Newbie Questions re: Ownership, Expectations and Recommendations | FerrariChat
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Newbie Questions re: Ownership, Expectations and Recommendations

Discussion in '360/430' started by Porscheracerboy, Jul 3, 2005.

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  1. Porscheracerboy

    Porscheracerboy Rookie

    Jul 2, 2005
    5
    Katy, TX
    Full Name:
    Joe Toussaint
    #1 Porscheracerboy, Jul 3, 2005
    Apologies to all if this topic is archived somehwere. If so, any help getting directed to the right place would be appreciated.

    As an owner of several P cars (996, 993TT, 993 C2, 944T and 3 race cars - GT3RS, GT3 Cup, 993 RSR) and even a Corvette Z06 (which I loved as much as my 993TT), I've been lusting for a Ferrari. I don't know anyone who owns one so I don't have any good insight. I was hoping this board would be kind enough to provide its collective wisdom :)

    I'm interested in either a 360 or 550 (yes, I know they are different). Pros and cons to ownership of one v. the other?

    What should I expect in terms of driveability, reliability and maintenance?

    Can these cars be reliably driven daily?

    What are the "issues" to be aware of for each car? Model year issues or differences?

    How much more maintenance do they take than a P car? How much more expensive? How much more difficult to get parts, etc.?

    What is considered high mileage? What is considered too much mileage? Is too much mileage a resale issue or a reliability issue or both?

    What color combos should be avoided?

    What are the issues with Euro spec cars? Should they be avoided completely?

    How difficult are these to sell? Best avenue for resale? Time it takes to sell?

    How much of a hit should I expect if I sell in 1 year, 2 years?

    What is the discount to asking price these cars sell for?

    Any recommendations re: service providers in the Houston, TX area? I personally prefer independents but am open to the board's experience.

    Thanks so much!!
     
  2. riverflyer

    riverflyer F1 Rookie

    Nov 26, 2003
    3,583
    Mendocino, Ca
    Full Name:
    John
    #2 riverflyer, Jul 3, 2005
    Joe, sounds like you have had some great cars. I am sure Ferrari ownership will be a thrill nevertheless. Performance wise, some of the cars you listed will leave all but the Fsupercars in the dust, but will not offer the overall thrill of the fcar, imo. I have a highly modded pcar that will walk the 360 esp. in tighter situations but it rarely leaves the garage, even when it is my intention to drive it! I get out there and its like I lose all self control and the next thing I know, I am in the ferrari and warming her up.
    It like great sex, even when you try and avoid her, she has your number and the lust always wins out, eh?
    Anyway, try searching the archives on your questions and you will get days of reading. Just keep trying different combos and all your questions will come up answered I believe.
    As a quickie though, I have owned both(550 and 360) and my feeling is this; the 550 is a wonderful cruiser with unbelievably deep and usable torgue and is one of the best buys in the used car market, period. If you have lots of open roads and like to go fast and cruise there, can't be beat. Where I live the roads are mostly tighter, curvier and the weight of the car, like many 12cyl, became an issue and detracted from the enjoyment sometimes.
    Enter the 360.
    Mine is a euro and had all the options I wanted. Bottom line for me, it was cheaper to get into, had all I wanted option wise and color wise and since it was out of warranty, made no difference in servicing. I will get less when selling it, but in the end, it all evens out and I have less money tied up in the meantime. Plus, and this is big, the car weighs almost 200 lbs less than US counterpart, which plays right into wanting a more tossable car. Hope that helps and enjoy the board. John
     

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