$100k budget means a $80-85k car in most States, as with tax license you are near or over $90k. This leaves around $10k for any needed maintenance, repair reserves, paint touch up, and wheels/tires/clear bra, etc., or little things most cars need or you want. So OP really is looking for a 80-85K car. Telling him to stretch to 125 or 140 is not realistic, and he would again need 5-10% above that for inconsequentials. A nice well sorted 355 or 360 is what I would do if mid engine V8 is target car......
I too always loved the GT/4 -- I know this is cliche' but man - I remember just 4-5 years ago you couldn't give these away, I wish I had the extra money back then to pick one up....I see them regularly going for triple of lists prices of what I'm used to.
+1 That V12 is a beast. I drove one in the shop while at Sphere and even though it was auto it was a true GT. It had a very special feel about it and I became smitten with it. The 550 was nice as well but it was no 456GTA.
I'm quite happy with my 456GT. Don't get onet if you want a sports car: it isn't a sports car. It's a GT: a handsome, luxurious, quick, good handling gentleman's mode of conveyance.
IMO, "Best used Ferrari for under $100k" is a no-brainer, all things considered: 3-pedal 360 Modena...
365/400/412 manual transmission. No belts, plenty of torque, just modern enough but still Enzo era. I wish I had picked one up ten years ago.
Always love/loved the 400 series. Back in the late '80s there was one I spotted every day (could almost set your watch by it) and pictures do not do it justice in my opinion.
If you can find manual 360, then go for it, but I wouldn't dismiss an F1. As a new F-Car owner, because you plan to drive it, the 360 is the better option over the 355. The 355 may appreciate, but the engine out and maintenance will probably void any gains on value. But I would drive the two. I prefer the size of the 355 over the 360. I had a 348 for about six years, sold it with $25k+ in repair bills, and was left stranded a few times. The 355 is better than that, but you never know. I've had the 360 for 1 year, and I have $600 annual service bill. The 360 seems to be a more usable car. In terms of performance 355, 360, 430 ... you'll hardly tell the difference on the streets, IMO. Yes the 430 is quicker, but the experience of the cars seems to make them feel quicker than what they actually are (not saying they aren't quick).
Buy a well-sorted and high quality 360. Don't stretch into a 430 or you increase the risk of getting a problem car that hasn't been properly maintained. The debate over 308...355...458 basically comes down to (1) cost; and (2) the balance between old and new. Old has more visceral, analog feel while new is increased performance. I believe the 360 is a great entry point to Ferrari ownership because it balances these two experiences very well. It's a great starting point and you will get a feel for whether you prefer to go older or newer after that. Buy the F1. The MT cars are essentially collector cars at this point with the premium you pay. Upgrade to a CS TCU and it's a great experience. Not the same as the gated shifter (which I love driving) but still awesome in a different way that you may come to appreciate. Or if not, pay the difference and swap into a MT in a year. Barring a complete market meltdown (very possible), the 360s should hold their value pretty well and *generally* should bring lower risk of major repairs than anything older. 456 is a totally different experience but great car if you want more of a GT.
What does a CS TCU set you back roughly ? Is it a plug and play option or a lot of labour involved? I have a F1 so would consider as an option.
If you want something today, a well sorted and gated 355 for around $65,000. Should leave you money in the bank for any unexpected repairs or regular maintenance down the road so you don't push your budget. If you max out your $100K budget just purchasing the car, you will quickly get into a hole with unexpected costs. A well sorted 355 at $65,000 leaves you a lot of room. I've had mine for 3 years and I'm about $8K in upgrades and repairs. That will increase when I need to do the major service. I believe the 355 to be fully depreciated as well and should hold its value over the short term and eventually appreciate. 360's are still on the decline. Today's $90k 360 is next years $75k 360 + any repair and maintenance costs. You could also consider the well sorted 328 that I have for sale for $75K.
+1. Love the 456. Gated/Blu Pozzi over cuoio or red leather would be perfecto. I'd also vote for trying to find a 308 GTB if possible, a 308GT/4, and of course I love the Mondial!
Dave: I paid in that range for a dealer install, but there are other options if you can do some of it yourself. Look up Eric who does reflashes of your existing unit for a fraction of the cost.
High-mileage F430 F1 for $95-99k is far and away your best bang for the buck. Great driving experience, relatively low running costs, no need to worry about miles.