[IPguyVA]

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum. I'm 30 years old (not a kid, obviously), and would like to purchase a 360 Modena soon, and was hoping to find some help here. Having purchased classic(albeit, more domestic) cars in the past, it seemed simple enough to go see a car, drive it, and buy it.

This does not seem to be the accepted protocol when trying to purchase a Ferrari, however, since no one so far will allow a test drive - including the local Ferrari dealership here in Northern Virginia. I've never driven a 360, so it makes me uncomfortable to pay in full before I figure out if it's something I definitely want.

Would someone please advise me on how to go about making my purchase? I live in the metro DC area

[Boxer]

Suggest you call Richard or Fernando at Competizione & Sports Car.

Competizione and Sports Cars - Contemporary, Race and Vintage Ferrari Maintenance and Service Specialists

They are impressive guys.

[Andrew]

If you buy a 360 from an individual you should be able to drive it if it's in your area. That would be a start. Then get a PPI on any car you are considering.

If you didn't like the way it drove, what would you then consider? Are you think about other models from Ferrari?

Welcome to Ferrari Life.

[Barry]

Welcome to F Life IPguyVA.

I'm very surprised that your local Ferrari dealer will not permit a test drive. This seems a little strange if you are a serious buyer. Andrew's advice is sound, get an independent PPI on any Ferrari before purchase. Also check out the 360 buyers guide on this site. It has lots of good advice. Good luck with your search, a good 360 is a wonderful car!

[wetpet]

there is a lot of support in the dc area. i'm sure we can get you a drive in a 360 if you can't. The car culture pretty much just stopped this week so there won't be much as far as events and get togethers until the spring. as far as FOW goes, the procedure is to call and talk to a salesmen first. explain your situation and make an appointment to see a particular car they have in inventory. Dress and act like you are buying something expensive and are a serious customer. i was able to drive the only car i looked at there with no problem. if it becomes a problem, i'm sure one of us (not me ) could make a call for you. The other best way to get a drive is go to a small independent or a private seller locally. All else fails, we'll get you a drive.

another good resource in this area is competizione in gaithersburg. A sponsor of this site. they are a wealth of knowledge for a new car buyer. They also frequently have 360's for sale by their customers. They can also advise you on what to look for throughout the model range. and of course they can do PPI's and service.

http://www.competizionecars.com/

[lucca brazzi]

great advice here,,,ill also suggest a PPI before puchasing,,when you find a 360 your intersted in,,,make sure it has all the books and service records..good luck...!!

[Boxer]

Suggest you also download the 360 Buyers Guide:

Ferrari Buyer's Guides - Ferrari Life

[rmani]

I wasn't able to drive my car until I showed up with the check ready to purchase it. Once i came back with the money I was allowed to go for a drive and ride which at that point was really nothing more than a formality.

In all honestly you really don't need to drive this car to know if you'll like it. You will love it so just buy one that checks out.

[360 Modena]

Come to Annapolis C&C on Sundays and we'll fix you right up.

I'll bring my 360.

No need to bring the checkbook, but cigars appreciated

[Killer58]

Originally Posted by 360 Modena

Come to Annapolis C&C on Sundays and we'll fix you right up.

Big Al,

Are you going to be there this weekend? I'll be in town this weekend, if you're going to be there, I'll drive out with Celeste.

Killer

[360 Modena]

Yes, it will be great to see Celeste again (and you).

I'll bring the TR unless I hear back from IP Guy who wants to see/ride the 360.

[Sled Driver]

You can find them in Miami, Vegas, NY, & LA (for example)

I flew down to San Diego & rented a 360 for a day. I felt I would get a better feel for the car instead of just my impressions after a short 20 minute test drive.

I drove it along twisty mountain roads, freeways & downtown. I wanted to get a real sense of it's user friendliness & practicality. In total, I covered over 220 miles.

I was curious about visibility (blind spots) in traffic. How I would like the F1 shifting system & since I'm getting older, how easy it was getting in & out.

As an example I had driven & ridden in my friend's Lotus Exige. It's a horrible daily driver, a real pain to climb in & out of.

While on business I drove a Pontiac Solstice & discovered that the trunk is useless. The trunk is completely filled when the top down.

I bought a 99 360 F1 two months later...............

[wetpet]

excellent advice. can be really pricey to rent though.

[Sled Driver]

Originally Posted by wetpet

excellent advice. can be really pricey to rent though.

It's better to spend $1k than to regret spending $85K........ IMO

[tazandjan]

Emery- When and where did you fly SRs?

[Sled Driver]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Emery- When and where did you fly SRs?

I was just a SR-71 crew chief, not a pilot, 1977-80 Beale AFB. Plus I did a short stint with Lockheed in Palmdale as a civilian in 1981.

This was years before Major Brian Shul reported to Beale. The author of “Sled Driver”

I liked the description he used for the plane in his books & adopted it for use due to the many performance cars I've owned.

I met Brian at the Museum of Flight in 91 & he gave me one of his business cards.tint with Lockheed as a civilian in 1981.
This was years before Major Brian Shul reported to Beale. The author of “Sled Driver”
I liked the description he used for the plane in his books & adopted it for use due to the many performance cars I've owned.
I met Brian at the Museum of Flight & he gave me one of his business cards.
n Shul

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

That is a great card ! w/ smiles Jimmy

[Brian]

I loved a story of his. After a SAM warning he told his RSO "remember if we get shot down you're the spy, I'm just the driver".

[tazandjan]

Emery- Must have been fun. We saw them at RAF Mildenhall, where the nose exceeded the length of the shelters by quite a bit. Probably still confused the USSR's satellites, though.