360 questions - I am looking for a 360 or 348

Definitely go with the 360. It is a much better looking car, better performance, timeless body styling and just an all round better car! They are awesome you will not regret it!

 

I've owned both of the cars you're considering. First the 348 and now a 360. I've had the 360 for about 6 months and am feeling slightly overwhelmed by its complexity. Granted, its an F1, so most of the issues are related to upgrading and setting up the transmission the way I like it. By comparison, the 348 is an analog car. In fact that was the reason I originally chose that model and it was the one thing I always loved about it. It's early days yet, but given the choice now between the two models I'd go back to the 348. Raw, incredibly simple mechanically and very reliable (at least mine was). Downsides: engine out service and the fact that it's not a highly "usable" car - difficult for running errands, around town stuff. By comparison the 360 feels like an actual car - very user friendly and comfortable. Still leaning towards the 348 though.

 

Spewed like anyone who has not either owned and or driven one

 

I don't know if you have owned a 348 or a 355 but I own a 348 Challenge and a manual 360 and owned a 355 Berlinetta for years. Of the three, the 355 is by far the most money to maintain and I would never say that the maintenance costs of the 348 are "comparable" to the 355.

The 355 is an awesome car but the it's like a 348 pushed so far technologically that there is a ton to do and keep doing.

FWIW, my 348 is an absolutely splendid car and has been very enjoyable to own and maintain (as has been the 360, by the way).

 

I have to ask where are you getting this stuff? Your statement is so far out of left field and full of stereotypes, it's hard to know where to start. I've owned Ferraris for 10 years and I have yet to see any of this that you're talking about.

First, you would be surprised at how many Ferrari owners (particularly owners of the 360 and older) can do more than "think about fixing something" on their cars. There are a lot of DIY'ers around and I know that they have to put up with all kinds of people who don't know them calling them arrogant and inept mechanically.

Secondly, where do you get $200 and hour for service? It's $125 in most places and I have to say that I've never felt that someone tried to do more work than was necessary (which I can't say about my 15 year old BMW wagon DD). Furthermore, I don't know a single Ferrari owner who brags about how much they had to pay for service or how much they got ripped off.

I can do a lot of work myself but I am truly grateful to have some super Ferrari mechanics around that I can rely on.

Maybe you shouldn't get a Ferrari as it sounds like you're too good to waste your time among these horrible Ferrari owners.

 

Well I only go for what I have read here in the forum, I have the impression those two generation Ferraris were similar in maintenance expenses, anyways my question to the OP is still valid because he has stated he is an experienced mechanical engineer with the tools to do his own stuff.



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Service cost is an important factor. I think the 360 is a awesome car but I went for the 430 due to lower service costs. Also if you plan to sell you car, you will have an easier time if the car has been serviced by the Ferrari dealership. If there is a recall or problem the dealership will try to address it. In my opinion if you want to do your own service as you are passionate about the car that is great; however if you are doing it because the dealership is too expensive then I feel you bought the wrong car. A Toyota would be better.

 

348's don't have problematic headers, valve guides, shrinking leather, and a host of other things that 355's have. 355 ownership can be a lot more expensive whether you do your own work or not. Again, I don't speak from what I have "read here in the forum," but from my experience and the experience of other Ferrari owners in my circle of friends.

As I said, of the three cars you mentioned, 355 maintenance costs and upkeep are the most out of all and not by a small margin. Still wonderful cars, though.

 

my friend I am not arguing with you, I said I have the impression the 348 maintenance was similar to a 355, I do not own either but I like to come here often and "learn"




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No argument here; just clarifying because I think that a lot of people mistakenly feel like you do because they interpret what they read here similarly.

 

So what defines "lower service costs"? Water pumps in the 430 leaking (documented here) header supports cracking? E-diff issues? belt changes? Since OP requested a 3-pedal.. what is the price differential between a 360 3-pedal and the 430 3-pedal?

That's ALOT of maintenance for the 360... and regarding the dealership servicing sales advantage, exactly how many buyers won't buy a car unless its serviced at a dealership? If you look on the market that's a very small segment of the market. Take 3-pedal in the mix and its even smaller.

 

Stop... just stop.

On the 348/355 section every car is problem free and reliable and the increased costs of ownership of 355's are massively overblown.

Mind you, my experience with a friends wallet and 355 runs counter to all the points in the sentence above.

 

The 348 and 360 are different, but not as much as everyone here suggest in my opinion. In the Ferrari world they are very different, but if you have experience with other brands, they are more similar than what you would expect. They both feel like Ferrari's. Steering is similar (even with the lack of power steering in the 348), road feel is similar (though the suspension is better in the 360) - the 360 honestly feels like a newer more modern 348.

The 360 is faster, more modern, less of an ordeal to take out. It feel massive in comparison. The cabin is infinitely more comfortable, as is the ride. The 348 is more like a big go-kart. Pick the wrong car and it doesn't matter the model it will cost you. That being said, in general the 360 is cheaper to maintain, and most likely, because it's newer would need less attention. God forbid your 348's foglight get's smashed

I think it really depends what you want. I would suggest the manual. The F1 is nice, and fun, but if you ever get a more modern car with a double-clutch and own it at the same time, the F1 system will show it's age. The 360 is heading into classic car territory with it's age, and I think a manual suits it better. I did prefer the smaller size of the 348. Park it next to a Mini Cooper and you'll see how big that Mini actually is.

The build quality of the 360 is head and shoulders above the 348. It just seems like they cared more about making the car. No squeaks, no weird interior door handles, no motor-mouse seat belts, better climate control unit, etc.

You have to decide though. I sold my 348 and miss it very much. Something about the size and proportions of that car were so perfect. Sounded amazing with hyperflow cats and a Tubi. I imagine I would love a 355 as I think it incorporates the best of both models. You may not want to rule that out.

I think I had my 348 for seven years. I did replace parts for the sake of making them look new which was not necessary, but I think when I sold it I had $23k in service receipts.

I've had my 360 for 1.5 years and I have $800 in receipts.

I really don't think performance should be a factor. I think Ferrari's feel quicker and faster than what they actually are... which is perfect really. You want it to feel fast, and they do, even if they're not compared to modern cars. The 360 does have the glass over the engine bay though, and is a great looking car in it's own right.

I love the 360, I loved the 348. Good luck with your choice.

 

355 is one of the greatest car designs ever to go from paper to reality. I does come with a fairly high cost of ownership and I applaud those who take on the responsibility for such a beautiful machine.

 

Others think it a 348 with a body kit and engine that was rushed to production.

 

Gentlemen: Same as what Traimpz348 says. My data points are the same but: of the 20 or so people that have come over to test blast my cars, 95% like the 348 the most. But I can't imagine taking a long trip in the 348 vs the 360 that could be used for a weekend type trip. You really do have to drive them to decide which one you can live with. The 348 is tiny inside, rides like a go-cart and more expensive to service and I do belt changes every 8 years vs every 3 that some demand. The 360 belts are much easier so every 5 years. Try to think of these cars as fancy Fiats and fixin' stuff is not rocket science. Lastly, it is ok to spend money on our hobbies, that is why we work.


Jeff Pintler
89 348tb, 86tr, 99 360 3-pedal, S-160 Bobcat

 

There is a beautiful 348 with 355 body panels in the sales section here for 47K. I didn't know that these mods could be done to the 348! Now I can say that I could enjoy having a 348 for a toy. I wasn't a fan of the side strakes.