Model suggestions on my first Ferrari

If you have to buy a 355, do so.....just keep in mind its complicated to buy and service. A 360 would make a great first exotic.

 

+1

 

+308

 

Joined FChat last year looking for info on Ferraris. The first couple of months thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but the more research I did the more I changed my mind. Price was not an issuse, more about the style of the car. At first it was a 360, then 430 but kept coming back to the 308 and 328 GTS. Everyone has there own opinion but if you're driving the down the road and a 328 passes you, you know for sure that is a Ferrari. Some of the later models, to me look to similar to to many other cars. IMHO. FChat guys please don't crucify me for my observation ��. Thanks to all of you here on this site, after many months of note taking I've decided that for me a 328 GTS 88 or 89 is exactly what I want and have aggressively started to look for one. So long story short take your time, talk to people on this site. You will not find more information on Ferraris anywhere in the world.

 

Anybody have knowledge of this 355?

1995 Ferrari F355 GTS For Sale In Twinsburg Cleveland Akron SWITCHCARS INC

 

And color?

Rossa Corsa or Roosa Barchetta?

 

360 is a great car. My Modena F1 was my first Fcar, i purchased 2 years ago, and I tell you, this car will be coming to the grave with me.

If you opt for an F1, and its an earlier model with an older TCU, have the CS TCU fitted.

And have the stock muffler changed for the factory racing exhaust.

Those 2 updates will transform the car entirely. Other than that, leave it stock and enjoy it.

 

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Maybe a change of wheels?

 

Personally, I like the OEM starfish rims. I think its a large part of the 360 look.

1. They are fairly light compared to other rims such as the 19inch CS wheels that are popular. Why increase unsprung weight ?

2. They are extremely easy to clean.

3. The higher profile tyre is an advantage for additional comfort, especially over crappier roads.

4. From a side profile they dont look too bad, given some 458s are fitted with starfish rims, (albeit bigger size), I personally think it has given these a breath of fresh air.

The only downside is the lack of tyre choices and tyre compounds compared to a 19.

 

For a first time Ferrari owner it all comes down to why you want to buy a Ferrari and why you want to be an owner. Many owners love to work on their own cars while others love to flash their vehicles.

Here is a pro/con list:
308/328
Pro:
-ease to maintain and doesn't require a lift
-least expensive at the current market
-classic styling and iconic due to hollywood
-services and components are cheaper
-classic car insurance
-fun in the corners

Con:
-A/c keeps your knee caps cold
-R12 is becoming very hard to get
-Depending on your body build, seating position is not the most comfortable
-will not be the fast car on the road these days
-window regulators typically are sluggish
-need to be aware of wheel and tire sizes

348
Pro:
-step up from previous generation
-very mechanical (suspension and steering)
-pocket rocket
-replacing clutch is inexpensive

Con:
-a/c head unit is becoming hard to find (many have electrical issues)
-one timing belt
-subframe must be dropped for service
-waterpumps non-rebuildable
-seat belt tracks are annoying
-typical owner cannot do the major service at home

355
Pro:
-great in the corners
-one of the best sounding engines produced from Ferrari
-A/c works
-6 spd
-electronic suspension
-pocket rocket
-5 valve head
-ease of replacing clutch
-cam seals do not require cam covers to be removed

Con:
-subframe must be dropped for service
-timing tensioners are expensive compared to previous models
-double of everything
-electronic suspension
-5 valve head
-sticky buttons
-F1
-typical owner cannot do the major service at home

360
Pro:
-any one can drive it
-great in the corners
-F1
-5 valve head
-major service can be performed in the car
-traction control
-timing variators

Con:
-electronic suspension cannot be rebuilt
-replacing clutch is expensive compared to previous models and typically 10-15,000 miles for F1 car
-18,xxx produced
-very electronic (2 engine ecus, 1 tcu, air bag ecu, etc)
-tensioners are expensive
-cam seals require cam covers to be removed
-typical owner cannot do the major service at home
-timing varaitors

I could go on about the pros and con for each but it comes down to your personal preference for Ferraris. The most important advice I can give you is take your time to find the right one. The classic car market is hot right now so you'll see many vehicles for sale. Some are pristine while others will need work. Have a PPI done to be sure the money you are about to spend goes towards something you will enjoy and not be upside in. I have seen too many owners buy on impulse and become disgusted with their car and experience.

I always tell anyone looking for a Ferrari, "anyone can buy one, not many can maintain one". These are similar to race horses compared to the mules of Honda and Toyota.