Softly in the market…but my wife has a point

i'm in memphis tn and have a 2006 F430 if you have any interest.

 

Just want to reply simply for the sake of seeing someone willing to let you do this. I posted many months ago the same question, in the subforum for my region and while no one offered me the ability, I never was criticized for asking either. Serious props to you guys. As for Matt, you're going to love the 430. When I bought mine I didn't even get to test drive it but when the feeling is right, you know. Once you find the right example just get that pre purchase by whomever you trust and then enjoy it!

 

There are others that can speak on the difference, I certainly can't. When I started looking I went to my local Ferrari dealer as they had a 355 and a 360 that I was interested in, the guy told me if I can do the 430, immediately go to it instead. With that said there are many here who actually prefer the 360, so it's just personality and what YOU like the most. I knew that maintenance was a factor for me. 6 fluids every year or two is absolutely nothing in the overall picture of ownership. Not that adding the timing belt and components on the 4th or 5th year is a gigantic deal, but for me it's just one less thing to need to worry about. Good luck with your choice and we look forward to having you here full-time

 

As both a Gallardo and a 360 owner, I'll tell you, they are very different cars. Gallardo is edgy in many way, taught, tight and brash. The 360 fits like an old shoe, so easy and familiar, you slip in and out. The 360 has much more space for a getaway weekend with the Mrs. On the other hand the Gallardo has one cup holder; albeit awkwardly behind you. Here's a video a local YouTuber did...

 

Lol my wife will not drive in my F430 but thinks the Gallardo is a doll. 04-05 Gallardo are different than 06+ but I also run a manual F430.

Later Gallardo are so smooth and relaxing and quiet. Shocking to read the feedback. Gallardo have heated seats, large nice audio screen often with bluetooth and 06+ front raise for entry to restaurants/navigation of speed bumps. AC works well and passengers can easily sleep on a road trip.

Only negatives are a very heavy feel from the AWD and zero storage space. On a trip I would prefer the F430. If softly in the market for a car to keep the wife happy and maybe make some money get a low miles 996TT.

 

Fwiw I didn’t test drive either of my cars and am happy with both.

are you looking for f1 or manual? It will make a big difference (imo) when you test drive one

 

Bought my F430 blind without ever driving one. Sometimes you just know it’s the right thing to do. I mean, has anybody NOT enjoyed driving a Ferrari?

 

My buddy has a 2002 F1 360 and we would go on drives together when I had my Porsche Boxster. I loved driving behind him to hear the shifts. When I was able to buy my Ferrari I chose a 430 because of the timing belt costs every 3-5 years on a 360. I know it’s only every 3-5 years but he spends several thousand dollars each time and complains about it. Neither of us are rich, we’re both retired so costs definitely matter.

I still love driving behind him because his 360 sounds better than my car.

 

Put a Kline or Valvetronic exhaust on your 430, you may not say that anymore...

 

The 430 I recently purchased has fabspeed headers and the rest is stock. The sound is very very “CS like”. Cold startups are borderline obnoxious. lol

Anything less than my Plaid just feels slow so sound and simply owning a Ferrari are the only two things I really care about.

 

Yea, I live in California. Enough said

 

And? I have a Kline. There’s no law against replacing your muffler. Headers are a different story, but easy enough to replace those as well without issue.

 

Those that have a a 360 will say a 360 is better and justify why, and those with a 430 will do the same.

However, the 430 is a better car in everyway, and with the right exhaust / headers (the headers you will want to change anyway if they are standard) sounds even better than a 360!

 

You will find the 360 easy to diagnose and work on. It’s a bit of a mix of a kit car and race car but in a good way. It was designed to be serviced.

 

I've driven a 458 but not a 430. For me even after driving the 458, I'll still stick with my 360. Over 6 years with my 360 F1 and I still cannot see why I would "trade up"-- not even to a 458.

The 430 was for me simply a warmed over 360 as I didn't see it as a new blank page for Ferrari. More angles to the body (which for me ruined the sinuous flow of the sexy curves of the 360), a slight bump in HP, and IIRC more digital dash readouts.

The 360 does everything for me a street sports car needs to do-- and I've had more than a few. Mods are fairly easy to make and it "feels" and handles like it should with lots of driver feedback.

Drive both and then decide.
IMO, a well maintained and cared for 360 is a real bargain now. And to add, after over 6 years of ownership of my 360 I can still sell it for what I paid for it-- despite I don't intend to sell it for quite some time if ever. But of course resale value is a factor for most folks.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

 

I'm just south of Nashville in Arrington, TN. have a 2003 gated 360 and would be happy to let you take a spin to see what you think. let me know if you ever get down towards Nashville. The country roads around here are pretty good, but I usually avoid the freeways when I can due to pot holes! this was my first Ferrari, bought it 6 years ago sight unseen and had never driven a Ferrari. Best car buying decision I ever made!