Buying a 360... Please help!!

First question is what type of tranny?
The rest is similar to all other Ferraris-make sure to get a ppi from an outside
reputable shop and that it has service history from the same. Much would
also depend on the mileage of the vehicle
Check cosmetics of vehicle... have panels been repainted, how do doors and lids line up
does interior wear appear same as mileage, how does glass look so many people overlook
this aspect and can tell you so much about a vehicle

 

I just went through this last week, so I'll give you some pointers on stuff that most people don't think about. I'm not going to include all of the usual stuff like recent service, and clutch wear %. Are you buying F1 or manual?

1. See if it has all the keys (2 keys, 3 remotes)
2. Alarm pin code (important)
3. Radio pin code
4. Does the light on left side of steering wheel stay on when driving? If so there is a fault in the alarm system. No big deal, but worth noting.
5. Do yourself a favor and make sure it has all of the books (manual, radio guide, alarm guide, warranty guide, and there's more but I cannot remember off the top of my head)
6. Tool kit
7. Have the variators been changed (older models)?

 

Pre-purchase inspection
Take it to another fdealer or reputable repair shop have it put on the
lift and visually inspected driven and a leak down test I have seen
so many people not do this and it can cost you 1000's if not done

 

Clutc should be good as long as previous owner knew how to drive
does it have car cover?
when was last "major service" done
tires and brakes condition
you could possibly be due for a Major service which could
be $4-7000 if it has not been done

 

360 spyder does not seem to have as many problems as the
355 spyder with top issues or seats

 

Is one of the remotes red? The red remote is the main one and you need it unless you have the alarm pin which it should also come with.

 

Thanks for posting. Excuse my ignorance, but what are variators?

 

IIRC there is an issue on the early spiders with a fuel system leak. The top has to be removed to satisfy the issue. It's not the parts, it's the labor which is substantial. A friend of mine had the issue and I think it was about $3500 to remedy. The symptom was a gassy smell in the cockpit that turned into a pretty pricey surprise.

Good luck. The 360 spiders are stunning.

 

If the cam belts have been done, they should have been done as well if the car falls within the recall. I'm not sure if 01's had the variator issue, but if they did it is important to make sure they have been replaced. Basically bad variators were installed in earlier 360's form the factory which means major engine damage if/when they fail. Make sure the car has good variators.

 

I found the info I was looking for on the variators, here it is

Factory recall to replace the cam variators. This campaign involves all 360 models with engine numbers below 60796 only (vin range; 114015 to 123399). I believe it covers Model year from 1999 through early 2001.

Just make sure either (a) the variators have been replaced with paperwork to prove it, or (B) the car is new enough that it doesn't need the variator replacement. Good luck, you'll love the car.

 

If you are in - or anywhere close to - the LA area, take the car to Damian at Fusion Motorsports ( 818-773-9636). It will be the best $$$$ you spend - before or after you buy the car . Good Luck !

 

be sure to check about the alarm light as well. Even though it is nothing to kill the deal, its a good point bring up to get the price lower. Dustin

 

No, left of the steering wheel. If it stays lit up solid while the car is running, the alarm system has a fault. Most likely a dead alarm system battery (it has its own battery), but can be a potentially expensive fix.

 

I hate to disagree but there is more myth surounding this subject than most any other subject. I don't have a red remote so I did a bunch of research. I ended up calling FNA to get the real scoop.

Remotes are sold in a set of 3, they are a matched set. The red remote is used to program the set of remotes to the alarm. That is its only purpose so once this is done it is no more or less valuable than a black remote.

You can purchase a new set of remotes from the dealer. This comes with a new PIN. The dealer can program the new remotes to your car. This is an all or nothing deal. Contrary to myth, you can't use the red to program a new black to your car.

It is always handy to have the PIN. That way you can start the car if you loose the remotes. Otherwise it involves a flatbed.

There are a few people who have cloned existing remotes. This involves taking them apart, removing chips, and programming new chips to match an existing remote. Not a DIY job.

Good Luck

 

I stand corrected, but it's still nice to have as many of the original keys/remotes as possible. The alarm pin is pretty important too. I got lucky with my car and it came with it even though that wasn't something I was looking for. I thought I read that it is possible to buy new remotes without a new computer if you have the pin code. Is this wrong? Thanks.

 

you're getting a lot of good information, this forum is really great.

my advice is to bring the car to someone who can put the car through it's paces (do a ppi) as it's really important to have an skilled ferrari mechanic check the car out. additionally, you'll want to go to a local Ferrari dealer and have them run your VIN number on "ferrari net" to see how many outstanding campaigns there are on your car. A campaign is ferrari-speak for recall. some are far more important than others... like the variator campaign. Since your car is a 2001 and the variator campaign may affect early 2001 cars, you'll want to know this before buying the car.

good luck... you want to learn as much about the car before you buy it... have the issues, if any, dealt with asap and then enjoy the car.

frank