I'm at a crossroad and would like to see the opinions of other 996 owners. Having owned a 2000 996 C2 with some upgrades over some memorable 33K+ miles, I've recently revisited an old "lust"...that being the Ferrari 355. Obviously some decent deals out there right now for these cars.

I didn't want to pose the question on F-Chat as I think their opinions are biased towards the 355 (nothing wrong with that). I was just wondering how the 996 guys would respond. Any thoughts? Would any of you jump at the chance of trading your 996 to a 355? Any previous owners who changed from the 355 to the 996?

Thanks.

 

I think it depends on what you need from the car and how affordable it will be as well. If it is a weekend driver and you don't mind paying the considerably higher maintinence costs on an older model like the 355 than I don't think you'll have a problem. The Ferrari is much higher maintinence than the 996 and won't nearly be as reliable as the 996 is.

 

Go for the 355, for its 1)sound, 2)looks 3) sex appeal

 

I dont own a 996 but I own a 997S and a 355 GTS F1. I can tell you that both are extraordinary cars. As far as looks and sexyness, I would think that the 355 will win that category. Handling I would say would go to the 997. The 355 in my oppinion is funner to drive becuase of the higher redline and fast reving engine.
As far as comfort and refiinment I would go with the porsche. The 355 feels like a ***** out track car and might be a little to much for a DD, but the porsche gives you the best of both worlds. So although i have never really had to much seat time in a 996 I know that the 997 is a big improvment over a 996 so in my oppinion I would think that going from a 996 to a 355 is a great choice.
Hope this helps a little.

 

StrtSwpr996 how has the maintence of the 355 been for you during your ownership of the car? Is it as bad as everyone else makes it to be? I heard 98~99 cars have less problems than earlier cars. Also how is the F1 system? I am also considering it. Any regrets? Do you wish you could choose a 6-speed instead?

Thanks.

 

Keep the 996 for daily driving and buy a cheaper 355 for fun. If you get a 355 you are going to need a daily driver anyway.

 

Well its been good considering that ive only put about 2-3k miles on it since I bought the car (about 7 years ago). But the infamous 7-10k service is coming up.
As far as the tranny, I love the F1, might be a little harsh for just driving around since its very jerky, but its feels very raw, and is alot of fun. I would not get a manual tranny on any exotic.

 

I already have a daily so that won't be an issue. But I would love to keep both if I could!

StrtSwpr996 your car sounds like it's brand new! Do you have pics you can post and share? I did locate a car, but am looking into the details. We'll see what happens.

Does anyone know what the 996's are going for on dealer trade in? Details of mine is '00MY, 6-speed, 996 C2. Tons of factory upgrades (that unfortunately don't mean squat in trade in value / got suckered by Porsche). Currently 34K miles, no damage, fair to excellent condition.

 

This should help you to decide.

PRICE SHEET

(All prices are Approximations; prices include appropriate parts and labor)

*15,000 mile (MINOR) Service for 308's, 328's, Mondial 3.2's, & QV's = $1195.00
(348's and Mondial t's are $1495.00 & F355's are $1795.00 due to parts cost and added labor)

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Change Oil and install new Filter
-Replace Air Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Replace Coolant
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator Belt
-Replace Water Pump Belt
-Check Lambda System
-Check Fuel Injection System
-Check Air Conditioning System (possibly pressures)
-Inspect Distributor Caps / Rotors / Ignition Wires
-Inspect all Bulbs
-Inspect all Motors
-Pressurize Coolant System (check for leaks, replace hose(s) if necessary)
-Check CV Boots
-Thorough Inspection of entire car



*30,000 mile (MAJOR) Service for 308's, 328's, Mondial 3.2's & QV's = $2995.00
(348's are $4495.00, Mondial t's are $4995.00, and F355's are $5995.00 due to parts cost, engine removal, etc.)

{Documentation of every Major Service comes complete with a full write-up, pictures, and all receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Replace Timing Belts and Tensioner Bearings
-Replace Cam Seals and Housing O-Rings
-Replace Valve Cover Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Seals and Housing Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Cap Gaskets
-Replace Cam End Cover Gaskets
-Replace Air Filter
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator / Water Pump Belt
-Adjust Valves (where applicable)
-Torque Cam Journals
-Torque Heads (check only)
-Set Timing
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Change Oil and New Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Coolant
-Inspection/Service of Air Conditioning System (recharge "R12" extra on 308's/348's but "R134" is included on F355's)
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check of Lambda System and Bosch Fuel Injection System (make adjustments if necessary)
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panel
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure

{The items below are inspected (at no charge) and advised to the customer. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost.

-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals (shift shaft, main, timing gear assy)
-Inspect Ignition Wires / Caps / Rotors
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect Clutch / Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary or replacement)
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks
-Inspect Brake Pads and Discs
-Inspect Wheel Bearings



*3 Year (Timing Belt Change Only) Timing Belt Service for 360 Modena's = $1795.00

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Change Both Timing Belts
-Set Timing Belt Tension (reset Tensioners)
-Check/Set Cam Timing
-Inspect Timing Belt Tensioner Bearings
-Replace All Accessory Belts
-Inspect All Accessory Belt Idler / Tensioner Bearings
-Change Coolant



*(MAJOR) Service for 360 Modena's = $3695.00

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Change Both Timing Belts
-Set Timing Belt Tension (reset Tensioners)
-Check/Set Cam Timing
-Replace All Accessory Belts
-Inspect All Accessory Belt Idler / Tensioner Bearings
-Replace Both Timing Belt Tensioner Bearings
-Change Oil and Filter (incl. cleaning screen)
-Change Gear Oil (incl. cleaning screen)
-Change Air Filters
-Change F1 Pump Fluid (if applicable)
-Change Brake Fluid
-Change Coolant
-Change Spark Plugs
-Check R134 Pressures
-Inspect Brakes
-Inspect Hoses
-Check Power Steering Fluid
-Check Alternator
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check Oxygen Sensors
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panels
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure
-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals
-Inspect Ignition Wires
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks



*(MAJOR) Service for Testarossa's = $7495.00

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Replace Timing Belts and Tensioners
-Replace Valve Cover Gaskets and End Cover Gaskets
-Replace Cam Seals and O-rings
-Replace Distributor Seals, Base Gaskets and Cap Gaskets
-Adjust All Valves
-Replace Spark Plugs
-Rebuild Water Pump
-Replace Front Crank Seal
-Change Oil and Filter
-Change Gear Oil
-Change Fuel Filters (2)
-Change Air Filter
-Change Air Pump Filter
-Replace AC belt
-Replace Alternator belt
-Replace Air Pump belt
-Replace Expansion Tank Cap
-Replace both Ignition Rotors
-Replace both Carbon Brushes
-Bleed Brakes
-Bleed Clutch
-Replace Coolant
-Inspection/Service of Air Conditioning System (recharge “R12�)
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check of Lambda System and Bosch Fuel Injection System (make adjustments if necessary)
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panel (check all fuses and connectors)
-Inspect Tires / Tire pressure

{The items below are inspected (at no charge) and advised to the customer. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost.

-Inspect Ignition Wires / Caps / Rotors
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect Clutch / Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary or replacement)
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks
-Inspect Brake Pads and Discs
-Inspect Wheel Bearings



*OTHER ROUTINE SERVICES (prices are approx.)

- 308/328 Timing Belt and Tensioner Bearing replacement = $995.00
- 308/328 Water Pump Rebuild (incl. remove and reinstall) = $595.00 ($845 for older models which req. timing belt cover removal)
- 308/328 Shift Shaft Seal, Oil Pan Gaskets, and Trans Pan Gaskets (plus all fluids) replacement = $695.00
- 308/328 Oil Change and Filter = $159.00
- 348/Mondial T Oil Change and Filter = $189.00
- F355 Oil Change and Filter = $199.00
- 360 Oil Change and Filter = $229.00
- 308/328/348 Pressure Bleed Brakes (all four corners) = $85.00
- F355/360 Bleed Brakes (all four corners) = $155.00
- 308/328 Transmission Gear Oil Change = $89.00
- 360 Transmission Gear Oil Change = $148.00
- 308/328 Coolant Replacement = $95.00
- 360 Annual Fluids Change (Oil, Gear Oil, Coolant, Brake) = $615.00
- 308/328 Completely Tune Bosch Fuel Injection System = $195.00
- 308 thru 1995 F355-Service Air Conditioning-System recharge (incl. up to 2lbs. of R12 Freon)= $195.00
- 308/328 Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads and Turn all 4 Rotors (includes bleeding) = $895.00
- F355/348 Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads and Turn all 4 Rotors (includes bleeding) = $1149.00
- 360 Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads and Turn all 4 Rotors (includes bleeding) = $1295.00
- (most models) Replace Alternator = $595.00
- (most models) Replace Starter = $495.00
- 308/328 Steering Rack Replacement (complete with rubber mtg. bushings, Tie Rods, & Alignment) = $1495.00
- 308 Replace Radiator Fans (remove, rebuild, and reinstall) = $155.00 each
- 308 Remove, rod out, and reinstall Radiator = $595.00
- 308/328 Replace Distributor Caps and Rotors = $895.00
- 308QV/328 Replace Ignition Wire set = $695.00 (308 2v valve = $495) (does not include extenders)
- 308 Replace all Accessory Belts = $225.00
- 328 Replace all Accessory Belts = $325.00
- F355 Clutch and Pressure Plate Replacement = $1585.00
- 308/328 Clutch, Pressure Plate, T.O. Bearing, Pilot Bearing, Ring Nut, Resurface Flywheel = $1598.00
- 360F1 Clutch, Pressure Plate, T.O. Bearing, Pilot Bearing, ALL seals, oil, coolant, gear oil = $4995.00 (OEM)
- 308/328 Replace CV Boots and repack joints = $355.00 per axle
- 348/F355/360 Replace CV Boots and repack joints = $455.00 per axle
- F355 Replace all 4 Motor Mounts = $995.00
- 308/328 Replace all Fuel Injectors = $595.00
- Complete Detail Job = $150.00
- OBDII Test & Analyze (complete with print out) = $149.00
- 5 Gas Exhaust Gas Test & Analyze (complete with print out) = $199.00
- Compression and Leak Down Test (complete with filled out form and all the data) = $350.00
- 308/328 Suspension Bushing Replacement (all 4 corners, all A Arms) = $2495.00
- 308/328 Differential Output Shaft Seal Replacement (per side) = $427.00
- 308 Front Cover Bearings and Seals (incl Crank Seal) (IF timing belts are already removed) = $595.00
- 348/Mondial T Oil Pump Chain Tensioner and Bearing Update (IF performed during a Major Service) =
- F355 Replace both shocks (either fronts or rears) in pairs with rebuilts = $1295.00


*Note for 348 / Mondial t / F355 owners : Owners of cars with over 30k miles should seriously consider changing the water pump and front seal at the time of the Major Service. This particular type of Major Service (what we call a Major Service Plus) is approximately $5495 for 348's, $5995 for Mondial T's, and $6995 for F355's.


*Attention F355 owners : We currently offer a complete Head Rebuild along with a Major Service for F355's. F355's built between 1995 to early 1998 have the well known "inferior" valve guides orginally used by Ferrari, and the heads on these cars will not last. This complete service includes completely removing and rebuilding the heads along with a complete Major Service and a water pump and front seal. This particular type of Major Service with Head Rebuild is approximately $12995. Note: Cars with higher mileage may require bottom end work which is extra.


*Attention 360 owners : We currently offer a Comprehensive Major Service for the 360, which includes everything in the Major Service plus a complete valve cover reseal, 4 new cam seals, and 2 new exhaust cam variators. This particular service is approximately $5595.


SHOP PICS

 

What are 355's running these days?
I'd get a 997TT as a DD unless the 355 is jut going to be a wknd toy. The concept of a wknd toy is a pipedream if you have small kids, my wkends are full.

 

^^^^ Keep the Porsche based on the number posted above and drive it like your hairs on fire!

 

F' the 355...best way I can say it being an owner of one. The car is beautiful in design but mechanically they are so inferior to the porsche it is incredible. Just got rid of my 2004 996TT Cab and have a 997TT coupe coming. $ for $ get a 996 TT...great car, reliable (I put 32K on mine) and performance is better without the headache of waking up in the morning and wondering if the car is going to start. As a kid a dreamed of owning a Ferrari, as an adult I realised, like many other things, that what you dream about as a kid is far from reality when you grow up. I.E. GET THE PORSCHE...BEST CAR HANDS DOWN. And if you want a great car for the money (exotic) get the gallardo...most attention getting, fun driving car $ for $ if that's what you are looking for.

LOB

 

I would lean towards the Porsche, especially if you want to "DRIVE" it. I just see so many early F-cars that are not driven. Case above.. had the car for 7 years and you have driven it 3000 miles. Heck that is 400 miles per year.. why not have a car you can really enjoy and use.. that is just me. I would use the heck out of the F-car.. and end up broke with repair bills lol j/k but that is my viewpoint..

I will say the the F-car is DEAD *** SEXY!!!!

 

Thanks! A lot of great information in this post.

 

I do drive the 996 about 3~4 days out of the week. And believe me I drive the hell out of it. I do have to say, aside from a couple of unscheduled service stops (non-mechanical) the car has never missed a beat.

However, as precise and wonderful it is to drive a 996, I have also been behind the wheel of a 355. Let me tell you...that experience never leaves your senses. The sound alone is almost worth the price of admission. Both are razor sharp cars in my book, though the 355 may be a little more twitchy at the limits and may feel a bit more fragile compared to the rock solid Porsche.

I guess it's also the fact that the 355 have came down in price that makes them so "obtainable" these days that it's what's tempting me.
I mean...look at this thing!!