1st Purchase Advice

In most cases you’re not going to have to spend megabucks to maintain the car to own it and drive it. It depends on two things: YOUR preferences and the need for records for a future sale. If you’re one of those owners that needs everything to be perfect on the car. Open the wallet. You can find things that aren’t perfect on a 20 year old car to change and replace. Little engine ticks can convince you to spend thousands. If you need records for resale when you expect the buyer will ask for them, well that’s going to be fluids every year at the minimum to “show” you took care of the car. Then the question is.. was the work really done? Even at the dealer. I see those costs and just laugh. That’s dealership digging into the owners wallet. Get an independent who knows what they’re doing and don’t bring the car in unless you have to. I do work on my own car and I brought my car into my Indy 4 times in the last 9 years for three things: belts, a clutch, and needed to know which suspension sensor to replace. My estimate is $1-2k per year. Most of mine is with the clutch replacement at $6400.

 

Certainly a difference in belts vs. no belts for maintenance. Looking over the past 10 years of the 360/430 sub-forum specific to maintenance the F430 comes out the clear winner. There are less surprises with the F430 when it comes to break/fix and wear items. Parts will only last so long naturally and some of the weak points between the models addressed by the factory.

I can deal with the F1 replacement cost. Having a new clutch in my F1 recently before I bought it was the best way to future proof myself for regular wear items. My knee would not enjoy adding yet another 6spd to the garage so I educated myself extensively as F-chat and internet would allow into the F1 systems as I plan to keep the car as I get older. A gated F430 would be double what I paid for my F1, even less than a gated 360, so to your point that's a lot of clutch changes or oops money.

In Denver, we have two very strong independents, Bill Evenden and Jenni Helms daughter of the late Dave Helms. The car will be in good hands. The oldest lesson on F-chat is not just where to find the car you want but how you can fix it when it breaks. I can do a little of my own maintenance like fluids, plugs, coils, and inspections.

 

What? When? Why? No !

 

Maybe it was her brother's death that I read about, might be it. Jenni runs the shop now.

 

Market is softening, you can find them in the 150-160K range, not converted, factory gated F430s. There was one on Autotrader last month, another on E-bay, and I think a gorgeous F430 6spd berlinetta in Tour de France was listed here on F-chat.

 

I have a CS since 2012 and all it needed up to now is regular services. Including belt change and yearly services I think it didn’t cost more than $1500, 2000 tops per year.

 

I consider it healthy exercise. A car that lives more on the track goes through more consumables. I would be hesitant to take a low mile care to the track or anywhere for that matter until proven.

A majority of my service records are from Owner #3 that actually drove it, the other four owners didn't and thus servicing info sparse.

 

I want to say that Ferrari designs it's cars for a few days a month at the track. I track day or so wouldn't sway me personally. What you're buying is that hunk of aluminum, rubber, plastic and leather that sits before you. What condition is it in NOW and how will you work with that car? It's not new, it's not under warranty, it's a used car that will likely have some issues in the past. Some you can't escape. No matter what the inspection, a bad cat ECU or suspension sensor will sneak up on you. What you don't want is the big stuff.

 

I know what your thinking and your right....BUT.....you HOPEFULLY (and I FOR SURE) drive these cars like the race cars they are. Stuff breaks...I guarantee you drive any other Ford, GMC, Porsche, Saab, etc the way I drive my 360...stuffs gonna break, probably more than my 360 (although maybe cheaper to fix). If you baby it your cheating yourself. Cheers!

 

Yes, you can get a great F430 F1 or even a 458 for a low cost but then you need to think about if you want a manual or F1 car. These are very different driving experiences. If you like manual, then your options are 360, 550 or a f430 but you don't want to pay that much. So get the 360, you will love slamming those gears. The car seems well sorted from the dealer. I personally would something with higher miles and a drivers car. Good luck. Pull the trigger and enjoy it!

 

No history before 2017
Bonnet issue
No PPI

I would walk ,these cars are not rare, sit on your money and wait for those Daytona seats/Challenge grill etc to pop up.

Just treat it as a learning experience.then you will be prepared when the right one comes along.

 

How about this one ...ticks a lot of boxes.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/2003-ferrari-360-spider-gated-red-tan-perfect-serviced.615659/#post-146999953

 

Spider must be great in Tampa. Top down n Tubi! You can drive it for a couple of years and still be at lowish mileage <20K

 

They won’t budge on the price and they won’t let a third party inspect it..... Why exactly are you talking to these people?


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I do not know this car but it IS in Florida. At $75,000.00 it is verrrry fair if in good shape.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/2001-ferrari-360-spider-f1-one-owner.616050/

 

It seems strange they wont allow for an independent PPI... I've never had an issue with a dealer letting me get an exotic sent out for 3rd party inspection. I would wait for exactly what you are looking for and get the right inspection. Just my. 02 cents.

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I disagree with the guys here telling you to walk because an authorized Ferrari dealer won't let you take the car to another shop for an inspection. To me that premise blows my mind, especially on a 20 year old car.

I've bought lots of Ferrari's over the last 10 years - from both private owners and dealers. Some even sight unseen. Never did a full PPI on any - despite purchasers requesting them and having them done - and none ever had any major issues - despite what you may presume if you believe everything you read here.

Honestly - if I'm the authorized Ferrari dealer, offering you the option of buying a Ferrari warranty, 3 years of service records, agreeing to fix whatever is wrong with the car, I'm telling you - that's it. As has been cited, it's a 20 year old car. It could throw a CEL when it's on it's way to the other shop - or when you drive it off the lot - or right after you had your independent shop giving it a glowing PPI.

It's your decision, no one else's. If you are comfortable with the deal, price, and the way the dealer is representing themselves, buy the car.