I'm looking to buy a 1999-2003 Ferrari. Can anyone offer me suggestions on what to look for and possible maintenance problems? trans, clutch, belts, etc. thanks

 

Regardless of mileage the service records tell all. Due (or overdue) service can swing the value and even break the deal for me.

 

do a search on the forum. you can also find lots of info on ferrarichat

 

the cars are pretty bulletproof if maintained well. factors to watch:

make sure the campaigns were completed on the car, reciepts are best. Biggest one is the CAM variator campaign. Also, there was an OBDII pin out campaign required for the cars.

Belt service (timing belt) is recommended every 3 years or 15k mi. Belt tensioners should be done at the same time but sometimes aren't to cut corners. check the reciepts.

not all early F1 transmissions were created equally. Many have have updates.

make sure you have the alarm codes. If you don't, replacement of key fobs becomes really tough.

The price will swing dramatically depending on records, condition, history, etc. there are some really rough cars out there. The cheap ones are usually cheap for a reason.

I have a yellow 2000 F1 with 12000 miles for sale. let me know if youa re interested.

 

They are very bullet proof as long as you perform all the required maintenance and make sure the car has service history.

If you get a manual 6spd 360, make sure you replace the plastic shifter bushing to metal piece.

The car is a blast to drive and high flow cats and exhaust combined will make the car so much more fun to drive and give it additional kick.

 

Look for later that 2002. There was an F1 upgrade then. If you are looking for a stick, no worries. Make sure that the belt service has been performed. It must be done every 3-5 years and costs about 3k. Make sure you get a PPI.
Check out Ferrarichat for tons of useful info.

 

I know my car is in need of the OBDII campaign, my dealer said they would perform it at my next service free of charge - But, what exactly is this?

 

Based on what I know, it is only for the purpose of SMOG. Without this being done, there would be an error the next time you try do SMOG. It is only a piece of wire as far as I was told by my mechanic and not all 360s need this. Mine never had this campaign performed (still an open campaign), and it passed SMOG just fine a few months ago so I was told I would not need to do this.

 

trans, clutch, belts, etc

Car years are all pretty similar. 99's do not have pre-cats.

1) transmissions are all the same- 6 speed has more reliability. F1 is computer/hydraulic controlled. A bit problematic and can be expensive to repair. F1's tend to eat up clutches faster. repair = @ $6K for a clutch replacement.

2) clutch- similair to above. 6 speed more reliable

3) all 360's need belt replacements every 3-4 years but it's always more than belts. @$1,500 - $3,000 depending upon what needs replacement.

You can figure $2K-$3K average per year overall for service and maintenance.

Service records are key as is the opinion of a trained, independent Ferrari mechanic.

Fluid changes are important: engine/tranny oils every year (min). Brakes, P/S, and anti-freeze every 2 years.

Hope this helps.

 

look, i was thinking about a 360 also to buy but after talking to alot of ferrari mechanic from scottsdale ferrari. they told me get a f430, there virtually no mainanance, no timing belt clutch are better, the car is more refine. man with the saving that is the way to go.

 

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its also a $50k more expensive car. But if you have that to spend, the 430 is indeed a newer car. some people like that, some don't...

 

A 430 is indeed a bit better as far as maintenence goes (no timing belt). The clutches last the same time (expect max 20k miles) depending on how they are driven (no reverse uphill, etc.). Natually, the 430 can cost a bit more, but the gap is closing and there are many 430s out there for a steal.