Jsmooth65

I'm going to be running into a lot of cash in the next couple of years, and I've been thinking of getting into a used Ferrari. I'm a 100% DIY guy, I've built several engines, and can do anything, and I never bring my cars anywhere for service (except for alignment and tires and such). That being said, I want a Ferrari thats old enough for me to actually wrench on without too much stress, if you know what I mean. I'm thinking a mid to late '90s or even early 2000s model with some miles on it (I don't care how many). Is this idea even feasible? Anybody taken this route before?

Chalfont

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/60660/imgp0851.jpg">

But seriously I'm guessing that means you're looking at a 355. My tiny knowledge of 355's is my old boss had one. When I challenged him as to why his 2 year old Ferrari had 1200 miles on it his answer was "the damn thing is always broken"

Jsmooth65

And the fact that it breaks is perfect. I have the most fun with cars that break alot, believe it or not.

Cameron

You will have to replace the glass, doors, etc. to get rid of the wind noise and the early six-speeds are just terrible. I know it's hard to find a 456 with a manual gearbox in the U.S. that isn't a '95, but trust me... you don't want a '95.

Oh, and the car is great other than that.

TdF Blue with Parchment, please.

BTW, many people overestimate the number of 456s in the U.S. To give you an idea how small the number is, there were 38 cars brought to the U.S. for the 2000 model year.

Jsmooth65

Thanks for the advice!!

Ramco Norris

F355, older and looks very nice

JMSIV

Had a '99 355, then a '92 512TR, now back to a 355F1. The only thing that requires a dealer is the F1 system, which needs the SD2 or SD3 computer (only at certified dealers or very good independents).

I have done a mixture of stuff, including a rebuild on a 328 alternator, which sounds small but is effectively the same as the major (timing belt) service minus changing the actual belts and whatnot. I plan to do my own major on the 355. Though it is engine out, the car is designed to have the entire motor assembly removed, and it is not too bad. Several guys have done it on jack stands (in fact there are two ongoing threads right now on ferrarichat).

Ferraris are just cars. That said, the parts prices can be downright insulting. There is nothing inexpensive if it has the prancing horse anywhere on it. But I warn you that there is something addictive about them; somehow there is a passion in Ferrari that I have not found anywhere else.

'course that could be in my head...

Go for it!

JMSIV

I put 6000 miles on a 355 in 18 months, no issues.