Thinkin of quittting the Porsche scene...for a Ferrari...
Discussion
DavidCBevan said:
Love my Boxster, but have a Ferrari itch that I really have to scratch sometime...but will I regret it? Suppose I can always go back if I'm disappointed. Any fellow petrol heads made the move? What were your experiences? 
had the same itch and found a 355 gts with very little miles. Was a great buy for the summer months then sold it after 5 months and back to 911's.Ive got the pics to prove it too.
Would i do it again? Sure i would but what i knew would annoy me was it sitting in a garage all winter without wanting to drive it and ruin it.
Servicing is expensive but you should know that anyway before you get involved. Id avoid the 360 personally unless you go the the 360 C/S and i think that 355's are a fairly safe place money wise if you forget the maintenence costs. The exhaust noise at high revs with the roof off is amazing. Some go for the capristo exhaust system but to loud i think personally. Anyway 355 gets my vote
I don't think you would be disappointed, I've used a friends 360 for a few weeks and it is fun. Seems more of an event than a 911.
Would I buy one, no. It's defiantly a second car and the costs of owning were stupid, he sold it after 10 months and got a 911 turbo.
355 would get my vote over a 360.
Would I buy one, no. It's defiantly a second car and the costs of owning were stupid, he sold it after 10 months and got a 911 turbo.
355 would get my vote over a 360.
I went from 996 C4S 3 years ago to F355 Spider. The Ferrari was everything the 996 was not: massively exciting every drive, loud, expensive to run (although weirdly very cheap to insure!), feels fast all the time, much more chuckable/slideable at sensible speeds, reasonably depreciation proof (totally dependant on miles you do and condition you keep it in) not as reliable....the list goes on. Basically, you can't compare the two. I did run my 355 daily for about 3 months, and it is doable but I wouldn't particularly recommend it. It's little things like: it has a pretty big boot, the bonnet hinges at the front so it's a right ball ache getting things in and out. So realistically, you'd be buying a second car. Hang on a sec, just seen you profile, so don't worry about the second car bit.
In short, I'd highly recommend the change. I did 13k miles in 3 years in mine inc many euro trips. Awesome. All that said, have a go in a 360, if you're used to a more modern car you might prefer it
In short, I'd highly recommend the change. I did 13k miles in 3 years in mine inc many euro trips. Awesome. All that said, have a go in a 360, if you're used to a more modern car you might prefer it
bridey0 said:
Would i do it again? Sure i would but what i knew would annoy me was it sitting in a garage all winter without wanting to drive it and ruin it.
After I sold my 964, I bought a 348. Fabulous car - most fun car I've ever had, by a mile. I did use it quite a bit last winter, and was averaging about 5k miles a year. But the last "summer" and this winter was just too wet - I wasn't really fussed about "ruining it" but it just wasn't as much fun in the wet, and my turbo was better in those conditions. I came to the conclusion that the balance of how much I was using it vs the money tied up in it didn't make sense. Far too often I was thinking : roads are wet / it's the middle of the day / it's the rush hour etc. and hence the car stayed in the garage.But would I recommend you do it? 100% yes. And at some point, I will have another Ferrari (maybe a 458 when they cost less than my house!).
If you do decide to try it - I recommend Tim Walker / Walkersport. Best car buying experience I've ever had by far and if / when I want another F-car, I will be calling him.
ETA : I was scared of reliability / build quality before I bought mine - but I was pleasantly surprised.
Edited by davek_964 on Friday 25th January 11:52
I'm constantly surprised by what you can get a 360 for these days but like any other exotic you have to factor in running / maintenance costs and contingency for when things go wrong, personally I have no issue with doing that as I've chucked cash at cars for years, I've spent probably more than 5 times original value of cars on making them what I want, I now realise I've been a tool and should have bought right in the 1st place, got something epic and thrown money at maintaining it, live and learn I guess.
I personally prefer the my 996 to drive to the 360 but to be fair I've only ever had one day driving one for any distance and I couldn't really let it go as the owner was a little conservative and following me everywhere. That said I can really see the attraction of owning one even if it's an exercise in ticking Ferrari ownership off the list.
I personally prefer the my 996 to drive to the 360 but to be fair I've only ever had one day driving one for any distance and I couldn't really let it go as the owner was a little conservative and following me everywhere. That said I can really see the attraction of owning one even if it's an exercise in ticking Ferrari ownership off the list.
Awesome comments guys - thanks...
In terms of 2nd cars was thinking about the Ferrari not being a daily car. I drive 40 miles each day to work and back in the Boxster, but I bought it 15k on the clock so mileage is still only low 30's. A Ferrari would have to be in the garage and come out for the odd work commute, but generally for run times! A commute car would be Golf diesel or maybe something from the Renaultsport stable.
Mario - I have read several of your posts on the Ferrari forum, so thanks for the advice. I have only driven 1 Ferrari once, kind of vowed my first drive would be when I bought one, but I was bought a track day in a 360 F1. Kind of underwhelmed but that was because the car was very, very used and my 3 laps with the instructor continually telling me what to do and changing up way too early meant I didn't get the chance to enjoy it.
I'm vintage 1970 so grew up wanting a 308/328. Think I could afford to run a 355/360 as a third car, want to take my time and find a good one, and if its Red then Mrs B will hate it, but if its Black she'll love it! Will probably taker her with me on a trip to Kent Ferrari one day to see some in the metal.
Most people say 355 manual is the way to go, but have a look and a drive and see what's avaialble I guess. Others say each F-car is different.
Bridey0 - great picture, just makes me want one more!
DaveK-964 - thanks I'll have a look on the walkersport website...
In terms of 2nd cars was thinking about the Ferrari not being a daily car. I drive 40 miles each day to work and back in the Boxster, but I bought it 15k on the clock so mileage is still only low 30's. A Ferrari would have to be in the garage and come out for the odd work commute, but generally for run times! A commute car would be Golf diesel or maybe something from the Renaultsport stable.
Mario - I have read several of your posts on the Ferrari forum, so thanks for the advice. I have only driven 1 Ferrari once, kind of vowed my first drive would be when I bought one, but I was bought a track day in a 360 F1. Kind of underwhelmed but that was because the car was very, very used and my 3 laps with the instructor continually telling me what to do and changing up way too early meant I didn't get the chance to enjoy it.
I'm vintage 1970 so grew up wanting a 308/328. Think I could afford to run a 355/360 as a third car, want to take my time and find a good one, and if its Red then Mrs B will hate it, but if its Black she'll love it! Will probably taker her with me on a trip to Kent Ferrari one day to see some in the metal.
Most people say 355 manual is the way to go, but have a look and a drive and see what's avaialble I guess. Others say each F-car is different.
Bridey0 - great picture, just makes me want one more!
DaveK-964 - thanks I'll have a look on the walkersport website...
DavidCBevan said:
Awesome comments guys - thanks...
In terms of 2nd cars was thinking about the Ferrari not being a daily car. I drive 40 miles each day to work and back in the Boxster, but I bought it 15k on the clock so mileage is still only low 30's. A Ferrari would have to be in the garage and come out for the odd work commute, but generally for run times! A commute car would be Golf diesel or maybe something from the Renaultsport stable.
Mario - I have read several of your posts on the Ferrari forum, so thanks for the advice. I have only driven 1 Ferrari once, kind of vowed my first drive would be when I bought one, but I was bought a track day in a 360 F1. Kind of underwhelmed but that was because the car was very, very used and my 3 laps with the instructor continually telling me what to do and changing up way too early meant I didn't get the chance to enjoy it.
I'm vintage 1970 so grew up wanting a 308/328. Think I could afford to run a 355/360 as a third car, want to take my time and find a good one, and if its Red then Mrs B will hate it, but if its Black she'll love it! Will probably taker her with me on a trip to Kent Ferrari one day to see some in the metal.
Most people say 355 manual is the way to go, but have a look and a drive and see what's avaialble I guess. Others say each F-car is different.
Bridey0 - great picture, just makes me want one more!
DaveK-964 - thanks I'll have a look on the walkersport website...
I loved the manual shift. That gear lever in the 355 with that gate is to die for. It has the classic looks yet good performance. Change the steering wheel for the smaller version though as its a tad ugly. In terms of 2nd cars was thinking about the Ferrari not being a daily car. I drive 40 miles each day to work and back in the Boxster, but I bought it 15k on the clock so mileage is still only low 30's. A Ferrari would have to be in the garage and come out for the odd work commute, but generally for run times! A commute car would be Golf diesel or maybe something from the Renaultsport stable.
Mario - I have read several of your posts on the Ferrari forum, so thanks for the advice. I have only driven 1 Ferrari once, kind of vowed my first drive would be when I bought one, but I was bought a track day in a 360 F1. Kind of underwhelmed but that was because the car was very, very used and my 3 laps with the instructor continually telling me what to do and changing up way too early meant I didn't get the chance to enjoy it.
I'm vintage 1970 so grew up wanting a 308/328. Think I could afford to run a 355/360 as a third car, want to take my time and find a good one, and if its Red then Mrs B will hate it, but if its Black she'll love it! Will probably taker her with me on a trip to Kent Ferrari one day to see some in the metal.
Most people say 355 manual is the way to go, but have a look and a drive and see what's avaialble I guess. Others say each F-car is different.
Bridey0 - great picture, just makes me want one more!
DaveK-964 - thanks I'll have a look on the walkersport website...
I had a couple of 355's and a 360, all manual and I went from a 993 but it was over 15 years ago now. My advice would be 355 manual (avoid the F1 on 355 and early 360) and if you can find one with the Fiorano pack it's worth the extra. The most expensive service item is the cambelt change, which involves taking the engine out, I haggled down to £1500 with a main dealer but it's over 10 years ago. By the way, I know you're going to do it.
When I bought, I couldn't justify the price premium for 355s. Although the 348 seems to be a bit of a black sheep in the F-world, I didn't regret it - loved the involvement of the non-power steering.
Since the OP mentioned earlier cars (308s etc) - be aware of one thing :
For a Porsche - especially something as recent as a Boxster - you can get all the parts you want. For an old Ferrari..... not. Often there are equivalents from other manufacturers but obviously that's not true for everything. I remember commenting to Tim how lovely I thought the classic interior switches were on the 308 etc. His answer was : Yeah - and try finding a replacement if you break one.......
Since the OP mentioned earlier cars (308s etc) - be aware of one thing :
For a Porsche - especially something as recent as a Boxster - you can get all the parts you want. For an old Ferrari..... not. Often there are equivalents from other manufacturers but obviously that's not true for everything. I remember commenting to Tim how lovely I thought the classic interior switches were on the 308 etc. His answer was : Yeah - and try finding a replacement if you break one.......
Life's too short and if you can do it, i'd say do it
I have a 3.2 Carrera and 355
You may succumb to the mileage obsession a lot of Ferrari owners suffer from, which might mean you drive it less than you would a Porsche. Servicing isn't cheap but an independent won't be too eye watering. If anything goes wrong it can cost a lot to repair / replace. My 355 has been very reliable and no issues other than a battery replacement
The 355 makes me smile more than the 911, and it is much more of an event when taking it out, but I know that if I could only keep one it would be the 911
Ferraris attract more attention, and i've only found it positive so far touch wood
Oh, and someone has mentioned the noise of a Ferrari 355 V8? Not many cars can beat it
I have a 3.2 Carrera and 355
You may succumb to the mileage obsession a lot of Ferrari owners suffer from, which might mean you drive it less than you would a Porsche. Servicing isn't cheap but an independent won't be too eye watering. If anything goes wrong it can cost a lot to repair / replace. My 355 has been very reliable and no issues other than a battery replacement
The 355 makes me smile more than the 911, and it is much more of an event when taking it out, but I know that if I could only keep one it would be the 911
Ferraris attract more attention, and i've only found it positive so far touch wood
Oh, and someone has mentioned the noise of a Ferrari 355 V8? Not many cars can beat it
Just to expand on the servicing/maintenance bit for 355s: the servicing itself is fairly reasonable, it's the maintenance bit that will sting you. As a rough guide you're probably looking at about 75p/mile for servicing, maintenance and consumables. All my detailed costs are in my PH garage, but I spent about £3k per year (about 4.5k miles per year) looking after mine at rates, for the most part, only half of what an indy charges. The days of getting by with £800 annuals, £1500 cambelt services with the odd set of tyres and brakes thrown in and maybe a clutch are loooong gone.
Items that my friend (who still has his) and I have gone through over 3 years include: exhaust manifolds, coil packs, steering rack, dampers, HT leads, unscheduled plugs, wheel refurbs, front resprays, recored rads, gaskets (with lots of labour), batteries, alarms, CV boots, engine mountings, rev sensor, fixing fuse box, refurbed starter, bypass valve....etc
Now, that is for 2 cars, neither of which was a dodgy buy and had previously been well looked after (mine had had £13k spent on it 2 years before I bought it....) and there is a fair bit of overlap, but it does show you where the money goes!
As a side note, if you are going to a V8 Ferrari, make sure it has a sports exhaust already as it'll save you a couple of grand in the long run: everything is fine and hunky dory without it, until someone (like me up until a few months ago) absolutely tears it past you with a Capristo at full scream, at which point you'll have a serious impending wallet problem
Exhibits 1 & 2 your honour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-fQjrO0NjQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PFWWfW5lDE
Items that my friend (who still has his) and I have gone through over 3 years include: exhaust manifolds, coil packs, steering rack, dampers, HT leads, unscheduled plugs, wheel refurbs, front resprays, recored rads, gaskets (with lots of labour), batteries, alarms, CV boots, engine mountings, rev sensor, fixing fuse box, refurbed starter, bypass valve....etc
Now, that is for 2 cars, neither of which was a dodgy buy and had previously been well looked after (mine had had £13k spent on it 2 years before I bought it....) and there is a fair bit of overlap, but it does show you where the money goes!
As a side note, if you are going to a V8 Ferrari, make sure it has a sports exhaust already as it'll save you a couple of grand in the long run: everything is fine and hunky dory without it, until someone (like me up until a few months ago) absolutely tears it past you with a Capristo at full scream, at which point you'll have a serious impending wallet problem
Exhibits 1 & 2 your honour:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-fQjrO0NjQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PFWWfW5lDE
....
|http://thumbsnap.com/V7rGabKA[/url]
I may have a thing for the colour blue....
I'd say go for it. Even if you come back to Porsche in the end I'm sure you won't regret the Ferrari experience.
I'd go for a 360 with a manual 'box. The 2002 & 2003 cars are the better cars - all the niggles of the early cars have been sorted + all these later cars have Xenon lights.
Go here for lots more info:
www.clubscuderia.co.uk
I'd go for a 360 with a manual 'box. The 2002 & 2003 cars are the better cars - all the niggles of the early cars have been sorted + all these later cars have Xenon lights.
Go here for lots more info:
www.clubscuderia.co.uk
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