I currently own a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo with a manual 6 speed, and I am considering going to a Ferrari; however, the Ferrari must be around the $100k price point. I can sell my car for around that mark. As I have another car as my daily driver, the Ferrari will be my toy car and used only on good days. Which Ferrari (and hopefully with a manual transmission) would you advise me to check out/try to get and why?

Thank you for your comments and advice in advance,

 

Most likely a 355 would be the only manual you could get for $100k. Maybe a 360 with miles on it. Or, if you want to go GT like a 456, that would prob be an option. Best of luck on your search.

 

Drive a 355 and 360. Think you ll find the 360 as refined as your Porsche. 355 will be higher maintenance costs. Imo, 456 isn’t as reliable as a 360 and more expensive for repairs, often electrical.

Take your time and decide. Even drive a F1. Good forum is Ferrarichat.com for some comparisons and opinions. Good luck.

 

Spring for a 430....probably can find a higher mileage one for around $105-110k. Much more reliable and quicker than previous models mentioned.

 

Definitely stay away from the 456GT. Worst car we have ever owned. Owned a 360 manual a number of years ago and liked it but 430 is the better car if you can stretch a bit.

 

The 355 is expensive to maintain as mentioned above. The California can be had at around $100 but no manual. However not expensive to maintain in relation to other F cars. I left the F car camp in 2002 for my Turbo and have never missed my 355 Spyder F1.

 

I own a 355. It can be expensive to maintain. If you decide to get one a PPI is a must. A well sorted car will save $$ during ownership. Good thing is you can do most of the work yourself and the Ferrari community is very helpful on diagnosing issues. With that in mind, the F355 is a pure drivers car in gated form with one of the best F1 sound of the era. Drive one and you won't be disappointed.

 

Ignoring the manual, I am in a similar situation with a little higher budget. At around $120-130k I am looking at the 599 GTB. My main restriction is it can't be an engine out Ferrari for servicing which leaves me with some of the more recent models. Drove an F430 but honestly lost it's luster when I saw another F430 during my drive, didn't feel as special anymore. 458 Italias are a dime a dozen around here

 

We owned a 599GTB for a couple of years. great long distance cruiser but just not that involving to drive. Traded it in for a McLaren 720S.

 

I am in the same ballpark with a Ferrari but I am keeping my 17 Turbo S, keep jumping around with a F430, California and now back to a 599. What did you end up doing.

 

Regarding the 599, I just posted an article on our 599 ownership experience:

 

Go for a California; they're a hoot to drive and it's like two cars in one.

 

Agree on the California, if your looking for something modern that may be comparable to your 911. Otherwise, the early 308s are pure vintage and a bargain if you can find a good one.

 

Having had a 430 F1 and currently having a well sorted 360 spider, I would say that the 430 is more refined but also has it's own issues. I think that a well sorted 360 MANUAL is good, but if you want it to be like driving a porsche, then I say you will be unhappy. They are like a finicky female at times, especially if not driven often. IF you drive a 360 often then it is as reliable as other vintage cars. I would caution you that maintenance on a ferrari can be more expensive than a porsche, and sometimes are downright ridiculously expensive, given I spent about 50K in catch up maintenance. Now I have a car that has miles, I am not afraid to drive, and is reliable. If I were back in the market again for a 360 (NOT an F1, because those are dirt cheap because of it being non-manual. If you must have a manual, it is way more fun to drive than a f430. I would say that you can get a good deal for about 90K on a 360 manual. You do not want a garage queen, because things like roll over valves, fuel pumps, seals and such do not like to sit around and decay. I would buy a good driver, unless you want to just wipe it down and worry about rock chips. I say spend about 90 on well sorted car, and drive it a lot.
That is what I think.
If you are at all inclined I am likely selling mine because I usually trade cars.
Jonathan
PS feel free to reach out to me if you have questions, as I can give you perspective. I am also in the market for a 458 as well.

 

I wouldn't let the paddles on the California detract from a manual only perspective. As far as paddles go, the California's are as fun as they get. The rev matching, popping and all that is fun. Especially since the gearbox is primarily meant to be driven in manual mode. A lot of cars with paddles just aren't so fun. Not the California.