[adc]

Congrats man! I think you made the right choice - and you can always back out of it if you feel it's not working for you. But at least you can cross this off your bucket list...

If you feel like showing your new ride to an enthusiastic audience (of 1), PM me...

[Bcube]

Nice choice. The 2002 should have all the production updates, and - if it doesn't already - the TCU (transmission control unit) can accept the latest F1 software downloads.

The rear Challenge grill is a nice and functional option.

The Washington shop is owned by the same family that owns Ferrari of Newport Beach, Ferrari/Maserati of San Diego, Maserati of Orange County, and Lamborghini of Newport Beach. If your shop has same type of customer and service satisfaction commitment that is out here, you should have an enjoyable ownership experience.

[TSM330i]

Congrats!!!

Great choice. Of course the classic red/tan combo is just perfection. I love the challenge grill in the back too.

HAPPY MOTORING

[ksflatlander]

Enjoy!! Looks awesome!

[e92Mjunky]

that is 997 Turbo-S range..I know you are hard set on those 2 cars, but you should drive everything in that 4-6 year old used price range and not limit yourself to those 2 cars..hell a DB9 just a few years old is within your budget..

[flyinb501]

Congrats!

[adc]

Originally Posted by e92Mjunky

that is 997 Turbo-S range..I know you are hard set on those 2 cars, but you should drive everything in that 4-6 year old used price range and not limit yourself to those 2 cars..hell a DB9 just a few years old is within your budget..

I hardly think the luxo-cruiser DB9 or traction-focused 997.1 911 turbo can provide the same type of driving experience as a Ferrari.

When I drove the 911 I was very impressed with the mechanical nature of the car, the steering feel&feedback and concluded that if price was no object, I would happily drive one any day of the week. I liked it, but it wasn't necessarily love at first sight. But when I rode in a Ferrari on track, I was instantly smitten. If you understand the difference, then you know why a DB9 or even 911 Turbo are not contenders...



The way I think about it, basically the M3 is the Ferrari of sports sedans - high revving NA engine, noise, superlative throttle response, excellent handling and agility and good looks (for the category). So it's natural for many M3 owners to be attracted to the prancing horse...

[e92Mjunky]

if you are in love with those 2 cars, then go for it man. I am surprised F430 are not down below $100K yet..

[jra85]

Congrats, glad you made the right choice

As was stated previously, the Challenge rear grill will definitely help with cooling as the engine bay gets very hot (larger holes than stock). Also, after driving, I always open the engine hatch to help cool things faster as well.

You might want to consider getting the 19" BBS Challenge wheels that come on the CS if you want to modernize it a little. Novitec and Hamann also makes some great "factory" looking wheels too:

Novitec:




Hamann:

[Im4citadel]

Originally Posted by JAdamz

Congrats, glad you made the right choice

As was stated previously, the Challenge rear grill will definitely help with cooling as the engine bay gets very hot (larger holes than stock). Also, after driving, I always open the engine hatch to help cool things faster as well.

You might want to consider getting the 19" BBS Challenge wheels that come on the CS if you want to modernize it a little. Novitec and Hamann also makes some great "factory" looking wheels too:

Novitec:




Hamann:

Thanks for looking out. I was actually thinking about getting a set of 430 wheels with brand new pirellis.

Are the other three choices cheaper? I found some online for about 2500 a set.

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by JAdamz

: O

Stunning!

[jra85]

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Thanks for looking out. I was actually thinking about getting a set of 430 wheels with brand new pirellis.

Are the other three choices cheaper? I found some online for about 2500 a set.

Not sure what pricing is like, haven't looked them up in a while. Likely no less expensive than OEM 430 wheels though. I actually don't like the look of wheels from a newer model on an older car...for whatever reason it never really looks right to me.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

Are the other three choices cheaper? I found some online for about 2500 a set.

Me-thinks this is an odd question for someone to ask who has just dropped 80k on a Ferrari, it's a Ferrari buy some decent wheels, don't go cheap, cheap wheels don't suit a Ferrari.

[Bcube]

Another source of wheels. The owner of Formula Dynamics (Jeff) is well known and highly regarded in the Maserati World and has just recently expanded to Ferraris: http://www.formuladynamics.com/produ...fdwheel_01.php

BTW, one of the F430 OEM wheel styles is very similar to the Novitecs pictured above.

[ksflatlander]

I think your car looks awesome just the way it is. I wouldn't change a thing. Why spend the extra dough? Wow. It works. Don't fix it.

Enjoy!

[Sniz]

looks fantastic! good choice and thats a great price IMO.

I agree with adc if you want someone to go for a drive with, shoot me a PM

we could get a red 360 vs red M3 video

enjoy safely!

[RichMattB]

I just read the entire thread and I believe you made the right decision!!

Also, every time username11 posted, I found myself nodding in agreement.

Sure you can find something faster within your price range, but you won't find a more exciting and enjoyable car than that Ferrari!

Enjoy it in good health!

[justinnum1]

epic thread

what occupation do you have if you dont mind me asking?

[Im4citadel]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

epic thread

what occupation do you have if you dont mind me asking?

I'm a GC for a financial firm.

My day job may be boring, but this new ride completely makes up for it.

[krnnerdboy]

Great choice! But seriously,that's what I paid for my x5.... But then again I wouldnt have the funds to upkeep it.....congrats! And I would have made the same decision

[NewYearsBoy]

Originally Posted by Im4citadel

I'm a GC for a financial firm.

My day job may be boring, but this new ride completely makes up for it.

GC??(what does that stand for) Also did you go to school..? Sorry If Im asking a lot, graduating with my Finance degree this semester.

[Im4citadel]

Originally Posted by Stoutnj89

GC??(what does that stand for) Also did you go to school..? Sorry If Im asking a lot, graduating with my Finance degree this semester.

"General Counsel"-I am an attorney for a trading firm. I graduated with an accounting degree for my undergrad.

PM me if you want more info.