Current Market and Entry Level Cars; 348? 360? 430? Thoughts appreciated

The 458 link is a listing for a 348.

 

I’m no expert. I started with a 458.

The 360 and 430 are generally considered the first new generation Ferraris: aluminum bodies, more easily serviceable, lower service costs. I think the 360 is beautiful, but the 430 has some improvements and more power. The 348 will be considered older gen with higher major service cost. Not necessarily a bad thing. There are cars out there where the service has been kept up with and have had a recent major service.

The advantage of buying from the dealer is some cars are “Ferrari approved” meaning they have a 2-year warranty. The other advantage is starting a relationship with the dealer if you ever want to order a new car.

 

I think all 3 are pretty depreciated already, so even if market drops further, I can’t imagine you would lose that much. I’ve never driven a 348 or 360, but I bet all have their individual charms. In my mind it depends on how modern and how much power ur current Porsche has, and if it will be your only sports car.

I personally don’t think there is any advantage of buying these modern classics from a dealer, unless u are trying to establish a long term relationship to eventually get the newer cars.

 

I'm a slut. The F430 is a better car in all respects. But, but, a F360 with a tubi ripping through the fog...

 

I am also quite promiscuous.

 

Some say a F355 sounds better. I dunno. But it is hard to beat a F360 ripping off in the fog.

 

Rule number one for buying a Ferrari. There is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari. You're gonna pay and pay and pay. The only question how much fun will you have for the buck.

 

I felt the exact same way when I bought my first Ferrari, and moved past the hesitancy really quickly.

All I can say is that when I owned Audis and bmws, all the service visits and few hundred dollar repair costs here and there really irritated me. My 575 and 430 have been expensive to own to be sure, but for some reason it doesn’t bug me at all to have several thousand dollar service costs every once in a while. The joy I get from them are worth every penny. They are works of art, look, sound and feel amazing, and I love being connected to the history of the marque.

if my financial situation ever changes, sure I’ll sell them, but will still feel the satisfaction I fulfilled that dream.

 

You have it figured out.

 

Which car do you truly love of the 3? you already know, you don’t need to ask us. Buy it when your ready.

 

It’s all psychological. I don’t mind a thousand here, a thousand there on a classic Ferrari or Porsche, but whenever the DD needed tires it was somehow irritating.

Of your list, the 348 is the simplest, classic, and the F430 is fast and computerized. I would go 328 for a reliable classic, or F430 for a more modern car. Some guys don’t like classic cars, so ask yourself whether it’s a weekend fun car or if you need more amenities and technology.


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I agree a 328 vs 430 as a classic vs newer (but still old car) comparison is the better fit given the relatively reliable (with no regular engine out services) nature of the 328.

 

F430 gets you the best Ferrari for the money and the depreciation will be limited.

 

What Porsche do you own?

For me the real question you need to answer is do you want a gated car or paddles?

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So do you want a gated shifter or paddles? I really think it’s the primary decision you need to make with buying your first Ferrari.

Convertible or berlinetta?

Are you focused on the mid-engined car? (So not a Maranello, etc).

/

 

I had a 2015 Boxster S, stick shift, which I traded in for my 2009 F1-430. I looked at a couple 360’s and my friend owns one. I chose the 430 because I didn’t want to spend a couple thousand dollars every 3-4 years doing the belts and I wanted the most updated Ferrari I could afford. The 458 was out of reach for me. My friend and I go for drives together and I sure enjoy being behind him and listening to his car go through the gears.

A lot of the routine maintenance you can do, which will save a lot of money.


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For me, a lot of it is the esthetic appeal also...the 348 has the heavy 80s vibe/styling, the 360 lines flow better and sleek, the 430 is where Ferrari started going the overall flow of things/design is lacking, almost like a lot of the styling nowadays where separate teams are in charge of designing different sections of the car...front, back, side (think C8 corvette)

 

Styling is always subjective … I greatly prefer the F430 to the 360, especially from the front, but I agree the C8 Corvette is a mess.

OP will make up his mind, though.


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I edited the thread title from 458 to 348

 

348 is a money pit for the performance it delivers. I know 'cos I had one for 3 years.
360 is as reliable as a Honda, blast to drive, seems to hold value well..... just a great car. I've had my '99 gated coupe for 6 years now. Other than maintenance, zero cost issues with the car.