Looking to buy first Ferrari- What to Look for?

430

The 360 still has timing belts which have a service interval and is the most expensive regular maintenance on a 360, the 430 has timing chains with no service interval (that I'm aware of) which reduced the cost of maintenance.

Other than that big difference the 430 is a faster, and updated version of the 360 for the most part.

 

related:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313384

 

Take a good read in the 430/360 section of all the pros/cons & buying guides

 

You're better posting this in the 360/430 section where you'll get more eyeballs.

In general, the 360 is cheaper to buy but has a bit more maintenance than the F430. The biggest difference between the two are the engine (they are completely different), the body styling, and the electronic controls. Some improvement in the gearbox shifting speed of the F1 system is also an F430 benefit. The F430 has a revised interior but some will say one is better and someone else will disagree.

The F430 is faster and more sophisticated, but both are fun to drive.

Some of each came with Carbon Ceramic brakes. In both they were a rather pricey option. On all Ferrari's of 2008 and later they are standard. Some will say they are good, some will say they are too expensive for what they are.

Your biggest decision is coupe vs spider (coupes are more popular for tracking) and F1 vs 6 speed manual. Both have pro's and con's and there's equal arguments on which is better. It basically comes down to personal taste. However, it's more difficult to find a manual because they are about 10% of the population out there.

What you want to look for are mileage but more than that, maintenance. Check that the proper service has been done by either the dealer or a well known Ferrari/exotic independent shop.

Next, if you find a car you like, have it inspected by a shop independently. You'll pay for this to be done but it can save you a ton of money later. They should look for problems but also damage from accidents and the general condition of the car. It's no guarantee that the car won't break down next week but it is some assurance.

Both the 360 and F430 are pretty much without a major flaw. One flaw they did have is with headers breaking but most have been fixed under warranty.

Look for all the tools, books, and key fobs. Believe it or not, the replacement key fobs are very expensive.

Both are reasonably reliable. Parts are not hard to get but are not cheap. Insurance is not necessarily expensive. Annual maintenance can vary but I would say between $1100 to $1500 a year would put you safety there.

If it breaks though... that's another story. It can be painful.

Color combo can be another issue if you're picky. Obviously, most were picked in Rossa Corsa but black was also popular as was yellow and silver. There are lots of colors if you look around though. Interiors had all sort of options including the popular Daytona seats, sticking, piping, Carbon Fiber details, and stereo options. Most of them came with standard "star" wheels but Challenge wheels were an extra cost option.

So, that's a start. Again, post this in the other section and I'm sure you'll get more advice.

Good luck with the search. I can tell you it's worth it.

One last thing is that it would be helpful to other Fchatters if you filled out your profile information. Sometimes where you are in the country has an effect on what we may recommend or who we suggest you to see.

 

Good reply!

 

Agreed. I think he has it covered.