355 vs 360 vs 430 spider

[FunkyMunky71]

Hi All,

I'm looking into buying my first Ferrari. What are the pros and cons of buying a used 355, 360 or F430 spider. I'd like a manual but would be happy with an F1 if the price is right. I'd also like something reliable with the least service costs that I'm not going to lose a bucketload of money on.

I'm living in the Lakes and trying out an F430 in Nero this afternoon, but would love to hear from you who are in the know about F cars and their relative merits and values.

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks for the advice. That all sounds like a good reason to get a dealership car with a warrantee that's just been serviced if you're a bit risk averse like me! I'll let you know how I get on after today's test drive

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks for all the informative comments everyone. I took and F430 Spider out for a drive today from Stratton in Wilmslow. It was an enlightening experience. I wasn't quite sure about the car as we set off from the dealership with me in the passenger seat. It wasn't warm and was clonking and knocking on the rough roads, and the interior looked really handmade and quite 90s for a 2007 car. Then I got in the driver's seat and set off, admittedly with a bit of trepidation having just given the accelerator a good blat as I got in! As the drive went on I became more comfortable and the car seemed to shrink around me and start revealing a real sense of character. I was only in normal driving mode but really enjoyed the experience and the few chances I got to open it up a bit too about 5000rpm gave me a taste of the soundtrack available. The only thing I found a bit off was the F1 gearbox, but I'd just got out of a PDK Boxster S so am used to that now. Having said that I started to enjoy the surge, shift, surge of the car in auto, and know the changes on the paddles speed up a bit when you change modes.

One question for those in the know is how much difference is there between 08 and 07 models with wiring etc. The salesman either didn't know of any serious revisions or fobbed me off, or there actually aren't any differences?

Overall, I came away really impressed, but also wishing I could afford a 458 having sat in one! Then again, the Boxster S was a very smooth and comfortable ride home. Maybe I should get a F430 Coupe and keep the Boxster S for the DD!

[FunkyMunky71]

Liking this one having driven its stablemate. Might have to book a drive in this car. I did find the footwell a bit tight so what's it like in a manual with 3 pedals?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[FunkyMunky71]

Also wondering about the difference between Daytona seats and standard seats. The car I drove had Daytona which I found a bit too narrow for my shoulders. The one above was much more comfortable and doesn't have Daytonas to the best of my knowledge. Any help on this is welcome.

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks for these excellent insights. So that Nero/Crema one at Stratton seems expensive with a lack of options? It looks like at least £5k more for some higher spec cars. What about any of these paulmnz?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/new-cars/compare/adver...

[FunkyMunky71]

paulmnz said:

Seems strong money for a car with few desirable options... but if you like the spec, it seems very tidy/well cared for.

I got a spec sheet through from the dealer and it has a bit more than stated in the add including: Daytona style heated seats, 6 CD changer, Radionavi system + Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, leather headlining and rear bench, carbon fibre instrument panel inserts etc.

Might have to take it out for a test drive, but one of the 2 manual F430s advertised is only 84 miles away

[FunkyMunky71]

What other options are the most desirable to look out for?

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks for all the good info everyone. What's out there atm is quite annoying. Some with CF rear inserts but ali interiors, some with Challenge wheels but no sensors. As a no cost option, why is a CF driver zone more desirable than an aluminium one? I know the ali one looks a bit plasticy but surely it is a bit more robust. I'm now down to a shortlist of 3 cars with great FFSH and ranging from 13k - 20k miles. Any suggestions?

[FunkyMunky71]

This one ticks a lot of boxes I think but is quite big money (for me anyway), but I could trade in a depreciating Boxster S and also get a couple of £k off. What do you all think?

[FunkyMunky71]

Doh!

http://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/5736267-ferrari...

That one. Got them to knock £3k off with trade in, subject to test drive.

[FunkyMunky71]

Towels on seats is really getting back to the Elise S1 experience. Sorry, got them to drop price to match the difference of trade in on the Boxster plus the discount they'd offered. I won't be on a track much, but there's a lovely car similar to this with CCB at Meridian Modena. What do you reckon? I've read the threads and as usual opinion is divided.

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks guys. Very informative. I'm about to put a deposit in the Graypaul car. As I'm unlikely to track the car would the steel brakes be OK? Too much choice and not much in it price wise. I guess I'd like CCBs but it it's not too much of an issue really and I really like the carboned up F430 at Graypaul.

[FunkyMunky71]

So of a shortlist here's 3 to compare:

http://www.meridien.co.uk/ferrari/preowned/5569525...

http://www.meridien.co.uk/ferrari/preowned/5773095...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

I'm thinking either of the Meridien Cars might be preferable, but I do love the CF steering wheel and lower mileage in the Graypaul car!

Thoughts please?

[FunkyMunky71]

Thanks mwstewart, so am I looking for AN from 74274 upward for a 2008 model year. The Graypaul car is a 57 plate 2008 car allegedly so I will ask such numbers by email. What exactly do I need to ask for to ascertain whether it's a proper 2008 car? I like the interior best on that car too.

I'm 6'1" thecook but have broad shoulders and found a Stratton car I drove with these seats really too narrow:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

The other car I sat in with Daytonas though was fine and comfy.

[FunkyMunky71]

Meridian just gave me these figures:

To confirm; the assembly number is 78048.



As discussed, the clutch and brake wears will be checked prior to delivery. However, the figures were as follows on the 19/03/2015 @ 16,036 miles:



Brake Wear: 7% per axle

Brake Pads: @ 10.0 mm

Clutch Wear: 14% worn

Looks really good!

Waiting for AN from Graypaul....

[FunkyMunky71]

Graypaul 430 has AN 75741 so they're saying it is an 08 car and has new gearbox pressure sensor...

[FunkyMunky71]

Argh, decisions, decisions! Looks like I'll have to have a back to back test on Tuesday as it's so close. All down to seats and brakes now! More stopping power IS always better. Looks like a schlep Down South then...

[FunkyMunky71]

Graypaul car has AN 75741, Looks like F430 on UK driver's side mirror and no key hole on passenger side, so seems a bona fide 2008 car (registered on Ferrari Modis system Jan 2008), also had its 18odd K mile service early for some reason and 4 new tyres. Meridien car will get an annual service before delivery and maybe 2 new tyres on rear. It's all going to build down to what they feel like on the day

[FunkyMunky71]

Oops, well thanks to thecook101's classic 'Do It' post (I love that film!) I appear to have done it. Also, thanks to paulmnz and mwstewart I went with the ceramic brakes and carbon race seats. I liked the lower position and better fit of the race seats and the purer spec of the car. There wasn't even any drink involved. Can't wait to pick it up. Photos will be posted!