Progress report from first time Ferrari buyer (360) | FerrariChat
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Progress report from first time Ferrari buyer (360)

Discussion in '360/430' started by Camdon53, Sep 5, 2007.

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  1. Camdon53

    Camdon53 Formula Junior

    Jul 18, 2006
    507
    Texas, USA
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #1 Camdon53, Sep 5, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    After buying my first Ferrari late last year (’02 360 F1 coupe), I thought I would report my impressions for the first 8-9 months so perhaps others thinking about a 360 might see something useful in my observations.

    First and foremost, the car has been completely reliable and trouble free. I drive it 3-5 times a week, including 2-3 days to work. I’ve put 5,000 miles on it and already had my first oil change. I wash & wax it once every 2-3 weeks and I’ve given the interior several full Leatherique treatments so it looks & smells great most of the time. I get nearly 20 MPG cruising on the highway, 16-18 MPG in town, a bit less fooling around on winding empty country roads (wink wink).

    Driving –

    This is a real drivers car. Absolutely effortless and thrilling to drive at all times. A breeze to maneuver through traffic having instant (up to brutal) acceleration always available with the traction control killing any hint of fishtailing or other loss of control. Mid range torque is excellent (thanks to the cam variators) so downshifting is seldom needed for adequate acceleration. Feather light but rock solid and deadly accurate steering; instant and completely linear breaking response with no hint of swerving. The perfectly placed and shaped mirrors result in great visibility with no blind spots. This is absolutely the safest car I’ve ever driven.

    I know some prefer manual to the F1 transmission but I must report my F1 works even better than I thought possible. It is amazing how slick and versatile the darn thing really is. It does everything a manual does but smoother, faster, and with virtually no effort (apparently that’s the problem for some guys). There is talk the F1 is harder on clutches but my observation is that talk is mostly among people who never actually owned or trained to service a Ferrari F1. Among real owners and qualified mechanics the talk seems to be it’s no different than a manual and depends mostly on driver habits. I see several real advantages to the F1 and no disadvantages (other than personal preference) so I am more than happy with my choice.

    The only bad things I’ve noticed about driving are: (1) Because the car is so low, some curb bumpers, steep driveways and speed bumps are a little hard on the chin and belly (certainly not unique to a 360). (2) The car is so effortlessly controlled and safe under normal driving conditions that there is a tendency to forget extra caution under poor conditions (e.g., wet or gravely pavement). Therefore, I advise heightened awareness of road and general driving conditions so the inherent safety of the car is not cancelled by driver carelessness. In other words, the only bad thing about driving a 360 is it drives so good.

    Comfort –

    I’m over 6 feet and find some sports cars a little too “intimate”. The 360 interior is more like a full size luxury car with bucket seats -- plenty of headroom, legroom and buttroom. All passengers seem to notice the very high level of comfort along with the unobtrusive elegance of this car. I think the optional full leather coverage of my particular interior contributes greatly to this air of sophistication. Noise level seems just right – plenty quiet for normal conversation and entertainment without completely loosing the fun of 400 horses howling at full gallop once in a while.

    I find the electric Daytona seats to be a real plus – very plush and easily adjusted for maximum comfort by even the most particular lady passenger. The air conditioning is first class and has no trouble keeping everyone totally cool even in central Texas summer. The factory sound system and CD changer are perfectly adequate although driving this car is entertainment enough so they are rarely used.

    Audience Participation –

    Drivers around me often wave and take pictures but it’s such fun to drive that I seldom notice. For me the most noticeable fan involvement is during gas stops where people come over to express their admiration and ask questions. Interestingly, the great majority of these admirers are soccer moms in Suburbans full of kids. They always comment how great it looks and want to know if there’s a dealer nearby where they can go shopping. Apparently a skilled MILF hunter could do some serious damage in one of these. Of course these ladies never ask how much – only the younger guys and soccer dads ask that.

    Incidentally, gassing up presents the only 360 shortcoming I can come up with. Gas must be dispensed slowly to keep back pressure from stopping most pumps. I have identified several local stations and pumps which work fairly well but it does seem a little silly. On the other hand, that’s a pretty small price to pay for such an otherwise spectacular car.

    Conclusions –

    This 360 has been a perfect choice for my first Ferrari. If anyone is wondering whether the 360 lives up to its stellar reputation, I would have to give it a big thumbs up. A very sweet ride and highly recommended.
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  2. ferrari.ms

    ferrari.ms Karting

    Aug 6, 2007
    121
    USA
    #2 ferrari.ms, Sep 5, 2007
    excellent review. I hope that I get the similar enjoyment after 8 months..
     
  3. numisrx

    numisrx Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 4, 2007
    460
    Pasadena, CA
    Full Name:
    Wayne
    #3 numisrx, Sep 5, 2007
    Very nice review! It makes me even more anxious. I just bought a 1999 360 F1 and get to pick it up Friday afternoon! I anticipate loving it as much as you with yours. Glad to hear about the MILFS too!
     
  4. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
    Moderator Owner

    Jan 2, 2006
    8,162
    Wash DC area
    Full Name:
    Robert
    #4 E60 M5, Sep 5, 2007
    Thanks for taking the time to give a very comphrensive review of the 360. I would have to echo many of your sentiments, with the exception that you owe to yourself to find a track and drive the car there as well!

    Congrats on yours, love the red interior!


    Robert
     
  5. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #5 arnaget, Sep 5, 2007
    I love the color! azzurro california is probably one of my all-time favorite ferrari colors. particularly on the 360 spider, the color is just breathtaking.
     
  6. bounty

    bounty F1 Veteran

    Feb 18, 2006
    7,769
    San Diego, CA
    #6 bounty, Sep 5, 2007
    Interior really sets your car apart from others. Nice choice.
     
  7. bwiele

    bwiele Formula Junior

    Mar 21, 2007
    256
    West Harrison, NY
    Full Name:
    Brian
    #7 bwiele, Sep 5, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have a 2002 360F1 that I bought 6 months ago, and I agree with every word you wrote. It's a terrific first Ferrari. I'm really enjoying mine and I don't think I could have described it any better. Mine's Pozzi Blue on Tan/Blue interior, which I love. That blue on your car is awesome! Drive safely.
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  8. riis

    riis Rookie

    Aug 25, 2007
    14
    #8 riis, Sep 5, 2007
    I bought a 360 cs. 2 months ago.. Very god information - - Absolut excellent....
     
  9. FQ340

    FQ340 Formula Junior

    Jul 23, 2007
    342
    istanbul
    Full Name:
    ahmet
    #9 FQ340, Sep 5, 2007
    Perfect review, have to do one for every 3 month of ownership, will resolve most of "which one to buy, what are costs, how does it feel" questions..

    Its been 1 month till i got mine, and driven 300 miles and was thinking that i overdrowe it, but reading your 8m/5k miles values, is gonna make me go out more and enjoy the best car in the world that i'm lucky to own..

    1 life live it, dont save for the next buyer, right..

    cheers
     
  10. Tarek K.

    Tarek K. F1 World Champ

    Sep 7, 2006
    10,789
    Cairo - Egypt
    Full Name:
    Tarek K.
    #10 Tarek K., Sep 5, 2007
    Beautiful car Jim. Congratulations. Enjoy her and drive her in good health.
     
  11. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Nov 5, 2002
    8,489
    #11 Dom, Sep 5, 2007
    Thanks for the review. I found it very informative. Beautiful car, too!

    Dom
     
  12. tonyc

    tonyc Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2003
    1,650
    Monterey, CA
    Full Name:
    Tony C
    #12 tonyc, Sep 5, 2007
    Thanks for the write up Jim! Drive your beautiful car in good health! For some reason I get about half your gas mileage ....
     
  13. Financialman

    Financialman Formula 3

    Sep 8, 2005
    1,841
    San Jose CA
    Full Name:
    Dan Carpenter
    #13 Financialman, Sep 5, 2007
    Nice write up. I agree with your observations, and I love my F1 as well. I have averaged 9,000 miles a year so far in mine.

    Now about the MILF's, be careful my wife is one!!
     
  14. AlgaeHater

    AlgaeHater Formula Junior

    Sep 22, 2004
    321
    Bellevue, WA
    #14 AlgaeHater, Sep 5, 2007
    The gas fill up problem is common and easily remedied. Just move rotate the nozzle to the 4 o'clock position when filling. Problem should go away.
     
  15. Steveny360

    Steveny360 F1 Veteran

    Sep 5, 2007
    7,070
    #15 Steveny360, Sep 5, 2007
    Just signed up tonight. Wanted to let you know your post was very imformative. I will be buying a 360 sometime this month and your post set me at ease. I am the guy who drives my cars everyday and was a bit worried about the reliability of the 360. It was kind of a toss up between the 360 and the Gallardo for me. Thanks again.
     
  16. ferrarilou

    ferrarilou Formula Junior

    Apr 13, 2004
    513
    US
    Full Name:
    Lou Menditto
    #16 ferrarilou, Sep 5, 2007
    This worked for a while on mine, but in end I had to get to the root cause.
    In my case, the charcoal canister needed replacing. Also, one of the relief
    valves on top of the gas tank was sticking, so changed that also.
    With the two improvements, the car practically sucks in the gas now :)



    Lou
     
  17. Doug_S

    Doug_S Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2007
    450
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #17 Doug_S, Sep 5, 2007
    Everything you write was true for me also. However:

    After a few more months I have some gripes. The seats seem to be made of leather with no useful life. My 360 has 7K miles and the piping on both the driver and passanger seat is toast. An article said that a 360 purchase is likely to see worn side bolsters, thankfully not evident in my car yet.

    The low milage cult is a little wierd. Any dealer would tell you that a five year old car with 10K miles is likely to be better than a five year old car with 1K miles but the latter will sell for a premium. Seals, joints and engine benefit from some regular use.

    Because the car is treated like an heirloom, normal dings pings and scrapes loom large. I used the passive voice to not blam the owners for their obsession. Myself, I am a most reasonable person, yet I feel each ding nick and scrape.

    Oh yeah, everyone who visits me wants a ride in my car. Neat.
     
  18. numisrx

    numisrx Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 4, 2007
    460
    Pasadena, CA
    Full Name:
    Wayne
    #18 numisrx, Sep 6, 2007
    So what about pictures??
     
  19. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    9,259
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    Alex
    #19 Devilsolsi, Sep 6, 2007
    This post inspires me to keep saving for my eventual Fcar purchase whenever that may be.

    However I hate to nit pick, but isn't it bad to wax your car that often? Any detailers care to chime in?
     
  20. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
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    #20 Devilsolsi, Sep 6, 2007
    +1
     
  21. furious_ferrari

    furious_ferrari F1 Rookie

    Nov 25, 2005
    3,160
    Vancouver, Canada
    Full Name:
    Phil
    #21 furious_ferrari, Sep 7, 2007
    Great write up! Nice color 360!
     
  22. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #22 DM18, Sep 7, 2007
    Great post. First Ferrari is something to always remember fondly. F1 is fun and manual is fun. Purely a matter of driver preference.

    You must get a chance to experience the F1 Superfast on the 599. F1 is an area of constant progress. Your 360 is light years better than a 355 but the gap is even bigger between your 360 and F1 Superfast. And even that is out of date now with F1 Superfast 2 on the 430 Scuderia!!! Try lots of cars and experience as much as you can.

    But NONE will match up to your first Ferrari. I love your colour - great choice :):):)
     
  23. campbell53

    campbell53 Karting

    Oct 5, 2006
    96
    #23 campbell53, Sep 7, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I am also a new 360 owner. Your write up is right on! I can't believe I have this beauty in my garage. After a disappointing aquisition/immediate sale of a 355 Spider last fall (after undisclosed damage was found), I gave up on Ferraris. But a couple weeks ago I kept running into this car while messing around online (dangerous habit!) so it was apparently meant to be. Kevin at MVP did a bang up job on the inspection and a couple of small repairs needed. He made me feel very good about the purchase. I got it last friday and have been looking at the car in amazement/awe ever since.
    Specs: 99 F1 6200 miles sport seats shields
    Forgive the watermarked pics...I haven't taken my own yet.
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  24. FERRARI 9

    FERRARI 9 Rookie

    Aug 14, 2007
    17
    Philadelphia,Pa
    Full Name:
    Dave J
    #24 FERRARI 9, Sep 9, 2007
    Great review.You answered a lot of questions i had in my search for my first Ferrari.Enoy,and drive in great health.
     

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