trickydisco

I'm totally smitten by the look of the 355, but that does sound
like a lot of $upkeep$ for not much seat-time. --hey, post 348,
does that mean something?

JimBob Jumpback

robbin ma gud fren.

dont be frettin about a 355 of 360. wot u be needin izs a 308gts so ya can be a chik magnett jus like dat tom sellick bubba. dont da too of ya be lookin like yaa could be kin?

yer fren

Jimbob Jumpback

cafebisque

Hey Robin,

I have a 964 cab and a 993 c2s. Love them both. Got a Testarossa last year. No repairs or expenses as of yet. That car just moves you when you just look at it in the garage. It does not compare to Porsches though. I can drive my 911s anywhere with ease and comfort compared to the Ferrari, but the looks and the emotions that Ferraris stir are very different. As they do say, be ready for BIG $$ for repairs. If you budget for that, then it is not an issue.

In the end, you just need to have one of each, a Porsche, Ferrai and Lambo. I will be looking for a Diablo this summer and going forward.

Good luck and remember, you only live once.

Alex

Robin 993DX

Geez... Atan I would thought the cost of owning a Ferrari would be a walk in a park for you.... your comments made me think twice. Thanks

Robin 993DX

Alex,

My thoughts exactly, especially after I was threaten by an employee that I fired recently whom gave me a "Columbia Neck tie"....

I always dreamed of pulling up in a red Ferrari to my high school reunion. And that's what I wanted to do. I remember back in high school I used to drive by this attorney's office on my way home and just stand there and stare at his Ferrari 328GTS parked out front for at least 30 minutes once a week.

JimBob.... I think you were the one that told me "If you can't afford a 360 don't buy a Ferrari" LOL! :P

993inNC

Yeah.....cabrio. I saw it quickly, don't think it was a 348.......either way, same outcome......back to the shop after apparently sitting uncovered for some time

cabrio993

The only issue is that www.f-car.com is already taken...I checked...

ChicagoFX(993)

the 355 Berlinetta is y favorite Ferrari by a good margin. Unfortunately, the maintenance costs have thoroughly scared me away

Good luck, you seem to be quite mechanically inclined, so I say GO FOR IT!!! The exhaust note on the 355 is still unmatched I think.

atan888

I never had any mechanical failure with mine. I actually sold it like new. but for me I dont mind paying for it if it would perform as well. with ferrari cars you want to get the newer ones. the cost of keeping and technology would be a lot better. here is how mine looks. btw Im actually thinking of getting an 01 diablo 6.0. I tested one and at least that car runs and IMO thats worth spending on maintenance. but just in case you decide to get a 355 get at least a 98 or 99. most of the older ones have valve and header issues. and no ferrari would sound any better than a 355.

atan888

and you got to wear an hawain shirt with short tight shorts just kidding

Wilder

Italians are like supermodels: Everyone dreams of having one until you get one. You then realize they're needy, they drain your pocket book and they attract too much unwanted attention. I and other's I know that have been there have come running back to the good old German spouse: reliable, low maintenance, good looking and great in...hmmm, on the road!?!?!

993c2cab

My 2 cents on the topic. The grass is always greener, you want what you don't have. I'm in the same boat albeit a different level (looking for a 951). Bottom line, if it's not going to break the bank go for it, you only live once and life is short. Was that enough cliche's for you to help with the decision??

Robin 993DX

Well, I guess what I was looking for was an insight from someone on the board whom actually owned or owns one.... So I can get an idea of what's the worst that can happen? I know if a 996 engine blows up it is going to cost me about $10k, ok no problem I can live with that. But a F355?

ecobb993

Robin,

I've been thinking the same way. I was a Ferrari mechanic (they didn't let me do much of the fun stuff though) when I was in college. Didn't get paid much but got to take one home on the weekends. I've wanted one ever since.

Now that the kids are about done with college, I'm thinking to make the addition.

BTW, the service manual is online at http://the355.com/mambo/index.php . Just register (free) and the link shows up on the bottom of the left menu.

One of the biggest reasons I've not made the purchase yet is the lack of a p-car.com like DIY page and the apparent low tech ownership representation on ferrichat.

Go for it!

Arrwin

Great thread! I, like most car enthusiasts have lusted for a Ferrari. For the sex-on-wheels design, the sound, the aura. Unfortunately, being able to afford it is one thing, having the budget to maintain it is a completely different story. For the folks that are mechanically inclined, maintenance may not be as bad, but for all others, it can be draining esp. when you compare the $$ vs. usability. But oh how much I would love to own one. Specifically a non-Rosso Stradale w/ stripe. One day...

Realistically...assuming nothing goes wrong and it's just regular maintenance on let's say a 360, using real numbers how much more is maintainence comparative to a 993?

Let's use a simple oil change and brake pads at an indy for example:

Oil Change
993: $150
360: $300(?)

Brake Pad Change (all 4)
993: $400
360: $1000(?)

I'm I way off?