greetings folks

I have been dabbling around for a few weeks because I am in the market for a new car. I originally had tunnel vision and had my heart set on an R8, but have since opened up to the idea of a Ferrari 360. Call me crazy, but I prefer the 360's aesthetics and engine note compared to the 430 and dreadfully ugly 458.

I've been scouring the internet looking at what general maintenance costs for the 360 typically would be and it sort of seems too good to be true. The general consensus among owners and former owners is that the 360 is the most reliable ferrari ever made and the only real maintenance you need to worry about is the typical 10k service and the belts that need to be replaced every few years.

Other than what was listed above, is there anything else I should watch out for on these cars? By this, I mean issues such as burning oil, cooling issues, engine issues etc. My uncle always tells me Ferraris are shop queens and you should be prepared to hand over a blank check, but things I am reading on the internet contradict this statement.

 

From the 360 owners I know personally, and the ones I've met on the internet, seems that a well cared for 360 will only need the annual fluids service @ ~$1000 and the belts as you mentioned every so many years. But I would budget out more each year just in case. Have a healthy "rainy day" fund dedicated specifically to the car just in case something does go wrong.

Remember also if you are going to be putting a lot of miles on it, to account for clutch changes (more often in the F1 than manual) in your service price as well.

 

You mentioned the "ugly 458" in the original post.
From what I've been reading, it is the most reliable Ferrari.
But if it's too ugly for you I guess I can understand taking a pass on it.

 

You only live once! Buy the car and enjoy it. Who cares about the costs when your considering an exotic, imho

 

The belts on a 360 are every 3 years, for about $3k-$3.2k. Otherwise, factor in $1k annual fluids and inspections. A clutch will usually last ~22k miles and costs $6k or so.

Keep in mind the 360 is 10+ years old now as well.

IMO, the F430 is more reliable than the 360, and is cheaper to own other than the depreciation and higher taxable basis. No belt changes b/c it has chains, but you need to watch for the exhaust manifolds to be relpaced within the 8 year emissions warranty period or that will be pricey. Same annual fluid/inspection costs.

Both the 360's and 430's with F1 will inevitably need new F1 pumps as well. Just hope the actuator doesn't go out.

Good luck. I hope to buy a Stradale by spring. Despite thier costs, Ferrari's are amazing cars.

 

Like uracowman, I am in process of buying a F430. Does anyone knows of a good indi shop for service in Austin Tx other than the dealer?

Also would like more insight into possible service items to keep in mind when buying, like the F1 pump, exhaust, etc?

Thanks

Alex

 

What price range are you considering? Coupe or Spider? Reason I ask is the Scuderia prices have been coming down, 1/3 or more in less than 3 years.

 

I am looking at either 2005 - 2006 coupe. Spiders are not practical in 100+ temp in TX. I have noticed the drop in prices, does anyone know why? Other than the global economy.

 

The economy plus the 458 has been out since 2010. If things go like the 360, 8-9 years and it will be 1/2 of retail or less. 2005 coupes depending on mileage should fetch between 110-120. 2006 add maybe 10k. Also depends on options of course, and carbon ceramic brakes. Make sure you get the Daytona seats, very hard to sell a 430 without them, the standard seats look like garbage.

You might drive a Spider though, the sound with the top down is so much better than you will ever experience with the coupe, even with the windows rolled down. Ferrari's in general are not practical. My 360 Spider is great in temps here in Washington State from 80-100+.

 

F430>360 in everyway from driving experience to cost of ownership. Anyone telling you otherwise is smoking something.

F430 will continue to depreciate as F458 pushes down on it. You can expect the same depreciation curve. In another 5 years, you will see 05-06 F430 in the 75-90k range for sure.

The only modern sports cars that hold and appreciate value will be thoses like Ford GT, Carerra GT, etc.

 

Ask the guys at Elite Motorsports in Austin, a guy I know here in SA just bought an F430 from them.

 

Thanks Saeyedoc. did you friend buy the black on black F430 earlier this year? I missed that one, thought the price was too good to be true.

 

No, he bought a 2005 F430 Berlinetta, Rosso Corsa over beige, got it earlier this month.

 

Not true, 430 is way more expensive to own when you factor in depreciation. You own a 360, if not don't make uneducated posts. I have driven a 430 Spider, I was not impressed considering it is double what I paid for my 360 Spider. My stock 996 GT2 would destroy a 430, add a Europipe exhaust, it would be even worse. Even with the valves open, a 430 sounds like crap.

 

Mattyrae how importantly was depreciation factored into your decision?
I am curious and not asking to be rude at all.
The reason I ask is did you feel the 360 was the best bang for the buck at the time? Or the F430 was just priced too high reflecting market value but just not what you were willing to pay to get into one?
Also did you plan on trading the 360 eventually for a 430 or 458 etc and felt it would have a better re-sale value due to less depreciation?
I never considered these when I got my TT only because I knew I would drive the crap out of it and love every second of it never really considering depreciation.
I know the Ferrari/Lambo world is a different level of exotics and since you own an F car and P car, I am curious what your train of thought was when deciding. I know one factor was the sound which you stated.
Must be awesome looking in a garage and having a Gt2 and 360 smiling back
Thanks