355 vs 360 vs 430 Spiders
Discussion
Having sold my R8 I am seriously tempted to buy my first Ferrari. I’d be looking at a budget of about £75k.
The 355 has always been a dream car of mine (I’ve had posters as a child and it was the first Ferrari I ever had a passenger ride in). I think it’s the most beautiful Ferrari but am concerned at the potential running costs and perhaps it feeling more fragile than the other 2. For my budget I probably would end up with an F1. Also, I’m quite tall (6’3) and struggled to fit behind the wheel when I sat in one previously.
The 360 spider is a stunning looking car and I would want a manual, which seems possible at that price point. A friend owned one and loved it, and I think they still look classic in their design. The appeal of the open gates manual is high, but I’d be open to F1 as my R8 was manual.
The 430 would be an F1 car. These seem relatively good value but I would be at the lower end of the Spiders it seems.
Can anyone who has had any of these give me some pointers? At the moment I’m probably swaying towards the 360… I’m particularly interested in running costs and things to watch out for.
Thanks!
The 355 has always been a dream car of mine (I’ve had posters as a child and it was the first Ferrari I ever had a passenger ride in). I think it’s the most beautiful Ferrari but am concerned at the potential running costs and perhaps it feeling more fragile than the other 2. For my budget I probably would end up with an F1. Also, I’m quite tall (6’3) and struggled to fit behind the wheel when I sat in one previously.
The 360 spider is a stunning looking car and I would want a manual, which seems possible at that price point. A friend owned one and loved it, and I think they still look classic in their design. The appeal of the open gates manual is high, but I’d be open to F1 as my R8 was manual.
The 430 would be an F1 car. These seem relatively good value but I would be at the lower end of the Spiders it seems.
Can anyone who has had any of these give me some pointers? At the moment I’m probably swaying towards the 360… I’m particularly interested in running costs and things to watch out for.
Thanks!
Head over to Aldous Voice’s website/blog for the full rundown on q&a regarding the 360 & F430.
I owned a F355 and looked at buying an F430 for my wife. Both of them F1. I wouldn’t get hung up about manual or F1. I personally prefer the F1 but that’s just me - shifts are faster and more visceral and the pedal box is less crowded.
The biggest issue with the F355 is not fragility but spares availability. My indy tells me it’s becoming a real issue. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t go back to the F355, much as I loved it.
I owned a F355 and looked at buying an F430 for my wife. Both of them F1. I wouldn’t get hung up about manual or F1. I personally prefer the F1 but that’s just me - shifts are faster and more visceral and the pedal box is less crowded.
The biggest issue with the F355 is not fragility but spares availability. My indy tells me it’s becoming a real issue. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t go back to the F355, much as I loved it.
I have a 2001 360 Coupe F1, so can comment on the F1 element and the car generally but not spider specific
The later f1 software is better than the early cars, and the later cars. The early f1 soft ware isn't great especially in auto mode or in traffic jams. I have had mine remapped to the Challege Stradale map and its made a world of difference. You have to drive the f1 cars as if they are a manual and if your driveway is on a steep slope, I would avoid as steep slope slow manoeuvring eats the clutch.
Just arrived back from Le Mans and on the open road the car is fantastic, great ride and handling, good steering (Lotus is better) , acceleration good especially when rolling. Engine sound is amazing and the car is beautifully analogue. Personally, I think the 355 feels much older than the 360 and the 430 feels a bit newer than the 360. They will all feel a bit dated compared with an R8. I would avoid a 355 F1 as its a very early iteration of the concept.
I am thinking about changing mine for a 360 or 430 spider because I fancy some open air motoring
Mine is generally reliable but you need to make sure they have been maintained. Get AV engineering to do a PPI (same with a 430) or get a very good warranty and then take it down to AV. 360 overall is probably cheaper to maintain than the 355 and the 430 slightly cheaper again (no belts).
The 360 and 430 do treat bushes and ball joins as consumables.
For me, there is something about the Ferrari that I can't put my finger on, but it stirs the soul.
The later f1 software is better than the early cars, and the later cars. The early f1 soft ware isn't great especially in auto mode or in traffic jams. I have had mine remapped to the Challege Stradale map and its made a world of difference. You have to drive the f1 cars as if they are a manual and if your driveway is on a steep slope, I would avoid as steep slope slow manoeuvring eats the clutch.
Just arrived back from Le Mans and on the open road the car is fantastic, great ride and handling, good steering (Lotus is better) , acceleration good especially when rolling. Engine sound is amazing and the car is beautifully analogue. Personally, I think the 355 feels much older than the 360 and the 430 feels a bit newer than the 360. They will all feel a bit dated compared with an R8. I would avoid a 355 F1 as its a very early iteration of the concept.
I am thinking about changing mine for a 360 or 430 spider because I fancy some open air motoring
Mine is generally reliable but you need to make sure they have been maintained. Get AV engineering to do a PPI (same with a 430) or get a very good warranty and then take it down to AV. 360 overall is probably cheaper to maintain than the 355 and the 430 slightly cheaper again (no belts).
The 360 and 430 do treat bushes and ball joins as consumables.
For me, there is something about the Ferrari that I can't put my finger on, but it stirs the soul.
I loved my 360 (although it was coupe, not spider).
Owned it about 6 years and did plenty of miles in it (something like 15-20k). I found it had the perfect amount of power - it was quick, but not stupidly quick so you could have fun without being in "Go to jail" territory in 0.1s.
Sounded fabulous (I had the stock exhaust), loved the way it handled and it was a lot of fun. Surprisingly heavy on tyres - at least when I compare it to my current car which has much more power - although to be fair, that is stupidly light on tyres and I've never really understood how it manages that - so perhaps an unfair comparison.
Mine was generally reliable - at most servicing it usually needed a few minor things doing. Ball joints are a pain, and expensive when they need sorting.
The padding in the original exhaust breaks down, and will fill the engine bay with dust - which gets annoying.
They have a few known issues - one of which I didn't know about until it happened............ the cam variators can snap. There was a modified part from Ferrari - sadly, I can confirm that they fail too............ I doubt there is any way you can protect against it, and I don't know how common it is - when it happened to me, some people on the forums knew about it, but I had never heard it mentioned even during 5 years of ownership. So I don't think it's all that common - and maybe my occasional habit of dumping the clutch at 5k rpm from a standing start might have made it more likely...............
The fact that happened to me (and cost me ~£6.5k for a top end rebuild on one bank) would suggest I tell you to avoid them. It's a sign of how good they are that instead, I'll tell you they're brilliant and you should buy one!
Owned it about 6 years and did plenty of miles in it (something like 15-20k). I found it had the perfect amount of power - it was quick, but not stupidly quick so you could have fun without being in "Go to jail" territory in 0.1s.
Sounded fabulous (I had the stock exhaust), loved the way it handled and it was a lot of fun. Surprisingly heavy on tyres - at least when I compare it to my current car which has much more power - although to be fair, that is stupidly light on tyres and I've never really understood how it manages that - so perhaps an unfair comparison.
Mine was generally reliable - at most servicing it usually needed a few minor things doing. Ball joints are a pain, and expensive when they need sorting.
The padding in the original exhaust breaks down, and will fill the engine bay with dust - which gets annoying.
They have a few known issues - one of which I didn't know about until it happened............ the cam variators can snap. There was a modified part from Ferrari - sadly, I can confirm that they fail too............ I doubt there is any way you can protect against it, and I don't know how common it is - when it happened to me, some people on the forums knew about it, but I had never heard it mentioned even during 5 years of ownership. So I don't think it's all that common - and maybe my occasional habit of dumping the clutch at 5k rpm from a standing start might have made it more likely...............
The fact that happened to me (and cost me ~£6.5k for a top end rebuild on one bank) would suggest I tell you to avoid them. It's a sign of how good they are that instead, I'll tell you they're brilliant and you should buy one!
In reality, difference between 430 and 360 is small. 430’s are known for manifold problems, chassis is the same so you still get the ball joint and bush consumption.
430 engine has more power but less character, it also gets mannetino switch and face lifted dash. Styling is subjective, I think the 360 with challenge grille is the best looking from the rear, 430 better from the front. If going for a 430, check the rear lights don’t wobble.
I concluded it wasn’t worth the price difference to swap to a 430 from the 360.
430 engine has more power but less character, it also gets mannetino switch and face lifted dash. Styling is subjective, I think the 360 with challenge grille is the best looking from the rear, 430 better from the front. If going for a 430, check the rear lights don’t wobble.
I concluded it wasn’t worth the price difference to swap to a 430 from the 360.
Thanks for all the replies.
So far I think I’m leaning towards the 360. I agree with the post above - the back of the 360, with the challenge grill, is stunning!
I’m not too worried if it doesn’t feel as quick as the R8 as I’m not buying it for the speed as much as the overall experience.
I need to start looking properly for a car now.
So far I think I’m leaning towards the 360. I agree with the post above - the back of the 360, with the challenge grill, is stunning!
I’m not too worried if it doesn’t feel as quick as the R8 as I’m not buying it for the speed as much as the overall experience.
I need to start looking properly for a car now.
Looks like this pristine 26k mile 430 spider just sold for £54k + fees(12.5%), well under the estimate of £70-80k. Is this in line with today's market or was there something that would put buyers off?
https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
ollyh1988 said:
Thanks for all the replies.
So far I think I’m leaning towards the 360. I agree with the post above - the back of the 360, with the challenge grill, is stunning!
I’m not too worried if it doesn’t feel as quick as the R8 as I’m not buying it for the speed as much as the overall experience.
I need to start looking properly for a car now.
we've got both of the Spiders you mention in manual guise. Both are lovely, fun cars that will make you feel good - even just sitting in them! The manual box is great on both, I had the F1 in my CS, it was good but not as rewarding as a manual. Tried a 430 with F1 when they first came out and I must admit I thought it was better than the CS gearbox but that could just be my memory fading. I personally prefer the 430 but that is totally my own opinion, the engine/exhaust sound just fine to my ears! Not sure I'd take a 430 F1 over a manual 360 though, you need to try both and make up your mind :-)So far I think I’m leaning towards the 360. I agree with the post above - the back of the 360, with the challenge grill, is stunning!
I’m not too worried if it doesn’t feel as quick as the R8 as I’m not buying it for the speed as much as the overall experience.
I need to start looking properly for a car now.
Friend has a 355 which is a fantastic car but he does also have other supercars to use.
I've had my 360 Spider since November last year.
Black, Challenge grilles and wheels, daytona seats, manual and tubi. Bought at 26k miles and just about to tick up to 30k.
I've put a set of tyres on it, had keys motorsport look over it (It's going to need a couple of ball joints over winter, clutch is good but it had been previously over filled with oil). In the cold the roof bent out of shape a little so they've fixed that too.
I'd like to get the plenum recoated and courtesy of someone unknown in a car park I have a small ding on the passenger door that needs sorting.
My kids (and I) love it.
Highly recommended
I've had my 360 Spider since November last year.
Black, Challenge grilles and wheels, daytona seats, manual and tubi. Bought at 26k miles and just about to tick up to 30k.
I've put a set of tyres on it, had keys motorsport look over it (It's going to need a couple of ball joints over winter, clutch is good but it had been previously over filled with oil). In the cold the roof bent out of shape a little so they've fixed that too.
I'd like to get the plenum recoated and courtesy of someone unknown in a car park I have a small ding on the passenger door that needs sorting.
My kids (and I) love it.
Highly recommended
PinkHouse said:
Looks like this pristine 26k mile 430 spider just sold for £54k + fees(12.5%), well under the estimate of £70-80k. Is this in line with today's market or was there something that would put buyers off?
https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
it used to be white, the fascia is really gaudy and it was owned by Robbie Savage! https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
I think the market is generally cooling, there was a period on Collecting Cars where any old piece of tat was selling way over where it should have been - only seems to be happening now on cars that have something about them.
pmanson said:
Friend has a 355 which is a fantastic car but he does also have other supercars to use.
I've had my 360 Spider since November last year.
Black, Challenge grilles and wheels, daytona seats, manual and tubi. Bought at 26k miles and just about to tick up to 30k.
I've put a set of tyres on it, had keys motorsport look over it (It's going to need a couple of ball joints over winter, clutch is good but it had been previously over filled with oil). In the cold the roof bent out of shape a little so they've fixed that too.
I'd like to get the plenum recoated and courtesy of someone unknown in a car park I have a small ding on the passenger door that needs sorting.
My kids (and I) love it.
Highly recommended
Nice. I can throughly endorse black with crema I've had my 360 Spider since November last year.
Black, Challenge grilles and wheels, daytona seats, manual and tubi. Bought at 26k miles and just about to tick up to 30k.
I've put a set of tyres on it, had keys motorsport look over it (It's going to need a couple of ball joints over winter, clutch is good but it had been previously over filled with oil). In the cold the roof bent out of shape a little so they've fixed that too.
I'd like to get the plenum recoated and courtesy of someone unknown in a car park I have a small ding on the passenger door that needs sorting.
My kids (and I) love it.
Highly recommended
(mine also has a door ding from some idiot in a car park)
PinkHouse said:
Looks like this pristine 26k mile 430 spider just sold for £54k + fees(12.5%), well under the estimate of £70-80k. Is this in line with today's market or was there something that would put buyers off?
https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
That is very cheap. I looked at one at Tom hartley's about 8 weeks ago. It was £80k with 24k miles on it, immaculate interior and high spec. I decided to stick with the 360, but it sold in a weekhttps://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
PinkHouse said:
Looks like this pristine 26k mile 430 spider just sold for £54k + fees(12.5%), well under the estimate of £70-80k. Is this in line with today's market or was there something that would put buyers off?
https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
That £54k figure comes from The Mail, and their accuracy is known to be.... erm.... not the best. But let's assume they didn't just make up that number.https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/74-2006-ferrar...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-122...
HandH said:
Buyer's commission for our physical venue auctions are as follows:
12.5% - Motorcars (subject to minimum of £250)
Seller's commission for our physical venue auctions are as follows:
5% - Motorcars (subject to minimum of £250)
The buyer will have paid £62100 for the car. For reference a couple of months ago I looked at trade-in values for my 2007 F1 spider with 48k miles, and they were about £64000. So that price is low, but not seriously low for trade. I wouldn't expect to be able to buy one for anything close to that though, unless you are willing to take a serious risk and buy at auction. Even a private sale will be significantly higher.12.5% - Motorcars (subject to minimum of £250)
Seller's commission for our physical venue auctions are as follows:
5% - Motorcars (subject to minimum of £250)
I've had my 360 Spider for over 10 years now having previously had an F355. I always felt the 355 felt "older" or perhaps more classic depending on your view point. The 360 instantly felt a leap forward in being more modern. I love the manual gearbox. It's what I always mentally pictured a Ferrari to have but I appreciate times change.
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