[Vegas-Guy]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site, and not yet a ferrari owner. I'm doing as much research as I can on the cars in my price rance (about $90.000). From every thing I've read it sounds like the 355 is going to be the car I get.

My questions are. What is the differance between a F355 and a 355 (if any).
Also is there any one year that is more desirable? I think I've narrowed it down to 97'-99'.

I really like the look of the spider, but I live in Las Vegas, NV (on the sun) and unless the sun is down it's just not practical. I would have to put the top up everytime I stopped for 5 min. Not to mention having to replace the top every few years. So I think it's going to be a coupe.

 

[archiegibbs]

Why not go for the GTS (targa), best of both worlds

 

[stile - alpine]

there's no 355, the correct name is F355, sometimes we say just 355 to save a letter

I'd go with the berlinetta

good luck on your search

 

[Ferrari328GT]

F355

I agree that the 355GTS would make the most sense for you. The power top mechanism on the spider is way too complicated and has several service problems. The GTS gives you much the same open air feel without those hassles. I love the targa on my 328GTS.

As for years, one I'd stay away from is the 1995. In 1996, all USA cars started using what's called OBDII, which is On Board Diagnostics II. With OBDII, all vehicles have a standardized plug under the dash, and the car's computer can be read with generic software on a laptop. You don't have to go to the dealer. I bought the software for $200, and I have read data on an F355, a BMW, a Chevy,a Ford, and an Audi, just to name a few. You can also reset check engine lights. Pretty good advantage to 1996 and later. -Steve

 

[Vegas-Guy]

Thanks for the info. Are the GTS's harder to find? Seems like there's alot more berlinettas out there. Other than looking here in vegas, and ebay. Where's another good place to look online?

 

[Ferrari328GT]

Try www.collectorcartraderonline.com

Steve

 

[Boxer]

Also try www.ferraris-online.com and the Classifieds at www.ferrarimarketletter.com. You can do a search for F355s at official dealers through www.ferrariworld.com. Click - English, then Enter, then Cars, then Approved pre Owned. Then you will get a pop up window that allows you to search by country and model.

 

[marlin]

What is the differance between a F355 and a 355 (if any).

The difference is the gear change and the badging.

The F355 berlinetta, F355 spider and F355 GTS all have stick gear change.

The introduction of the paddle change brought about the 355 F1 berlinetta, 355 F1 spider and 355 F1 GTS.

 

[Vegas-Guy]

Good to know. Thanks for the help.

 

[stile - alpine]

The difference is the gear change and the badging.

The F355 berlinetta, F355 spider and F355 GTS all have stick gear change.

The introduction of the paddle change brought about the 355 F1 berlinetta, 355 F1 spider and 355 F1 GTS.

you're absolutelly right, I forgot about the F1 gearbox =)

 

[Andrew]

Thanks for the info. Are the GTS's harder to find? Seems like there's alot more berlinettas out there. Other than looking here in vegas, and ebay. Where's another good place to look online?

The GTS will be more popular but shouldn't be hard to find at all, there will be lots on the market. Quick pointers:

1. Get a PPI - Pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you trust (or has a good reputation.
2. Drive a couple and don't buy the first one you look at until you've seen a few.

 

[ScuderiaLV]

Thanks for the info. Are the GTS's harder to find? Seems like there's alot more berlinettas out there. Other than looking here in vegas, and ebay. Where's another good place to look online?

There are a handful of GTS's in the country available. I found mine in FL after searching for a month. With you being in Vegas check with Lambo LV (Symbolic) and Italy Auto service to see if they know of any on the market. I believe there are a total of 7-10 F355's in town.

 

[Vegas-Guy]

Will do! What year and model did you get?

 

[ScuderiaLV]

Our car is a '98 F355GTS (Red/Tan)

Right now there are 5 for sale in town:

1 Red Spider @ Penske Wynn
1 Blue F1 Spider @ Lambo LV
2 Yellow Berlinettas @ Luxury Motors (1 has a challenge grill)
1 Red Berlinetta @ Private Seller in Henderson

For a PPI I would recommend Italy Auto Service. Also, if you have any additional questions on the model let me know.

 

[Vegas-Guy]

Thanks for the info.

I've seen all of them on the internet. The one at Wynn and Lambo are spiders. (No thanks with our heat) The two yellow one's seem a bit over
priced form others I've seen, plus there both F1s I'd like a manual. I just saw the red one in Henderson last night on the internet, I think it has a F1 as well.
Can't remember? Thanks for the help with the PPI, that's good to know.

How many Miles did you car have on it?

 

[ScuderiaLV]

The prices are high on several of these. Mine had 13k miles. I agree on not going with an F1. Not as fun (opinion) also, it is an expensive part on the 355.

 

[monza]

Great advice Enzo. I plan on purchasing my first ferrari through ebay, but thanks to the post's in here I see that I have other options.

Ferrari's are too expensive here in the tri-state (ny-nj-con).