing under warranty, it's their problem.
that means my 456 will have the same problem, what exactly does not fit. Please tell all. Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff