I am venturing out to buy my first Ferrari. Looking at 360 Spiders 2001, 2002, and 2003 models. For the same price, not sure if there is any advantage to buying a later model year that has more miles on it? (I have seen some nice 2001's with 6K miles for the same price as a 2002 or 2003 with 15K miles). Any suggestions?
Secondly, considering manual vs. F1 trans? Always had 6-speed manuals in my Porsche's and enjoyed it. Is the F1 trans much harder on the clutch?
Thanks.

 

Buy another Porsche...no problems with trannys and most are quicker than Ferrari's...

 

Thanks for the advice, but not exactly what I was looking for.....

 

I think you need to spend a fair amount of time behind a 6 speed and F1 to make a decision. My understanding talking with numerous Ferrari owners is that the F1 could be considered "boring" on earlier cars 355 and 360. The "line" was crossed with the Stradale race mode and the 430(s).

It will be a difficult decision if I get a 430 (I didn't have a choice with the Stradale).

 

Sorry, forgot to address the later year / clutch issues.

My experience has been the later cars with lower mileage (read not a garage queen) have been less troublesome. I imagine buying a 99 F355 would have saved me $$$ and aggravation than the 95 F355 with higher miles I purchased.

In regards to the clutch, a F1 driven in auto mode constantly or in reverse uphill will go through a clutch very quickly (A SD2 unit will tell you the remaining life on a F! clutch).

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I think lower miles/condition have about the same significance value wise as later model years, since Ferrari usally don't make minor changes year to year. As for 6 speed or F1, you should definitely test drive each as a comparison. If you like the F1, you might want to consider the Stradale or F430 as the F1 in those cars are much improved in the same order.

If a coupe is okay with you, I would go for the Stradale(F1 only) or a 2005 F430(manual or F1) as they are relative bargains these days.

 

+1 The newer the better - I've had 3 Ferraris (all 6 spds), but people I know have had mixed successes with the F1s (rarely a problem with the manuals)

 

By the newest, lowest mile car you can afford. Tons of deals around and I'd tell you to "stretch" your budget b/c of what's available. Your $ will go farther if you can pass on a spider, so I'd offer up a Stradale or 430. If you are going to drive the car pretty agressive or track, then consider F-1, otherwise, you can't beat rowing your own.

 

I owned both a 360 coupe F1, and a 360 spider 6speed. The 360's are quick, though by todays standards not fast, though your butt meter will make you think your in a much faster car. As far as 6 speed vs F1, that is a personal choice, my 575 was F1, my 430 a 6 speed, but if driven right the F1 clutch will go just as long. Just a thought, when I decided to get ride of my M6 coupe, I was going to buy another 360, then I drove a Gallardo, I bought a Gallardo.

 

I think if you can swing stepping up to a 430 over a 360 that would be the better choice... 430 has timing chains not belts... less maintance... and the f1 on a 430 is also better... I myself would go for a f1 on either model over 6 speed.

 

couple thoughts for you as an ex porsche guy who is also 360 shopping. I would love a 430, but the cost still has a decent of room to fall IMO compared to 360s. I get paid to race cars - while not on a ultra professional level, I get a lot of track time. I say that to give you perspective on the trans question. The f1 is not like a sequential, but it is way better than a SMG. The hardware is the same year after year, but the software did change. Infact, you can plug a TCU from a CS right into a 360 to change the aggressiveness of the shifts.

I'm looking for a 360 for the driving experience, not to find the fastest car for the money. They aren't that fast on the track, so buy which ever trans you enjoy driving. 6 speeds are not super common in the spider, and I think they would be harder to resell, because the people buying spiders usually want F1s. Some say clutch wear on F1s is faster than the manual. And the clutch job is more complicated on the F1. Early 360s with the F1 have a 30 amp selenoid to activate the F1 pump. These have been found to be a failure point and the later cars come with 50 amp ones. With a little research, you can find the part # for the plug and play 50 amp to update the early model.

I am looking for a car with over 10,000miles (there seems to be a little bit of a premium under that, and I want a car to drive). Make sure you have all the keys( and the red fob), books, records, etc. If you don't them, get a price break because of it. These items are expensive to replace and qill quickly errod any price brake you got.

3 year belt service isn't cheap, niether is a clutch job. You should know when you will need those next when you buy the car.

good luck.
Matt

 

You really have to drive them both.

I've had two 360 spiders with 6 speeds and I've driven a 430 f1.

If money is an issue, 360 spiders are going for beer money. With a tubi and 6 speed, it may not be the fastest thing on the road, but it's more fun than 22 year old Japanese twins.

 

I have seen several F1 pumps fail, or need early replacement, not to mentions the clutch kit for the F1 is painfully expensive to replace. Because of some people just don't know how to drive the paddle shift cars, and burns the clutch abnormally, I would stick with a 3 pedal car unless your buying a 360CS...just my 2 cents

 

Having lots of experience with all the cars above. The 360 with 6 speed is such a joy to drive, the connection with the car is uncanny. The F430 F1 is a good choice as well but well above the price target, and the styling is hit/miss with a lot of people, but it's all personal prefference. My personal 360 is not slow, and my Porsche friends will attest to this, but my car does have some nice tricks up it's sleeve LOL.