My First Ferrari - 360 Spider 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Exactly one week ago I finally took the step of buying my first Ferrari. I'm in the automotive business and have been interested in cars, motorbikes and anything else mechanic for as long as I can remember, so here's my story on getting my first, but hopefully not my last, Ferrari

Every now and then I purchase a cheap car and flip it. Many of those deals have helped me save up for the Ferrari. In addition, I run a webshop that sells custom fabricated spare parts for motorcycles and mopeds - although this is more of a side-business.

I wanted something affordable, something that was serviced and well-maintained and something "classic." Once I focused on the 360 Spider, I briefly diverted and looked into the possibility of getting an F430, as, where I am located (Zurich, Switzerland), both models - 360s and F430s - are "readily available," for a lack of a better term, and priced nearly the same (the F430s are about $10'000 to $15'000 more expensive).

I did the usual research on buying an F430 and 360. Much of the useful information came from this site (thanks guys!). I rented an F430 and looked at a few of them. I actually only looked at one 360, and that was the one I bought. I felt that I didn't need to continue searching, as I think I found the right car and I felt it was a good buy.

I bought the car with 61.850km, or 38.500 miles. It's a 2000 model (according to the paperwork), but the car was only registered in mid-2001.

The thing that really made me pull the trigger on this 360 was the extensive service the 360 had as well as the immaculate condition it is in. It had a big service just over a year ago (April 2016), and when I say big, I really mean major (pretty much exactly $10'000, when converted from Swiss Francs, and that invoice actually includes a 35% to 50% discount on most parts and labor - I received the paperwork from the garage in my research prior to buying the car). All this and more was done at 59.000km, or 36.600 miles, so right before I bought it (kilometer-wise):

• clutch replacement
• flywheel replacement
• transmission serviced fully
• timing belt
• front bumper resprayed (stone chips)
• various seals and o-rings were replaced
• the usual oil and oil filter service (5W-40)

The clutch replacement is what really pulled me towards this car. Sure, the timing belt replacement is also nice, but I knew I had to deal with that at some point down the line.

The previous owner was a known figure at the Ferrari dealership that did the last major service. He was never easy on them, called them about any issue and small detail, and always made sure the car was perfect - this also helped me with my decision. I'm a manager at an automotive store myself, and I know how annoying some customers can get, but in this case I'm glad this Ferrari owner was so persisten

The car has the Challenge grill. Unfortunately, the badges on the fenders aren't the embedded badges, but I can live with that.

Some questions from my side:

• Is the rear diffuser on my car original, and/or were they ever factory delivered in body paint?
• I am planning on doing an oil service myself. I am planning on using 0W-40. Current oil in the car is 5W-40. Am I running any risk by changing it from 5W-40 to 0W-40? The oil that was used during a summer service years ago in 2012 was 10W-60.

Anyway, time for some pictures:

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Thanks Marin. I sent you a message.

Also, I don't see there being much of an issue with the oil, just wanted to ask you experts. The car manual states that 0W-40, 5W-40 as well as 10W-60 are all fine to be used. I'll be performing the oil change myself this coming week, if I find time.

I already checked this before I bought the car I will probably opt for a Capristo (level 3 with valve remote) some time down the line.

 

I feel the same about the interior! I saw pictures of the creme, but like this darker tan color a lot more, especially with the black as you mentioned.

The stickiness of the plastic hardware is mainly found on my steering wheel housing panels. The window buttons are fine, as well as the control units in the center consol (including the plastic covers and panel). The AC vent on the far right is starting to get sticky now, after I wiped down the dashboard today. I better stop touching the plastic