Why the Ferrari F355 is the best exotic to own! Review

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I still consider my dream car to be a Ferrari f40. The 355 is my "obtainable" dream car. What would you consider your 'obtainable' dream car?

[@DavidVlogz]

I think one of these would definitely be attainable. What a beautiful car for sure

[@fjones1914]

'02-'03 E39 M5 is a dream car for me.

[@rosenscharf]

Opel Manta B GSi, but the prices for those have also exploded. RX 7 FB is also pretty nice, but thirsty with lots of wear. Soon, only few people will be able to afford a 'fun' combustion car.

[@550LMS]

550 Maranello for me...:)

[@ExoticCarDIY]

@@550LMS great choice, that's up there on my list too

[@positivesecret]

Most beautiful car ever.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

They really did a great job

[@Moneymaster-op8fl]

Great video. I’ve had my F355 GTS for 27 years and you’re completely right about the maintenance. On a 3 year cycle the services usually cost £500, then £1,000 and then £1,500 (that’s the full belt service at a garage). Nothing significant has gone wrong in that time and I’ve done 60,000 miles. It’s also fast enough to be fun without feeling out of control or dangerous. You can also just be driving at 30 mph and it just sounds fantastic. You never get tired of driving it (even after 27 years). Don’t be put off by the click bait KZbinrs, it’s a beautiful drivers car.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Agree with everything you said, great car still in 2024

[@islamicsalami7208]

That exhaust noise never gets old. No need for a radio in there. Just a beautiful car. After the 355, new Ferraris started to look like spaceships. The 355 is a perfect blend of modern and classic Ferrari. And of course the fact that Ferrari stopped making 6 speeds after the 430 will make these go up in value even more over the next few years. Congrats on owning that beauty!

[@carrera3.262]

Totally forgot that hamann used to make parts for these. What are the specs on the wheels? Gorgeous!

[@ask4george1]

My dream car was the 430. I bought a 2006 Ferrari F-430 last year.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I think my next f car will be at 430

[@jamesfairmind2247]

These motors will take big mileage. I used to do 11,000 miles a year in mine. A friend owns an event day operation on a race circuit here in the UK and he has two 355's that have both exceeded 100k miles each entirely on race track with different drivers everyday. Has to be the ultimate torture test. Of all his exotic car fleet he says the 355's have been the most reliable. Never had a single major failure ever.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I can't remember if I'm mentioned it in the video, but when I was a kid one of my neighbors told me something about them that I stuck with me forever. He says you just got to drive them and they'll be reliable. Rain or shine, he drove his Ferraris everyday.

[@jamesfairmind2247]

@@ExoticCarDIY Absolutely right. I drove 121,000 in my 308GTS QV, 11,000 miles in my 355 (in a year) and 112,000 miles in the 550 which tempted me out of the 355 and I never even ONCE had a breakdown, but as you say, I drove them everyday and followed the advice of the Ferrari "elders" who told me as a mechanical savvy, but uncouth 24 year old with my first Ferrari, the 308, "Son, always hold the engine under half revs until the oil reaches 220 F on the gauge then thrash her like you stole her, she will love you for it and she will never let you down". I followed that advice to the letter which is why I never had a single problem!

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

Thanks for a really excellent video, you were spot on in dispelling much of the rubbish that appears on YT about these incredible cars and for summing up the pleasure that owning and driving these cars bring. I’ve had my 95 GTS for about a year now and i love it plus it gave me the push to learn more about the history of Ferrari as a racing marque in F1 and Endurance which is an amazing story in itself.

[@richardcarter1000]

Great car. I've had my manual 94 car for 14 years now. A keeper. The noise and feel is like nothing else. As we move towards hybrids and EVs there will sadly never be wonderful machines like this. Get one if you can.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Couldn't agree more!

[@autofanaticcars]

Great video I love how your car is set up i am almost at the 1 year mark with my 1995 Berlinetta i love the car and especially enjoy working on the car. Fine tuning and restoring things is my profession and passion, the newer Ferrari models are so high tech and amazing all you can really do is fuel them up and wash them i highly doubt a 488 GTb owner is working on his own car these days. Those Hamann wheels you have are also very rare when they released their kits for the 360 Modena my very first tuning shop converted many 360 Modena a d Spiders with those wheels and I always loved them. Where are you in FL?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the kind words man! At some point I will add another Ferrari to the fleet, I'm pretty sure a 430 can be easily worked on by yourself. I'm hoping that a 458, but I haven't looked into those too much yet. Those wheels were definitely hard to come by, they're one of the few aftermarket wheels that actually compliment the car IMO, I'm in far north east Florida

[@supersonique001]

Excellent no nonsense owner review, very helpful as I am considering a 355F1 spider at the moment and am still doing due diligence before pulling the trigger, thanks . IMHO a pre-purchase inspection along with a documented service history is a must.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great all-round cars, lots of fun, lots of smiles. It just helps to know before you get into it what the common issues are. One of the biggest benefits I found to the 355 is the community, they seem to be more car lovers compared to car posers if you know what I mean. Most aren't afraid to work on their own cars, many are pure gear heads like me LOL

[@howardrudinsky9371]

Excellent review. have my 96 355 spyder 21 years enjoyed every one of them. you covered it all. and 6spd cars have been rising steadily

[@ExoticCarDIY]

They are hard to beat, love these cars. A drop top like the spider would be fun!

[@remingtonsteele3220]

Great Ferrari 355 videos! Some of the very best if not the best. Thank you!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks, I appreciate the comments

[@Capibaro]

I love this video. Probably many people aren't as knowledgeable as you but I think you are right. If you maintain the car well, it shouldn't ruin you. A friend bought a red convertible this year and I can always drive it. I have been an Alfa Romeo owner myself since long and the Italianness of this car is amazing (like the seating position). I find it fast enough and the drama is unmatched. There is no engine that produces a better sound. And the design of the car to me is 10/10. As in any Italian car you just have to be patient to warm it up and drive it a lot. The only gripe for me is how low it is. Maybe that is just here in the Netherlands with a lot of speed bumps. They pose a real challenge. What a great and beautiful car you have!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the kind words! they are low, you have to avoid certain ramps and bumps, but its worth it

[@javansarmiento7151]

absolutely love the 355, will definitely own one eventually. great perspective from an owners review. i really like those wheels on that silver as well, really completes the car.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the kind words. They are wonderful cars, and can be a real joy to own

[@4pevans]

What a beauty! Where did you source the front splitter? That is on my wish list for my 95 355 Berlinetta... I will search your archives, its probably there

[@ExoticCarDIY]

The splitter is from Japan, a company called M-TECNOLOGIA. It's very well made, compliments the lines of the car well. Unfortunately I wasn't making KZbin video back when I installed it, wish I had.

[@4pevans]

@@ExoticCarDIY Thank you!

[@elliottcaras3281]

Excellent review! Wonderful sound, and you covered it well. The F355 is the perfect Ferrari for me, as you said it really does suit a DIY enthusiast.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks man!

[@daisycutter3893]

Lovely. Good to hear it from an owner.

[@jamiewicks2765]

A friend of mine had a red 355, 15years ago sadly it coughs fire and was toast. Yours is a stunning example and well looked after. What a great ownership review.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

That's sad to hear, I should have put in my review, I do have a fire extinguisher in my car just in case

[@jamiewicks2765]

@Exotic Car DIY @Exotic Car DIY they don’t make them like they use to in terms looks etc I do like how you change it up with your track wheels and wing but then change it back to showroom. have you scubcribed to @ratarossa in the uk he’s a Ferrari guy. Looks after it dude you have a super classic super car that only gets better with age 👍 hope to see you do some more videos with it in the future when you get time

[@Huggybear101]

Excellent and helpful video.....thank you. Beautiful car!!!

[@auwz66]

Looks like a really nice example, very clean. The front splitter suits it. I have a 355 F1 Fiorano and for me thats the nearest to the 355 Challenge but without the roll cage and bucket seats.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks man, the fiorano is super rare, enjoy that one!

[@patnolan664]

Thanks for this and all your other excellent videos. I have just bought a silver F355 Berlinetta with manual shifter and find your vids invaluable as I too intend to do all, or at least most of the maintenance, including an engine out/cambelt renewal job soon. Please keep the vids coming.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, congrats on the purchase! I hope some of my videos will help you and others out. I'm hoping to make a lot more content with a 355, if you have any suggestions lol, let me know. Currently I am scheduled to do my major in the summer of 2022, And of course I will film and publish everything on this channel.

[@fcoa.1363]

Great video, the noise is F1 like. What tuning repro would you recommend for the Motronic 5.2 model.? Thanks in advance.

[@ktmracer3500]

Awesome car man I love the sound of your F355. I have a 360 Modena.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! That's another great car

[@shadynook86]

Great no nonsense review ⚡👍🏾

[@Andrew4181975]

When I get a Ferrari an F355 B with the Gated Manual is what I'm going to get. I want to find one in a really unusual color though like Green. The Challenge grille upgrade looks good too, but I'm not sure if I would want a Challenge model because most weren't street legal , I think. They got the looks so right on the F355, and the size is perfect for me.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I'm a big fan of non red Ferraris, green would be cool. To my knowledge, most 355 challenge cars were in fact street legal, but they are quite uncomfortable if used as street cars.

[@ZondaF355]

355 has been my dream car since NFS 2 as well! On my 7th Viper now and really love the Gen 2 cars. Still hope that a 355 with Tubi or Capristo will be in the garage some day. Great owners review and I agree with the “fun” fast experience. That sound though!!!

[@mohamedelyaouti2051]

What an amazing introduction to my most favorite sports car ever made. I salute you sir. Fantastic video.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Hey thanks for the kind words, glad you liked the video!

[@joao124uc]

Very well done - most of the people talking about the 355 in youtube don't know what they are talking about. It's pathetic. I own 2, a 97 Berlinetta and a 94 GTS. Slightly prefer the older 2.7 version but it's a minor difference - the 2.7 sounds a bit more "selvatica" at idle and has some un-synchronization between the 2 cylinder banks that make the car feel more ferocious and analogic. I've made circuit racing and rally with competition cars and this car gives me the feeling of a race car, a joy to drive, an absolute pleasure of authentic sports driving without turning the public road into a circuit. The engineering is outstanding, so much superior to the contemporary Porsche that I can't even find the words to describe it. By the way, your "Porsche" stoping power is actually Italian Brembo, not Porsche. Good luck with your car and hope your channel grows - subscribed. Joao

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Wow, two 355s? that's awesome. They definitely are special. I've always heard the 2.7 are a bit faster, have you found that to be the case as well?

[@richardcarter1000]

Spot on. Wonderful things.

[@joao124uc]

@@ExoticCarDIY I don't feel any difference in performance - however, the more "incorrect" sounds on the older car may create a feeling of racer, while the newer is more polite. But it's very very minor. In the end, its just our senses...

[@w.w.trader1813]

hello, do you know why ferrari 355 have a mesh grill at the back and others have a painted element

[@bentoole6205]

Hammans are probably the only after market wheel that looks as good as the originals

[@welcome2me]

Great video

[@jonnyfontane3607]

currently i drive a porsche 718 Gt4 and think about to move to the F355

[@JimZRyd]

Awesome video! Really enjoyed your down to earth review. Thanks. Subscribed for your future vids on this beauty!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks buddy! I'm filming a couple videos right now. Should release some new Ferrari maintenance videos here shortly

[@bryancychin]

Hi, I'm a fellow F355 owner as well. Thanks for sharing to the world what a joy it is to own one. Btw, the front bumper panel gap abit wide. Everything ok? And in the beginning of the clip there's a challenge wing, but later in you clip it's not there anymore... 😝

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I explain the challenge wing later in the vid, I can swap it out with some challenge wheels if I want to go to a track day. I've had both bumpers off for polishing, I installed them with the gap that that is specified in the WSM, which I agree can look a little big

[@bburg1776]

Great video! Besides the F40 this is the dream car. When I get mine can I come see you when I need maintenance? Hahahhaah. Thanks for the video!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

If I won the lotto, that'd be the first car I buy, the f40. Heck if you're close by, could do some maintenance and make some videos lol

[@pweimer47]

Great review, thanks for sharing!

[@B1Springfield]

That smile says it all! This was my dream car at one time. Somehow I managed to set my sights on a more expensive one unfortunately, the 550 Maranello 😅

[@B1Springfield]

NFS 3, Hot Pursuit was where I first encountered both the F355 and the 550 Maranello

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I thought about editing that out of the video. But there's something about the sound, that makes you do that stupid smile lol. Nfs3 was another great game. I love the 550 and almost bought one a few years ago when they were much more affordable, now they seem almost out of reach

[@B1Springfield]

@@ExoticCarDIY that smile at the beginning is something every car guy can relate to 👍

[@moneymoney733]

Great review,how much did the whole exhaust set up cost you,did you consider a tubi?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Ive tried Larini GT2, Capristo Twin sound, and settled on the Capristo sound 3. By far its the best, quiet at cruise, beautiful burble around town and screams at WOT. Tubis lack the scream IMO

[@moneymoney733]

@@ExoticCarDIY i like Capristo,the way you described the sound experience is my type of style. Your 355 sounds nice.

[@mik3ymomo]

Car looks great. Always loved this model.

[@TheStretch78]

😎 Awesome vid. I want one!

[@RustyDog41]

Great video! I’m on my second 355 now. First was an F1 Berlinetta and my current is a Manual Spider. I prefer manual for the street but would have F1 for a track car. All my work is done by a very good independent shop. It’s not cheap but this car will cost me less in the long run than my newer Porsches since it has no depreciation. I did my most recent major service at the 6 year mark and I could have gone longer.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I'm definitely loving the gated shifter. Do you prefer the spider of the berlinetta?

[@billmeyer4365]

What's the brand name of your custom wheels, please?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Hamann PG3

[@billmeyer4365]

@@ExoticCarDIY Thanks. Good luck w your channel. I subscribed.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

@@billmeyer4365 thanks, I really appreciate it. Definitely more videos to come

[@christschool]

You should have more views. Great video!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks! Got to love the old KZbin algorithm lol. Maybe my slogan should be"the most unwatched channel on KZbin" haha

[@xsonicsparkx]

Excellent point, owners need to drive these. I would love to see a video of you showing a belt change and any other maintenance.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I've always heard that from experienced owners, and so far it has proven true in my seven years of ownership. I definitely will be filming anything I do to the car. I'm at about 4 years on my belt, so I will be doing that sometime in the next year or two. I wish I had more time to dedicate to this channel instead of my real job lol

[@johnniess7914]

Still one of my favorite cars ever..

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Agreed. Can't think of even what I'd replace it with

[@Toni62R]

Oh yess, it is a real dream car, I had mine (95 gts 2.7) now for 13 years - but, it is a sensitve and really expensive car...

[@shlomigp]

Love this Sound,!!

[@amdramus8350]

I want one!

[@kokose7en]

Get one!

[@thev.i.c7844]

Wow she is beautiful my dream car so beautiful looking.. enjoy her mate

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks

[@Shawn-ul4xr]

Prices for this car in Australia are wild. Ranging from 220k to 300k AUD I’m yet to find a raw one that hasn’t been touched. I will defs need to become a millionaire for me to even contemplate buying one. So I’m working on that :)

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Ya, I heard they are high over there. Especially the "restored by Elliot" ones!

[@mehdieminem]

If you want a screaming sound you have to go extremely high rmp something that most Americans car companies in those years couldn’t achieve in their wildest dream .

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Tis true ... Until the gt350 and c8 z06 came along. 20+yrs later... Ferrari did it first 😆

[@diplomacy2000]

did you redo the passenger airbag cover?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Suprisingly, no. Leathers is original. Slight shrinkage on the dash around the vents

[@diplomacy2000]

@@ExoticCarDIY I think that's the cleanest one I've seen. Id like to find of these in Fall around Oct, but finding one with a clean interior seems challenging Id like a black/black, but the color isnt a deal-breaker since I can just wrap it. Your take on the F1 gives me something to think about. In the meantime I'm still waiting on the Morgan 3 wheeler I ordered in Dec.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

@@diplomacy2000 Thanks, Mine is very clean minus a bit of bolster wear from the previous owner. Dont be afraid of miles, mines almost at 47k! I was at cars and coffee and a 18k mile 355 parked next to mine that was trashed, so dont use miles at your only metric.

[@diplomacy2000]

@@ExoticCarDIY ​ @Exotic Car DIY I think that's very good advice. Oddly a lot of low mileage examples look pretty beat up for some reason, including premature seat wear, dash leather falling apart (not to mention the warped airbag cover), and the awful sticky buttons with the visibly peeling coating.

[@jasonforrester6522]

Great post !!!!!!!! Thankyou

[@purplemonstertv]

Cool video. You are right. If you can fix stuff your self you save alot of money. If you have the time and space.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I'm going some of my how-to videos help encourage others to pursue ownership of their dreams cars. Most of this stuff is not rocket science, the average person with a little help can maintain anything

[@purplemonstertv]

@@ExoticCarDIY that’s a great idea.

[@diplomacy2000]

great review, thank you.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks, just hoping it helps others

[@diplomacy2000]

@@ExoticCarDIY Really did help. Very interesting take on the F1 conversion. Seems like it's discouraged on FerrariChat. Didn't realize it was relatively straightforward.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

​@@diplomacy2000 It definitely used to be. Its ironic that on the 360 &430 forums, a manual conversions are praised, but on the 355 they were shunned and taboo. I think people didnt understand it, or they had their ego wrapped up in their car, and consider any changes as a personal attack lol. Ether way its gaining momentum and acceptance now, Ive helped at least 6 others do it.

[@diplomacy2000]

@@ExoticCarDIY That sounds about right :). Where are you located?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

@@diplomacy2000 NE Florida

[@russelldesigner2682]

Thanks for the review. You are the man.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the nice comments!

[@russelldesigner2682]

@@ExoticCarDIY Investigate MiNsE chanel.

[@stuffa01]

I totally know what you mean by Fun Fast. My Mazda Miata was actually more of a Fun car to drive than my Porsche.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Yeah, don't get me wrong, I like a fast car. But you definitely get a lot more fun and enjoyment from "fun fast"

[@stuffa01]

@@ExoticCarDIY yeah me too, I drove my friends Tesla the other day for about 10 min. It was fun until I had to pull over and almost throw up on the side of the road due to the g- forces. Not so fun fast.

[@minatormyth]

A great long term review ' great job. I agree with every thing you have said. I have owned mine for 15 years and always have done everything myself, in fact I was one of the first to do engine out at home back then. Also I have one of the original capristo exhausts. You might have even come across my fly by videos as you were looking at 355 videos 🤗 Great video 🤗

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks man! I most certainly did watch your videos, love the capristo. No one is saying that these are as reliable as a Toyota however it's a misconception that they break and fail all the time. You also have to consider when you hear about failures, it's over a 25-year period. Most cars aren't even on the road that long, And if you were to look at any other brand, they still have problems in the first few years. Extrapolate that to the same time sampling As a 355 and they don't look so bad anymore. Happy driving!

[@jerikosuratos]

@minatormyth Best comparison video between Tubi and Capristo for F355 to date!!! Flybys and flybys! Thanks for making me spend >$6k… lol

[@DavidVlogz]

This is awesome I want one of these or a 308

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Another great car if you love the styling. Very DIY. And likely still going up in value

[@Daylight7.7.7]

I use one of these cars and got hi 20s only time drink fuel if you rev them hard it less thirsty than a V12.. I've got friends that change cambelt every 8 to 10 years the trick is to run the car every 10 days even in the winter when you don't use it..run car for half an hour run it till it's hot..if you run it for 10-minutes this only causes condensation in the oil cars are designed to run hot it's quite right when you take the engine out you do everything possibly I know of Ferrari 355 over 100000 miles and runs perfect valve guides on the early Cars can be trouble this is right if the car has not been driven correctly allowing the oil to get hot ... a lot of the problems are down to bad owners 355 have magnesium wheels extremely light only problems if they are damaged usually lasts around 15 years before needing re painting I have found.. I believe the 355 be the next Dino as it's the last Ferrari to be hand built in the old factory after that the 360 was built in the new factory on a production line just over 10.000 for 355 built in the production run.. highest number was convertible cars and then Berlinetta rarest of the models is the GTS.. options were winshields and sports seats personally I prefer the standard seat for road use well maintain and look after car's there is very little that goes wrong they do had a issue with Catching Fire this was down to fuel pipes on top of the engine which was a recall by Ferrari most were Done check the history before buying heater control is another fault the same control unit was used in the Saab cars sticky door handles sticky switches this can be removed by using brake cleaner and a cloth a lot of patience to remove sticky stuff if you'd rather save £4,000 having it done professionally always check the gearbox as some people crunch second gear and this becomes a problem with the synchro Clutches and flywheels can be expensive check again mostly down to bad owners.... my experiences with this car...😎

[@riaanpotgieter475]

Awesome colour!!! 😼 😎

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

My favorit car

[@realdata1378]

Less is more. The entirely analog 348 is the biggest bang for the buck. The 355 has brass valve issues. the 355s electronic adjustable suspension goes out. the 355 spider's roof is one piece and costs $60k to replace. its now or never for the 348 - the shrewdest sports car purchase in the entire Ferrari market.

[@peterantonsen3539]

What a beauty👍

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Looking at this car never gets old. Wish I could remake the video a little bit better quality and editing

[@VARUNCOUTINHO]

1:37 6:44🔊👌!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Agreed!

[@skydance2012]

Great video!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ready4cars360]

F1 ONE CAR WILL NEVER BE WORTH MORE THAN THE MANUAL ONE NOOO WAY !!!

[@justinbrown1985]

Best way to drive a F355 - bare foot.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Agreed! With those pedals so close, it's almost the only way lol

[@norbosneogeo558]

He lost me when he said, that he can build back the F1 transmission for trackday....lolololololololol

[@ExoticCarDIY]

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about.

[@davidpb1970]

Great video review, still dont care for the spoiler tho :)

[@TheScudabear1]

It's three five five pal, not three fifty five

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Lol 😆

[@joseramoncontreras6163]

The bottom half goatee is stupid!!!!! Nice car.

[@divocurlica1561]

he can talk talk talk.....

[@DK101GT]

I was all in until I saw you drive bear feet. Gotta skip, see ya

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, I'll issue you a refund for the 'bear' feet thing lol 🐻

[@lazyislander4605]

You look like a guy who would put a wing on a Ferrari

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Considering I only run the OEM 355 wing when I actually race my car at the track 5:58 ... thank you for saying I look like someone who actually drives my 355 as Ferrari intended instead of letting it sit in the garage.

[@kyles5513]

Ruined it with that gay spoiler on the back.

[@nonmercigardeztout8245]

Looking stupid is an option ? ?????

[@87ferrarif40]

Junk!

[@carrera3.262]

Totally forgot that hamann used to make parts for these. What are the specs on the wheels? Gorgeous!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

It have to go find the offsets, but they are 8x19 11x19

[@carrera3.262]

@@ExoticCarDIY super rare find, fit the car perfectly. Keep enjoying that sound!

[@DUNEYREAGENT]

Great video!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks! Working on a few more now