New member with 2 cars I am considering. Experts chime in please!!!

A euro car is always a LOT harder to sell and worth at least 10K (maybe more) less than a US car. If the price is anywhere close, stick with the US car. Remember, some day you will be selling.
Al

 

Euro is always about $10K less. Years matter too (very much).

There is nothing wrong with a Euro as long as it was federalized properly - papers and emissions.

More importantly, if you have never driven F1, you should. Some love it, some hate it. I have owned one of each and would only buy F1 now - but that's just me.

Happy hunting.

 

F1 - It is nothing like an automatic with paddles. It is a true clutch system but computer controlled. Needs to be driven much like a stick or you will destroy clutches. That said, it can be shifted under power - FULL POWER!

Challenge Grille - Easily bought aftermarket. Ricambi (a site sponsor) can send you one. I think it is under $1500 but I could be wrong. Easy install as well.

 

I don't have a Ferrari but I have F1 type shifting in my Maserati. I absolutely love it. The real advantage, in my mind, is being able to shift gears while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

 

Yes, but if it's bought for $10k less, and then you sell it for $10k less then what's the issue?

Is there something different about the Euro spec cars? I mean other than reading the odometer in kilometers.. I can't tell the difference. <shrug>

 

The issue is that most people will not consider a Euro car regardless of cost. That means a very small audience for a Euro car when you go to sell it. For a 10 to 20K difference, I would never buy a Euro car and most F buyers seem to be of the same school.
Al

 

i have new to me 6500 mile 99 360 Modena with F1 and carbon seats. It is also not red (it's Grigio Alloy aka light metallic blue). I am in absolute love with this car precisely because it's an interesting, extremely pretty and somewhat rare color. The seat are awesome and an expensive factory option (something like $15k if I recall correctly). This combination is not for everyone but works for me. Buy what you like. I did and have not regetted one moment.

 

Hey 4relvr,

You are asking all the right questions which is good. But maybe you could tell the board what prices you've been quoted from the seller and what options the car has?

So the first car is a Euro 01 with F1. It sounds like a titanio grigio which is a very nice and popular colour. Whats the interior colour? Titanio grigio is a versatile colour thats very easy to maintain. Dirt and small scratches wont show. The mileage is fine provided that its been maintained per schedule. Since the books and records are missing (which is a big no no for most buyers, something to consider when you sell your car) you have to depend on a thorough ppi to make sure that you wont get stuck with a 20 000 dollar maintenance bill after you've bought the car. Major thing to look out for is clutch wear ~$5K and belt change ~$3-4K Do you have an independent mechanic or do you plan on servicing the car at dealer? Most dealers will ripp you off so if you could find a reliable independent that will do the ppi as well as service the car, it'd be ideal. You could ask around on the board for good mechanics in your area. Since it's a euro car, you should expect to pay less than an equivalent us car. In my experience a euro would cost 10 000 to 15 000 dollars less than an equivalent US car. There's imo no reason for it, if the car has been federalized and is epa dot compliant. However, you get what you pay for. Whatever you save when you buy, you will lose when you sell, so you can pretty much expect a wash. Of course, if you plan on keeping the car, you will save that money which you can use for other things. One thing to look out for with an 01 is that the f1 tranny is a bit clunky. I know alot of guys who upgraded the software to 03 or better yet 04 or CS software. It makes the shifting smoother and faster (from what I hear). This will set you back a few bux though (not sure how much). Euro cars carry a bit of a stigma to them, (for no good reason really) but this will make it hard to sell. One reason is the fact that warranty isnt honoured on euro cars but its a moot point since the car is out of warranty anyway. I think you might have a problems with buying extended factory (probably not available for a euro) and aftermarket warranties as well. Imo doesnt matter either, since most aftermarket policies try to not pay when the need comes up, for one reason or another. Better to put the money in your pocket and use it when needed.

The second car sounds like a nart blue. A colour not so popular but on the other hand rare and imo a very nice colour. Again whats the interior colour? It sounds like you've got CS seats and modulars (3 piece 18 inch). Two very expensive options. A while back I got quoted $12K for a set of modulars. CS carbon fiber seats are at least equally expensive or more if they are factory buckets. 6 speed I believe is cheaper than f1 and also less costly to maintain (if you treat your clutch gently). My understanding is that the 6 speed is somewhat of a rarity which makes it desirable. However this is very subjective and I think you should go for what you like. For me, if given the choice between an 01 f1 or a 6 speed I'd go with 6 speed. But if f1 software has been upgraded, Id go with f1.

My advice to you is that you get the car that makes most sense to you in terms of price and condition of the car and more importantly what you find aesthetically and functionally pleasing. Dont forget though that even if one of the cars seem more costly at initial glance, this might not be the case. Get the ppi done, find out about CLUTCH wear and when BELT was changed if ever. Go with a friend that knows about ferraris and test drive it extensively. If you dont have one, ask someone on f chat to help you. Someone most likely will want to help you (bunch of great guys on this board =))) ) Do yourself a favour and never buy a car sight unseen. Dealers will conveniently forget to tell you things you ought to know in their eagerness to sell the car.

If you really want the boards opinions, post exterior and interior pics and price point. If you are afraid that someone will buy it underneath you, dont list the dealer but quietly inquire per pm if the dealer is a reputable one. You could always use the search function and type in the dealers name and see what comes up.

It will also benefit you to sit on the fence for a while longer. As you mentioned prices are bound to go down, especially in the sluggish state the economy is in. Its undoubtedly a buyers market so take advantage of being in the drivers seat. Also do your homework on dupont and cars.com. Keep in mind though that the transactions for the most part take place at lower points than what list is.

-Peter Oh

P.S Sorry for the lengthy reply but I think it might guide you to the right car and potentially save you a major headache. GL =))

 

No euro cars (impaired value when you sell, but they are cheaper). Six speed only (do your research on this too). Unless you're getting a 430 the six speed is rarer and has had fewer problems. And, it' s a lot of fun to drive...many differing opinions here. I don't care, my opinion; six speed.

 

Manual vs. F1 is simply driver preference. Should drive both before buying. To each his own.

 

Andy, you have a PM

 

$114k is sky-high for an off-colored Euro........

Honestly, if you ARE frugal (like I am), look for a '99 or '00 USA car.......easily obtainable for $100k or less now. Paying more for a newer version of the same car is for Doctors and Lawyers, not part-time porn actors like me. Excuse me, my agent is on the other line.......

 

OK, both are in buying range then..........although, silver is a color for German cars imo......and you won't find too many takers for the blue interior. Now you have to decide what tranny......I'd never buy a sportscar without a manual however.

 

My 2 cents worth....I would not buy another Euro, I had a lot a problems with my '01 spider and ended up selling it back to the dealer after 3 months.....I love the F1 tranny on my '04 Spider....and your original post has the word "pretty" far too many times

 

Andy, (4relvr)

I didnt know that they were spiders (convertibles). In that case, pricewise you are in pretty good shape for the euro. From what info you are giving us on the euro car, it sounds like even if it comes without books and records, the car seems well sorted and somewhat documented. If its a dealer selling it, they should be able to back up whatever they say has been maintained on the car. That should make you sleep easy at night. At 114 000 dollars, it seems like a a very fair deal. Let me remind you though that I still think theses cars (even spiders who retain value better than modenas (coupes) ) have a bit of depreciation left in them before they plateau. Im guessing that the titanio grigio car doesnt have daytona seats? If the seats have one lined stitching making horizontal bars across the saddle and back, you have the seats that noone likes.

The nart blue one tan with modulars and CS buckets (they are factory CS seats right) sounds like a perfectly optioned car. A very nice combo imo. The colour combo should set you apart from the rest of the pack. While titanio grigio is a nice colour, there are alot of them out there. Nart blue would be my choice (that said I have a titanio myself). Pricewise you're ok on this one too. But at 149 K dollars, I still feel you could go down a bit, despite the premium wheels and seats. Perhaps you could use the 6speed as a bargaining ship. 6 speed does have a lesser sticker than an F1.

I think what you need to figure out is what kind of tranny you want, F1 vs 6 speed. You also have to consider the price difference between the euro and the us car. It is a pretty big spread at a 35 000 dollars difference. A nice chunk of change that could afford you new seats and wheels plus change in pocket if you shop wisely. Im sure youve also looked around on Dupont and cars.com plus all the other listings so you should know that there is a glutt of 360 spiders out there. My feeling is that alot of these cars take very long for the dealers to move, so take your time to shop for the right one at the right price, even though you arent getting younger.

-Peter Oh

 

To post pics, click on "reply" like when you post a text only reply. Scroll down to "manage attachements". click on it and click on "browse" which should take you to pic folder on your hard drive. Choose pic and then upload etc.....

-Peter oh

 

Euro= Did it once (360)=NEVER again!!!!!