Ok,
I am looking to get a used week end...trip car...no track....I am toying with a ferrari, I don t know much about it except bad stories about reliability, maintenance......
So I thought I would get an older one, always had a crush on the old Testarossa...but what year???
Or a 360, heard bad stories there, if so what year???
What do you guys suggest????
I appreciate your input, Thanks.

 

I would go with a well kept 360 if your budget permits. Generally, F-cars have gotten better over the years with reliability. Maintenance will still be costly when it does occur, but they don't have as many problems as say a 355. I'm not too educated on the Testarossa, so I can't give you much advice on that.

 

I was a Porsche enthusiast all my life. I was on the verge of replacing my 3.4L boxster with a 996TT w/ X50. I drove the 996TT and then drove the 360. The 360 made the Porsche seem boring and dull. The Ferrari will open all your senses. It is pure exhileration! Look for a well taken care of 360 with all the campaigns and services up to date and you should be fine. Maintenance is definately more than a Porsche but well worth it. Factoring maintenance cost with depreciation of the car you are probably at breakeven with either car.

 

Thanks, as far as the 360 are they any years to avoid? options to avoid or options you recommand?
The horsepower is not too important...it won t come close to my 996TT...sorry ptrick....I use it for track, the F car won t go on the track.

 

I think the rule of thumb when purchasing a 360 is buy the newest model you can afford.

 

I would agree with this statement, but also be sure to look at its service history and condition very decisively as well. As far as options go, find one the you like. I don't recall hearing anyhting about avoiding certain options.

Mine would have the factory racing seats, factory modualr wheels, rear f1 grill, f1 tranny, and a nice exhaust system

 

Good advise. The only option I would avoid is a sunroof.

 

Why would you avoid the sunroof option??

 

huh, my friend just traded in his 02 stage 4 turbo for a 360 (w/ intake and exhaust) and felt quite opposite.

 

I really haven't heard anything about the sunroof. I know it exsists, but it is a pretty rare option and have seen only a few with it. I doubt you will even come across one with a sunroof in your search. Maybe it could hurt resale since many people don't care for them?

 

Why the hell did he trade it then? Obviously he liked the 360 better.

 

I wouldnt buy a Ferrari for a trips because the mielage kills the value and the maintence is expensive to say the least

I had a 1999 456MGTA and it costed me 7k for the timing belt service

 

My dad's 550 Maranello has been nothing but amazing. It's MUCH more agile than you'd think-- compared to his Turbo cab. it really does have more feel. As far as speed goes, I think it's faster than the Turbo-- the power is delivered perfectly. It can scare the daylights out of you if you aren't careful, or be the most comfortable highway cruiser. It's almost versatile .

Reliability has been fine, but we've only had it for a few months. The major w/out belts is only $700.00, with belts and everything possible, it won't be over 4k (every 3-4 years).

If you aren't tracking or daily-ing (even though I would ), go for a Ferrari. The value you get it also better than a lot of other cars. A 360 at ~110k will not drop much more, and a 550's are fully depreciated.

355's are GORGEOUS, but need engine out services (I've heard up to $12k). 355 F1's can go bad, and that's VERY expensive as well.

360's are perhaps the most stylish and exotic of the modern Ferrari's. They are very reliable from and extraordinarily fun to be in. Many complain about
the lack of torque, but it's not a problem. They also fly nicely, but don't ask about that.

550's are the most classic modern Ferraris. They are very comfortable, and provide a very rewarding drive. Reliable, fast as hell, and gorgeous.

512 will break your bank apparently. I have no practical experience with them, but I've heard this from people who have.


Good luck! Also, PPI, records, manuals, and KEYS (!) are important to look for. The key situation is so stupid. Also look for pulling of the leather from the dash where it meets the windshield, bubbling of the leather cover on the passenger airbag, sticky switches (that's partly unavoidable though).


-Joe

 

Owning high maintenance costs cars like my TT and RR will probably prepare me well for the day I go Italian. For anyone going from their Honda accord to an exotic might hang themselves.

 

lHahha... but that stepping stone to that TT or exotic is usually a Honda... I did the opposite and went back up.. from an Acura to a BMW.. from a BMW to a Honda.. From a Honda to a TT...