well guys, I think it might be time to make the jump....

The word here is that the 360 is chepaer maintenance wise than the 355. If you check with the delaer, I think you will find the 360 is also pretty expensive to maintain (about even with the 348). Supposedly the big advantage is that you can remove the firewall so the engine does not need to be removed for a major service. I think they charge a hefty price because they know a new car owner has the money to afford it.
BT

 

I looked at 355s as part of my Ferrari search.

I think the 355 was Ferrari's first really electronics-intensive car, so the power tops on the Spiders can be fussy, ditto the engine computers. The 348/355 interiors weren't top quality, and there are issues with melting interior pieces and dash leather shrinkage (probably will happen to most cars, though). There are issues with cracked headers on some 355s, although many have had this design flaw corrected. Parts costs on the 355 are no bargain -- there's another thread on here about a $13,000 F1 gearbox pump, although admittedly these aren't prone to fail -- actually, they should be prone to theft...

That said, all Ferraris have their foibles. Search the 348/355 forum for the ups and downs. I would worry about what someone on here called the "oh crap something broke" incidents more than the scheduled maintenance costs which by definition you know are coming. (Psychologically, I'm at peace with spending $4K every few years on a major because I knew about it when I bought the car...)

The 360 was beyond my budget, so I didn't look at them. However, it does have a reputation as a fairly reliable car. If I had the bucks, I would probably take a 360 Spider 6-speed over a 355 (and I love the looks and the sound of the 355.)

 

I agree with Bullfighter.
The 360 is a bit easier to work on. That being said, it is still a Fcar and repairs are expensive. Repairs are always something we think about with these cars. My 328 was in great shape, but that was because I took good care of it and didn't abuse it. I drove it hard at times, but not all the time.

No judgment here but.... It's very easy, if you are constantly stomping the guts out of your car it is more expensive to own. If you race it or track it, it's more expensive to own. It depends on how you want to use it. I am certainly not suggesting you don't get all of the pleasure out of pushing the car hard at times but it seems my friends who constantly beat on their Fcars are always the ones with the highest repair bills. Also, try and find a GOOD independent Fcar mechanic in your area. The dealer guys are great. There are certain jobs that the dealers seem to have exclusive reign over, for example. Repairing the 360 spider top. They have a computer that calibrates the switches and scynronizes the mechanism.
An independent mechanic can do most other service. This will be a huge savings to you.

Also: PLEASE have a proper inspection done BEFORE you make your purchase. I am not suggesting the car has to perfect. On the contrary, some cosmetic or mechanical problems can help you negotiate a much better price. I am saddened when I read a thread about a person who has bought a car from a picture, without a PPI and discovers some expensive problem upon delivery. It is risky enough buying an AS IS used Fcar.

To buy a used Ferrari without an informed inspection by a person familiar with Fcars is for someone who, to quote my friend "finds the gaming tables in Las Vegas, not challenging enough".



Regards,

Stew

 

The 355 is a terrific car, but I went with the 360 and have loved it. My maintenance costs have been negligible. Even the 15K service was very reasonable. The car has performed flawlessly. Reliability is not a problem at all. Try it -- you'll like it!

 

I wonder how many other people in the states have thought the same thing. Is there any question F1 in the US helps Ferrari's sales?

Camron, when you finally make a purchase, post pictures. Take your time though.

-F

 

I have a 360 and used to have a 355. I do/did all the work on both myself. I would say the 360 is a more husky well built car. It just strikes you as more massive.. more like a tank. The 355 was a good car, but the 360 is just put together better over all I think.

360 is nice because you can do the belt without dropping the motor.

Ray

 

one thing to consider is the 360 is still dropping rapidly. the money you lose in one year of depreciation may buy you a new f1 pump on a 355. if your looking only at the financial end of things. which in ferrariland is an exercise in futility.