Used car buying guide: Ferrari F355

The three-year belt change interval is the world’s favourite hair-raising fact about the F355. That, a sticky dashboard and the possibility of cracked exhaust manifolds. However, with the youngest cars nearing their 20th birthday, rust is the thing to fear most, especially where it affects the engine cradle (see ‘Also worth knowing'). Broken suspension springs come a close second.

The F355 eats clutches too. You can prolong their life by double-clutching when the engine is cold and never leaving the car in gear at the lights but changing to neutral. The clutch cable follows such a tortuous path that putting it under tension for any length of time causes it to stretch and, ultimately, break.

Having shot up from £35,000, prices of good F355s have recently softened a touch, so with memories of winter still fresh, now may be a good time to strike before the summer sun pushes them up once more.

How to get one in your garage: 

An expert’s view, James Boxburgh, F355 owner:

“I bought my 1997-reg F355 Berlinetta five years ago for £34,000. I’d considered a 360 but didn’t like the looks and the 348, I was told, would be hell to live with. Not that the 355 has been a bed of roses. I’ve justspent £6500 on it. That bought a service but I also had new suspension bushes fitted, some rust treated, the magnesium alloys refurbished and new rear P Zeros (£328 each).

I also had the sticky facia trim peeled off and the dashboard cleaned up and sprayed black. It looks like new. I consider the outlay to have been a good investment. Now I’m bracing myself for the three-yearly belt change (around £1500).”

Buyer beware:

ENGINE - Check for oil smoke on early cars caused by soft valve guides. Listen for a rattly exhaust bypass valve. Check for worn catalytic converters and cracked exhaust manifolds. Examine the condition of the engine hoses, the two radiators and the vacuum canister for the exhaust bypass.

GEARBOX - The clutch is prone to premature failure so check its operation. If the manual shift rattles, it may need a new bush. Examine the condition of the pump for the F1-style auto ’box and the condition of the clutch slave housing on manual cars. Ensure the grease for dual-mass flywheel isn’t leaking from the bell housing.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES - Check for two-stage damper warning lights on the dashboard. Inspect the road springs, which are prone to breaking. Test the handbrake because cables seize frequently.

CHASSIS AND BODY - The rear engine cradle is a rust trap. Battery earth points can corrode, leading to earthing problems around the car, which causes electrolysis and then rampant corrosion. A bad earth can lead to problems with the 5.2 ECU, which issues a faulty ‘slow down’ warning in response. Check for cracking and rust at the base of the rear buttress on the Berlinetta and rusty sill plates. On the GTS, look for water leaks between the roof panel and the top of the windscreen.

INTERIOR - The dashboard goes sticky with time. Check the heater and air-con work.

Also worth knowing:

The timing belts have to be replaced every three years. It’s generally an engine-out job but, by removing the fuel tank, it can be done in situ. Some specialists recommend this method since the rear cradle supporting the engine rusts and disturbing it can be catastrophic. On the other hand, removal provides a chance to clean, repair and rustproof it.

How much to spend:

£60,000-£74,995 - Range of Berlinetta manuals, with pre-1997 cars at the lower end, rising to lowish-mileage 1997-1998 cars.