OK guys I have a fair amount of F-car experience/knowledge here.


Basically, the 360 is a pretty poor car in my eyes (despite good looking)
Especially in the performance division. Sure they handle fantastic and have a great exhaust note. However I am more concerned about acceleration and more importantly BRAKES!!
They suffer from cracked exhaust manifolds (very common problem).
Also as mentioned above CAM tensioners.
But the most important DOWNFALL is the fact that they are BELT driven. This is a costly, labor-intensive maintenance item that needs to be changed often.
The 430s switched to chain driven - night and day difference!
If the 430 is out of your price range - get a Maserati in that year range, as they are chain driven as well.
Also, have fun with the 360 alarm. That thing is junk. You have to hit the keyfob button before starting the car. Sorry but that's a pain in the ***!
Lastly, if you get a Spyder - expect the top motor to get stuck/need replacing at some point.


Here is a FANTASTIC link-
http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/458-...ers-guide.html

 

once again, show me evidence of cracked headers on 360s. Thats common on 355s. Same with cam tensioners.

 

Guess I will always a Lambo guy even though I hear they are lots of fun to work on as well. $$$$

Just curious why you wouldn't go 04 Gallardo. Especially with THIS at your disposal!!

 

WoW very nice write up ! thanx for sharing

 

Man I'd love to get a Modena. Current prices are just too irresistable.

However, I just know, it would be a fearful experience, as anything can cost major $$$$ if goes wrong.

They were always one of my biggest dream cars. Much nicer than the 355 IMO, which is a classic, but has that "dated" (some can say "Classic", but to me, that 80's boxy look is just a bit too jarring for my tastes) 80's-ish look to it.

The 360 to me is the most timeless exotic ever practically. Blends exotic sex appeal with timeless lines, good proportions, no real "frills" (for an exotic), and is a smooth, clean, and fluid design.

Only problem, as my GF pointed out (on her own, i.e she doesn't even know what a 360 Modena is) when I was just swooning over Used Prices, is how "you would look like total "new money" in that thing, i.e represent what you usually make fun of". Can't say it isn't unfortunately true to an extent.

 

Absolutely and my pleasure.
If you are still considering a 360, I strongly recommend you read every word of Barrister's guide. He really summed it up in a professional, neat manner and hit the nail on the head. Obviously he is happy with the car (well... I didn't read the newest update) despite its little quirks/flaws. He accepts it for what it is, and for the most part enjoys.

Truly not trying to be negative, just trying to get all relevant info out into the light so you are aware what you're getting yourself into. I certainly agree the car looks like "new money" (as mentioned above) to most people. It is a classy and timeless design. If you are prepared for maintenance bills, and don't mind the lesser performance compared to modern AMG's, I would go for it.
However if I wanted an Italian exotic anymore - Before a 360 I would pick a....

Gallardo (Audi reliability, slightly less maintenance, more durable paint for stone chips, etc)

430

Mas. GranSport or even GranTurismo


Yes the 6-speed clutch will last longer than an F1. The "T" handle (used to select reverse in F1) will break, leaving the car undrivable and you calling a tow truck. Even when driven/started on a fairly regular basis, the battery will usually go dead unless left on a tender. Slightly annoying to me as I have little patience. The Italians generally need constant TLC/attention/etc.

Also look at 348s/355s - simply to check out their center console/a.c. buttons. They become sticky and melt, due to plastic coating used. There are a few companies that will resurface the interior pieces. On many F-cars, door panels leather shrinks over time, seats fade & therefore many on the used market have been re-dyed. The car is made to have a certain soul, and the materials are certainly quite different than German/English made automobiles. The A/C will never blow quite as cold as other makes (especially older cars) and lastly, careful while filling with gas as overflow into the hot manifolds/engine bay can easily cause a fire.

Make sure tool kit is included on any car!
Oh and people quoted you 5k a year for maintenance?
I would plan for more than that....

 

Not sure how old you are but.....

Pull up to the club in a brand new SL 65..... Nice some people might look.

Pull up to the club in a decade old Ferrari...... Listen close and you can hear the sound of panties dropping.

then again i'm still in my 20's and have had the luck to have friends with these great cars.

A Ferrari is a Ferrari no questions asked.

It's like having a Ducati in the motorcycle world. Yea there are bikes faster, but your rolling a Ducati...... STUNT

 

completely off topic but what about the 456M's? these are V12 two door four seaters. anyone have experience with those?

 

you know what it is: 7 out of 10 people can't tell the difference between an SL550 and a SL65. some people can't tell the difference between a C and an S (no joke). but when you see an aston martin, ferrari, lamborghini, etc. you know what it is.

 

Yikes, and very true. These things are built with absolutely no attention payed to those alien words: "durability" and "longetivity". I remember reading about melted/sticky plastics too.

Ferrari's indeed have more soul than any other car.... The soul of a super hot, fragile, gold digging/maintenance crazy biaatch!!

 

that sounds like this one girl i was seeing back in spring 2007 for a couple of months. lol, man she was hot, got a lot of attention, but a lot of upkeep (sounds just like the ferrari), but at least the ferrari puts out

 

HAha -- that is funny -- i was thinking the same thing -- I would get a 430 because the whole time i have the 360 -- I will be wishing I spent more money for the 430.

 

Haha. Just not worth it.

 

Why are the Modenas so cheap ? These i think should have some value in the years to come .

 

Thast why I was looking a red Hot Modena. They are so cheap today !
Its a DREAM car look but price of a brand new V8 E class. I found a Manuel 6Speed at 30K miles at the same price the one I saw earlier.
I guess its like hot high-maintanance chick. Got to pay to play.
Wife keep telling me get something else.... I might wait 3 more years for 430 with Chain instead of belt.

 

Probably a good idea - drives much better too !
Did you read my second post above that goes more in depth ?

 

Yes, I read it and thanx again for your advise. I guess I better wait for 430 with better reliability and performance.

 

But for the look...... I like better the 360 than 430. just the look... IMO

 

+1 charlie

everything else aside, the 430 is better imo

 

I second that

 

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/458-...ers-guide.html

Wow that is a great review i just only can hope one day to need it!!

 

get an 04 gallardo for the same price. a lot more reliable (Audi) and I think WAY sexier than a 360. I really don't like the look of the 360 anymore, especially when next to a 430. You can slap the LP-560 front bumper on the car for around $3k also and have an 09+ look

 

I looked at them, but wasn't dazzled by the maintenance or HP. But they are beautiful cars.

 

I wouldn't buy a Ferrari with that many miles. As stated, the 360 isn't even really that quick on the street.

 

Nice thread revival on something that was OT already... It seems like there are several users reviewing so it will stay open- for now.