One year(ish!) of F355 Spider ownership: my thoughts
Discussion
Well, I rolled over 1 years worth of ownership at the beginning of March, so I guess I’d better give my thoughts on newbie Fcar ownership! In one word overall? Amazing. I’ll get the negative bits out the way first. In all honesty, has it cost me more to run than I would have liked? Maybe a little (call it £4.2k in servicing/maintenance/consumables). Has it cost me more to run than I expected. No, not really. Memories? Priceless. I have to say at this point that a large proportion of the costs have been due to me making a rod for my own back. I’ve had elective work done that wasn’t strictly necessary and I’ve had £4k’s worth of upgrades done which technically weren’t either, but really, you only live once, so b*ll*cks to it. Oh, and 8k miles worth of fuel at 16.5mpg doesn’t help! 
All can be seen in my PH garage btw: http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...)In 14 months of ownership, the car has died on me twice: once was, ironically, a new Thatcham immobilizer I had fitted that was faulty. Which leaves just once that the car (and all its “well renowned” Italian engineering) has let me down. If we put that in perspective with the mileage I’ve done, I can honestly say that it is damn good going for a highly strung, hand-built supercar that is 15+ years old. If someone can show me another car of the same vintage that isn’t Japanese that has done as well, I’m all ears.
Now for the positives. In the last few years, I have changed cars on average every 10 months or so, and have had the privilege of owning some great motors (some more expensive than others). Yet nothing, nothing has captured my heart like Francesca has (yes, I name my cars, I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned that in a previous report already so stop judging
). I do occasionally catch myself wavering: 328s are achingly beautiful and by all accounts are cheaper to run. And 550s, well, a little bit more cash gives you uber performance and again, by all accounts, bomb-proof mechanical reliability (which is where it really counts with Fcars, cosmetic/minor stuff is not where it gets expensive), what’s not to like? Except that, for better or worse, I think I’m a Spider man. I’ve cruised the French Riviera in summer with the top down (with my utterly gorgeous, now ex unfortunately!, gf in the passenger seat making me look good 
Being shallow for a sec, it really is fun batting above your average ), I’ve ripped the arse out of the Route Napoleon in sunny autumn with the roof down in the company of a true petrolhead mate, been to Bruges and pulled up outside the hostel (yes, hostel!) we were staying at with people staring incredulously, and driven out on numerous country hoons with other enthusiasts in the rain/sunshine and night/day, with roof down all the way (remember, more gas = less wet ). The memories from the past year are epic, and having a convertible has only made them more so. Who gives a stuff about the odd bit of scuttleshake and 0.5 secs round a track now, honestly?
Oh, and the noise! Enough to make your presence known and generally entertain passers-by when pottering along. More than enough F1 wail to give people a heart attack when flooring it and the valve opens....aural ecstasy. On the way to my 50k service, I gave the car a 2 sec squirt up the road in London when I was near the garage. My mechanic heard me while he was at his sis’s house having coffee, and knew it was time to leave for work. He was half a mile away, indoors at the time
I’m going to blatantly rip off a CS member’s signature now, but it is so apt – “Capristo: spreading more Italian love than Silvio Berlusconi”. It’s not big, it’s not clever, but it is an awful lot of fun.
Well, that’s about it from me for the moment I guess. I’m looking forward to Cliveden House this weekend and a picnic with other enthusiasts. And also particularly to doing the Help a Hero afternoon in a week or so, followed by Dad’s Day Out. Being able to give something back to others who have not been as fortunate as I will truly be the icing on the cake of my ownership so far – being able to share my experiences and joy, if only for a short time, with or for people who have had a sh*tty hand dealt to them in life makes me feel truly humble.
In short, to plagiarise yet another “person”, Ferris Bueller in this case, I leave you with this:
“It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”
Thanks for reading
All can be seen in my PH garage btw: http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...)In 14 months of ownership, the car has died on me twice: once was, ironically, a new Thatcham immobilizer I had fitted that was faulty. Which leaves just once that the car (and all its “well renowned” Italian engineering) has let me down. If we put that in perspective with the mileage I’ve done, I can honestly say that it is damn good going for a highly strung, hand-built supercar that is 15+ years old. If someone can show me another car of the same vintage that isn’t Japanese that has done as well, I’m all ears. Now for the positives. In the last few years, I have changed cars on average every 10 months or so, and have had the privilege of owning some great motors (some more expensive than others). Yet nothing, nothing has captured my heart like Francesca has (yes, I name my cars, I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned that in a previous report already so stop judging
). I do occasionally catch myself wavering: 328s are achingly beautiful and by all accounts are cheaper to run. And 550s, well, a little bit more cash gives you uber performance and again, by all accounts, bomb-proof mechanical reliability (which is where it really counts with Fcars, cosmetic/minor stuff is not where it gets expensive), what’s not to like? Except that, for better or worse, I think I’m a Spider man. I’ve cruised the French Riviera in summer with the top down (with my utterly gorgeous, now ex unfortunately!, gf in the passenger seat making me look good Being shallow for a sec, it really is fun batting above your average ), I’ve ripped the arse out of the Route Napoleon in sunny autumn with the roof down in the company of a true petrolhead mate, been to Bruges and pulled up outside the hostel (yes, hostel!) we were staying at with people staring incredulously, and driven out on numerous country hoons with other enthusiasts in the rain/sunshine and night/day, with roof down all the way (remember, more gas = less wet ). The memories from the past year are epic, and having a convertible has only made them more so. Who gives a stuff about the odd bit of scuttleshake and 0.5 secs round a track now, honestly?Oh, and the noise! Enough to make your presence known and generally entertain passers-by when pottering along. More than enough F1 wail to give people a heart attack when flooring it and the valve opens....aural ecstasy. On the way to my 50k service, I gave the car a 2 sec squirt up the road in London when I was near the garage. My mechanic heard me while he was at his sis’s house having coffee, and knew it was time to leave for work. He was half a mile away, indoors at the time
I’m going to blatantly rip off a CS member’s signature now, but it is so apt – “Capristo: spreading more Italian love than Silvio Berlusconi”. It’s not big, it’s not clever, but it is an awful lot of fun. Well, that’s about it from me for the moment I guess. I’m looking forward to Cliveden House this weekend and a picnic with other enthusiasts. And also particularly to doing the Help a Hero afternoon in a week or so, followed by Dad’s Day Out. Being able to give something back to others who have not been as fortunate as I will truly be the icing on the cake of my ownership so far – being able to share my experiences and joy, if only for a short time, with or for people who have had a sh*tty hand dealt to them in life makes me feel truly humble.
In short, to plagiarise yet another “person”, Ferris Bueller in this case, I leave you with this:
“It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”
Thanks for reading
Edited by Mario149 on Thursday 5th May 21:35
Edited by Mario149 on Thursday 5th May 21:35
What a great write up Mario! Having just got my first one I am looking forward to having a lot of those experiences myself.
You out across your ownership so well - how great to use the car and put on the miles. That is what they are for aren't they and sod the expense! Living in Kent I am a long way from the roads of North Wales but pretty close to France and Belgium so hope to take it over there in the summer. In fact my wife and son are away at the end of the month so might be a good excuse!
Tell me more about the Help for Heroes and Dads Day Out things can you please? Or point me in the right direction.
I will be at Cliveden on Sunday so please come up and introduce yourself. I don't know anyone here so would be great to put a face to a name.
Lets hope the next 12 months are equally enjoyable for you!
You out across your ownership so well - how great to use the car and put on the miles. That is what they are for aren't they and sod the expense! Living in Kent I am a long way from the roads of North Wales but pretty close to France and Belgium so hope to take it over there in the summer. In fact my wife and son are away at the end of the month so might be a good excuse!
Tell me more about the Help for Heroes and Dads Day Out things can you please? Or point me in the right direction.
I will be at Cliveden on Sunday so please come up and introduce yourself. I don't know anyone here so would be great to put a face to a name.
Lets hope the next 12 months are equally enjoyable for you!
Another Fluffer said:
Great read, cheers
Also 355 + capristo = God finishing
Cue gratuitous you tube link to my vid(s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-fQjrO0NjQAlso 355 + capristo = God finishing
!Mario149 said:
TB303 said:
Great write up! Look forward to the next year's one then
Definitely with any luck it may even be a bit cheaper 
Test drove an F430 spider a few weeks back (loved it) and am also keen to try a 355 soon to see if it'd be the right car for me next....
wineman02 said:
Tell me more about the Help for Heroes and Dads Day Out things can you please? Or point me in the right direction.
I will be at Cliveden on Sunday so please come up and introduce yourself. I don't know anyone here so would be great to put a face to a name.
Lets hope the next 12 months are equally enjoyable for you!
Ref HaH, if you go to the Club Scuderia forum and PM "jos", he should be able to give you the info (i'm not trying to sound coy, but it is in the members area so don't want to give out the details willy nilly as it's not me that organises it....that said, the more the merrier I would have thought, so you're def not going to offend anyone by enquiring....or just spank a tenner and join the forum as a full member to see the details instantly in the club lounge I will be at Cliveden on Sunday so please come up and introduce yourself. I don't know anyone here so would be great to put a face to a name.
Lets hope the next 12 months are equally enjoyable for you!
)Ref DDO, that is now fully subscribed for cars as far as I know, but details should be in the meets and events section (or just google dads day out!) should you wish to turn up and have a fun day out with the family.
As for Cliveden, if you PM me the last few digits of your reg plate, I'll def keep an eye out, always good to meet new people
Failing that, I'll likely be the unshaven chap in glasses loitering round my blue/crema spider! PM me for my mobile number (or send me yours) and we can meet up! Don't forget to bring picnic stuff!TB303 said:
Also, great attitude with staying in hostels etc. I did route napoleon a few years back in my Boxster (also with a hot girl who is now my wife!) and had a similar attitude. This whole idea that some people have of driving a prestige car and having to do things the luxury way all the time is wrong in my opinion. It's actually really important to be able to appreciate the small things and then at the same time enjoy something like a great sports car
Totally. IMVHO, the only thing a hotel/hostel room should be used for is sleeping or bumping uglies Other than that, you should be out sightseeing/on a beach! We did the Bruges weekend away for £180 each inc all fuel, food, booze, ferry and accommodation Would much rather stay in a hostel and take the saved cash to spend on great meals or more driving tokens (think I may have just made "driving tokens" up )Edited by Mario149 on Thursday 5th May 22:34
Mario149 said:
Ref HaH, if you go to the Club Scuderia forum and PM "jos", he should be able to give you the info (i'm not trying to sound coy, but it is in the members area so don't want to give out the details willy nilly as it's not me that organises it....that said, the more the merrier I would have thought, so you're def not going to offend anyone by enquiring....or just spank a tenner and join the forum as a full member to see the details instantly in the club lounge )
Thanks Mario )I am a paid up member already so must have missed it! Will pop over now and have a look. Will PM my mobile and I won't forget the picnic. I have the old stubble and glasses as well but I am a short arse to boot!
paul71a said:
Am I the only one just as intereted in some pics of his ex girlfriend?
Mario149 said:
(with my utterly gorgeous, now ex unfortunately!, gf in the passenger seat making me look good Being shallow for a sec, it really is fun batting above your average )
There you go.... Being shallow for a sec, it really is fun batting above your average )
....now imagine how ugly I am
.... 
Mario149 said:
Mate, if you're family free for the bank holiday, fancy a trip to the Spa Classic in Belgium? I need to get out of the UK for a few days as I'm getting cabin fever 
I think I would be quite up for that. When is the bank holiday though? I have no idea about such thing!Good to meet you in London. We looked for you at Cliveden but could not see you anywhere..
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