Dream turning real 308 or 360

The 360 is much more modern and more "drivable" on a daily basis. The AC works better, it has air bags (read; safer), and is far more reliable. The 360 will run cooler, look better, much less prone to rust (aluminum body on an aluminum frame), and the 360 is much faster.

I owned a 1981 308 GTBi for two decades, loved it, but the 360/430 is a much better machine. As is the 458 to the 360/430. I drive my 430 daily with zero fear of breakdown, cold AC, no rust, and a smile from ear to ear. The 360 is nearly as good in many of these regards because the platform is very similar. The 360 has a different engine all together with external belts requiring an extra few $k to have changed every few years, but dont let that stop you.

Maybe you should try this post in the 308 section , we here are biased, as they will be.

 

I've had my 308 now for 8 yrs and loved every minute of it and now I'm steppin up to a 360 I would go the 308 first, you have a lot to learn and you will enjoy the journey. Good luck Mate.

 

I am not an expert on the 360 but I do not believe the spider prices will move all that much in 10-18 months. Five thousand dollars either way will not make a big difference in buying a Ferrari. If you are that close to buying your 360, then buy it. Are you expecting prices to move $20K down?

 

I just bought my first Ferrari, a 360 Spider.

It's worth it if you can swing it. That said, I do NOT believe there will be tremendous price changes in the 360 in the next 6-18 months. Many will tell you these cars are essentially "depreciated" to their maximum, and now will sink only due to mileage/condition/service history. I've been trending this for years, and it has essentially flattened out changing only maybe a thousand dollars here and there - a drop in the ocean.

What WILL change is inventory. Your job is to *WAIT PATIENTLY* until the right Ferrari for YOU drops into your budget range. For me, that took about 11 months of patient searching.

But it's worth the wait. If I had to choose between a 308 and a 360 (knowing as you have admitted that they are two totally different cars) I would choose the 360, all day, every day. It's an awesome car, even for one being as old as it is. It's still very special.

Edit: Oh yeah, and welcome to F Chat!!!

 

Yeah, not much movement in price will happen over the next couple of years. Use the bank's money instead of your own!? I have offers for 1.9% loans from my credit union all the time. Go for the 360.

 

Take a look at my 360 price analysis thread (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/411316-360-price-analysis-june-2013-a.html) You'll notice the range for Spiders and as others have noted, the prices are no longer dropping like the 430 (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/411425-430-price-analysis-june-2013-a.html). The only (small) changes in relative prices are for seasonal reasons (i.e. summer) so you may want to wait until after summer to buy a Spider if you want to save around ~2-5K.

 

Get the 360 now. You'll have less down time, less maintenance expense, more pure enjoyment. A lot of us make the mistake of getting a car we consider transitional. If your end goal is a 360 and it's within your means today, get it today.

 

I also used to have a 308QV, love to get another one. But why wait if you want a 360, doubt they'll get much cheaper. I saw a 15,000 spider with all service done and records for mid $80's. Can't get any better than that. One thing I'll say though, at least you'll get great air conditioning with the 360!

 

Wait. Get 360.

 

Consider woodside credit. They'll do you a 10yr note which works just fine on a fully depreciated vehicle. Ask for Antonio Saba.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

 

The AC on the 360 really is superb.

 

I currently own both, a 1985 308QV GTS and a 1999 360 coupe not spider. They really are completely different cars. Lately I have been driving the 360 more, but the 308 is still a blast to drive.

I do admit, sometimes I kick around the idea of selling the 308. Then I come to my senses... If you can swing it and you have the garage space I highly recommend owning both.

In my case I also own a DeTomaso Pantera, so with the three I actually need to make time to play with them all. Sometimes it can be a chore, but it is a good problem to have.

 

Don't launch it until you own it. That's about it.

 

Get the 360, it will be worth the wait!

 

You mention that you are trying to decide between a 308 now or a 360 spider later, when funds permit. But the 308 GTS is not really a full "convertible" in the way that a 360 Spider is, so why not consider the '99 or 2000 360 Modena which can be purchased for around $20K less then the 360 Spider and is actually faster?
If you find that financial considerations point you towards the 308 option I would suggest another choice: The 328 which is a much nicer Ferrari to live with then the 308, the clutch is lighter, the gear change slicker, the A/C much better and it is a little faster. Lastly, what about a 348 spider or 348 "serie speciale"? Both of these were greatly improved over the unloved earlier 348's and are currently less expensive then 328's.
For some help in considering your various options I would suggest buying two publications [If you don't already own them] 1. "Original Ferrari V8" by Keith Bluemel [I believe out of print but available used on Amazon. 2. "Ferrari F355, F360, F430 Portfolio" by Road & Track and available from Brooklands Books.
Good luck with your search, every Ferrari is terrific in its own way.

 

I would look for a 308 gtb qv w/ a euro front spoiler...that is a sexy looking machine!!!!

the interior is also jewel like. a really great 308 will always make you look back as you walk away from it!!!!

 

As far as test drive advice goes, just be a gentleman, and realize that this is someone's special car, and miles are a bad thing on Ferraris in terms of reselling them.... generally....

I NEVER test drove any 360's until I found the exact one which I intended to buy from the private seller. He was so nice, let me drive it right away.

But, up until that point, I only ever asked for "test rides" in cars I wasn't totally certain about. That way, I didn't impose as much on the seller. Asking a man to drive his Ferrari isn't really being a pest...

Just learn as much about the cars as you can - these forums (and their new owner buyers guides!!!) are pretty much invaluable. You need to learn about the potential maintenance issues (ALL of which are documented on these forums, you just need to search) and the costs. Be certain you can not only afford the car, but also a major repair bill if it goes kaput on you.

Good luck.

 

one thing to consider is how much you will drive the thing ? a 4,000-6-000 mile a year garage queen or a driver ?

If you are going to drive, get the 360, if you just want/need a garage queen get the 3x8.

I wanted a 328 for decades but when the time finally came to pull the trigger, I realized that while the 3x8 is very reliable, the 360 is daily driver quality and I pushed a little to get the 360. I had to finance a small part with PenFed, it took me almost 7 months to pay that loan off and I don't regret the 360 AT ALL.

As for test drives, I did not drive a 360 until AFTER the papers were signed, I had the owner take me for a drive. But I drove LOTS of 3x8 over the years.

 

If you buy the 308 now, you will spend money maintaining it that you could be saving for the 360. That will delay your move up to the 360. I would wait.

 

buy a 328, better styling slightly less maintainence.