ok then here we go
Discussion
As you probably know the new massers use the modena lump with a simpler head, and as these ferari's have a bit of a reputation for expensive rebuilds it's a little scary thinking about those possible bills. Would it not be more enjoyable to buy a 355 if your going to take that level of risk anyway? At least you would have that howling exhaust note and amazing looks before it goes pear shaped. Seen a few up for 50k, must be only a little above used massers.
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As you probably know the new massers use the modena lump with a simpler head, and as these ferari's have a bit of a reputation for expensive rebuilds it's a little scary
And a different crank,conrods, pistons, heads (as you say), together with different valvetrain, cams, inlet system,etc.
In fact just about the only bit's they share are the block and dry sump system, apart from the different bore and liners of course.
Also where does the impression 360 Modena engines have a reputation for unreliability?
I know everyone in this country loves to imagine nasty things happening to folks better off than them but is there any real basis here?
Try reading a typical example of 355 running costs as illustrated in the last few months of Evo magazine, they have one on long term test. Around £8000 over the last few months in repairs / servicing.
Also try reading the threads about the issue here on PH.
If you haven't come across any doubts cast over the delicate nature of these cars then I guess you haven't read many long term tests. I suppose you'll be saying theres no foundation in tiv's rock solid reliability next. I only know what I read from experts in auto magazines, and at the end of the day they have more experience and exposure to cars like these than any of us.
I personally love the smaller fezza's - not many cars have that kind of attraction. I'm not wishing troubles on those better off either. I'm lucky enough to be able to stretch to one (just), although I'm not prepared to throw money away on repairs, so personally would opt for a 911 turbo instead - call me boring.
Also try reading the threads about the issue here on PH.
If you haven't come across any doubts cast over the delicate nature of these cars then I guess you haven't read many long term tests. I suppose you'll be saying theres no foundation in tiv's rock solid reliability next. I only know what I read from experts in auto magazines, and at the end of the day they have more experience and exposure to cars like these than any of us.
I personally love the smaller fezza's - not many cars have that kind of attraction. I'm not wishing troubles on those better off either. I'm lucky enough to be able to stretch to one (just), although I'm not prepared to throw money away on repairs, so personally would opt for a 911 turbo instead - call me boring.
My neighbour has had all the maseratis to date. He has always had serious trouble with all of them, the latest one being the best so far(3200GT). I would seriously be careful what you are getting yourself into, especially with only 5,000 miles on it. His Ghibli went back to the dealers more often than it was in his garage and in the end one of the problems couldn't be fixed 100% so the dealer took the car back and gave him another. Imagine if that wasn't under warranty!
Not alot of people know alot about maserati's in my experience and thats because they seem to be more trouble than they are worth. My neighbour is a lawyer and a bit of a mad bastard, plus he needs an auto and back seats. He rarely uses the 3200GT, but still gets the odd problem (leaking boot etc).
Just beware, you have been warned. In respect of reliability of the newer cars, and Ferrari's 360 and 355, they don't seem to have the problems that people think. The one's in Evo magazine, I have spoken to the owner and his car is one he bought privately, is LHD and he is relatively young so probably hammers the crap out of it. He also bought it with some problems privately. I think if you buy any car, even Japanese super reliable cars, that is problematic or has been totally hammered before then you are gonna have repeated problems. In the car in Evo's case, could it be that a lure into buying a cheap LHD car resulted in the purchase of a sub standard car that ended up being costly to bring upto standard?
Not alot of people know alot about maserati's in my experience and thats because they seem to be more trouble than they are worth. My neighbour is a lawyer and a bit of a mad bastard, plus he needs an auto and back seats. He rarely uses the 3200GT, but still gets the odd problem (leaking boot etc).
Just beware, you have been warned. In respect of reliability of the newer cars, and Ferrari's 360 and 355, they don't seem to have the problems that people think. The one's in Evo magazine, I have spoken to the owner and his car is one he bought privately, is LHD and he is relatively young so probably hammers the crap out of it. He also bought it with some problems privately. I think if you buy any car, even Japanese super reliable cars, that is problematic or has been totally hammered before then you are gonna have repeated problems. In the car in Evo's case, could it be that a lure into buying a cheap LHD car resulted in the purchase of a sub standard car that ended up being costly to bring upto standard?
i purchased a Ghibli GT new in 97 it was a good alternative to an M3 much more unique , i did 50,k km in it over 4 years and had it main dealer serviced on the dot , but it always needed something fixed , never anything major but a lot of nigly little faults ,,,,,,, now resale value thats another
story :ekk: that was a real fun car and IMO a stunning looker , but do it again , i dont think so
>> Edited by marki on Wednesday 10th April 14:51
story :ekk: that was a real fun car and IMO a stunning looker , but do it again , i dont think so
>> Edited by marki on Wednesday 10th April 14:51
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Try reading a typical example of 355 running costs
I thought you were talking about the 360 Modena engine?
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Also try reading the threads about the issue here on PH.
Wrote most of them!
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...... and at the end of the day they have more experience and exposure to cars like these than any of us.
Speak for yourself, I ran an F355 for 3 and a half years.
Apart from the routine servicing, annual at £1052 and cambelt every 3 years at £2700 (which includes the annual) nothing else ever went wrong.
We can all point to a friend of a friend who's dad had a so and so and it went wrong and blew up every Thursday afternoon.
But recent Ferraris don't have a "reputation" for having engine problems, or being generaly unreliable.
Sometimes in life you DO get what you pay for, and I'm looking forward to when my 360 Modena arrives!
>> Edited by bertie on Wednesday 10th April 17:26
bertie - congrats on the Modena!
I've only ever read long term tests on the 355, but what I've read over time scared me! Makes running a 911 turbo seem like running a fiesta. I guess a lot of it is down to how well looked after, luck of the draw etc. Also I'm sure you only read / remember the bad cases, true. I'm sure as each new model comes out they must become more reliabe too. At the end of the day they look and sound like nothing else - the dogs danglies. Just need to swallow some brave pills or have plenty of spare cash, just in case.
I've only ever read long term tests on the 355, but what I've read over time scared me! Makes running a 911 turbo seem like running a fiesta. I guess a lot of it is down to how well looked after, luck of the draw etc. Also I'm sure you only read / remember the bad cases, true. I'm sure as each new model comes out they must become more reliabe too. At the end of the day they look and sound like nothing else - the dogs danglies. Just need to swallow some brave pills or have plenty of spare cash, just in case.
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