Tuscan versus 355
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I'm currently selling my 2001 TVR Tuscan. Having had 3 TVRs I have now had enough from niggles every other month to 3 complete engine re-builds (under warranty).
Can anyone re-assure me that buying a (1998/1999)low milage 355 will not land me in the same situation as before i.e. trip to the dealer every month and constant hassle?
I am prepared to look after it of course as per manual.
Just don't want another troubled child!
Any comments would be much appreciated. Looking for a bit of support (if anything to convince the other half... ;o)
Brian
I'm currently selling my 2001 TVR Tuscan. Having had 3 TVRs I have now had enough from niggles every other month to 3 complete engine re-builds (under warranty).
Can anyone re-assure me that buying a (1998/1999)low milage 355 will not land me in the same situation as before i.e. trip to the dealer every month and constant hassle?
I am prepared to look after it of course as per manual.
Just don't want another troubled child!
Any comments would be much appreciated. Looking for a bit of support (if anything to convince the other half... ;o)
Brian
Hi Brian,
I have had mine for just over a month now and so I dont think I am in a position to comment on long term reliability. Mine has been into the garage once already, but that was for the roof seals and it was done on the warranty, wasn't a bad leak and didnt affect reliability.
This question has been asked about the 355 before and there are various threads on here about it. I think the general opinion of everyone who has or had one is that it should not be a problem child. They seem to be well built and put together.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12073&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=208&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=11151&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=4567&f=63&h=0
In regards to 355 vs Tuscan I think Bertie is the authority on that question and can put you at ease about long term reliability.
Check out official dealers as they are really not that much more expensive than others and you get a really good warranty which IMO can be worth thousands on its own.
Regards and good luck.
I have had mine for just over a month now and so I dont think I am in a position to comment on long term reliability. Mine has been into the garage once already, but that was for the roof seals and it was done on the warranty, wasn't a bad leak and didnt affect reliability.
This question has been asked about the 355 before and there are various threads on here about it. I think the general opinion of everyone who has or had one is that it should not be a problem child. They seem to be well built and put together.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12073&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=208&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=11151&f=63&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=4567&f=63&h=0
In regards to 355 vs Tuscan I think Bertie is the authority on that question and can put you at ease about long term reliability.
Check out official dealers as they are really not that much more expensive than others and you get a really good warranty which IMO can be worth thousands on its own.
Regards and good luck.
Hi Brian,
Everything I've heard to date indicates that the 355 is a great car, and pretty reliable; I've never heard of a 355, even a bad one, with anything like the reliability record of your previous cars. You may have just cause to complain about the price of servicing & parts, but not reliability as a rule. There are others on this site who own/have owned them and they will have more to add. If Manu can't improve the sound of the 360 with a sports zorst, I'll be joining you in 355-land. Nuff said.
Kevin
Everything I've heard to date indicates that the 355 is a great car, and pretty reliable; I've never heard of a 355, even a bad one, with anything like the reliability record of your previous cars. You may have just cause to complain about the price of servicing & parts, but not reliability as a rule. There are others on this site who own/have owned them and they will have more to add. If Manu can't improve the sound of the 360 with a sports zorst, I'll be joining you in 355-land. Nuff said.
Kevin
Knew a guy with a Tuscan that said everytime he walks over to the TVR he keeps the keys to his TT in his hands too, just in case......... oh dear.
The F355 is mechanically fairly bullet proof - DON'T BUY ONE WITHOUT A WARRANTY.
Manu
P.S. Had a brief go in a different Tuscan - FAST AS F***, but the driving experience doesn't quite measure up to the great Maranello product either.
The F355 is mechanically fairly bullet proof - DON'T BUY ONE WITHOUT A WARRANTY.
Manu
P.S. Had a brief go in a different Tuscan - FAST AS F***, but the driving experience doesn't quite measure up to the great Maranello product either.
I own a 355 and a Tamora which was a Cerbera 4.5 until 2 months ago. I ran the 355 and Cerbera together for about 18 months and the 355 proved much more reliable, in fact only one minor problem as apposed to countless with the TVR, added to wich the TVR was a new car and the 355 2 1/2 years old. Ferrari parts, as already stated, are very expensive and on average the running costs excluding petrol and insurance will about 3K per annum.
Mark
Mark
had a 348ts which i would strongly recommend against. not so much the 348 part (decent enuf car for the money) but don't get the targa top. either go all the way and get a spider, or just forego the removable roof altogether and get a tb. no leaks, no rattles, no color coding bs, better stability etc.
Just HOW good is the 355 and for that matter the 360? I don't really care about reliabilty or running costs just the grin/satisfaction factor. Owners only please. I've never owned a prancer but would REALLY like to know how y'all feel when you (a) see it parked/garaged up and (b) drive the buggers. I use the enemy's product (Pork) and must admit to longings.
Wweeelllll. Just taken a look at your profile derestrictor, and you're no stranger to fast cars are you???? 
Probably the most graphic illustration of how it feels is to look at Ninja's thread "I think I'm ready to..." - all of it.
The undeniable truth is that financially, these cars hurt compared to other makes. However,the benefits massively outweigh this, and can apply to any Ferrari.
Owning these cars makes me feel special, and I don't mean the 'look at me' stuff, but on an entirely personal & private level. I genuinely don't give a toss how it looks to others (the car itself or my owning one). I still can't get over how beautiful these cars are; occasionally when I've parked in town and gone away from a bit, I forget the car I'm in; and then when I return I see it and think 'Holy sh1t that's lovely', a couple of microseconds before I remember that it's mine. Priceless.
The other part of it is how they sound. It's just amazing.I can bore for England on this subject, and frequently do...
Dynamically, I am in awe of the engineering in these cars. Have to say that I didn't much care for the 360s dynamics to begin with, but as I've had more seat time, I'm able to explore it's performance more, and my respect for it just keeps on growing. It's the most dynamically accomplished car I've ever been in. Ever. Once you appreciate that it's twitchiness is all part of the package, you can start to exploit it and control the car with tiny inputs, made early. It's very rewarding, and engaging in a way that a 996 I test drove just didn't.
The most unexpected, and welcome, benefit of owning a Ferrari has been coming into contact with other owners.I did think that Ferrari owners would be a bunch of rich w@ankers, but was I ever wrong about that. Most people who own these cars have stretched to do it and you have to respect that. I have met some fantastic people through owning these cars, including some great friends from this board. Again, priceless.
I THINK this is what you wanted
Kevin
Probably the most graphic illustration of how it feels is to look at Ninja's thread "I think I'm ready to..." - all of it. The undeniable truth is that financially, these cars hurt compared to other makes. However,the benefits massively outweigh this, and can apply to any Ferrari.
Owning these cars makes me feel special, and I don't mean the 'look at me' stuff, but on an entirely personal & private level. I genuinely don't give a toss how it looks to others (the car itself or my owning one). I still can't get over how beautiful these cars are; occasionally when I've parked in town and gone away from a bit, I forget the car I'm in; and then when I return I see it and think 'Holy sh1t that's lovely', a couple of microseconds before I remember that it's mine. Priceless.
The other part of it is how they sound. It's just amazing.I can bore for England on this subject, and frequently do...
Dynamically, I am in awe of the engineering in these cars. Have to say that I didn't much care for the 360s dynamics to begin with, but as I've had more seat time, I'm able to explore it's performance more, and my respect for it just keeps on growing. It's the most dynamically accomplished car I've ever been in. Ever. Once you appreciate that it's twitchiness is all part of the package, you can start to exploit it and control the car with tiny inputs, made early. It's very rewarding, and engaging in a way that a 996 I test drove just didn't.
The most unexpected, and welcome, benefit of owning a Ferrari has been coming into contact with other owners.I did think that Ferrari owners would be a bunch of rich w@ankers, but was I ever wrong about that. Most people who own these cars have stretched to do it and you have to respect that. I have met some fantastic people through owning these cars, including some great friends from this board. Again, priceless.
I THINK this is what you wanted
Kevin
I'm lucky enough to drive many and not to own one. I can only see the upside. NO BILLS FOR ME! Gas is still a B17ch though. Especially when you drive it, er, well!
From the experiences of a 355 Spider, 360 SpiderF1, 456, 550 Maranello and an F40 I am always happy driving. Absolutely nothing like driving a Ferrari. Speaking for myself - I forget what I'm driving as you can't really see the exterior when you are moving. It's only when you park up, get out (and for me get off the floor, 6.4") do you realise why every car lover has been staring at you as you go by. Grin factor is off the scale. When I first drove the 360 a crowd had gathered round the car when I came back to it. I went away and came back because some people get a bit funny and assume you are flaunting it. Came back, still there. Nutz to that, flashed the alarm and walked to the car. Almost impossible to keep the grin off your face as you see the crowd realise some young guy is about to drive off. PH's don't care, they just want you to rev the engine and you have to oblige.
I am fortunate enough to be able to park the cars inside the house(big garage in the middle of the house). Not very good for sneaking a car in/out at night but the music from the engine on start-up brings a few tears to my eye.....Everytime.
Love the 360Spider but something about the sound of metal on the open gate of the 355 is more rewarding. 550 & 456 is simply a real man's car. Lean meat on wheels. F40 is a different game altogether and you lose a few lbs fighting the temptation not to floor it. When you slip behind the wheel, or squeeze behind it, you know what the car is all about. Carbon fibre, plastic cord to open the door and the red starter button. Always had a bit of trouble with 1st gear as my bloody long legs get in the way. Also impossible for a graceful exit.
Only thing is when you return to your everyday car(SLK/Audi - soon to be Tuscan S) it feels so slow and unresponsive it hurts.
Get one. Either one. As my parents say "if you want it bad enough you'll find a way to make it happen".
>> Edited by maranellouk on Tuesday 9th July 20:58
From the experiences of a 355 Spider, 360 SpiderF1, 456, 550 Maranello and an F40 I am always happy driving. Absolutely nothing like driving a Ferrari. Speaking for myself - I forget what I'm driving as you can't really see the exterior when you are moving. It's only when you park up, get out (and for me get off the floor, 6.4") do you realise why every car lover has been staring at you as you go by. Grin factor is off the scale. When I first drove the 360 a crowd had gathered round the car when I came back to it. I went away and came back because some people get a bit funny and assume you are flaunting it. Came back, still there. Nutz to that, flashed the alarm and walked to the car. Almost impossible to keep the grin off your face as you see the crowd realise some young guy is about to drive off. PH's don't care, they just want you to rev the engine and you have to oblige.
I am fortunate enough to be able to park the cars inside the house(big garage in the middle of the house). Not very good for sneaking a car in/out at night but the music from the engine on start-up brings a few tears to my eye.....Everytime.
Love the 360Spider but something about the sound of metal on the open gate of the 355 is more rewarding. 550 & 456 is simply a real man's car. Lean meat on wheels. F40 is a different game altogether and you lose a few lbs fighting the temptation not to floor it. When you slip behind the wheel, or squeeze behind it, you know what the car is all about. Carbon fibre, plastic cord to open the door and the red starter button. Always had a bit of trouble with 1st gear as my bloody long legs get in the way. Also impossible for a graceful exit.
Only thing is when you return to your everyday car(SLK/Audi - soon to be Tuscan S) it feels so slow and unresponsive it hurts.
Get one. Either one. As my parents say "if you want it bad enough you'll find a way to make it happen".
>> Edited by maranellouk on Tuesday 9th July 20:58
I don't think you will ever get away with cheap servicing or absolute reliability with a Ferrari, but then this isn't what they're about. In comparison with a TVR, they are likely to be less of a headache, but compared to a Porsche they are likely to be a bit more temperamental. If you are totally pi55ed off with build quality issues Brain, then get an interesting Porsche (only the RSs, GTs or Turbos will do if you ask me). If you are *fairly* pi55ed off but don't mind the odd niggle, Ferrari ownership is calling. To be honest, I'd have a 355 if I hadn't have run a somewhat problematic Lotus Carlton for the last two years. I'm now running a 964RS Porsche, and it is fantastic - 37 quid an hour servicing (from a v respected independent) every 12k miles (!!!!) and no air con, PAS etc. to go wrong. Simple, effective and it goes pretty well.
One day, 'when I can afford two' (the entry requirement for Lamborghinis and Ferraris a PH member once advised me about) I will get a 355 or (finances willing) an F40 but until then, the experiences of David Yu in Evo etc add up to a certain reticence. Even bennno is thinking of going back to a 996 (which are a bit dull IMHO)...
Cheers
Domster
One day, 'when I can afford two' (the entry requirement for Lamborghinis and Ferraris a PH member once advised me about) I will get a 355 or (finances willing) an F40 but until then, the experiences of David Yu in Evo etc add up to a certain reticence. Even bennno is thinking of going back to a 996 (which are a bit dull IMHO)...
Cheers
Domster
I only got one for the sounds it makes. I absolutely love the howling and the formula 1 style shriek at really high revs. It is fast, although not that much faster than my Supra, at over 80MPH the difference in horsepower really starts to show and it begins to really pull away. I tried to get it really out of shape a couple of days back in the wet, but I must be doing something wrong/not enough bottle as it mostly understeers, although I whacked on the brakes mid fast understeer and it did flick in oversteer (scary!)
I do love the looks, and the smell of the leather when you get inside etc.
But as Kevin says, one of the real bonuses that I never expected was the people you meet. Some of them really are brilliant people. There are some tossers and poseurs who only buy the car for the badge, and act like they are God's gift but they are all probably lawyers or consultants.
I've only had my car for nearly two months and have already put nearly 3,000 miles on it. Everytime I take her out, I can't bear to put it back so I just keep driving. On MANY occasions I have pulled into my drive and then decided I want to hear it some more so go for another burn. None of my passengers has every requested not to, it always goes down as a good idea. It seems really well put together but I can understand that there may be some niggles but for now it seems okay and is taking the mileage in its stride. Bare in mind that alot of that mileage is at high engine revs (wouldn't be right any other way) so hopefully it will prove reliable. I just really hope the addiction to the noise wears off and I end up doing a lot less mileage later as it absolutely kills the resale value. The way I am going I will be putting 18,000m a year on it!
As my dad says "You have to hear the voice" and my mum now jokes about getting a 355GTB in red, F1 shift, Scuderia shields on the side and tubi exhaust system. I think she is being serious and wants me to move out as soon as possible so she can have the garage. My house move 9 months ago fell through so I am still looking and she'll have to wait. She has converted into to a FULL Ferrari fan, even I don't care for them as much as she.
I do love the looks, and the smell of the leather when you get inside etc.
But as Kevin says, one of the real bonuses that I never expected was the people you meet. Some of them really are brilliant people. There are some tossers and poseurs who only buy the car for the badge, and act like they are God's gift but they are all probably lawyers or consultants.
I've only had my car for nearly two months and have already put nearly 3,000 miles on it. Everytime I take her out, I can't bear to put it back so I just keep driving. On MANY occasions I have pulled into my drive and then decided I want to hear it some more so go for another burn. None of my passengers has every requested not to, it always goes down as a good idea. It seems really well put together but I can understand that there may be some niggles but for now it seems okay and is taking the mileage in its stride. Bare in mind that alot of that mileage is at high engine revs (wouldn't be right any other way) so hopefully it will prove reliable. I just really hope the addiction to the noise wears off and I end up doing a lot less mileage later as it absolutely kills the resale value. The way I am going I will be putting 18,000m a year on it!
As my dad says "You have to hear the voice" and my mum now jokes about getting a 355GTB in red, F1 shift, Scuderia shields on the side and tubi exhaust system. I think she is being serious and wants me to move out as soon as possible so she can have the garage. My house move 9 months ago fell through so I am still looking and she'll have to wait. She has converted into to a FULL Ferrari fan, even I don't care for them as much as she.
craigw
I don't work at Maranello UK. When I signed up "Maranello" (nickname from parents) was taken by a guy who never seems post. Just added U.K as that's where I'm from.
Not having your car for a month for a five day service is B.S. I can understand a day or two extra due to delay in parts arriving. Some people don't understand how to treat customers. It really pi55es me off. Either the car is ready and their customer service is so poor the haven't told you *OR* They simply haven't done the work and are fcking around.
Call them with the polite but firm approach and demand your vehicle. I can't see how they can have any excuse whatsoever.
Good luck.
I don't work at Maranello UK. When I signed up "Maranello" (nickname from parents) was taken by a guy who never seems post. Just added U.K as that's where I'm from.
Not having your car for a month for a five day service is B.S. I can understand a day or two extra due to delay in parts arriving. Some people don't understand how to treat customers. It really pi55es me off. Either the car is ready and their customer service is so poor the haven't told you *OR* They simply haven't done the work and are fcking around.
Call them with the polite but firm approach and demand your vehicle. I can't see how they can have any excuse whatsoever.
Good luck.
quote:
my mum now jokes about getting a 355GTB in red, F1 shift, Scuderia shields on the side and tubi exhaust system. I think she is being serious and wants me to move out as soon as possible so she can have the garage.
Your mum's great Ninja! She cracks me up- I can hear her saying this too.
Cheers Kevin. She is really funny. Can't believe what a nutter she is. She joked that she would get some leather gloves and wear one of those WW1 style leather headgear and goggles that fighter pilots wore. 
But a serious worry for her is people trying to race her and having a go because she is a woman. I told her she could tint the windows, put a massive Challenge style spoiler and some advertising livery on it. Drive around in a high gear and just keep firing through the downchanges (which sounds wicked on an F1). They'd think it was a racing car with a racing driver onboard! Then no one would mess.
I was supposed to take her out and let her drive mine yesterday but it started to rain so she bottled it.
But a serious worry for her is people trying to race her and having a go because she is a woman. I told her she could tint the windows, put a massive Challenge style spoiler and some advertising livery on it. Drive around in a high gear and just keep firing through the downchanges (which sounds wicked on an F1). They'd think it was a racing car with a racing driver onboard! Then no one would mess.
I was supposed to take her out and let her drive mine yesterday but it started to rain so she bottled it.
I've driven a manual 360 at that Prestwold Hall 'Tangerine' thing and was very impressed with it's build quality comapared to a much removed 328 at the same event; even with a helmet on (BORING!) and the windows up (instructor was a bit of a kill joy) the 'on cam' sound was simply sensational. And what a thing of visually sublime bueaty too.
Some chap near me has a 360 Spyder which I was listening too en route to work the other week and that metallic howl is just TOO much! It really is only a matter of time (and domestic bribery!).
Only downer for me is why Ferrari went for such puny front tyres on the 360 - any informed knowledge out there? Also, have Ferrari tempered the scuttle shake that seemed to plague the 355 Spyder on the 360? And finally, have any of you Ferrari owners (355s & 360s) done battle with any Japanese hardware? If so who was/were the protagonist/s and what was the result? (I only ask because I have this inferiority complex about heavily boosted Skylines!)
Some chap near me has a 360 Spyder which I was listening too en route to work the other week and that metallic howl is just TOO much! It really is only a matter of time (and domestic bribery!).
Only downer for me is why Ferrari went for such puny front tyres on the 360 - any informed knowledge out there? Also, have Ferrari tempered the scuttle shake that seemed to plague the 355 Spyder on the 360? And finally, have any of you Ferrari owners (355s & 360s) done battle with any Japanese hardware? If so who was/were the protagonist/s and what was the result? (I only ask because I have this inferiority complex about heavily boosted Skylines!)
I don't know what it is but somehow Ferrari manage to get you (i.e the driver) genuinely emotional everytime you get behind the wheel of the car - it's just such an unusual and valuable feeling you'll justify any cost to get and keep one.
Perhaps its the look and performance (for me it was the sounds) but no other car has managed to do this to me. It sounds like poetical bullsh*t nonsense but I really mean it.
Dynamically the new cars are just beyond words. If you want to know what performance is then do this: drive a 550 Maranello and slow the car down to 20mph in 4th (that gear goes to 140mph) and nail the throttle and watch hot hatches on full throttle in 1st around you start reversing, and you'll know what I mean.... More examples?
-Wheelspin at 70mph in 3rd in the dry...
-Stability??? No hands on the steering at 161mph....
-Wheelspin at 3500rpm (!) in 3rd on partial throttle in wet.
-You can pull away in 5th gear (I never tried 6th - probably could have though)
But this performance probably isn't that exceptional to a Tuscan owner - what makes these Ferraris so great now is that they do EVERYTHING right.
They're just sooo damn good now. You sit properly, the A/C works, you can see out of the damn thing, the clutch is light, the gearchange a doddle and you simply cannot think of a reason why you shouldn't buy one.
And then there is the way they LOOK and sound. Even now everytime Ninja opens up his 355 or I see a 550/456 I jump up and down.
It kills me, it really does. (I wandering now whether the Lamborghini Murcielago wiill get me into this state too.)
The only thing that bothers me is that I still believe too many tossers drive these great cars and not enough pistonheads.....
Perhaps its the look and performance (for me it was the sounds) but no other car has managed to do this to me. It sounds like poetical bullsh*t nonsense but I really mean it.
Dynamically the new cars are just beyond words. If you want to know what performance is then do this: drive a 550 Maranello and slow the car down to 20mph in 4th (that gear goes to 140mph) and nail the throttle and watch hot hatches on full throttle in 1st around you start reversing, and you'll know what I mean.... More examples?
-Wheelspin at 70mph in 3rd in the dry...
-Stability??? No hands on the steering at 161mph....
-Wheelspin at 3500rpm (!) in 3rd on partial throttle in wet.
-You can pull away in 5th gear (I never tried 6th - probably could have though)
But this performance probably isn't that exceptional to a Tuscan owner - what makes these Ferraris so great now is that they do EVERYTHING right.
They're just sooo damn good now. You sit properly, the A/C works, you can see out of the damn thing, the clutch is light, the gearchange a doddle and you simply cannot think of a reason why you shouldn't buy one.
And then there is the way they LOOK and sound. Even now everytime Ninja opens up his 355 or I see a 550/456 I jump up and down.
It kills me, it really does. (I wandering now whether the Lamborghini Murcielago wiill get me into this state too.)
The only thing that bothers me is that I still believe too many tossers drive these great cars and not enough pistonheads.....
derestrictor, my computer systems are playing up at the moment so I have to spend all this time on PH. Its part of work
I still have my Supra (which I hopefully will be selling soon) and can say that I love it to bits and felt really sad at the thought of getting rid of it. It took me ages to decide finally that a 355 was the right way to go. In terms of performance the Supra is very close but as I am beginning to know the 355 it is definitely faster if you know how to use it. Handling is amazing but as the grip is so high, you always know that it will take something serious to unstick it. Which means it will be all the more expensive to remedy if you hit anything.
I used to get a lot of Skylines trying it on. I was always surprised that they couldn't get round me with all their flame spitting and supposed 500BHP and my supposed 330BHP. It may be down to who got the balls
The jap stuff can be made to go a lot faster, but they can NEVER make the SOUND. Spend £2,000 on my Supra and it will wipe the floor with the 355. But it just whistles, and that just doesnt do it for me.
I still have my Supra (which I hopefully will be selling soon) and can say that I love it to bits and felt really sad at the thought of getting rid of it. It took me ages to decide finally that a 355 was the right way to go. In terms of performance the Supra is very close but as I am beginning to know the 355 it is definitely faster if you know how to use it. Handling is amazing but as the grip is so high, you always know that it will take something serious to unstick it. Which means it will be all the more expensive to remedy if you hit anything.
I used to get a lot of Skylines trying it on. I was always surprised that they couldn't get round me with all their flame spitting and supposed 500BHP and my supposed 330BHP. It may be down to who got the balls
The jap stuff can be made to go a lot faster, but they can NEVER make the SOUND. Spend £2,000 on my Supra and it will wipe the floor with the 355. But it just whistles, and that just doesnt do it for me.
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