Looking to buy the best 355 Manual - Parts / History Concern
Discussion
Any help with this question would be much appreciated:
I was dead set on buying the best F355 manual transmission car I could find......... That was at least until my research began to cause me concern.
I'm looking for a Rosso Corsa / Crema F355, slightly flexible on either, GTS, Berlinetta or Spider, but must be a cherished example, low milage, strong service history and immaculate condition.
I contacted two independent sellers today of F355's. One had a Berlinetta with 18k miles on the clock, the other, a Spider with 7,500 miles on the clock. Although the mileage seemed to be largely in line with old MOT's, both had periods of 5-10 years without any service history. Furthermore, the seller of the Spider went on to tell me how the car recently required a new ECU for the hood, which was eventually sourced, but believed to be one of the last available - I think he was trying to reassure me that this was to the car's credit, instead it made me worry about the availability of parts.
I don't mind paying for the maintenance and upkeep of a Ferrari, but will I struggle to obtain all the necessary parts as and when they fail?
I was dead set on buying the best F355 manual transmission car I could find......... That was at least until my research began to cause me concern.
I'm looking for a Rosso Corsa / Crema F355, slightly flexible on either, GTS, Berlinetta or Spider, but must be a cherished example, low milage, strong service history and immaculate condition.
I contacted two independent sellers today of F355's. One had a Berlinetta with 18k miles on the clock, the other, a Spider with 7,500 miles on the clock. Although the mileage seemed to be largely in line with old MOT's, both had periods of 5-10 years without any service history. Furthermore, the seller of the Spider went on to tell me how the car recently required a new ECU for the hood, which was eventually sourced, but believed to be one of the last available - I think he was trying to reassure me that this was to the car's credit, instead it made me worry about the availability of parts.
I don't mind paying for the maintenance and upkeep of a Ferrari, but will I struggle to obtain all the necessary parts as and when they fail?
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Tuesday 5th May 23:27
Thank you all for your comments.
I previously owned an F430 Spider (manual) so understand about the cost implications, I'm not too worried about that.
I suppose it's just the thought for example, of buying a Spider, the roof failing in the down position (or even worse, half way through a cycle) and then not being able to find a replacement part - The car essentially becomes useless. As even on sunny days, the weather could change and catch you out. I'm guessing there is a manual override switch though?
I suppose there's always a 458 Spider as an alternative - I do like them, but it won't have the same great sound, or a gated shifter.
I'm going to have to weigh it all up
Many thanks
I previously owned an F430 Spider (manual) so understand about the cost implications, I'm not too worried about that.
I suppose it's just the thought for example, of buying a Spider, the roof failing in the down position (or even worse, half way through a cycle) and then not being able to find a replacement part - The car essentially becomes useless. As even on sunny days, the weather could change and catch you out. I'm guessing there is a manual override switch though?
I suppose there's always a 458 Spider as an alternative - I do like them, but it won't have the same great sound, or a gated shifter.
I'm going to have to weigh it all up
Many thanks
You see that photo is the one thing I can't let go of........ That's a beautiful car!
Thank you all for taking the time to reply, all your comments are very much appreciated. I'm still going to pursue the F355, I think I just need to find the right car.
I'm fortunate enough not to live too far away from Aldous Voice's new workshop. He's very kindly offered to give me some advice and invited me over for a chat next week. So, the search continues!
Thank you all for taking the time to reply, all your comments are very much appreciated. I'm still going to pursue the F355, I think I just need to find the right car.
I'm fortunate enough not to live too far away from Aldous Voice's new workshop. He's very kindly offered to give me some advice and invited me over for a chat next week. So, the search continues!
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