[king]

I am looking for a ferrari and I can afford a 1999 spider on back. Which years give me the best chance for reliability. I am definetly looking for a convertible.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Andrew]

I am looking for a ferrari and I can afford a 1999 spider on back. Which years give me the best chance for reliability. I am definetly looking for a convertible.
Thanks for your time.

Well that would be the 328 or 308 for reliability but of course they didn't come as spyders but you can get close (roofless). The F355 Spyder is reliable but still not as reliable as the 308/328 models. The Mondial(s) are also a reliable Ferrari. There are users on here with every model you've mentioned so hopefully they will individually chime in. My pick would be the F355. Let us know what you lean towards!

 

[zjpj]

I was suprised to hear that you think the 308/328 models were more reliable than the 355. I mean, I suppose I just assumed: older cars, older mechanics, more time in the shop. But, you don't think that's true? I can speak for one 355 and say that it was in the shop a lot. My father had a 1995 spider, and after about 2,000 miles it needed new shocks, which are obviously pretty pricey. I don't know what other people's experiences are - the one thing you see with these more modern Ferraris is that they ARE actually driven - you see 355s and 550s with 20,000 miles on them - something I don't think you really would have seen much before the 1990s. Anyway...this reliability thing is an interesting question, because servicing can really be the unaccounted for financial factor that some people don't take into account.

 

[ze_shark]

Same here, I believe that the 355 is the first Ferrari of the Montezemolo era. If you can afford a 99 spider, why would you go for an old 328 ?
Not even mentionning performance ...

Btw, do consider a GTS, a very pragmatic alternative to a spider, without the hassles of the soft top. You get the sound, the blue sky, the sunshine, and a hard top which makes it look like a coupe when/if you need to.

 

[Stradale]

I bought the B because I wanted to drive hard. But a few of my friends bought the GTS and they regretted it. Either buy the B or the Spyder. My friends who have the Spyder are or rather were very happy with their cars.

We've all moved to the 360s since year 2000. And now waiting for our Stradales.

 

[king]

Thanks for all the input. I make decent money but I have to admit that I am a little spooked in regard to major repairs.
Are 97 98 99 355 spiders the same? Or is one year superior to others for reliability.
Any owners feel free to chime in with your experiences both good and bad!

 

[Stradale]

The later year models are of course better because Ferrari dose correct those frequent complaints from the customers. So you'd be better of getting the late years but the price will be higher of course.

In 1998 Ferrari started to offer F1 gearbox. The friends who have them do not complain, so I assume they are all right. But if you intend to drive in town, go for the manual.

But the best way to buy a Ferrari is someone you know or someone you know who takes care of his Ferrari. Yes it's difficult until you have your first Ferrari and then the "group" of owners will get around you naturally. Then you would know who takes care of his car and who doesn't. But since this is your first Ferrari, the dealer's word will have to do. Go to a delaer recommended by anohter owner. That's the best route.

Hope you get your wish.

 

[king]

If you purchase your Ferrari through a recomended dealer how do you know for sure that the major services have been completed?
The dealer could just say he did it knowing you will be back upon break down which means more $$$ for him.

So do you have an independant mechanic look at the dealers for sale car?