911 to Fezza

[MAF1]

Afetr saving for sometime i recently purschaed a 997 2S its a great car and i love driving it, but there is definately something lacking. Always wanted an Italian car but always thought that they are out of reach, however with the recent downturn in the used market was wondering just how viable it could be own a Ferrari. I did contemplate looking at 355s when i was in the market for the 997 however i was put off by a few horror stories engine rebuilds costing 25k etc.

Just how affordable to run would a 360 or 430 be, ive checked out prices and what i layed out on the 997 2S would get me quite a nice 360. However would 430 be the better option, i prefer the look of the 430 and according to the reports ive read they sound like the better drive. So i have long list of queries that hopefully you guys will be able to provide some good advice.

360 or 430?
F1 or manual
Ferrari warranty, after the std 3 yrs or what ever it is, do the main dealers allow you to extend the warranty, and if so what does it cover,?
running costs, whats the annual estimate of running a 360 or 430.

Cheers

[900ssduke]

MAF1 said:

Afetr saving for sometime i recently purschaed a 997 2S its a great car and i love driving it, but there is definately something lacking. Always wanted an Italian car but always thought that they are out of reach, however with the recent downturn in the used market was wondering just how viable it could be own a Ferrari. I did contemplate looking at 355s when i was in the market for the 997 however i was put off by a few horror stories engine rebuilds costing 25k etc.

Just how affordable to run would a 360 or 430 be, ive checked out prices and what i layed out on the 997 2S would get me quite a nice 360. However would 430 be the better option, i prefer the look of the 430 and according to the reports ive read they sound like the better drive. So i have long list of queries that hopefully you guys will be able to provide some good advice.

360 or 430?
F1 or manual
Ferrari warranty, after the std 3 yrs or what ever it is, do the main dealers allow you to extend the warranty, and if so what does it cover,?
running costs, whats the annual estimate of running a 360 or 430.

Cheers

1)Both are great, let your budget decide.
2) Lots of debate here and fchat about transmissions, I love the manual, 75% are built F1
3)F dealers let you extend the warranty, but frankly other than an engine blow you are better keeping the cash and crossing your fingers. Well serviced engines generally dont fail. I think I was quoted circa £5k for a 5th year warranty, after they argued the toss over replacement ball joins etc from the last warranty.
4) Running costs are fine. At 6000 miles pa allow £1k for annual dealer service, , £2k for tyres and stuff, £3k for cambelt service etc every 3 years and £20k per annum for depreciation.

[MAF1]

430s are currently going from early 70s probably a bit out my budget at the moment but give it another 12 months and i'm guesing you will be able to pick a good one up for 60k.

I was told that the 360s back end is a little twitchy, any experince of this?

Do most Ferrari owners on here bother with extending the warranty after the std 4 years?

[Cactussed]

Without stating the obvious, go try them?
Both models and both transmissions.

The 430 apparently handles better, the 360 is a bit snappy. I don't like the noise from the 430, whereas the 360 has a screamer of an engine.

You should also try a 355. A bit older, but apparently a very involving driving experience. I certainly like mine. Its also cheaper which leaves you a sizeable slush fund, not that you should need it though.

FWIW, I would never buy an F1 gearbox. Its probably much better and faster, but that is besides the point for me. Having the metal gate to crash around is just unbeatable.
Most of the independents do fixed price servicing, so check out their prices.

Its likely to be more than the Porsche to run, but not ridiculous.

Edited by Cactussed on Thursday 5th February 21:42

[burriana]

MAF1 said:

I was told that the 360s back end is a little twitchy, any experince of this?

They're not really any more twitchy than your 997 ... unless you do something daft.

In the big scheme of cars in general they are like go-karts with glue on the tyres.

[MachineGunJohnny]

I have driven both the 360 with both manual and F1 and also the 355. My personal opinion is that the 355 handles like glue, i was more than impressed. I found the 360 spider twitchy on the back end when really throwing it into corners. I honesty prefer the manual box and look of the 360, im not keen on the F430 and prefer the noise from the 360.
Im a Porsche lover at heart, all my porsches have been fantastic but i agree that you can't beat the Italian itch, it simplpy has to be satisfied with the purchase of a prancing horse.
Im not in the market for a Lambo unfortunately but if your looking at around 60K you could pic a Gallardo up now for this money, id actually prefer it over the F430.

These are only my personal views, but id say if your after a Ferarri go for a manual 360

[p4dhu]

I just switched from a 996TT to a 360 Modena F1. I generally love manual and wasn't sure i'd like the F1 but its absolutely incredible. The gear changes are super fast and the thrill/control is nothing less than a manual (in fact much more)...i'm now so used to it that i'd accidentally flashing my lights and the wipers in the wife's bimmer! Downside vs the manual is that your clutch is bound to wear quicker. The thrill of driving the 360 is so much more than any porsche i've ever driven...the exhaust note tops it off (but i do have a stage 3 tubi with test pipes). In terms of ride, the Turbo was obviously a lot better esp in the wet but as long as you respect the 360 its fine.

Didn't really consider a 430 as it was out of my price range.

Tried the 355 and i liked it but not as much as the 360...down to personal taste really...i know there are some die hard 355 fans out there but the 360 does it for me in every way!

[MAF1]

From what i am hearing it sounds like a 360 is the best bet, Exactly what is the best spec to go for. i was thinking grigo with cream leather, manual. Always thought a red Fezza is a bit to much in your face, where as a black or grey car is a little more inconspicous. For a decent low mileage car how much should i expect to pay.

[burriana]

The PH classifieds are usually a good barometer of prices. Red will always sell better as they do suit it.

[MarlonM]

I made the same step last year, had a 997 but always hankered after a Ferrari, the 360 shape was always the most appealing for me, so I bought a 360 Modena F1 (red with charcoal leather) from a main dealer.

In terms of sense of occasion, the two just dont compare. I always loved the 911, it was a fabulous car, and bar a few interior squeeks and rattles, it is probably the perfect sports car, it does everything, is reliable and cheap to run.

The Ferrari experience is something else though, sure it costs £000s more a year to run (I paid £3.5k for a service), but just opening up the garage still gives me the same buzz 1 year on. A Ferrari is a supercar, a 911, to me feels like a well sorted sports coupe.

The sound of the engine, the constant looks you get (especially from excited kids!) and the increased performance above the 997 carrera should be enough to tempt you.

Regarding the manual v F1, it comes down to personal choice, I prefer F1, but understand why many love he classic Ferrari silver gear knob/gate combo. Drive both.

Be wary, dont buy right up to your budget, just in case, set some cash aside for running costs...

Best of luck!!