360, 456 or 550???
Discussion
Sorry for long ramble but I'm having a dilemma and would appreciate any other owners' thoughts.
I've decided it's time to give in and buy a Ferrari. I've been thinking about getting one for a while and, as my hair is now starting to recede, think time is probably running out. But... not sure which one to get and would be grateful for your thoughts. I'm trying to weigh up practicality, cost and excitement value. I've had a 996 Cab for 3 1/2 years and it's been great. Totally reliable etc. Insurance about £1500 and servicing averaging about £750 per year. But I'm getting bored of it.
I'm looking to buy a car no older than 2000 "V"reg and thus think I need to spend about £45-50k if I go for the 456, £50-60k for a 550 or £55-60k for a RHD 360.
I drive to work in London every day and it is then parked in a (quiet) street. At home it will be on our drive with a cover over it. It's only about a 20 minute drive. How do people think they will respond to driving every day throughout the winter?
We've recently had a baby daughter so there are advantages to a 456 but I drove one on Saturday and it didn't really light my fire. Nothing actually wrong just didn't feel any quicker than the 911 and not much more special. i.e. won't really justify the £4,000-5,000 extra I think it will cost me per year for servicing, petrol and insurance. I believe there are only 14 456M manuals in the UK but do they feel quicker?
If I buy a 360 or 550 the lack of back seats rule out most of the more interesting drives into the countryside which will be disappointing. But I guess being manual they will probably be more urgent but against the 456 (or 996) can anyone advise if they are noticeably quicker before I arrange a test drive?
Option 1: Buy a 456
Positives: Use more at weekends and bit more practical. Slightly cheaper for same age car and I belive not many inherent problems on the 456Ms but I think depreciation might be slightly steeper than 550 or 360 as it dates.
Negatives: Slightly slower and less good looking (would I be disappointed?)
Option 2: Buy a 550
Positives: Faster and better looking. Should hold value well.
Negatives: Use it less. I'm told probably the most expensive to maintain and some issues with things like window seals.
Option 3: Buy a 360.
Positives: More sporting but less GT.
Negatives: I'm worried that some of the 2000/2001 cars seem to have had lots of work done to them. e.g. F1 clutches going and will actually be as expensive as the V12s to run. Bit flash/wide-boy
Option 4: Buy a 2002 996 Turbo
Positives: reliable, low cost and still quick.
Negatives: Haven't satisfied Ferrari hunger. Might get bored again.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
I've decided it's time to give in and buy a Ferrari. I've been thinking about getting one for a while and, as my hair is now starting to recede, think time is probably running out. But... not sure which one to get and would be grateful for your thoughts. I'm trying to weigh up practicality, cost and excitement value. I've had a 996 Cab for 3 1/2 years and it's been great. Totally reliable etc. Insurance about £1500 and servicing averaging about £750 per year. But I'm getting bored of it.
I'm looking to buy a car no older than 2000 "V"reg and thus think I need to spend about £45-50k if I go for the 456, £50-60k for a 550 or £55-60k for a RHD 360.
I drive to work in London every day and it is then parked in a (quiet) street. At home it will be on our drive with a cover over it. It's only about a 20 minute drive. How do people think they will respond to driving every day throughout the winter?
We've recently had a baby daughter so there are advantages to a 456 but I drove one on Saturday and it didn't really light my fire. Nothing actually wrong just didn't feel any quicker than the 911 and not much more special. i.e. won't really justify the £4,000-5,000 extra I think it will cost me per year for servicing, petrol and insurance. I believe there are only 14 456M manuals in the UK but do they feel quicker?
If I buy a 360 or 550 the lack of back seats rule out most of the more interesting drives into the countryside which will be disappointing. But I guess being manual they will probably be more urgent but against the 456 (or 996) can anyone advise if they are noticeably quicker before I arrange a test drive?
Option 1: Buy a 456
Positives: Use more at weekends and bit more practical. Slightly cheaper for same age car and I belive not many inherent problems on the 456Ms but I think depreciation might be slightly steeper than 550 or 360 as it dates.
Negatives: Slightly slower and less good looking (would I be disappointed?)
Option 2: Buy a 550
Positives: Faster and better looking. Should hold value well.
Negatives: Use it less. I'm told probably the most expensive to maintain and some issues with things like window seals.
Option 3: Buy a 360.
Positives: More sporting but less GT.
Negatives: I'm worried that some of the 2000/2001 cars seem to have had lots of work done to them. e.g. F1 clutches going and will actually be as expensive as the V12s to run. Bit flash/wide-boy
Option 4: Buy a 2002 996 Turbo
Positives: reliable, low cost and still quick.
Negatives: Haven't satisfied Ferrari hunger. Might get bored again.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
jquin said:
Sorry for long ramble but I'm having a dilemma and would appreciate any other owners' thoughts.
I've decided it's time to give in and buy a Ferrari. I've been thinking about getting one for a while and, as my hair is now starting to recede, think time is probably running out. But... not sure which one to get and would be grateful for your thoughts. I'm trying to weigh up practicality, cost and excitement value. I've had a 996 Cab for 3 1/2 years and it's been great. Totally reliable etc. Insurance about £1500 and servicing averaging about £750 per year. But I'm getting bored of it.
I'm looking to buy a car no older than 2000 "V"reg and thus think I need to spend about £45-50k if I go for the 456, £50-60k for a 550 or £55-60k for a RHD 360.
I drive to work in London every day and it is then parked in a (quiet) street. At home it will be on our drive with a cover over it. It's only about a 20 minute drive. How do people think they will respond to driving every day throughout the winter?
We've recently had a baby daughter so there are advantages to a 456 but I drove one on Saturday and it didn't really light my fire. Nothing actually wrong just didn't feel any quicker than the 911 and not much more special. i.e. won't really justify the £4,000-5,000 extra I think it will cost me per year for servicing, petrol and insurance. I believe there are only 14 456M manuals in the UK but do they feel quicker?
If I buy a 360 or 550 the lack of back seats rule out most of the more interesting drives into the countryside which will be disappointing. But I guess being manual they will probably be more urgent but against the 456 (or 996) can anyone advise if they are noticeably quicker before I arrange a test drive?
Option 1: Buy a 456
Positives: Use more at weekends and bit more practical. Slightly cheaper for same age car and I belive not many inherent problems on the 456Ms but I think depreciation might be slightly steeper than 550 or 360 as it dates.
Negatives: Slightly slower and less good looking (would I be disappointed?)
Option 2: Buy a 550
Positives: Faster and better looking. Should hold value well.
Negatives: Use it less. I'm told probably the most expensive to maintain and some issues with things like window seals.
Option 3: Buy a 360.
Positives: More sporting but less GT.
Negatives: I'm worried that some of the 2000/2001 cars seem to have had lots of work done to them. e.g. F1 clutches going and will actually be as expensive as the V12s to run. Bit flash/wide-boy
Option 4: Buy a 2002 996 Turbo
Positives: reliable, low cost and still quick.
Negatives: Haven't satisfied Ferrari hunger. Might get bored again.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
I have a 2000 360 F1 Modena. Never ever had a problem with it, changed the Clutch once, about 2 months ago after 17,000 miles. It ran like a dream, it has a trickle charger which means the battery is never dead, cambelts were done recently and it had all the sont chips and alloys done. Its a perfect car that has been used well and runs smoothly.
Go for the 360 and if mine is of interest, let me know
Its Red wth Cream !
- Just remembered it did have a problem once, but Ferrari picked up the bill as it was their fault !
>> Edited by 360stimo on Monday 5th September 16:56
I am considering the same as you but would be going from a 996 TT which has been great and not that much to run. My concern is I want to use whatever I buy daily and not run another car. I also leave it in station, airport and multistory car parks a lot and would worry about it being stolen or more likely vandalised.
I have been fine using my 996 TT for this and thought maybe if I got a black 360 it may be okay as it doesn't attract to much attention.
I also half think I should buy it in the spring if I do?
nightmare! not a bad decision to have to make but still a tough one.
I have been fine using my 996 TT for this and thought maybe if I got a black 360 it may be okay as it doesn't attract to much attention.
I also half think I should buy it in the spring if I do?
nightmare! not a bad decision to have to make but still a tough one.
456 was auto. I don't believe they did an F1 on the 456 so there are a few rare manuals and the rest autos I think.
Being a financial trader by profession I can't help but try and pay the bid as opposed to the offer so I'll go in with a Wanted advert and see what happens. I rang a couple of Ferrari buyers I know and they said they would pay upper £50s for a 2000 RHD unless sub 10k miles.
Last RHD 2000 that sold on ebay (which looked reasonable if slightly high miles) went for £58,600
Being a financial trader by profession I can't help but try and pay the bid as opposed to the offer so I'll go in with a Wanted advert and see what happens. I rang a couple of Ferrari buyers I know and they said they would pay upper £50s for a 2000 RHD unless sub 10k miles.
Last RHD 2000 that sold on ebay (which looked reasonable if slightly high miles) went for £58,600
rviant said:
You really need to drive all three! I have just sold my 360 F1 2000 on a W plate. I think you will struggle to get a good 360 rhd for under 68K. Never had any real prolems with it changed the clutch once and did 11000 miles in it on 2 years
Was the 456 you drove F1 or Manual?
Blimey... moved on to something else or just dropping out of sportscars for a bit?
trackdemon said:
Blimey... moved on to something else or just dropping out of sportscars for a bit?
I spotted something interesting in this photo on FChat. You might notice a certain reg plate...
www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=212205&stc=1
Not sure any of them fit the bill that well. You want to use it as a daily driver, throughout winter, parking it in the open at both ends. While any of the three you mention will cope, they'll look pretty tired at the end of it.
I would regard the prices you list as minima. The difference in running costs between the cars is much of a muchness, and dwarfed by the differential between buying a good one and buying a dog. At those prices, you're nearer the dogs than the good ones
If it weren't for the winter bit, my suggestion would have been a 996 GT2 or GT3. Lots more character than a standard 996 and while they may not have a rear seat, there's *space* for a rear seat.
I would regard the prices you list as minima. The difference in running costs between the cars is much of a muchness, and dwarfed by the differential between buying a good one and buying a dog. At those prices, you're nearer the dogs than the good ones
If it weren't for the winter bit, my suggestion would have been a 996 GT2 or GT3. Lots more character than a standard 996 and while they may not have a rear seat, there's *space* for a rear seat.
had my 360F1 2000w for a week and planning on using it every day to drive out to canary wharf. Great so far and I have been stuck in some brutal creeping traffic. Paid 68k with 15k miles. My view is keep it 6m and if I dont like it how badly are you going to get burned on resale at that price?
trackdemon said:
You really need to drive all three! I have just sold my 360 F1 2000 on a W plate. I think you will struggle to get a good 360 rhd for under 68K. Never had any real prolems with it changed the clutch once and did 11000 miles in it on 2 years
Was the 456 you drove F1 or Manual?
Blimey... moved on to something else or just dropping out of sportscars for a bit?
Blue TDF 360 Spider only picked it up last week mate.
Well spotted RicoYes - possibly slightly optimistic on the 360 price but have been offered an immaculate 15k W reg FFSH 456 for £50k and a very nice 550 with 20k for £59k. Thanks for comments so far - erring towards the 550 I think but haven't completely decided.
If anyone is interested in selling - I'll be advertising the 996 in the next few weeks then looking to buy seriously.
If anyone is interested in selling - I'll be advertising the 996 in the next few weeks then looking to buy seriously.
Don’t think you’ll get a decent RHD 360 for 55-60K. I just paid 59K for a 99 LHD. I think you’re looking at least high 60’s for a RHD.
Personally the 456 does nothing for me. I’ve heard at least one story of a 360 owner going to a 550 and wanting to change back to a 360 again because they found the 550 too “soft” - for want of a better word.
As has been suggested the best thing is to drive them all and see what you like.
Agree with you on the colour. Stay away from Red or Yellow. Blue, Black or Silver is the way to go!
Personally the 456 does nothing for me. I’ve heard at least one story of a 360 owner going to a 550 and wanting to change back to a 360 again because they found the 550 too “soft” - for want of a better word.
As has been suggested the best thing is to drive them all and see what you like.
Agree with you on the colour. Stay away from Red or Yellow. Blue, Black or Silver is the way to go!
Hi there,
I have owned both a 456 - and one of my current cars is a 550. Lucky me.
The 456 really is the only "every day car" - all in one solution. It was designed by Ferrari as a supercar that you can actually drive every day. And it works well as such. Unless it snows.
I used to use mine almost every day - and the back seats do actually fit most people comforatably. If driven well (and I had a manual gear box), it is a powerful, agile, monster of a car. However, I agree it will depreciate (and date) a bit faster than the 550 or 360.
The 550 (and the 360) are a totally different driving experience. The mid (or rear in 360) mounted engines makes the cars far better balanced, meaning it handles the roads better - and does have slightly better performance.
For me, the slight advantage of the 550 over the 360 (and what swung it for me) is the 550 has reasonable bootspace for cheeky weekends away.
HOWEVER you have kids in tow. I have a dog. It's really frustrating not being able to use such cars on really long trips away, when everyone wants to come with (wife, kids, dog, etc).
I think the only way to really "have your cake - and eat it" - (as I try to) is to have a good estate / family car (eg I have an Audi RS4) for everyday boring driving - or for when everyone is coming with. This means you're not piling up the milage for boring journeys sitting in traffic on the way to work in the expensice 550/360. Actually a few people have commented that the Audi estate (RS4) isn't actually sensible at all, but it does work in terms of being practical. It is good, but it's clearly no 550.
Hope that insight and suggestion may be of use.
Regards,
Joel K.
I have owned both a 456 - and one of my current cars is a 550. Lucky me.
The 456 really is the only "every day car" - all in one solution. It was designed by Ferrari as a supercar that you can actually drive every day. And it works well as such. Unless it snows.
I used to use mine almost every day - and the back seats do actually fit most people comforatably. If driven well (and I had a manual gear box), it is a powerful, agile, monster of a car. However, I agree it will depreciate (and date) a bit faster than the 550 or 360.
The 550 (and the 360) are a totally different driving experience. The mid (or rear in 360) mounted engines makes the cars far better balanced, meaning it handles the roads better - and does have slightly better performance.
For me, the slight advantage of the 550 over the 360 (and what swung it for me) is the 550 has reasonable bootspace for cheeky weekends away.
HOWEVER you have kids in tow. I have a dog. It's really frustrating not being able to use such cars on really long trips away, when everyone wants to come with (wife, kids, dog, etc).
I think the only way to really "have your cake - and eat it" - (as I try to) is to have a good estate / family car (eg I have an Audi RS4) for everyday boring driving - or for when everyone is coming with. This means you're not piling up the milage for boring journeys sitting in traffic on the way to work in the expensice 550/360. Actually a few people have commented that the Audi estate (RS4) isn't actually sensible at all, but it does work in terms of being practical. It is good, but it's clearly no 550.
Hope that insight and suggestion may be of use.
Regards,
Joel K.
Should test drive them all before buying, it's the only way to satisfy yourself. If you wish I can help provide you with a 360 for a test drive??
Good luck,
Jim
Good luck,
Jim
jquin said:
Sorry for long ramble but I'm having a dilemma and would appreciate any other owners' thoughts.
I've decided it's time to give in and buy a Ferrari. I've been thinking about getting one for a while and, as my hair is now starting to recede, think time is probably running out. But... not sure which one to get and would be grateful for your thoughts. I'm trying to weigh up practicality, cost and excitement value. I've had a 996 Cab for 3 1/2 years and it's been great. Totally reliable etc. Insurance about £1500 and servicing averaging about £750 per year. But I'm getting bored of it.
I'm looking to buy a car no older than 2000 "V"reg and thus think I need to spend about £45-50k if I go for the 456, £50-60k for a 550 or £55-60k for a RHD 360.
I drive to work in London every day and it is then parked in a (quiet) street. At home it will be on our drive with a cover over it. It's only about a 20 minute drive. How do people think they will respond to driving every day throughout the winter?
We've recently had a baby daughter so there are advantages to a 456 but I drove one on Saturday and it didn't really light my fire. Nothing actually wrong just didn't feel any quicker than the 911 and not much more special. i.e. won't really justify the £4,000-5,000 extra I think it will cost me per year for servicing, petrol and insurance. I believe there are only 14 456M manuals in the UK but do they feel quicker?
If I buy a 360 or 550 the lack of back seats rule out most of the more interesting drives into the countryside which will be disappointing. But I guess being manual they will probably be more urgent but against the 456 (or 996) can anyone advise if they are noticeably quicker before I arrange a test drive?
Option 1: Buy a 456
Positives: Use more at weekends and bit more practical. Slightly cheaper for same age car and I belive not many inherent problems on the 456Ms but I think depreciation might be slightly steeper than 550 or 360 as it dates.
Negatives: Slightly slower and less good looking (would I be disappointed?)
Option 2: Buy a 550
Positives: Faster and better looking. Should hold value well.
Negatives: Use it less. I'm told probably the most expensive to maintain and some issues with things like window seals.
Option 3: Buy a 360.
Positives: More sporting but less GT.
Negatives: I'm worried that some of the 2000/2001 cars seem to have had lots of work done to them. e.g. F1 clutches going and will actually be as expensive as the V12s to run. Bit flash/wide-boy
Option 4: Buy a 2002 996 Turbo
Positives: reliable, low cost and still quick.
Negatives: Haven't satisfied Ferrari hunger. Might get bored again.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts...
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