So, I am looking into buying a 360 one of these days. I'm not sure exactly what draws me to it, honestly, but it's on my list.

Anyway, one of the biggest things I have noticed about this (and any Ferrari) is the maintenance history. Almost every car I see for sale has something like

This coupe is in perfect condition.
-New variators at 10,000 miles;
-Belt service done at 12,000 miles;
-New clutch and throw out bearing at 13,000 miles;
-New brakes at 14,000 miles.

They of course also mention the 30,000 mile service is complete.

Some of this I understand. (e.g. brakes and 30k service) Maintenance isn't cheap on a car like this. But are these cars just maintenance hogs? Does someone have a copy of the maintenance schedule? I understand the value of professional maintenance when buying a used car.

When I normally look at a performance car, and see that the clutch was replaced at 13k, I think "standing starts."

Thanks guys,

T

 

Clutch issues are very common with Ferrari's and mostly with the F1 transmissions.

Don't expect long life from a Ferrari clutch. This is how Lamborghini startd in business.

The service items you mention are characteristic. You need a good checkbook to maintain a Ferrari.

Belts have to be done every 3 years regardless of mileage (because few will drive a Ferrari beyond the mileag part of this equation), and that's about $1,500.00.

You can figure about $2.5K-$3K/year maintenance overall.

It's not a car for the faint of heart!

 

A few years ago Ferrari said we should change the belts every three years from their previously recommended five-- shows how pertinent that it. I think four years is more like it... I've heard many stories of guys having their belts changed and being able to sell the "old" belts as new.

That being said, it's not cheap to own a Ferrari when something does have to be done. $130.00/hr and very expensive parts makes work pricey.



And as for the clutch, there are many many many guys who have gone 50k on a clutch.

 

JoeyG makes good points.

The down side is that if a timing belt lets go, you are looking at @$25K worth of engine damage!

So, $1,300-$1,500 every 3-4 years is not a great expense for peace of mind as I look at.

The problem I see is who wants to be the one to test Ferrari's policy?

Maybe the service change was done to keep the service departments busy since the 360 was so much more reliable than the 355's.

Many do get great mileage from a clutch but those are usually the 5 and 6 speed cars. Don't bet on an F1 clutch giving extended mileage due to the system's design!

Any way you look at it, a Ferrari is not an inexpensive car to own.

 

Agreed. There's no way around it-- they are expensive, but not completely prohibitive, about one level above Porsche. At least it's not a track car or boats!


Also, check out Ferrarichat... lots of great information there. I just read about one guy who had only 7% clutch wear (F1... all of 'em are) at 7.3k miles.


Joe

 

The clutch wear figures can't always be trusted.

If a 360 it's less accurate than the 430 readings.

You should also check www.ferrarispot.com

 

Thanks guys.

I tend to do much of my own wrenching. The comments I see here, F-chat, and around the classifieds, tell me that, on the Ferrari (and a few other exotics), the maintenance history is expected to be documented and performed at the dealership (or certified shop).

I guess I would probably sell the car at some point, so I'll make sure that car gets the proper documented care.


Thanks!

T

 

One more question.

I track my cars. In the Ferrari market, how much does this effect the selling price? I know that's hard to answer, but what I am after is whether tracking the car is sort of expected or sort of looked down upon.

For comparison, when I look for a Lotus, and find it hasn't been tracked, I wonder, "why?"

With the Porsche, same thing.

So is some tracking, just a given on these cars, or if tracked do they demand a "much" lower price, given the maintenance concerns mentioned above.

If anybody here, does track the car, do you do anything with the car different than others?

For example, on my Lotus, its pretty important to check the torque on the rear inner toe links. Failure of that part is pretty common, especially if stickier tires are on the car.

Thanks guys,

T

 

There are many who buy Ferrari's that are a bit obsessive compulsive about things.

And there are plenty of self-mechanics that have considerable experience and skills to do thier own maintenance, and they do so.

What is important about a Ferrari is the assurance that the work was done and done properly.

Many have complained about service from an F car dealer. How about one in LA that drained the rear end of a 430, and then neglected to refill the oil! And the repair shop that "changed" the oil and filter but neglected to repalce the oil!

So if the owner was competent and does the work correctly who cares who does the work? Ferrari's are not special cars. They are just treated that way!