Opinion on my first Ferrari, F430-360-California or 575???

1st and most important question is ... manual or auto ?
Cheers
Steve

 

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/help-best-entry-level-ferrari-100k.625171/

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f430-vs-california.660254/

MAny similar

 

Go see my post on the last page of “which Ferrari is most fun to drive” thread.

You have 3 different types of cars called out and you need to narrow it down for people to assist

 

Of the 3 you mentioned, definitely the F430 if you plan to track. You'll only be able to get the F1 in the price range you quoted (at least here in the States, not sure about CHF)

The 360 is great, but I personally prefer the driving dynamics of post Dino engine.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Simple explanation: For many MANY years, Ferrari used an engine design that Enzo’s son, Dino, contributed to - and it’s often referred to as the “Dino engine”.

The engine in the F430 was a new design, developed jointly with Maserati and used by both marquees.

All props to the Dino design - but technology moved on - as it has also since done from the F430 engine by now as well.

Kevin

 

The 360 is the ugliest car to ever come out of Maranello , so dont waste your money. The 430 is a much better machine , so is the 575. Unfortunately , the insane greed in this world has people demanding 100k more for manual gearboxes. Make sure you buy a machine that has had all the poor build quality issues sorted , one being , the interiors falling apart, or just buy a 328 and be done with it.( pre Ferrari poor build quality era ) Dont buy a California either, V12 is the only way to go when it comes to a Ferrari with the motor mounted in front. You may also want to consider a 550 if you cant make a deal on a 575 . I would stay away from soft tops, they all have poor build quality issues as well. You may ask why I say this, I say these things because Im in So Cal, and I have been to numerous Ferrari shops and have asked a lot of questions as to why these Ferraris are in for service, lets just say, its kind of appalling all the **** that breaks on the Ferraris built after the 348.

Big G

 

Im not sure why Ferraris poor build quality started with the 355, all I can think of is, greed. Dont shy away, just ask a lot of questions and buy a Ferrari that has been properly sorted. Some on here may disagree, I have always been interested in maybe buying another Ferrari in addition to my 328, and so I would have to say, I most likely will not. I cant afford a newer one with a factory warranty, and frankly, the 360 / 430 / 550 / 575 are all old cars and they will cost some to maintain. My next sports car will be a Porsche , I can keep my 328 , and not have to spend money on costly repairs on a modern one. The Germans build a better car than the Italians, so do the Japanese, etc, etc. My friend in CT has an 08 twin turbo and it has been pretty reliable now with almost 100 K miles. I have heard good things about the 430, the motor is very reliable, but there are some other issues to be aware of, such as the interior parts coming unglued, problems with the soft top mechanism, same with the 360s . Overall, I have seen fewer V12s in the shops than the 360s and 430 s . The 430s do not have timing belts, so thats one thing you dont have to deal with. You will also have to deal with F1 gearbox issues on these older cars as well, so make sure you ask a lot of questions about them being in good operable condition. If you can make a deal on a manual gearbox, thats the way to go 1000 % . Go to a Ferrari shop and ask questions about the different models and what to look out for , set up a PPI prior to purchase. One thing is for sure, the Ferrari driving experience cannot be equaled in my estimation . F Chat is also a great source for info, but actually going to a shop and asking question about the cars they are working on in person is the best way in my opinion.


Big G pr

 

WOW alright ... someone is 'opinionated'
I and thousands of Ferrari fans would wholeheartedly disagree with that 1st sentence, in fact I personally believe the 360 CS is one of the most beautiful Ferrari's they ever built !!

Insane greed for manuals ??? ... uuuhhhh ya, simple economics ... supply and demand, like everyone else this is exactly what I wanted and I was prepared to pay for it. I chose my manual 360 over both an F12 & a F430 for the manual because I personally 'believe' the 360 is one of the last 'true' beautiful cars to come out of Maranello AND I wanted a gated car, does that make me greedy ???

Cotschen, do not be swayed by silly outspoken opinions such as this speaking specifically to design or looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only you can chose a car that makes you excited every time you walk into that garage and see what you have purchased ....

THIS is the reason why I and many others buy a Gated 360 ... It's FUN



And for your $110K ... find a GOOD 360

Cheers
Steve

 

If your budget is really $110k US, there won’t be much to choose from in this inflated market. 360 and 430 in automatic, 575 maybe (but I don’t follow that mkt), California T possibly. The others (including 458) isn’t happening anytime soon.

And look, nothing wrong with staying with Porsche. A solid GT3 can be as fun to drive as any Ferrari in your budget. A 996 or 997 Turbo can be modified into monsters. Aston Martins are fun to drive, as are Lotus and you could buy a new Emira within your budget.

 

I have no idea on the exchange rate, and you indicated US Dollars in your post.

 

Honestly, if you are looking at a semi-modern ferrari, and u aren’t a diy guy, +/- 30k in budget shouldn’t be the deciding factor. It can go away in the blink of an eye for unexpected maintenance.

I was lucky and spent very little in maintenance for my 575 and 430….until last couple of years. Just for the 430 I racked up $30k for routine maintenance and wear items. Major items included switching oem headers to capristo, engine mounts, ball joints, leaking fuel line and blown shock strut. Shocks are a LOT pricier than I expected!

Yes, Porsche is definitely the rationale choice, no question. Ferrari is a passion. If u don’t have a model that u are inextricably drawn to, the juice may not be worth the squeeze.