Need help with choosing a Ferrari

Buy a B with a 6 speed.

No pros and cons, you'll be happy!

 

I can't speak on reliability or insurance for I am not a Ferrari owner.

I can really only give my two cents regarding looks...if you are looking at 355's, the spyders with F1 will be the most expensive...Personally I think the best color combo for a 355 is yellow over black. Also regarding the looks category, I like the GTS model the best on a 355. Seems like you get the best of both worlds.

I don't know how old you are, but being 21, if I saw someone roll up in a yellow 355 GTS..oh wow, I'll leave the graphic detail out. See Jay-Z's music video "money aint a thang" for ref.

Good luck and welcome, I am new too, you can learn a tremendous amount on these forums.

Isaiah

 

Have a long, hard thought about 512BB

 

Why not try older Ferraris just to get use to driving raw cars with low tech before moving up and I think you will enjoy and appreciate Ferrari more.

 

I have never owned a Ferrari but I am learning a lot about them. I have ridden in a 355B, 550M and a 512BBi. I don't know how much you know about Ferraris but, they all feel and sound different. When I rode in the 355B and the 550 Maranello, I couldn't believe how cool the gear shifter sounds when you shift. It make an awesome clicking sound and I don't know why but, it enhances the experience so much. The 512BBi is older and it doesn't make the same sound when you shift but, it's more like a muscle car. It's way louder than any 355 I have ever heard. The Boxer (512BBi) is a pretty rare car and the last production Ferrari to have a race engine. If I had $100,000 I would definitely consider the Boxer, carbed or injected.
If you choose the 355, I would get either a GTS or a GTB. I'm scared of cars without roll bars or any head protection.
I would suggest that you go to a local club event and talk to some owners in person.
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I agree.
My first Ferrari was a then modern 308 car. After getting deeply into Ferrari I learned that I am most interested in vintage cars and have no desire what so ever for a newer car. So spend some time at events and looking and driving and find out what cars you are most interesed in.

 

Don't spend 2k renting just go to a ferrari event/show and you will be able to get rides in about anything.

 

If you don't like heavy control...355 B with 6 speed is the best.

If you can live with heavy steering, odd gear change when cold, and love the classic look, how about nice 328 and have spare money for service and a few trips to take your car to.

 

I was looking at "other" cars (Porsche, Corvette, Noble, Lotus) and had a similar budget. For an F-car, I never considered anything else but a 355. I love the looks. I bought my car about 6 weeks ago. Its a GTS. I like the fact that it is almost as rigid as the Berlinetta yet you can easily take the roof off and have a nice convertible without the real hassles of the convertible. The 6 speed is more work than any other car I've driven and the clutch is pretty heavy (although a Porsche GT3 has a similarly heavy clutch). Its not a car you'd want to drive in stop and go traffic. The F1 is easier to drive but there are 2 bad things about it: 1) it can eat through clutches and 2) it can have problems which are costly to repair. I figured with an F-car repair bills 2 to 3 times a normal car, one less problem would help so I opted for the 6 speed. If you want to send me private email, I can give you all the details of my search experience.

Scott

 

hmmmm....it's sorta like saying you are considering eating an orange, apple, cantelope or watermelon...it's entirely a subjective thing and way too individual in taste for anyone else to help you with.

Given that, I'd suggest a 355 spider w/6-speed Many people will argue that your first Ferrari should be a 6-speed, I agree: unless you plan to be competitive at a track, the 6-speed with cost less to buy, maintain and it offers a more fullfilling "hands-on" experience...what with the "drama" of working the gate and that classic metal-to-metal chirp as you shift through the gears.

As for models, I've heard and agree with the notion that you should buy the newest/nicest Ferrari you can afford....here again the 355 comes to mind.

Here's the thought that will likely have many f-chatters nodding their head in an affirmative manner: if you live in an area where you could not frequently have the top down in a convertible, then save a few more bucks and wait for an older model 360 Modena to come along, you can find some higher mileage ones being blown-out in the 115-125 range. Frankly/admittedly, the extra $20k you'll spend in moving upto the 360 will be saved in valve-jobs, cats & manifolds in a 355....word!

If, however, you live in convertible-friendly weather conditions, the 360 spider is still in orbit and the 355 spider is your sure answer.

 

I prefer the GTS of the three 355 models listed. You get the open top experience with (almost) the looks of the GTB. If you do not feel the open top is important I would definitely go with a GTB. I prefer the looks and experience of driving a regular manual so I would go with the 6 speed. If you are going to track the car, the F1 may be more appropriate. If it were my money I might look at the 512TR since they are in the price range you mentioned. They are a very refined version of the 512BBi. My dad had both the Boxer (512BB) and an early Testarossa. I definitely prefer the TR. The boxer is too loud, and rough for my taste. My $.02.
BT