2004 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider from North America

Summary:

Beautiful, fun to drive, high maintenance

Faults:

Car battery goes dead every week it is not run, and has to be removed from the floorboard to be charged. A huge pain.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful, fast, responsive, and solicits a lot of positive feedback wherever you take it. On the downside, can't leave it in a parking lot since there are always kids looking at it or taking pictures when you come back. Normally cool with this (I used to do it too), but some people aren't careful and I had the paint scratched by someone's jean rivets while they were having their picture taken with the car.

The automatic top is very functional and the F1 paddle is easy to use after about 1/2 hour of practice. You can also put car in automatic mode when having it valet parked.

The radio/alarm is very quirky and difficult to use.

I also drove one of these on a racetrack (not mine, at an event sponsored by my FCB) and thought it handled much better than the other cars (Ford GT, 911, BMW, Lotus), although the Lotus Elise was fun.

The car is very light and has a carbon underbody. Feels like you are driving a go-cart more than a car, and the downforce and large tires make it feel so glued to the road that you'd think you could drive it upside down.

A friend bought a 430 and said it was much improved in shifting with more horses, so I'll be trading my 360 in soon (have had it for about a year/3K). Hopefully it won't have the same battery problems which was really the only negative for me.

For those who asked, it gets about 9MPG and insurance is only about $2500/year with a 10K deductible.

I've got front and back laser jammers as the police will keep the gun on you forever - no option here.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2006

23rd Jun 2006, 03:08

Mate, all you have to do is turn the battery off! If you're leaving it more than 2 days in the garage, just open up the front and turn off the battery switch. Well that's what I do with my F355. I'm presuming it's the same story for the 360...

2000 Ferrari 360 Modena F1 3.6 litre V8 from North America

Summary:

One of the great sportscars currently being manufactured

Faults:

Nothing so far, just normal yet costly dealer service, including a very expensive clutch change which wasn't needed, but had to be done according to the service papers.

General Comments:

She costs a small fortune to own, but it's a Ferrari so she's worth it. I'm very pleased with the car, she can be driven on a daily basis and my wife even finds her easy to drive. The F1 gearbox is good, although not as quick as similar systems and I still argue whether I should have gone for a manual instead as I prefer having more control. Put her in automatic mode and a kid could drive this car. Needless to say, the performance and handling is impeccable. I dislike the front end though, looks stripped and too aerodynamic, still a stunning car and a Ferrari is always a Ferrari and will generate admiration and positive comments wherever you go. A true headturner for those who like that. I personally consider selling the car, which is my fourth Ferrari since 1984, and going for something else for once. Not because it's a bad car, but because I want to own another sportscar of another marque for once.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2004

7th Jun 2005, 23:11

Ha ha ha! That is great! I absolutely believe you own the car, but you don't even know what engine is in it? HA!

2nd Dec 2006, 08:08

See ya, have fun. I feel sorry for anyone who gets tired of owning a Ferrari. It's an honor, privilege, and the greatest car maker of all time. Everyone dreams of owning the machine. Even more fun to drive it!!

As for repairs, you should only be so lucky to have one to repair. I'd rather fix my Ferrari than a Ford.

17th Apr 2012, 04:25

Actually I don't own the car any more, but traded her in for a 2003 456 MGTA, which turned out to be the worst money pit of a car I've owned so far. I sold that at a great loss, and now I only drive my Mercedes. I've got a contract on a MP4-12C, but people say the early ones are rubbish with constant problems, so we'll see.

As for the "don't know" by the engine-spec, I have no idea how that ended up there. Have fun in your Hyundai.