I am interested in purchasing a Ferrari F 360. I do not have the funds for an F430 so thats off the table for now. I am looking for advice from past or currrent owners who can offer some advice as what to look for and beware of. Maintenance costs would also be appreciated.
So far I am avoiding Euro models and aware of belt changes , tensioner campaign.
Thank you in advance.

 

If cost is a significant factor, I wouldn't completely exclude Euro models as they can often be had for 15%+ discount. Most 360s are not under warranty anymore so that shouldn't be a major deterrent for a Euro model. Also, I believe the 6 speed cars will have lower potential maintenance costs as you have control of clutch wear and there are no F1 pump related problems. Overall, the 360 is a fairly robust car....there are good deals to be had on some of the early models right now!

 

I am looking for a 6 speed manual as well. Thanks for the post.

 

Being that I sell the cars I would say the main thing you need to look for is service and RECORDS of the service. Dont be afraid if the service has not been done it just gives you a chance to get it done and get it done FREASH! That is the main thing I have never understood when it comes to ferrari buyers, if the service hasnt been done they wont touch the car. Get a PPI done if everything checks out then do the Beltservice and you have a FRESH belt service. Even if the car has had a belt service GET A PPI! I have sold several exotic cars and I always tell my customers to have a PPI done. The car can look perfect, drive perfect but a PPI will let you know if anything is wrong that cant be seen. Dont be afraid of a Euro car............. Thats basically all if you have any other questions dont be afraid to ask me.

 

Oh also DONT BE AFRAID of having somone other then Ferrari do the belt service. Ferrari is charging 6500 + when the parts are only around 1,800. There are plenty of techs out there that are ten times better then the ferrari stores tech that are doing the services for half the cost. Since I have been in the business I have taken every ferrari that has ever needed any work done to Johnny at JCM.

 

Do you need a F360? I got one for sale.

 

There is no point in avoiding a Euro car. Just costs you less money for essentially the same thing. I love the 6sp. F1 on a 360 is not for me. You may find that finding the exact 6sp you want is more difficult.. they were not in demand back when new, but are more popular now. 6sp may even go for a premium in some cases.

As mentioned.. best thing to do is get a PPI. 360s are pretty solid cars. See the other recent thread on Euros regarding maint costs. As long as there was no damage on the car and service has been done regularly, you should be fine. Cars with miles arent more problematic either.. if anything, avoid cars with ultra-low miles.

Good luck!

 

Nothing wrong with Euro models. All Ferrari's are built in Europe! And Euro's are lighter and don't have pre-cats. So they are slightly quicker than US models.

Ferrari's are expensive to maintain. End of story. So, they are not good daily drivers and you can appreciate the car more if you don't drive it every day.

Belt changes are something with which one can live. They run $1,500-$2,000 by the time it's done. Lots of $ for $150.00 of belts but that's life. They are done w/engine in the car.

Oil changes run about $300-$400.

360's are very reliable but they can have issues as any other cars.

Know prior history regardless of US or Euro and you'll be fine.

And, find a 6 speed and avoid the F1 issues.

 

I never looked at it this way. Thanks. I purchased my F360 from SVAG in Los Gatos and didn't do a PPI. In hindsight, I was very lucky. It's never had any paintwork and have been ultra reliable. Knock on wood. I've driven the F1 in the Modena's and they were not for me. But when I got behind the gated shifter, I knew it was for me.

 

Thank you to all for your insight, much appreciated. For me it will always be a 6 speed . I will take my time and wait for the color combo I desire as well.

 

On the topic of belt changes. I am seeing F360's offered for sale with belt changes done with low mileage. At 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Is this necesary or a service/selling tactic done by dealers?

 

You want the belt services to have been done as recently as possible, because they're due something like every 30,000 miles or 3 years--whichever comes first.

 

Yes, because they need to be done every 3 years regardless of mileage.

 

It's not specifically a dealer selling tactic. Belts have a life span and Ferrari suggests one change them every 3 years or 7,500 miles. In most cases many Ferrari's don't see the mileage in that time frame.

It's a good idea to change them every 3-4 years to preclude disasters. So, if the belts have been changed, it's a good sales feature.

Some have driven 308's for 60,000 miles on the same belts. So, who knows but the damage that can be done is not worth the chance, and since they are done with the engine in the car, the cost is $1,500-$2,000. I'ts worth it and I'd not be scared off by a sales statement that they were done.

 

everyone here saying F360, it's just 360 isn't it? or is there a special F model or something?