1998 Ferrari F355 Spider from UK and Ireland - Comments

The roof leaking, repaired on warranty F.O.C. The roof also failed to open properly via the normal method. This was repaired F.O.C. on warranty.

Also, the exhaust bypass valve failed. Very annoying, and relatively expensive for such a silly small thing. Would have cost £850 or so, but it was done for much cheaper.

This car is seriously quick. Early in the rev range it is pathetically slow though, so keep it above 4000 rpm if you don't want civics to beat you to a gap in slow moving traffic. My Supra is on par with this car below 80 mph or so, but after that the 355 pulls a gap and just keeps moving away.

Handling wise this car is amazing. The more you push it the more you appreciate its performance. Really and truly like its on rails.

Steering is not as quick or responsive as it could be. Supra feels more responsive steering wise. Still lots of feel though, and can't really complain, its just not perfect though.

Cabin is old style and not really up there in terms of toys etc. But styling wise it has character, and is very well put together. In black it can be a bit gloomy. Cream leather with red carpets looks really good. Seats are fantastically comfortable. Generally very very comfortable.

The pedals are a little offset which is not the best, but it's never intolerable.

Looks wise it is certainly a very pretty car, not as aggressive looking as a 360, but still very pretty. Very feminine shape, and the alloys suit it very well. Silver, yellow and red suit the car best.

Running costs wise it loves petrol, and will consume a lot of oil (about a litre every 3,000 miles depending on how hard driven), but otherwise not too bad. Just heard from Ferrari dealers that cambelts are down to £1500, which is a massive saving. Now is the time to own one, there are very accessible cars. Some parts are dear, such as a wing mirror, others are reasonable (brake pads etc). The most expensive cost will be the depreciation, and believe me they do depreciate!

But aside anything else, its the engine sound that gets me. Its why I bought one and it really is worth the money. Sounds amazing, stick a tubi on it and you can really pretend you are in an F1 car. I am seriously addicted to the sound and will forgive all and any costs. Lovely, fantastic engine. Hear the bypass valve change gas outlets and you will be in love with this car too.

I heard something before I bought mine, which I can now agree wholeheartly with... Ask yourself if you can afford NOT to have one?

As much as I love the look and sound of the Ferrari I have to say they are overpriced and I can honestly say I CAN afford to be without one because if I did own one I would be constantly broke, the running costs are ridiculously high and it seems that reliability is an issue. Of course they are ultimate super cars and well respected, but I would rather buy something much cheaper and more reliable, but still nearly as fun to drive.

Yes this is a Ferrari, and if you buy one you will be amazed. I have one also, and all I have to say is that it's very hard to find a car that is cheaper to be faster. Yes, maybe a new Z06, but it will never look as good as a Ferrari f355!!!

And also, if you buy one, you will never be disapointed, and yeah its running cost are high, but why buy one if you can't afford it? No Evo or STI will beat this car. My buddy has an 05 Subaru STI and says it doesn't even compare to the Ferrari, so I know of no other car that you can buy under 100k that is faster, better looking, or gets as many looks as this car does. Sorry Corvette owners, none compare to a Ferrari!!!

I can't believe you guys are comparing a ferrari to civics and evos!! that makes me so mad!

I think comments which are so black and white as "best car for under 100k" should be avoided. There is certainly a place for opinion, but it shouldn't be taken as gospel. For example, I know of many many modified Nissan Skyline GTR's that are considerably faster than a stock F355, and they cost considerably less than 100k. In fact, you could get yourself a 500bhp GTR for 15-20k, and have the balance in your pocket for other expenses.

As for the car itself, I have heard the 355 is a more forgiving car on the limit than the newer 360's, which may seem strange. It is however an older car, obviously, and the styling reflects this.

Current prices can be as low as £30,000 with some decent haggling, and I doubt there will be much significant depreciation on one of these.

Try buying a new rep-mobile, and see how much you lose in 3 years time. Frankly, I would expect the overall cost per mile on this would be better than a new car. Consider than depreciation will be a huge factor in the new car (perhaps as much as 50-60 % of the purchase price) vs. almost zero for the 355, and you can see how far ahead you are to start with.

I have been looking seriously at this car for some time now (currently drive an STI, thanks for the above comments, which I disagree with), and also at an early 360 (had for about £50000), and am having trouble convincing myself to do it.

Don't get me wrong, the Ferrari is a wonderful car, has soul, pace, finesse, and everything you could want. I just think they are a little expensive still, given what they offer.

As alternatives, you could do worse than a 911 if you want a good all rounder, but if it's a sports car, there really is no substitute for an Ultima GTR640.

But as I mentioned at the start, this is an opinion only.

As an owner of a 355 spider I am biased, but suggest most people agree that this is one of the seminal cars of the 20th century.

Forget performance, if you want to be fast buy a caterham super-light R500 and be done with it. Live the style of this amazing piece of automotive porn.

Ferraris aren't about gadgets, tricks or modernity, they're about class, elegance and pure unadulterated driving enthusiasm.

Alternative drives don't feel right for me. As a previous Porsche and Lamborghini owner they are too clinical and "German". I don't want 4-wheel drive solidity or Japanese performance figures. If you can truly choose any car to drive for fun it has to be a Ferrari - there is a reason why they're so popular.