Need to learn the tricks before buying... | FerrariChat

Need to learn the tricks before buying...

Discussion in '360/430' started by clarkinaussie, Dec 20, 2009.

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  1. clarkinaussie

    clarkinaussie Rookie

    Dec 20, 2009
    1
    Hi All

    Hoping 2010 will be my year and I will purchase my first 360.

    Haven't decided between manual of F1 but I'm thinking manual.

    Realistically I'm looking between a 2001 - 2003 model.

    My worry is ending up with a car that is going to cost a fortune in repairs etc.

    All I know so far is to check for service history, last cam belt change and clutch change.

    What else should I look for and look to avoid?

    Appreciate your help
     
  2. delta2210

    delta2210 Karting

    Aug 15, 2009
    128
    Las Vegas
    Full Name:
    Jason
    Even though prices have come down, try to find a shop to get a PPI done. Cost is usually around $550 USD here in the States. Don't know about Down Under.

    I had one done and everything checked out fine and the car has been straight. Some other posters here have had them done and uncovered significant problems.

    Ferraris seem to have a number of irritating problems that crop up and irritate you, like gas caps that have to be just right, cheap sensors that go on the fritz, gas gauges that are not terribly accurate, etc. But, these are just aggravating and are the nature of Italian cars. The problem comes in when you find out that the car had a major accident, a dodgy transmission or weak compression test. If you have not driven one of these cars much, you will not pick it up on a ten minute test drive. These kind of problems are expensive.

    I have had my car about 5 months and feel like I know it, but it has taken awhile. I could tell now if it was not running right pretty quickly. When I first got it, no way. The cars are so fast, that even running poorly, they impress a person, unless they have driven other similar cars (Lambos, etc.)

    I would have a professional check it out, as they can tell those kinds of things. Good cars may be selling in the $70k USD range now, but a major transmission repair can set you back $5k. Major engine problem is $10k. F-chat is good, but an experienced mechanic looking at the car is much better.
     
  3. ttdang123

    ttdang123 Formula Junior

    Nov 28, 2009
    706
    North San Diego CA
    Full Name:
    Tung
  4. m.roberts

    m.roberts Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2009
    907
    USA
    Are you set on the 360? How much are you wanting to spend? There are lots of deals out there right now if you are flexible on what you want.
     
  5. blackbolt22

    blackbolt22 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 25, 2007
    5,808
    Boca Raton, FL
    Full Name:
    Mr. Anderson
    First, decide bt manual and F1. Best way to do this is through a test drive. I knew F1 was not for me right away even though initially I was all for it. Manual transmission cars are much more rare and will make your search more difficult and lengthy.

    I started out looking at 360s also but moved on to 430s as the prices have fallen and that's what I recently purchased. The 430 is more cost upfront but maintenance is less; no belts to change.

    I never considered owning a Ferrari bc of tales of exhorbitant maintenance costs and poor reliability. That changed with the 360 and the 430 is even better. Still will cost a lot to repair so be ready for that. If my car is constantly giving me a headache with excessive mechanical failures, I will sell it.

    I talked with a 360 owner and he told me about this site. The search button is your friend.
     

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