New guy, first Ferrari, 99.9% set on buying.

Both of these cannot be true it seems to me and from your questions the former is more accurate

Start with the buyers guide at the top of this section then look for the many associated threads that follow : you're not the first person here to buy a 360 nor the first to also consider a Porsche nor the first person to ask most of these questions

 

I have owned both of these cars 996TT and a 360.

They are totally different cars. I will say that in my opinion the 996TT is an all around better car in almost every catagory. It's more reliable (seems like my 360 has a minor glitch every week), cheaper to maintain, and will outperform a 360 hands down.

My 996TT is way quicker than my 360. The 360 is quick but not fast. YTD maintenance cost has been $886 VS. 7k in the Ferrari (had to get a major and new tires which is a bulk of it). As we speak the 360 is in the shop chasing down a slowdown light error. Both of my cars are comparable, the 996 02 with 16K, the 360 02 with 15K. Build quality is better in the porsche as far as the interior goes (no sticky buttons) and I wouldn't think twice about putting 100K on the 996. I would question that decision in a 360.

All that being said, driving the Porsche is just....well...driving a porsche. Think about it, you don't park beside a porsche and say oh look I just parked beside a porsche....park beside a ferrari and it's a different story. And this is where the ferrari shines. It's wow factor is far greater than the 996, so if you don't like attention this car is not for you. Taking the ferrari out becomes an event, and a treat, where I never feel like that with the 996. The feeling that you get is almost spirtual.

If your looking a 430, you could probably end up with a 996TT and a 360 Coupe for close to the price you would pay for a 430. Say 70K for a decent 360 Modena and 45K for a decent 996TT. $105K is about entry for a 430.

Just my two cents.

 

Don't know anything about a Porsche other than their drivers head whip around when I drive by them. I am sure the cars you mentioned will outperform the 360 but I can't believe it's the same. If I go out for a 30 minute drive, at least 3 people will take pics of my car. The attention is unreal. I almost get embarrassed from it when on busy roads. You will need to be much more defensive in traffic. Everyone wants to get close it. Who knows on the repair bills. Mine goes to an independent shop. You will get a wide variety of opinions on upkeep cost but they will be high.

 

1) No, but I had two 924's, a 928 for 17 years, and a 986. 986 was a piece of **** with regards to reliability to the 928. at less than 70k miles had to replace all the control arms, a clutch hose, clutch master cylinder, etc. All cheap plastic parts with a 996 number on them. 360 is built the right way, e.g. steel lines to the clutch wink wink.

2) Actually handling was similar with midengine around the corners.

3) Read the sticky on the top, download the owners manual and read it. Owners rarely do that.

4) Euro, "high miles" >20-25k it seems, any color other than red, yellow or black. You can but I argeu only if you can do the work on it yourself. It's much much easier to work on than the 986 and the 996 from working with my friend on his. (spark plugs anyone).

5) Yes but it will be expensive as a daily driver. I drive mine each and every weekend. If they sit, they have problems.

6) After owning a 928.. any car on earth is easy to repair. I do most all repairs. Only thing I hand over to my indy are belt changes and a clutch if it goes. YOU NEED TO FIND AN INDY BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR CAR. Go to the regional area here and see who's reputable.

7) My indy charged the same if I brought in my 986 or 928 or my 360. Same hourly rate. Parts are about twice as expensive. YOU NEED TO FIND A INDY THAT KNOWS THESE CARS! My car had 50k miles when I bought it. The things the prior mechanics did as I "fixed" the prior repairs tells me it was brought to porsche mechanics and toyota mechanics, etc.

8) Same timing belts as any other sports car except 355 and 360 belts havea kevlar webbing on the tooth side that prevents disintegration. belts are accessed via a hatch like the Boxster. Any mechanic that doesn't know this shouldn't touch it. You can replace them yourself. I just opt not to as I don't have a lift.

9) This is going to sound terrible, but nobody cares about a porsche or how fast it is except the driver. 944's.. the only guys that even look at it are guys like myself that used to own a 924/944 and get nostalgic. What amazes me are the number of Porsche owners, esp. 997 owners who don't wave. Dude because you leased a car and have an attitude.. really? it's just a Porsche. Each and every drive someone is taking a picture or a video of the 360. It's always funny on rennlist.. "yup she's still got it! A person said to me "nice car" twice this week!" Really.. that's the first hour.

My 360 is the first Ferrari I drove as I drove it off the delivery truck. Every time I get behind the wheel its the same feeling. Porsche doesn't come close.

That being said, if you need a DD car. Get the Porsche(s). They're just more "refined" for daily use. After my current mini S expires next year or so.. I'm going back to a Cayman or a 997 as my DD. I'm NEVER selling the 360! Go to Cars and Coffee and find someone who can take you for a ride. If you're serious.. they'll be game.

 

Major Service plus 4 tires was 5K. Been in the shop (indy) 3 times. Once to replace a shifter bearing ($500 p/l); once to see what was going on with the "slow down light and code read ($115); oil change again to look into a tapping issue ($300); probably getting new cat ECU's to solve the "slow down" light ($1000 p/l); new rear tailight (bad ground in unit) ($200), new centercaps (cracked) ($125). Everything in the Ferrari is expensive (almost like a boat). These cars are not expensive to buy, they are expensive to own.

In contrast, my breakpads done by dealer on the Porsche was $886 and that's all I've had done. About the same for my Cayenne GTS which is my DD.

Plan on spending a decent amount of time looking for the right 360. It took me 6 months to find mine, but I wanted under 20K, 6 speed, red on tan, with challenge grill and fender shields. If you're not that particular, your search could be less.

Whatever you do, spend the $$$ on a good PPI. I spend $1000 (500 on 2 cars) when I was seaching. Money well spent in the end as the first had convertable top issues that can cost $20K to fix.

430's are slightly less maintenance as they are chain driven. Post 2002 360's are marginally cheaper on maintenance do to an access panel thru the firewall that was added.

 

I just purchased a 2007 F430 and I love it! I also have a couple of Lamborghini's and a 996TT.

I've done a lot of upgrades to my 996TT and just about have it perfect. But it took 4 yrs of upgrades, tweaks and tunes and MONEY to get there.

The Ferrari was perfect, immediately! Nothing to do but change the oil, install the clear bra, and drive! Faster than the 996tt was stock, but you can't upgrade the power as easily as a turbo.

But that's ok, don't need to. She's plenty fast where it counts and sounds absolutely amazing ALL THE TIME! Not to mention the seats are prefect, 'the turn in' is spot-on, the ride both refined, yet nicely controlled. Like Jeremy Clarkson said, 'This car is simply brilliant!'

Oh yeah, I spent less money on the Ferrari in purchase than I did buying, tuning, and upgrading the Porsche by several thousands! Add in the 'wow factor' of a Ferrari and you have a significantly upgraded automotive experience!

 

Just got a 360 spider last weekend. Totally different than my 996tt. I feel that driving the Ferrari is an 'event' not just a drive. I love my tt it's got a Tubi and chip, but it doesn't give me the same feeling as the 360. The turbo is faster (don't care), the turbos breaks are better (don't care) if you get the right one you won't regret it. My spider is a stick with 6k, red and tan with challenge grilles , 2005. I got it ' authorized' by ferrari and paid extra 5k for full one year warranty (let's me sleep better) check out Condon and Skelly for ins. Half price compared to others, I switched my tt to them also. Good luck

 

I will answer number 5. I drive mine daily for the last 2 1/2 years, no issues at all from daily driving, car has 60k miles.

I am now having my car serviced by a indie and I prefer the service they are doing, I trust them more than the stealership.

Never had a Porsche so can't compare...but the Cayman sure has my attention lately.

 

What most people are saying about the 360 is spot on.

Still exciting after three years.

Yes I spent a bunch of money on repairs but as someone else said on this board when I am in that car I don't see another car on the road I would like to own.

It is exciting and a tremendous amount of fun.

 

You like me are from the Rennlist ? Unlike there, you will not find that many Class As. I sold both my 993(s) just to get rid of the RL karma. I still however have my GT3 (997 version) and am also looking about for a 360/430 (prefer the real 6spd if you know what I mean. Bid on a couple Ebay 360(s) but they went for mid 70s$. 360 seems like the better option if you can DIY-get that rubber belt off (?).

Patrick

 

Three very different cars, my first question is how will you use it? If you are a big DE guy, I would go with the GT3..

Yes. 2005 997S, 93 and 91 964 C2s, two 1978 911 SCs, one full race, one street.

The 911 and the 360 are close to the same HP/Wgt so acceleration is similar. Handling is different, as you would expect, 360 more akin to a Cayman/Boxster. Interior quality may go to the 911 unless aftermarket has improved the 360, including the sound system. The biggest difference to me is the engine wail and the giddiness I feel every time I open her up. No comparison. It's a Ferrari, few people give a second look to a 911 as they are quite common, 360's still turn heads 15 years later...

Not much different than any other car. PPI for mechanical condition, Record of proper services, recent belt service regardless of miles, fresh rubber.

No. The only "issue" to lower cost would be mileage, and if your going to drive a lot higher than average mileage won't matter to you.

Absolutely, and the more you drive it the better off it will be other than racking up miles, which will lower resale value (see last answer).

Yes, as long as you are handy with tools the manuals are online and tons of help here.

Similar, look for recommendations here.

You just don't replace belts, quite a few WYIT parts that you should replace also..

Track car - 997 GT3 as it is very capable right out of the box and common
Road car for pleasure - 360 as it give me a ton of it every time I fire her up
Road car year round, daily driver - 997 Turbo as it's AWD and comfort would work well

The 360 belt service is done through a panel behind the seats. The 430 has no timing belts, uses chains, service is not as frequent. Best of luck with you search (and get a manual, you can thank me later... )!
Gary

 

Many of the sellers are so full of it.. its coming out of their ears. When you read the ads on fleabay or elsewhere, they'll post "great condition", or "belts done 5000 miles ago! Ready to go!"

Photos can be 2-3 years old, belts are 30,000 miles OR 3 years as recommended by Ferrari. those 5000 miles were 7 years ago as it sat in a garage. You have to be wary the details when you buy in this way.
Even "records" can be BS or things on them aren't done. You find a car you like in your price range, with the colors, tranny, etc. you want and you get a PPI. That will tell you what you're getting, and you can pass on it there or buy it.

I want to say there are some differences but it can be done. If not original equipment, a body kit is available for the front bumper. Good luck!

 

What's not to like??
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I had an '04 911 C2 Cab (996). I really enjoyed that car as it was my first real "sports" car. Right after I got it though the left CAT element got loose and started rattling. Replaced it with a Fabspeed sport cat system that wasn't exactly Calif legal but was assured it'd PROBABLY pass smog. Then like most 911s the RMS started leaking and being an "04 the INS bearing issued was brought into question. $3000 plus to fix so I wound up selling the car as these issues weren't allowing me to enjoy the car. Fast forward a year and the ability to actually buy a Ferrari happens to me. When I first sat in my 360 I felt I was in a "serious" car on a different level. Now after a few months whenever I get in the car its a thrill. Kinda like its saying..."lets have fun but I'll kill you if u let me"....lol. I never felt like that in the Porsche although I certainly didn't have a high end one either. Then there's the attention thing which I'm totally not used to. I find myself saying....its just a 360....I think more as a way of expressing my discomfort with the attention than anything. Now the 360 has had a few quirks....check engine light on which is a bad O2 sensor and the fuel gauge quit which required replacing the left fuel pump (both done by the selling dealer btw thanks CNC) and I am aware of the maintenance required of these cars but its not like the Porsche didn't have its own problems. Sorry for the ramble and not sure if I answered the thread but I'll sum it up this way, for me owning a Porsche was cool, owing a Ferrari is almost beyond words.

 

Its interesting, I took my Porsche sales rep for a drive in the 360.. I was wondering what he would say as a comparison and his words "it's more like a race car" than the 997 and 991's.

 

You didn't say what type of car you are looking for, or I missed it, so I will just assume that you are a "real driver" and are looking for a 6 speed gated manual coupe! LOL (the list is longer for F-1 transmission Spiders)
- Belt service every three years so you want to know when that was
- Check tire manufacture dates, old tires are dangerous
- If you can determine how much life is on clutch that would be good, or when it had been changed last.
- Check alternator cable condition, specifically the positive end at the alternator if a 360
- Check for aftermarket exhaust to enhance the glorious sound
- Look for maintenance records (fewer of these the lower the price)
- Number of owners (fewer of these generally equals a higher price)

Because of the rigorous maintenance schedule (at least for the 360) many buyers actually prefer to save on a car purchase and get the car caught up on service with their own mechanic. I like this because you can start the relationship with the mechanic and build your support team right off the bat.

Not sure if you are talking about using it as a daily or not but the car will respond better to you the more you use it. Sitting too much is not good for these mechanical masterpieces.

You will need to use a battery tender but if you warm it up properly and are a descent driver I would think this is no problem

Probably not the best idea to do this. You can modify the 360 bumper and rockers with the 360 Challenge Stradale parts that are much more aggressive looking

 

It's a big go kart for big kids.

 

That was me!

Still true today...

While driving my Ferrari 360 spyder I have never seen another car and said, "I wish I had one of those"

Rick

 

+1.

I find I'm not envious of anyones ride anymore since I got mine. I used to get envious when I had my Porsches...

 

You guys are right about "other" cars on the road! It's a peaceful place isn't it? It's definitely a plateau car/experience. Just hanging out here for a while makes it easy to see that there are many higher levels above but I truly am able to enjoy what I have.