Hello, This is my first post in ferrarichat, however, i have been lurking around for a while and reading many of the valuable information provided by members. I have a 997 C2S as a daily driver, and I feel that a need a weekend Ferrari. A 430 or 599 is difficult to get hold of (not to mention quite expensive), hence, I'm considering one of the following: 550, 575 or 360. I don't want a F1 transmission, nor do I want a convertible. I will not be tracking the car either (normal road use). Can you please provide me with your opinions as to which should one choose (used). I'm open to suggestions. What should I look out for when selecting a used Ferrari? Thank you for your assistance.
550 seems like your car. It's not worth the extra expense to go to a 575 because you don't want F1. A 360 is definately a great experience (from the passenger seat at least), but does lack pull until higher RPMs-- this can be good and bad. Although it handles beautifully, the 550 is NOT the clumsy bear people make it out to be*. It's turn in is fantastic and overall feel is second to none. No need to talk about power either... floor it in 2nd at 30 and by the time you hit 45 (about .5s) you'll hit the power band and start spinning. It's just an amazing car. If you plan on driving the car a lot, finding a higher mileage car is not difficult and will be able to be bought at something close to full depreciation. 550's aren't ugly either. Best of luck in your search! BTW, there are many threads debating the same exact subject, if you use the search function you will be reading for hours! -Joe *See Top Gear "Best Handleing Cars in the World" Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have a 2000 550 for sale on this Web site FerrariAds.com should this be your choice. Good luck! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Cauley has a 550 for 119,000 right now. I have seen it in person and it is stunning. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=136395612
Oh no! Please don't sell your car. I followed you once before (creepy sounding I know) and the car is absolutely gorgeous.
The 500 was designed by a team of trained Italian stylists and is the best, the 575 was designed by a committee, using data from a wind tunnel the 599 was designed by the a team of muscular Italians, pumped up on American steroids. I read this in a magazine!
If you want a manual transmission, the only car that makes sense on your list is the 550. It is so much more car than the 360 and the only reason to go for the 575 is for the F1 tranny. I've had them all. The 360 is fun but lacks torque to an almost "not worth it" point. The 550 has it all - form function and is very reliable. I loved my 575 because it really is nice to drive with the F1 which is perfectly suited to the huge torquey motor.
Ive owned all 3..and feel the 575 is the best of the them...My 2003 575 has a 6 speed manual...so disregard the past posts stating you can only get it iN "F!" tranny. Also has the Fiorano handling package...without it the 550 is a better car IMHO.
My post in no way stated 575's can only be gotten in F1. Essentially, I pointed out the LARGEST reason to do a 575 over a 550. This is true too. 575's feel much flatter with the FHP. -Joe
For the money, I don't think you could beat the 550. Go for a bright, bold one, rosa corsa or yellow. But since you appear open to a higher spending cieling by considering a 575, why not add the letters CS to your 360 choice. A challenge stradale would give you a limited edition collector car and for a measly $4k, you could add hyperflow cats that will boost torque by 10% at 4700 rpms. Good luck in your decision.
