Best value for first timer, ditching the Viper

+1

 

I have read some idiotic things over the years on this forum but this may have just jumped right to the top of the list.

 

^^^^ Son of BabyBoo????^^^^

 

My vote would be for the manual transmission.




PDG

 

Agreed.

I have owned both the 328 and the 360. Slow V8 = NO V8?

 

Its a personal choice. Drive as many as you can when you find the right car you'll know it.

 

What he said.

I'd vote 328. Yes, it's older than a 360 (but newer than a 246) -- for some of us, all the analogue stuff, compact cockpit and taut proportions are what make for a cool car. And... you probably won't lose much if any money when you go to sell. It's modern enough to drive whenever you want, but classic in the right ways.

When you consider a 360, the F430 (with timing chain instead of belt) seems like a more debugged and refined version (and it's not cross-eyed). That would keep dissuade me from buying.

But, 328 or F430 would be the two I'd consider.

 

So true. Driving my Viper several months ago and hearing a 360 Modena with Capristo exhaust in front of me on the highway (chance encounter) reminded me that I'm a Ferrari guy deep down

 

60k for a TR seems optimistic to me. The 348 is always overlooked and not sure why. I think they are great cars- mix of modern and old. fast and not spendy right now

 

Ah, one of my favorite quotes of all time, and also commonly cited as:

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

- or sometimes as -

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and prove it."


No matter.....words of wisdom, to be sure.

 

You have to try both, because they end up feeling like totally different cars.

I like manual, because to me that's what driving a sportscar 'is.' Not that I can't enjoy a paddle shifter, and I concede that it is faster, but I don't necessarily find that more fun. To get the same sensory stimulation with paddles you have to get much closer to the edge of the car's limits.

Try a 550 before you buy. It might push $70k for an earlier one rather than $60k, but that is a lot of car.

 

360 with a Tubi. You will love it. I did.

 

I took "Slow V8" to mean he owns two Chevy Vega's.

 

Not really. SlowV8 = banned V8.

 

328

360

550

...depending on how much you have to spend

 

On these forums you'll put a well intentioned post saying something like (in bold of course shouting) I ONLY HAVE $60,000 TO SPEND. Invariably, some nitwit will post "Well you should buy a 458 or 430 because they're sooo much better." Duh. What part of $60,000 budget DIDN'T you read? Is someone going to sell their 430 for $60k? What if the person doesn't want to save for another 7 years and would rather be driving a Ferrari. Always gets me...

The 360 (and I'm biased) has the most modern performance, amenities, reliability, feel, looks etc. for the price. And I bought mine with a manual for under the number you mentioned and have had no problems with it. You can find an manual 360 for that price point. I searched for over a year.. but it can be done.

That being said, now that I have had my car over 3 years I find myself looking at 348's, 328's, Testarossas, etc. While "slower" and not as modern, there is something there that is appealing. The 328 is a rock solid car that quite frankly I'd get in a heartbeat. It's not all about power. I think I could own a 328, 348 or Testarossa and be very happy... btu I think it took my 360 to get to that point.

 

Granted this is a Ferrari forum and the comment against the 3x8 was pretty strident, but I have driven them and am also not a huge fan. They really are pretty anemic in comparison with almost any modern car, and I am even including 6 cylinder Japanese and domestic sedans. I can't speak to reliability having not lived with one, but IMO they primarily offer an iconic look, a nice sound, but I would worry about maintenance costs. I suspect that the reason used Ferraris are so relatively cheap is upkeep and that is definitely true for the 355, which faces an absolutely idiotic engine out service for cam belts and seals every few years. So whatever you get I'd leave a significant cushion in reserve for upkeep.

I also suspect the 360 is the best option, as my understanding is that it never needs engine out routine service and it is modern enough not to be a shocking disappointment in performance compared to a Viper. FWIW I own a 2001 Viper and 355 as reference points. The 355 is a lovely car, but won't come close to running with the Viper (and yes, I am counting stopping and turning), and is a complete ripoff when it needs anything. I should have my head examined for keeping it! If I had to choose just one, it would have to be the Viper.