Ultra Low milage 355 - Views on Purchase

[magarnett]

Had a very close look at a 96 355 at the weekend with 4,000 miles on clock. The car is in absolutly mint condition without a blemish anywhere. The car has been in a collection and serviced regulary.

My concern is the low milage, potential valve guide issue and the price premium (£55k). Part of the deal is that the car has a full 18k service including belts etc.

Views please?

Mark

[tony h]

if there are valve guide probs they usually show themselves by 20k miles so it's essential you ppi this car with compression and leakdown tests. I'm naturally suspicious of ultra low mile cars and would want to see full service history at manufact. specified intervals backed up with a wad of invoices.
£55k is financial suicide and you'll do your dough as soon as miles are put on it. IMHO, the car's worth mid £40s if everything checks out

[GT2man-2]

It depends if you're going to be driving it or not.

If it's going to be a museum piece you can argue a case for v.low mileage.. otherwise just buy a cheaper one with miles.

[rich1231]

Sorry.. maybe I go on about this too much.. but take the mileages when low with a huge heap of salt..

[SpidermanUK]

tony h said:

I'm naturally suspicious of ultra low mile cars and would want to see full service history at manufact. specified intervals backed up with a wad of invoices.

If it has indeed got a FULL service history, why are you having the cambelts done a year early? The history should show a visit to the dealer EVERY year, with bigger services/cambelts done at certain ages.Cambelts are EVERY 3 years to qualify as FULL service history!

Who did the front end respray? You state there isn't a blemish anywhere on the car, in which case the front end's been painted, 'cos it's simply not possible to do 4000 miles in a 355 and not get stone chips unless it's got PPF! I don't think paint protection film was available in the UK in 96, and this would be the only reason for the car to be original and unblemished!

[ade355]

You could easily spend 20K less for what looks/feels/drives like the same car.

Unless apparent low milage REALLY does it for you... then go shopping again IMO.

[tony h]

SpidermanUK said:

tony h said:

I'm naturally suspicious of ultra low mile cars and would want to see full service history at manufact. specified intervals backed up with a wad of invoices.

If it has indeed got a FULL service history, why are you having the cambelts done a year early? The history should show a visit to the dealer EVERY year, with bigger services/cambelts done at certain ages.Cambelts are EVERY 3 years to qualify as FULL service history!

Who did the front end respray? You state there isn't a blemish anywhere on the car, in which case the front end's been painted, 'cos it's simply not possible to do 4000 miles in a 355 and not get stone chips unless it's got PPF! I don't think paint protection film was available in the UK in 96, and this would be the only reason for the car to be original and unblemished!

lol! that sentence was for your benefit , Clive

[Murph7355]

GT2man-2 said:

It depends if you're going to be driving it or not.

If it's going to be a museum piece you can argue a case for v.low mileage.. otherwise just buy a cheaper one with miles.

Agreed (and with all the above).

Buying to actually use it, walk away.

Buying it to spank the monkey over, fill your boots. Though Spearmint Rhinos would be cheaper.

[magarnett]

Thanks Guys

Fantastic looking car but gut feeling says don't do it. Search continues, Considering 360 also.

I cant believe that 360 red/creme/manual/modena cars are so rare