Ferrari Reviews? - Lateral-g Forums

John510 · #1 10-06-2012, 05:09 PM

Has anyone on here had any real life experience with Ferraris?

I know they are ridiculously expensive to maintain but are they reliable at all? Can a person with average mechanical abilities work on them? How many miles is too many in the used market?

Specifically an early 2000 360 modena manual. Like the one in this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWql8rKQOKU

**Rybar** · #2 10-06-2012, 05:12 PM

My buddy owns a 355 Spider F1. He had to pull the bumper to do the clutch otherwise it was like a $10k job at the dealer. And he just did the timing chain he had to pull the entire motor!! I'm sure the 360 is similar to work on. His car maybe had 10k when the clutch went and maybe 15k on it now.

John510 · #3 10-06-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rybar

My buddy owns a 355 Spider F1. He had to pull the bumper to do the clutch otherwise it was like a $10k job at the dealer. And he just did the timing chain he had to pull the entire motor!! I'm sure the 360 is similar to work on. His car maybe had 10k when the clutch went and maybe 15k on it now.

There has to be some sort of school I could go to in order to learn how to work on them right?

**Rybar** · #4 10-06-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John510

There has to be some sort of school I could go to in order to learn how to work on them right?

I'm not sure, he owns a collision shop and repairs them there from time to time. I'm sure if you have mechanical background or skills they are just like any other car. Just the parts are alot more money.

**GregWeld** · #5 10-06-2012, 05:24 PM

I just drove an F430 in Italy (Monaco actually) and I can tell you that after a 4 hour drive on Italian coastal roads - I FINALLY understand why people like these cars and are willing to spend big bucks for them.... they're WONDERFUL. Silky smooth... quality feel everywhere... killer Ferrari sounds... no squeaks - no rattles...

The only snobbish sounding thing I'm going to say here.... if you have to ask - then you can't afford one. Fugidaboudit. The PRE 430 models can cost 1000's just to change the belts... So if dropping 5 or 10 or 12 grand on maintenance bothers you - or you have to put it off... don't do it. None of the later models are going to be collectible... they're not that special. Step up to a F430 or later (I would LOVE to own a 458 Spider!). They don't have the maintenance issues.

I drive an S63 and just took it in for fluids and filters -- it was a whopping $1600.... NOT 16,000!

**GregWeld** · #6 10-06-2012, 05:36 PM

By the way -- Ferrari has info on it's "average" customer...

The AVERAGE Ferrari customer has a net worth in excess of 10 MILLION

The AVERAGE Ferrari customer earns over a million a year

John510 · #7 10-06-2012, 05:37 PM

I am definitely not in their average category. just wanted a nice car..

carbuff · #8 10-06-2012, 05:39 PM

Wait until you get to do the brakes on that S63. I just had them done on my C63. Pads only was over $900... Can't wait until I have to do rotors.

**GregWeld** · #9 10-06-2012, 05:56 PM

Here's how I do service....

I roll into the dealership - I ONLY have my stuff serviced at the selling dealer -
I give tell them a list of everything I want serviced. They always reply - but that's not due yet until "X" miles. I politely smile and tell them - Here's the list of things I want done... It always takes two times for them to get it.

I don't care if it's not "due" yet - I want it done. I also tell them - If there is ANYTHING the tech sees that needs service or changing or is going to need changing shortly... FIX IT NOW.... Don't call me until the car is done.

If you can afford to drive this kind of crap - then the last thing you should be concerned with is what piddly crap costs. I just drove into the shop with a $170K car - do I care that an oil change costs $200? No. Do I care if it needs brakes - NO - just fix it.

These cars are made to DRIVE THE SNOT OUT OF -- that's how mine get driven - that requires service and parts and they're expensive. Ya gotta know that going in. A Porsche or similar is expensive to own - everybody knows that... A Ferrari is 10 times that cost and way more frequent!

To me - it's like owning a boat and then complaining about fuel costs.... REALLY? Then sell the f'n' boat and stay on shore...

John510 · #10 10-06-2012, 06:04 PM

Greg,
How often/miles is that $12K service? Wouldn't mind if its once every 1 1/2 or 2 years but if its 12K$ every 3 months that would add up quick.