Ferrari 360 Modena

The 360 Modena is my favorite car that I've ever had the chance to drive hard. I preferred its on-the-limit handling to the Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo and even the F430 I drove on track (I wish I'd had the chance to autocross that one, though!).

Given how far car performance has come in the last 15 years, I'm curious to know how the new Stingray would stack up against the Ferrari. As far as ownership goes, while the Modena has potential for appreciation, the care and feeding costs of a Ferrari would give me an ulcer.

nderwater wrote: The 360 Modena is my favorite car that I've ever had the chance to drive hard. I preferred its on-the-limit handling to the Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo and even the F430 I drove on track (I wish I'd had the chance to autocross that one, though!). Given how far car performance has come in the last 15 years, I'm curious to know how the new Stingray would stack up against the Ferrari. As far as ownership goes, while the Modena has potential for appreciation, the care and feeding costs of a Ferrari would give me an ulcer.

The 360 is not terrible for a Ferrari, the guys locally are saying about 2500$ a year if you do small stuff like brake pads yourself and bring the car in for belts and the bigger services to a independent. ~2500-4000 miles a year for them

The very few times I have worked on a say a 355 the parts bill could be 10 times that for a major.

Ive been looking at 360 Modena values ever since a couple of them went through the auction i was working at for 50k.

Funnily enough, one big hurdle in my mind is how to 'fix' the headlights. They look stupid and are the main reason i've never liked the c6 Vette.

I still prefer the F355. No F1 shifters, poor driving position, impossible to shift into 2nd when it's cold, pop up headlights... Ferraris should have quirks and an attitude.

Red, gated shifter, screaming V8...

"I think I just had a crisis" -JC

+1 to preferring the 355. The 355 is one of the last Ferraris that do anything for me.

BradLTL wrote: I still prefer the F355. No F1 shifters, poor driving position, impossible to shift into 2nd when it's cold, pop up headlights... Ferraris should have quirks and an attitude.

I've not driven a F355 but I've sat in a few -- and it's amazing how much older the interiors seem compared to the 360, which even today feels like a completely modern car. The F355 sure is gorgeous on the outside, though.

I looked at these when I bought my 930. A 360 is definitely still on the list though and hopefully I can snag one at the bottom of the depreciation curve.

BradLTL wrote: I still prefer the F355. No F1 shifters

You cold still get a three pedal with the 360, not that it matters as a)They are out of my price range and b) The 360 is ugly to my eyes. The 348/355 are much nicer. In fact Ferrari has completely lost the plot styling wise over the last 20 years to me.

I like the Modena, (though never driven or sat in one) But I love the size of the 355. It just seems more compact and small which I feel sports cars should be. I think that's also why I like Gallardo's, great size, not huge. The 360/430 and now the 458 and 488 just look so large. Maybe they don't feel that way on the inside, but when I see them they seem to dwarf the driver.

I love the look of the 360 Stradale. It was one of the first supercars I had a chance to ride in when I started on my path to total track junkie back in the late 90s and it totally delivered on it's look and sound.

since then, I've had a crack at practically everything. Gheyardo, 430s, etc. I've still never driven a 360. I still love the look of them and at $30k I'd probably borrow money - but - steppin' up to new Vette money buys a 996 GT3. Or a new Vette. Or a Cayman. Or an Exige... Sorry Ferrari... I'm too practical for you. A $70k super car today makes a $70k used super car from then look like a rolling chicane.

360 is the first truly modern mid-engine Ferrari. No more cramped legs for 6 footers, no more engine-out timing belt service, etc.
Only downside is no more GTS version with removable roof section, just coupe and spider.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: A $70k super car today makes a $70k used super car from then look like a rolling chicane.

Except that new $70k supercar will likely depreciate some, while the used Ferrari - if your timing is right - will be closer to appreciating in value, like every single Ferrari that wasn't butt-ugly [cough] GT4, Mondial 8, etc. [\cough] ...and even those are starting to climb somewhat.

Then again, driving off the lot in a new Vette, with a real warranty, that you can find a dealer for in damn near every town across the US with more than ~2000-population...that's a nice advantage.

In reply to petegossett:

Funny, I think the GT4 is one of the best looking cars they made and the Mondial is better looking than anything they've built this century.

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

Actually, I tend to agree with you - but they are the cheapest Ferraris for a reason.

petegossett wrote: In reply to Adrian_Thompson: Actually, I tend to agree with you - but they are the cheapest Ferraris for a reason.

Don't follow fashion man, create it.

Bumping this because I'm now on the hunt for a 360. Thought I found one local, but it seems to have some issues and the seller is very vague, so here we go. I am also keeping an eye on the 430 because on paper it seems to be the much better car, but the price reflects it even though they seem to be coming down and I've had several people say they prefer the 360 over the 430.

Any thoughts on 360 vs 430 are appreciated.

Anyway, my spec wish list is a strange, but would be TDF blue with black interior, daytona seats, sunroof (I know, very rare), shields, under 30k miles, and good documentation. I have struggled on the F1 vs traditional manual decision, but I think I'd like to try the F1 although a 6 speed would absolutely be considered. I'm flexible on pretty much everything above, but if I had speced one new that's how I would have ordered it. Anyway, I'm in no rush, but would like to find the right car within the next 12 months at least. We'll see how the search goes

Swank Force One wrote: +1 to preferring the 355. The 355 is one of the last Ferraris that do anything for me.

I am close. I like the 348. The perfect blend of 328 and Testarossa

Everybody hates on the 458s, but I really like them. Call me a heathen.

I'm no help on the 360, but I did see a 355 on Atlanta CL this morning. 35k miles, $64k

ultraclyde wrote: Everybody hates on the 458s, but I really like them. Call me a heathen. I'm no help on the 360, but I did see a 355 on Atlanta CL this morning. 35k miles, $64k

I like the 458 a lot, but it's not in the budget.

I actually started looking at a Testarossa initially because I've always loved those cars, but the more I researched the more I was drawn to the 360.

Cotton wrote: Bumping this because I'm now on the hunt for a 360. Thought I found one local, but it seems to have some issues and the seller is very vague, so here we go. I am also keeping an eye on the 430 because on paper it seems to be the much better car, but the price reflects it even though they seem to be coming down and I've had several people say they prefer the 360 over the 430. Any thoughts on 360 vs 430 are appreciated. Anyway, my spec wish list is a strange, but would be TDF blue with black interior, daytona seats, sunroof (I know, very rare), shields, under 30k miles, and good documentation. I have struggled on the F1 vs traditional manual decision, but I think I'd like to try the F1 although a 6 speed would absolutely be considered. I'm flexible on pretty much everything above, but if I had speced one new that's how I would have ordered it. Anyway, I'm in no rush, but would like to find the right car within the next 12 months at least. We'll see how the search goes

Are you keeping the 930??

dyintorace wrote:

Cotton wrote: Bumping this because I'm now on the hunt for a 360. Thought I found one local, but it seems to have some issues and the seller is very vague, so here we go. I am also keeping an eye on the 430 because on paper it seems to be the much better car, but the price reflects it even though they seem to be coming down and I've had several people say they prefer the 360 over the 430. Any thoughts on 360 vs 430 are appreciated. Anyway, my spec wish list is a strange, but would be TDF blue with black interior, daytona seats, sunroof (I know, very rare), shields, under 30k miles, and good documentation. I have struggled on the F1 vs traditional manual decision, but I think I'd like to try the F1 although a 6 speed would absolutely be considered. I'm flexible on pretty much everything above, but if I had speced one new that's how I would have ordered it. Anyway, I'm in no rush, but would like to find the right car within the next 12 months at least. We'll see how the search goes

Are you keeping the 930??

Oh yeah that's a keeper for sure....one of my dream cars. I will more than likely sell my 96 993 targa to help fund this purchase. I love the 993, but it would knock out a big chunk of the 360 purchase price. I also sold my 09 Speed Triple to go towards it, an 03 new beetle I had for my wife that she never drove, and I have a few others on the chopping block, but nothing major. Out of everything the 993 is the one that will be missed the most and it's still not 100% that it will go, but it's very very likely.

Test drive a F1 flappy paddle and a manual first. I drive a '00 360 flappy paddle with the exotic car group I instruct with and it is not the smoothest. Early generation and single plate clutch. The '04 Lambo is worlds ahead of the Ferrari and only a few years newer.

CGLockRacer wrote: Test drive a F1 flappy paddle and a manual first. I drive a '00 360 flappy paddle with the exotic car group I instruct with and it is not the smoothest. Early generation and single plate clutch. The '04 Lambo is worlds ahead of the Ferrari and only a few years newer.

I hope to test drive both. I have a 2000 360 F1 I should be able to drive in a few weeks, so that'll be good exposure. I hear the F1 in the 430 is much better, but the 430 is a big chunk of change more than a 360.

On the Lambo was it a Gallardo or Murcielago? I would LOVE to have a Murcielado, but they're out of budget also unfortunately.

In reply to Cotton:

Gallardo

In reply to Datsun1500:

This won't be a DD. I still DD my k1300s, then take my truck or suburban when the weather is nasty. Not to mention I've almost stopped driving nice cars to work because the last time I did I got a nice rear quarter ding in our parking garage, which is secured and badge access only, with cameras, but the camera where I parked was inop. That really pissed my off. I think I'll get a camera system for the car that I can swap around depending on what I'm driving.

I agree with you on the higher miles.....no one seems to want a Ferrari with miles. The cheapest ones on the market now are the ones with over 40k.

Anyway, we'll see where this goes. I feel like a 360 is where I'll end up, but you never know.

I've not driven a F355 but I've sat in a few -- and it's amazing how much older the interiors seem compared to the 360, which even today feels like a completely modern car. The F355 sure is gorgeous on the outside, though.

Totally agree on both cars. I actually like the 348 over the 355 because it seems to be a little more consistent from the inside to the outside, and when talking about old (pre 360) Ferraris, it's basically all about the look or you'd just buy the NSX that kicked their asses on track, right?

I like the 360 interior a lot. I've been in 2.

I am close. I like the 348. The perfect blend of 328 and Testarossa

Great way of putting it.

If the 360 sounded like the 355 it would have been the best Ferrari ever.

As long as the service is current, I think I'd prefer Ferrari with some miles on it. It says it's been used and hasn't sat around getting crusty. Besides, if I am ever able to buy a Ferrari while I'm still working, the sucker will get a ton of miles on it... probably over 15K/yr. The 360 is OK, but the Ferrari I lust after is the 550. Unfortunately, the only ones I've seen for sale were priced well above $50K.

Cotton wrote: Bumping this because I'm now on the hunt for a 360. Thought I found one local, but it seems to have some issues and the seller is very vague, so here we go. I am also keeping an eye on the 430 because on paper it seems to be the much better car, but the price reflects it even though they seem to be coming down and I've had several people say they prefer the 360 over the 430. Any thoughts on 360 vs 430 are appreciated. Anyway, my spec wish list is a strange, but would be TDF blue with black interior, daytona seats, sunroof (I know, very rare), shields, under 30k miles, and good documentation. I have struggled on the F1 vs traditional manual decision, but I think I'd like to try the F1 although a 6 speed would absolutely be considered. I'm flexible on pretty much everything above, but if I had speced one new that's how I would have ordered it. Anyway, I'm in no rush, but would like to find the right car within the next 12 months at least. We'll see how the search goes

Well, I did it. I flew out of state yesterday and pulled the trigger on a 360 Modena, red on tan, gated manual, all docs, 23k miles, excellent condition. I had a deposit on a different 360 since December and that fell through. At first I was disappointed, but this car is much nicer, so it worked out for the best. I decided on a gated over f1 because after driving an f1 I just much preferred the feel of the traditional manual....and I have to admit I love the look of the gated.

I compared the 348, 355, 360, 430, and even briefly considered a Testarossa again. In the end the gated 360 was the right car for me.

It's in an enclosed trailer headed to TN as I type this and should be delivered in the morning. I'll probably create a new thread at some point and post pictures, but tomorrow I'll focus on going for a drive and getting to know my first Ferrari.

CGLockRacer wrote: Test drive a F1 flappy paddle and a manual first. I drive a '00 360 flappy paddle with the exotic car group I instruct with and it is not the smoothest. Early generation and single plate clutch. The '04 Lambo is worlds ahead of the Ferrari and only a few years newer.

You're still in SE MI, right? I'm guessing Fastrak? That guy lives not too far from me, I usually see their cars around town.

F430 has cam chains, not belts like the 360. Not sure on the 430, but I heard Rob Ferretti mention that its roughly $15k at the dealer to go from F1 to manual. That's a lot less than the "manual premium" and I'd guess that with it being a documented dealer service, you'd most likely get that same investment back out of it when its sold.

In reply to Mazda787b:

Yup. Fastrak. First event of the year in a couple of weekends.

Cotton wrote:

Cotton wrote: Bumping this because I'm now on the hunt for a 360. Thought I found one local, but it seems to have some issues and the seller is very vague, so here we go. I am also keeping an eye on the 430 because on paper it seems to be the much better car, but the price reflects it even though they seem to be coming down and I've had several people say they prefer the 360 over the 430. Any thoughts on 360 vs 430 are appreciated. Anyway, my spec wish list is a strange, but would be TDF blue with black interior, daytona seats, sunroof (I know, very rare), shields, under 30k miles, and good documentation. I have struggled on the F1 vs traditional manual decision, but I think I'd like to try the F1 although a 6 speed would absolutely be considered. I'm flexible on pretty much everything above, but if I had speced one new that's how I would have ordered it. Anyway, I'm in no rush, but would like to find the right car within the next 12 months at least. We'll see how the search goes

Well, I did it. I flew out of state yesterday and pulled the trigger on a 360 Modena, red on tan, gated manual, all docs, 23k miles, excellent condition. I had a deposit on a different 360 since December and that fell through. At first I was disappointed, but this car is much nicer, so it worked out for the best. I decided on a gated over f1 because after driving an f1 I just much preferred the feel of the traditional manual....and I have to admit I love the look of the gated.

I compared the 348, 355, 360, 430, and even briefly considered a Testarossa again. In the end the gated 360 was the right car for me.

It's in an enclosed trailer headed to TN as I type this and should be delivered in the morning. I'll probably create a new thread at some point and post pictures, but tomorrow I'll focus on going for a drive and getting to know my first Ferrari.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on your purchase. That's awesome, well done and I hope it's a riot to own and easy on repairs. You need to start a new 'ownership' thread in the build section and start with a Mazduce style story about going and getting it to start with.

Can't wait for the build thread - congrats!

Nice! You should post some pics when you get it so we can ogle.

Thanks guys. It was delivered around 10 this morning and I took it for a drive, then had to rearrange the shop to fit it in with the rest of the cars. I'll get the pics up on Monday. So far I love it.....very different from what I'm used to.

Congrats! Color combo? Safe to assume red over tan, but have to ask!!

dyintorace wrote: Congrats! Color combo? Safe to assume red over tan, but have to ask!!

Lol yes it actually is red over tan. I was looking at several color combos, but this was the right car at the right time for sure. I also had to keep resale in mind, not that I plan on selling it, but you never know. With that in mind red/tan is as good as it gets for resale and personally I just love the color combo. Other colors I looked out for were tdf blue, nart blue, and silver. I actually came very close to buying a silver gated 360, but it sold before I could even run the carfax!

Congrats. Looking forward to the pics.

Pics or BAN fer chrissakes!

Here it is just after we got it unloaded. I had moved a few cars out so I could decide how to re-organize the shop with the new addition. Also pictured is my 85 Carrera, 96 993, and 87 560sec 6.0 amg conversion. I have to say I really love the 360 so far.....it definitely feels like a special car. I will start my own thread eventually, but wanted to go ahead and get a couple of pictures up.

Cotton wrote:

That's one heck of a collection. Right on!

Gorgeous. Congrats!

In reply to nderwater:

Yeah, looks like Cotton's own private car show. Nice.

Life, you're winning at it.

Congrats

I apologize in advance for this... but that picture:

Just seeing that gated manual makes me drool!

I've come to realize with Ferarri that for me personally it takes a few years before find them attractive. The 360 didn't do much for me when it was newer, but now it totally looks like teh sexors.

Or maybe their current designs are just that ugly that they make these cars seem classic now? Not sure, but regardless I'm looking forward to your reviews!