I think at this time the better VALUE is the 360. That being said, I purchased a 2007 430F1 with 6100 miles in December 2012. I have put 2000 miles on it in 7 weeks. The car is amazing!! I think I made the right decision for me. There is no wrong answer to your question. You need to figure out what works best for you. Good luck!!
I faced the same dilemma a few months ago and ended up buying a sweet 2005 F430. I did test drive a 360 and it's a neat car, but I preferred the F430. However, as you point out, the cost difference is pretty significant. I would not base your decision on what you might do in six or seven years. As one person said, "live for today." A 458 is a nice goal, but several things in your life could change by then which might make buying one something that you can't or don't want to do. This is really a nice problem to have because you will be happy with either car, as I would have been.
I was faced with the same dilemma 2 years ago but I solved it with an alternative solution. After driving both cars I found that the rear 3/4 view was poor on both cars and made changing lanes on LA freeways somewhat difficult. So the answer, for me, was a 360 spider. To my delight I found that the rear side view is much better on the spider even with the top up and of course vision all round is excellent with the top down. The 430 spider pricing was much more than I wished to pay and had much farther to depreciate. My view now is that the 360 spider is miles more fun then a 430 coupe and is maintaining its value better than the 360 coupe.
Really? The delta from a coupe to convertible all things equal (condition, mileage etc) is slightly smaller now than when I bought my coupe 3 1/2 years ago.
If not already broached ... you can get a low mileage 2004 360 for well under $100K. A low mileage 2005 F430 is over $100K. If money is not problem, I would go for the F430. In my case, the F430 was over my budget and I opted for the 360. I got my baby in September and have been very pleased. I believe that regardless of your choice (360 vs 430), either one of those cars will reward you. Steve
You can't go wrong with either choice. As has been pointed out, the 430 F1 is superior and will probably cost you less money over the long term, tending to reduce the difference in your investment. The 430 is also quicker of course, but (opinion coming): the 360 looks better and sounds better.
Still up in the air. I'm finding 360 Modena's (2001 to 2004) in the $75,000 to $95,000 range and F430's (2005-2007) with 15,000 plus miles in the $105,000 -$135,000 range. I set a limit of $80,000 - $85,000 for 360. If I can't find a clean no story one , I will go with a 20,000 plus miles F430 and shoot for $105,000 to $115,000 range. I totally agree, but out of my price range right now.
430 no question about it... Better performance... Better looks... More modern design... And chain driven cams... Plus we have that little switch on the steering wheel (manatino) that can change the mood of the car gotta love that!
I vote for F430. I have a scud but I test drove a great 09 430 with CCB and black and red interior and that car was awesome.
Love both cars but.....spending $40-$50k for what is very close to the same car (in my opinion)... go with the 360. Get a cherry 360 like I got last year and forget about it! My 2002 has 6k miles and is in mint condition. Looks like a new car right off the showroom! You can get one in the $85 range easy!
I would go with the 360 if you plan to trade up in the next year or two. You will have a blast with either one. Save your cash for the car you plan to keep forever. Who knows... getting the cheaper of the two now might allow you to keep the 360 and the future 458 ... Not a bad compromise. Good luck!
if you live in CA (or states with the same law), when you trade up to a more expensive car, you have to pay tax on the whole purchase amount, not the difference. Know the law in your state. If you plan to trade up within a year or two, consider leasing the car so you pay a whole lot less taxes.
