My experience owning a Ferrari 360 Spider F1 after 7 months of ownership

First things first. My intent for this post is to share my experience. Im not here to argue with anyone nor am I stating this is the norm for these cars. ‘Posting just to share my personal experience with my 360.

I joined F Chat about 8 years ago. I have always dreamed of owning a Ferrari one day so I joined here in 2006 and just started reading. I didn’t post much, just reading & educating myself about these cars as I plan on making my dream come true one day. I learned here that these cars are very expensive to repair and maintain so I started saving money not just for the car purchase but also for maintenance and repairs.

After owning a few BMW’s (including an M5 and two M6’s (coupe, then convertible)) I decided early this year its time to make my dream come true.

My dream car that I can afford was a 2003 360, I wanted a convertible with an F1 transmission. I wanted red exterior and black interior, low mileage and in pristine condition. I also wanted one with Tubi preinstalled already as I love Tubi exhaust (I had them on my M cars), upgraded stereo system and aftermarket wheels as I am not a fan of starfish wheels.

Early Feb this year I found a 360 for sale in California that met my criteria. 2003 Spider, F1, pristine condition inside and out, very well cared for, all service records included including window sticker price, Tubi exhaust, aftermarket wheels, etc with only 10,000 miles. Very reputable seller, carfax checks out, PPI done by the Ferrari dealer in San Jose and passed PPI with flying colors. Clutch life was at 49%.

The car was driven mostly in California stop and go traffic, hence the reason for medium clutch wear.The only thing it needed was wiper blades and new brake pads to which the previous owner took care of before I took possession.
After phone negotiations we agreed on a price, I flew to California, the car checks our as the seller described so I bought it and drove it back to Seattle with me. What an amazing drive back. My face hurt from smiling. Driving experience on the 360 is just phenomenal. Especially I drive all my cars the way its designed and meant to be driven.

Just like any other car I bought in the past, first order of business is an all fluid flush. Took it to the only dealer in Seattle. That was $2K for an all fluid flush. Again, I knew going in these cars are expensive to repair and maintain so I accept the costs. Don’t have much choice as not very much reputable F indy mechanic in Seattle area available.

A month after ownership I smelled gasoline on the passenger side. Back to the dealer. Dealer stated your right fuel pump is cracked and needs replacement. They stated this is common to these cars at this age, plastic parts do fail due to not only age but also extreme temperature changes. That was $2,500.00.
A month later wipers quit working and I get a hood ajar light. Back to the dealer. Hood latch mechanism failed. Its actually the micro switch only that failed but its replaced as an entire assembly. That was $500.00.

Last month I smelled gasoline on the driver side. Sure enough, left fuel pump failed this time, and their leak test also showed 2 of the 4 roll over valves are cracked. So I told them to go ahead and replace the driver side fuel pump and replace all 4 roll over valves. Dealer said Capote Roof has to come off to replace the roll over valves on a Spider. That repair was $4,000.00. So in 7 months ownership I have spent almost $10K in maintenance and repairs.
Again, not complaining, and I am not saying this is the norm either. Just stating facts and sharing info and my personal experience.

I love to drive. Driving relaxes me so I drive my car every chance I get. In 7 month ownership I already put almost 8,000 miles so my car now has 18,000 miles. Note: the car was not abused by the previous owner. It was driven in stop and go traffic in California. At 18,000 miles my clutch wear is now at 80% and the car starts to pop out of gear at high RPM gear shifts. New clutch is between $6K - $9K as quoted by 2 Ferrari dealers and one independent mechanic. I will be getting my clutch replaced soon.

Once more, I am not stating my experience is the norm for these cars, nor trying to scare anyone from owning one, each car is different, and I knew going in these cars are expensive to repair and maintain so I am prepared for it and I accept that the dealer prices are high so I just pay it and I just keep making the money to sustain my passion for driving. Yes I do get the FCA 10% discount so that pays for sales tax.

Summary: I love my 360. The best car I have ever driven and owned. The smile this car puts on my face every time I drive it is priceless. Everything I spend on her I consider money well spent. Just like the money I spend for my wife and son = worth every penny.

Peace to all of you.

Dan
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Thank you very much!

Dan

 

Thanks Kevin!

Wife and I are going on vacation next year to Hawaii. Lets try and meet up for lunch or dinner. My treat!

Dan

 

Thank you very much for sharing your kind thoughts.

Dan

 

Thanks Deepak!

Dan

 

Thanks!

Dan

 

Many thanks Keith!

I have family in Raleigh. Next time I visit them lets try and meet up for lunch and talk cars. My treat.

Dan

 

Unfortunately the indy shops closest to me is 3 hours away and they charge just about the same as the dealership.......

Thanks for chiming in.

Dan

 

Hi Raj,

Many thanks for your kind words.

I hear you on parts ordering. Every time my car needs parts the dealer tells me it takes 3 weeks as it comes from Italy. They said they can expedite the parts delivery for an additional $300.00 to which I politely decline.

Dan

 

Your lucky, there's not very many indy mechanic hear that works on Ferrari AND owns either an SD2 or Leonardo.........

Take care.

Dan

 

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Congrats on your F430! Hopefully my next car is a F430.

Dan

 

Hi Ron, it appears when clutch life reaches 80% its time for a new clutch as that's the time it pops out of gear.

Can you share which shop replaced your clutch?

Ron Tonkin Ferrari of Portland and Craig of The Jag Shop both quoted me the same figures. Around $7,000.00.

Dan