Can you claim to have owned or even driven any of the cars mentioned? [/QUOTE]
I am sorry Onno if i have upset you, no need to get personal and yes i am a car nut, for the cars i have mentioned i do have a few Benz ML65, SLK55 a boring E350 and CLS350 all four in three years, my first F-car was a Testarossa now i have a F355, listen all i am saying is that this kid ask us a question as a beginner's Ferrari and as a beginner lets say he is a young man i would recommend him to any V8 range from ferrari "Boy Racer" as for your 550 that is nice but when you're young you don't really want a GT car yet, when i first got my testa wow it looks nice but the size the weight and V12 it was not that easy to handle as a beginner! BTW i also work my ass off at the office just like you, at least you get to sit in a jungle with fresh air!
As for the F355 you are right it can be a financial disaster if you buy the wrong car!
Peace Ferrari brother