Looking to be a First time Ferrari owner

Looking to buy my first Ferrari. I was thinking between 360 or f430. I do know that the 360 require a timing belt service and the f430 is a chain drive. I like to hear from Ferrari owner the pro and con of the two. I like one that will be less maintenance to upkeep. I know you guys will probably say the f430 due to no timing belt service. I lived in Houston and would like to chat with other as well. TIA for any feedback.

 

You could do worse than read this recent thread and then some of the many others with 360 & 430 in the title http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/551296-budget-bordering-between-360-430-spider.html

 

The major service costs are almost negligible at this point IMO. The F1 430's are $20-40k above the 360's (6 speeds are completely different market and all over the place in terms of price). The 430 is still depreciating while the 360 is knocking on the upswing. The 430's have their own issues (headers, etc.). Get what you like, they are both going to cost you $$$ in one way or another, either by depreciation, services, age-related issues, Ferrari-related issues, etc. Buy what gets your heart pounding.

 

I wanted a 3-pedal Ferrari. No other choice for me as my first. 430s are cost-prohibitive and honestly I don't like the rear profile....So, it's 360, 355,348 etc.

The 360 styling is the 21st century Dino. I love it more and more everyday I see it in my garage and twice as much when I drive it. The original 21st century Ferrari, and still the most beautiful of the mid engine V8s IMHO.

Plus, it's the best deal in the Fworld at the moment. Sooo much exotic for the money right now, especially for an F1.

Obviously I'm partial to the 360, but if you find a good one and care for it, you won't regret it.

 

Where?

 

288 and Beltway 8

 

I'm not a fan of the 430's rear end either. It reminds me of a mud skipper with its eyes poking up from its head. It's also visually busy.

On the other hand, a 360 (with or without a Challenge grill) is "pure" as a steed from Maranello. But I do prefer the Challenge grill because it provides a better color balance on 360s that are not painted black.

 

Especially on the Rosso and Giallo cars the chanllenge grill is essential. Really adds contrast to the back. I'd say it's a must have mod.

Also replacing the stock muffler would be another =)

 

That's right where my son lives (and a million other people it seems). If you want to drive over to League City, you are welcome to come look at my F430 and kind of get a feel of what it is all about.

 

This is such a personal preference though. When I look at a 360 I think it looks very dated compared to the 430??? Both have a very iconic Ferrari look.

You will also get more performance out of a 430, plain and simple.

Both are great cars and ownership of either one will be satisfying IMO.

 

Get the one you like better. Maintenance should not be a deciding factor if all other factors are equal. Condition, mileage. etc.

Unless it's truly about speed and acceleration the 360 will be a lot more bang for the buck provided you actually like the 360. I've had mine for ~ 3 years and even including replacing the clutch, Upgraded TCU, new brake pads, new master cylinder and ABS pump, rebuilt A/C compressor, full annual service and a Major with belt change and a new battery. I am pretty much with maintenance right where everyone told me would be the norm.

Now keep in mind my car now has a belt service lass than 3 months old, a clutch with 97% life left. brakes with over 85% life left and the new parts above. Provided something catastropic doesn't happen then the next three years should be MUCH less than the first three and even that was just 12.5k. Maybe even just 1k a year for the annual.....

People make WAYYYYYYY to big of a deal about the belt change. Especially if you are in SoCal now like I am. Great indy shops are plentiful and it's really no big deal at all.

It sounds like you are well off but not uber wealthy where money doesnt matter. I think IF you like the 360 then you will enjoy it a lot more as you will be in it for a lot less and can just care free drive it

New Clutch - 5k
New TCU for 2004 model for my 99 - 1.2k
Rebuild AC Compressor - 0.6k
Annual Service - 1k
Major Service with Belts, etc - 1.8k
New Battery- 0.1k
New Master Brake Cylinder and Rebuild ABS Pump - 1.8k
New Brake Pads - 0.4k

~$4166/yr but i have a car that will not need a clutch, brakes, belts, for at least 4 years

I anticipate just annuals at 1k and a new set of tires during this 3 year period so if i forecast that out it's about 4k over the next 4 years. Double that for BS that will invariable come up and that's 8k over the next 4. At that point i'd be into it for 20k over 7 years or a little shy of 3k a year......I may get lucky and only have to spend the 4k and then it would just be ~2300 a year

Anything can happen of course but i believe the 3k / year barring a true catastrophe is spot on. Then people whine about the belt service but here it's only 800 more than an annual and you only need to spend the extra 800 every 4 years so it's actually only 200 bucks a year. If that is considered a lot more expensive to maintain than a 430 then buying a Ferrari should not even be on your radar..............

 

First and foremost get the one you like best. Don't worry about what other people think. No one outside of the Ferrari world will be able to tell the difference between the two.

The 430 is an all around better car. The 100HP difference is definitely noticeable. However you will pay easily 20K more for the 430 so is that worth it, well only you can decide.

I have a 360 for two reasons. 1) it's a 6 speed manual. 6 speed 430's are out there but good luck finding and paying a reasonable price for one. 2)I personally like the smoother look of the 360 vs the 430. I especially like the back of the 360 way better.

In the end, find the car that best fits you.