I'm thinking of buying a 360

I don't know about service or anything but,

If you are thinking about buying one, just go for it. I doubt you'd regret it..

 

You will never regret it, I sold my NSX years ago when I bought my 355 and the only car I ever regret selling was my 355.

 

Make sure you can afford the maintenance costs. Lots of people have had very good reliability from their 360s but keep in mind that the one you are looking at was only in the second year of production of these cars. The early 6 speeds had reported issues with the clutch throwout bearing binding and this was redesigned. Since your candidate car is over 22k miles, the clutch may have been replaced with parts of the newer design already. There have also been some problems with cam variators and tie rod ends, which were also redesigned for newer models.

The following post in the archives had a better summary of issues than what I listed above.
< http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135114922&postcount=13 >

In short, it may take several thousand dollars to get the car sorted out unless the previous owner already had these addressed. You can call a Ferrari dealer with the VIN number and ask if the car is up to date in terms of all service campaigns. I think this, along with the car's service records, will give you a good idea as to whether or not the more common issues will hurt you.

In spite of the above list, many people have reported great reliability and low maintenance. I bought a late '01 model and escaped most of the issues that way, though I did upgrade the throwout bearing and flywheel when the clutch came due for replacement.


Lou

 

Under psi,

I can do you better. I am selling my 2000 360F1. Has 6700 miles. Power Daytona seats, 6CD, red calipers, 3M clear bra, and is in beautiful condition. Color is rossa fiorano with beige leather with burgundy stitching. Car has 6 months of factory warranty left. pm me if you are interested. Car was bought at Ferrari of Houston where it has been maintained.

 

Sorry, forgot the price. 125K.

 

Don't forget about Testacojones car here as well. A gorgeous example.

 

If you need to sell those two cars first then you've got a lot of road ahead of you. IMO the economy seems to be slowing considerably and stuff isn't selling unless it's a deal. Most people that want an F-car have aspired to it for a long time so you either know if you want one or not. What you've got now seems to be quite a good mix so I'm not sure you would think it's a step up. Only you can answer that.

 

I can't speak to the NSX but i do know Porsche reliability.

The 360 series is quite reliable, and is a great car. Drive one and get that feel.

However, you will never see the low NSX/Porsche maintenance with Ferrari.

Owning a Ferrari is a passion which you either have or can acquire. If you don't have these characteristics, the experience may not be a great one.

You will never have the fabulous Ferrari sound from either of the cars you mentioned. So, think of that. And, yes, the sound is a very important part of Ferrari ownership.

Go over it all carefully, but don't jump into the buying experience unless you are fully convinced.

 

360 is a great car. On the 99 and 2000 6 speeds, they had some gear box issues (throw out bearing seals, starter ring problems, etc). If you can get the assembly #, I can look up to see if it falls in any of those ranges. You can also call Ferrari North America and give them the VIN# and they can tell you if the major stuff has been updated by a dealer.

Ray

 

Hiya mate,

Like you I had the same dilema, 996 Turbo s 450/ceramics etc...totally amazing machine..
I wasn't sure i was making the right decision, until I actually drove one..it's mind boggling, and the road presence it has is unreal..

In the UK, the 996 got looks now and then, but the 360 brings streets to a stand still, you get your pics taken etc...

Best thing i ever did, only time I regret selling the 996, is when it's wet or i'm racing of the lights...and thats not often.

Hope that helps.

 

I had a 2004 996 TT Cab before I bought my CS. I was happy enough with the Porsche and it was very capable, with lots of power and performance, but there was still something missing. Once I started driving my Ferrari, I realized that it involved me at all levels: simple things like the fit of the seat and the feel of the steering wheel, too often neglected things like the sound of the engine/exhaust, fundamental things like performance and handling, and finally the infrequently attained aesthetically satisfying appearance. While I admit that a CS has a bit more character than a stock 360, my comment relates more to how sterile the Porsche was in comparison, even though it is a very, very good car.

Yes, F-car's tend to be higher maintenance and it probably sounds a bit scary to the typical non-owner; but perhaps that's the beauty mark on an otherwise perfect face. Just make sure that you've got a bit put aside to cover the rainy day event and if it ever does happen, which is less likely with the 360's, then you'll probably be worried less about the expense than being anxious about when your "baby" gets back home safely, so you can see, feel and drive it again.

 

My 2001 360 Modena was essentially a trouble-free car. (I also sold a NSX to get it.) Even the 15K belt service was very reasonable in terms of cost. I'd say go for a 360!

 

I too had owned a Comptech supercharged NSX in the past, fun car, but nothing like the 360. Even the 355's I have owned although not as fast, were more car. You must do a Ferrari, your already hooked so get it out of your system. A 360 is the best Ferrari yet considering maintenance cost and what you will pay to buy one. The car you are describing sounds like the right car at the right price, with services done you really should have no issues. If you decide on another car the only caution I have for you is buy the right color combo. Stay away from the weird interior colors as they can hurt your resale considerably. Rosso Tan or Rosso Black are your best bet for resale, Titanio Black surely a close second or third. These cars are beautifull in any color, and if you buy an oddball combo knowing your going to keep it then it doesn't matter.

 

I too own a 996TT and 360. Nothing comparable to a ferrari, but it sure feels good after using the 360 all day to go back to the 996. Driving the 996TT on a daily basis is effortless. I get more enjoyment out of the 996 just because it can be used so much more. I wouldn't get enough of a "FIX" if I just had a 360, since It would get used 2-4 times a month; more than that the fun factor starts turning into a hassle.

 

Excellent color choice...the same as my F430. Are you in AZ? Maybe I'll see you on the streets someday...I'm in Tucson (Oro Valley). Congratulations on the purchase...you're going to love it!

Steve

 

Well done, you will love the car compared to the Porsche, one of our clients put over 20k miles on his (a 99 coupe) in a couple of years, the only problem was a blown exhaust gasket, which we got covered under federal emission warrenty. He drove the car 3-4 times a week to job sites and F-chat drives, service it regular and you should not have a problem.
Put an exhaust on it and 19" rims, and enjoy the best experiance in road cars!!

 

Congrats and welcome to the club Looks just like my 360, same color, 6 speed, etc. The 360 is a great car!

Ray

 

Congrats, been following your posts on 6sp. Glad you got it. My dad lives in Sedona and whenever I am driving the highways and two lanes of Ariz. I imagine I am in the 360 and what a blast I would be having!! Enjoy it and as far as one poster putting that any driving more than 2 or 3 times per month is a hassle, thats rubbish. I drive mine every few days and love every trip out. Use the car wisely, maintain it well and enjoy it. They love to be used, thats my experience of Ferrari's and sports cars in general.

 

congrats from a fellow NSX owner...well ex-owner for you..but now you have something much better.I would of done the same in a flash, if I was in that situation. Wouldnt think twice...good luck!

 

I too owned a comptech supercharged NSX. Fantastic car, but cannot compare to the 360. You'll see!