Thinking of adding a Ferrari Spider 6 speed - budget is sub 100k (probably in the $60k-$80k range for the purchase. Starting to research but it doesn't look like a quality 360 with records is likely, or at least not many too choose from. Obviously not looking to get the cheapest car either as that is likely a sign of hidden issues.

Comments on differences between the two cars in terms of performance, driving characteristics, ownership costs and reliability?

Suggested links or books to acquire to help me with my research?

Few other cars on the list to consider, in the market in late November, early December.

Thanks in advance.

 

Well the 355 sure looks and sounds better.

 

Yes but the motor has to come out for service, 360 can be worked on while still in the car, plus cheaper to maintain. So pay up front for more modern or get hit on the back end with pricey services. You decide....

 

looks are in the eye of the beholder I guess. I love my 360 with a tubi. sounds awesome, has been as reliable as a honda accord. and is relatively cheap to service. I would agree that you aren't going to find a quality 360 for under 80. Maybe in an off color. But it is going to be really important to buy a car with records, books, key codes etc. As long as you have the key code, replacement keys are relatively cheap. $600 gets you 3 new remotes, keys are under $200. Again, not cheap, but by italian standards, not that bad.

You can't check clutch wear on a 6spd, but on a F1 you can have it checked with the ECU. If you aren't picky on your color or option set, there are deals to be had. If you have to have a certain combo of options, colors, and transmission, then there just aren't that many quality cars to choose from.

To me, at $100-80k the mass majority of the near term depreciation is gone from these cars. The reason I say this is that if they get much cheaper, they are then competitors for more regular cars - ie M3's, GTRs, used C2s. Not everyone who is in the market for those cars is a candidate for the ferrari, but it doesn't take many to come into the market to effect the price of a relatively small number of cars...

Good luck with your search! And take the time to find what you want and pay a little more upfront than the bargain cars. You will thank yourself for it later...

 

Loved my 355GTB hated to sell it....best engine! A 360 is nicer though...thats why its the newer model...FYI- a black/black 2004 360 Coupe just ran through Manheim last week for $77k with 19k miles....

 

Thanks for the input - yesterday at a show I saw a perfect 23k 355 Spider, red and tan. I am hung up on red so it caught my eye when it pulled in from a far distance. Tubi and high flow cats - it sounded amazing.

There is a black 355 spider with 15k miles at Ferrari of Washington, heard they are asking 79k and it will need a major within a year, sounds pretty steep although I'm still unsure about the best source of market prices. Someone at the show said they thought $60k was the right price to pay. Also hears that Ferrarichat.com is a good forum.

Also heard that Competitizone http://www.competizionecars.com/ is a great shop with a Master Mechanic that came from Ferrari of Washington.

One thing is for sure I think a Ferrari is now at the top of the list although with the others under consideration they could sit under a cover in the driveway. With a 355 or 360, something is going to have to move to the driveway to make room.

 

Go with the 360. It's proven as a more reliable car, and imo, looks nicer.

Should not be a problem finding a nice car for $75K. I know of someone who sold a 99 w/ 30k miles (so yes, this is an early example with higher mieage) but it was no stories, well maintained, etc...he sold it for $59K and believes he got every cent...can you get one newer, with half the mileage for $15K more? I'd say so...

 

Interesting, 59k, was it a Spider?

 

Woops, no, I didn't catch you were only looking at Spyders...

This was a coupe

 

NP - the coupe is really beautiful too but I'm thinking that if I go for it, I might as well go all the way and get a Spider.

 

59k is a pretty good price, nothing extremely exceptional IMO prices have fallen off the dock and have been there for a whlie now it's just that a few dealers are monopolizing all the cars trying to keep prices high while their invesntory just continues to grow. I wouldn't pay more than high 40s for a nice 355 at this point.

to the original posted get the 360. Doesn't sound as good, but looks better, looks newer, cheaper to service, more reliable, faster. the pros clearly outweigh the cons.

 

Thanks for the advice... all good perspectives.

 

I don't care if the 360 is cheaper to service, newer, whatever.
IMO, the 355 just looks so much better, has classic lines, and will be an icon. The 360 just doesn't have the pizazz. All IMO of course....

 

If you want a spider, better off with the 360. The top function is MUCH better and more reliable. Lots of issues with the the 355 top and VERY expensive to fix (25K to replace) .. you have to put that stupid cover on it too. Much better off going with a GTS (targa top) 355 if want to go that way.

My .02

P.S. Ferrarichat.com is an excellent resource. I just came from there and this is my first post.

I recently traded in my 997TT for a 430 and I am looking to sell the Porsche OEM indoor cover to someone who is interested......

 

What a beautiful dilemma.

This is what I think of when someone mentions the F360.
enjoy.