To those that own or have owned a F355 F1 please chime in.
I have noticed some decent deals out there on 355's lately and wondered how the owners here on the board rate it. I would assume most who own or have owned one also were P-Car, Lambo, and other Ferrari owners as well so your knowledge is valuable to someone like me who has never owned a 355. Should it be passed over & pay more for a 360 or Gallardo or is it a just great value in the 69k-79k range.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

355 costs more to maintain than the 360.

 

It's a great car that currently offers a lot of bang for the buck. To date, no V8 Ferrari sounds as good, nor looks as good in my opinion.

I'd skip the F1 nonsense and go for a real gearbox if you want one, though.

 

Ive had a 99 355 gts f1 for 6 years now and i drive a 06 997S for my semi DD. I love the 355, very fun car to drive and the F1 shifting is very Sexy,, chirps 2nd and 3rd gears. the sound is amazing, looks are hot..As far as service goes, I really cant say becuase I probably put less then 2k miles on the 355 all this time, so the service had cost me less then 5 k i would say.

 

Word. Especially the SOUND part. 355=Heaven.

I think F1 transmissions (on road cars) are JUST getting good (Ferrari 599). When we look back the first installlations of F1 (aka 355) we'll laugh at their archaic nature and be amazed by the fact that people actually LIKED driving them at the time.

 

^^^to some that "archaic" nature is a plus...do you think dog-boxs are archaic as well?



I will admit the 355 is one of the only Fcars that I would LOVE to own!

 

The F1 in the 355 is simply not as good as newer ones. Yes, F1 is great, can't say I'll never own one later, but it's made so much progress that the system in the 355 is simply a loser in comparison. Might still be good, but NOWHERE near the newer ones. How is that a plus? I can understand people wanting an "vintage" feel in steel linkages instead of fly-by-wire throttles, no traction control, heavier steering, DOG BOXES (who needs synchros anyway)... but I doubt somebody would say "Well since the 355 shifts so much worse than a Stradale (even 360 Modena) or 599, I WANT it."

Edit: Icey driveway ftl...

 

... and those people are girls or left leg amputees.

Real men shift their own damn gears. Evidently, Porsche is one of the few marques who still understands this simple truth as evidenced in the CGT.

 

I love 6speed over anything(my 997S is a 6speed).. But for cars like ferraris and lambos, i would only get an F1 type of tranny.

 

355's are wonderful cars to own, IF and only IF you buy the right one. Beyond that they are the worse to own.

Do your research on the cars that you find and make sure that ALL of the services are up to date and make sure to do a leadown and compression test. 95-97 cars are prone to valve guide problems and it is a major expense to repair ($8K). Exhaust manifolds and cats are another problem area that can be very expensive to repair.

95 cars are a deal if you can find a good one. They are a tad more powerful and if all of the updates and services are in place, a 95 is a great car to own.

Hope this helps.

You know the number if you want to discuss further.

JP

 

JP, If I got serious about pickin up a 355 you know you would be coming out with me to check it out.
See you on Monday bro.

 

See you then sir. I know of a few if you get serious as well.

Jonathan

 

+1 here!!!

 

355+tubi=heaven.

 

I hope Mowateriolgy would chime in, hes got a looker Giallo Modena Yellow 99 F355 F1 GTS