| Author | Message | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 599 Registered: 12-2001 |
Nice 355 Senna, particularly in black and being a Berlinetta is the best combo. I want one. Bret, your right about being screwed when people see what you drive. My boss makes comments from time to time about driving it to work. He's the manager and I drive a nicer car than he does. I guess he doesnt like that, boo hoo. People get a case of green eye but dont realize their new f150 cost more than my 308. Its just the down side to the benefit of owning a work of art. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2759 Registered: 2-2001 |
People always jump to conclusions about someone driving an expensive car IMO. People act very very differently when a 19 year old guy pulls up in a 15 year old jeep, albeit a nice jeep, but older, as compared to a 19 year old pulling up in a Ferrari, of which they have no idea when it was made, most people seem to think the 308 is relatively new because they're not familiar with exotics and most of them are kept in good shape even when older. Also, my experience is that people try to f-ck you when they see you in an expensive car, or if they know you have one. People are assholes and act like you owe them something because you have money and they don't, it's bullshit plain and simple. Even some people with money seem to want money from you just because they see you have it. That is why I drive the jeep just about everywhere and leave the ferrari for fun or when I'm doing something that I can't be screwed in. I remember my dad telling me about one of his friends (a multimillionaire) who owned a concrete company. He drove around a beat up station wagon for decades because it was the only way you could collect money. As soon as you got a new car people would become reluctant to pay. My dad had the same thing with his steel company when he got his Cadillacs for a daily driver. Two years of dealing with all the B.S. in people not wanting to pay and he promptly went out and got a pickup truck. He still drives pickup trucks actually, which are pretty nice nowadays so it's cool. | ||
| SteveF (Stevef)
New member Username: Stevef Post Number: 49 Registered: 12-2001 |
It's one thing for complete strangers to jump to conclusions based on the car you drive, but what about people you know ? for example, I never talk about the cars I own with people at work. There's always a bit of tension between the have's and the have not's. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2002 |
Excellent discussion, very well stated by Modman, Manu and Ross. I financed my 355 originally because I felt the money I could have paid upfront for the car was better invested. Those investments made the payments. I always desired to have a Ferrari since I was 7 years old and would save my money and work hard to own one. However, I understood (in my circumstances) that buying a house, investing for the future, etc. was what I needed to do first. It doesn't matter the age of the car nor the person driving it, a Ferrari to me is about passion. I much prefer speaking to someone who has a beautiful 308 GTB like Paul N. and Terry S. than some rich snob (who may or may not have leased) his 360 or 550. I don't drive an F-Car for status, if I have to than it is my own insecurity, rather the thrill and the lifetime of wanting a Ferrari is what counts for me. Just my 2 cents. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 715 Registered: 6-2001 |
You are what you drive is the LA theme song. Most of them have financed the car even though its 10 years old, and by the time they've paid it off, its 20 years old. Most Ferraris are financed when bought, but about 45% of them are paid for when purchased. Doesn't make any difference that's just the economics of how to get the car. If I'd been more daring, I'd have bought a Ferrari 20 years before I did, even though I'd have had to finance it. My loss. Bottom line if the Ferrari is your kind of car, get it however you can (nothing illegal). ARrt | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
Junior Member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2002 |
I guess with everything that is being said I would be diagnosed with a split personality -- I own for a daily driver a 1994 K Blazer Sport 170,000 miles, winch on the front, 1-1/2 lift kit, clean but weathered (Redneck Special)- I love that truck! My F-car is a 1986 328 GTS that I try to keep as clean and spotless as possible - I "love" to drive both cars but obviously in different situations! So I guess this makes me the freak that answers his own questions?  | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 417 Registered: 3-2002 |
jim, do yourself, and your pants, a favor, and don't go to the goodwood festival of speed next july. | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 300 Registered: 7-2002 |
I've always said that even if I lived on a deserted island I would still want a ferrari. I don't want one to show off or pretend I am rich. I want one becasue they make my pants go crazy. I don't care what model/age it is, when I see one I flip out inside. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1512 Registered: 2-2001 |
Ross if the 360 drivers dont return your wave its cus they know your 512TR can blow their doors off at will Yeah BABY!!!! | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 489 Registered: 2-2002 |
Ross - you are spot on about both the dealers and what I call the "Edgware Road Ferrai crew" (you must know what I mean) who get pissed that someone else has a Ferrari and refuse to partake any fun that can be had. I hate waving and not getting a wave back from a Ferrari owner.... | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 411 Registered: 3-2002 |
manu, u may b right. maybe i am only getting that vibe from the dealers or the 360 owners who don't return my wave and smile when i encounter them in the 512. u r definetely right about views from people outside central london. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 488 Registered: 2-2002 |
Whoa - Ross - I'm not sure I agree with your ideas of how you are percieved particularly in London. Most people (i.e Joe Bloggs down the street): a) Don't have any idea that the TR is a 10 year old car. b) Think it's worth over �100k c) DEFINITLEY don't assume that you're a poor guy trying to reach higher ground. In fact in my experience they are more inclined to think that a Ferrari owner is a super-rich guy that likes to display wealth with little or no enthusiasm for the cars he owns. I think jealousy is rampant and is more likely to come from people driving nice cars themselves like lesser Porsches and particularly BMW drivers. I think what you said about being cut off and messed around in the TR is indicative of this jealousy factor and hence how people truly perceive you - as someone with a LOT of money. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 407 Registered: 3-2002 |
i think the perception of who u are, based on what u drive, changes by location. in london, my 10 yr old lhd 512tr, labels me as a poor guy trying to reach for higher ground; in rural france i look like a lotto winner/royalty; in italy i am a tifosi who has reached a higher religious order. i am not really any of those things, just always lusted after this car and bought it when i could afford it. so altho i sometimes enjoy the flattering perceptions, i tend to ignore the disapproving views of others because i am comfortable with myself and my car choice. on the other hand, recognizing this perception issue, i love driving my wife's car (10 yr old merc station wagon that looks like it traveled its 110k miles in a demolition derby) on the weekends. i am incognito and nobody tries to cut me off or block me because they think i don't care what happens to my car - i call it 'the lesser car advantage' in traffic. so like was already said, you can't judge a book by its cover anymore. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 487 Registered: 2-2002 |
Well said Modman. well said. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 387 Registered: 11-2001 |
Regardless of how much you make or have or weather you lease, make payments, or paid in full has nothing to do of this statement, for example most of us have Ferraris here, why is that? it's a reflection of your desires and has nothing regards of how much the car is. If you can make payments regardless of lease or purchase, you can AFFORD it obviously if you are approved the bank made the decision that you can afford it. When I bought my first Ferrari I made payments on it and then payed if off in full in half the term because I made more income so therefore in a way the car made me work harder and I made more so therefore I have more, so in a way it does reflect a persons personality which sometimes others would not know till it happens to them. If you are a multi millionaire and you drive a piece of •••• car it means you have no passion for the desire to drive such nice machinery and therefore many things can come to mind. Hey, I'm no rich guy but I have a lot of passion for cars and at least I can say it is worth to experience before I die otherwise I could wait till I'm almost dead and then purchase my cars and not be capable of driving them. When I see someone in a Ferrari I don't think automatically that they are rich, I think that person has the same thought like most of us Ferrari owners, you can figure the rest, I think... I'm at midlife, my pulse is pumping good and I'll just keep on goin .... | ||
| Brett Summerer (2tall)
New member Username: 2tall Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2002 |
Frank is directly on the ball. It's impossible to count the number of $50,000+ (with $10K riiiiiiiiims, of course) cars driven by people making $30,000/year in downtown detroit on the weekend. Another interesting trend is all the used Jags XJs. Bought ONLY because they look new to the casual observer, since they haven't changed basic styling on the model in 100 years or so. Poor people acting rich are funny. However, the 80K+ or 90K+ on up is still out of the average guber's savings, lease, and monthly payment range, which is why the 360 isn't parked outside just yet. Then again, I live in an apartment and have a Viper and an Escalade parked out front, so what does that say about me? | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3233 Registered: 2-2001 |
I think Frank is correct here. How can you really tell what a person is by the car he drives when he leases a car he can't afford? He wants to give the impression he is what he isn't. | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 44 Registered: 8-2002 |
i think this is an interesting post. i personally like "handbuilt cars". craftsmanship appeals to me the most. i have no pictures of myself with any of my cars, nor do i flaunt the fact that i have certain cars. in fact, after i bought my first ferrari, no more than five or six people knew about it for at least six months. i buy what i like because it is what i like. there are "preconceived" notions about certain types of people, but you can't judge a book by it's cover. my business has taught me that. for the most part, most people who like to flash what they have, really don't. it's the ones that are very conservative with what they have that usually have the most. my father taught me long ago that if some one starts telling you how rich or religious they are, run away. they are neither, the folks that are have no need to brag to those who aren't. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1511 Registered: 2-2001 |
I've had several people ask if I was a Doctor, should tell them I'm a gynocologist Now I'm going to start Law school so maybe I'll fit the mold better | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 294 Registered: 4-2002 |
When I first got my Ferrari, my sister in law laughed and asked me if I was needing some silk Hawaiian print shirts and thick gold chains. She also suggested I start slicking my hair back... I get comments almost everywhere I park, the overwhelming majority simply related the cars beauty. People of coarse do sometimes ask what it costs, its funny watching their jaw drop when I tell them about the same as a fully loaded Honda Accord! Throw in that a tag only cost $30 per year, insurance is only $300 per year and its not depreciating they seem to get downright jealous! Then of coarse they ask about maintenance...... OUCH! If you are what you drive.... then Im a stunningly beautiful individual with a body that wont quit, but under the skin im actually fairly simple minded and ordinary, except for my legs which are built like a thoroughbred even though they have more potential than actual power. The doctor hates me because im such a pain to cure when sick. People think Im rich, but im really not, just a sucker for a cool car! | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1508 Registered: 2-2001 |
what exactly is the stereotypical Ferrari driver? Obviously different people are attracted to a 308 or a 348 or a 355 , 360, 512TR , 550 then there are people who buy 250 GTOs & Testa Rossas etc. I wouldnt buy a Mondial or a GT4 or a 456, 400, 360 yet I still own Ferraris. Maybe society at large has a view that all Drs, lawyers, movie stars, & athletes drive Ferraris. Beats me | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 257 Registered: 4-2002 |
What, you'r not the typical Exotic car owner?  LMOL, this picture made me laugh so I saved it to my computer. Taken from Naples site I think. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 963 Registered: 8-2001 |
No, it's the tone of the comment that gets me. Kinda like it's so implausible that I could own a Ferrari. Actually, I wouldn't mind being a rap star in the track suit and the gold chains. HAHAHA | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 251 Registered: 8-2002 |
What's wrong Willis? Your not a 65 year old fat white guy or a rap star that wears an all white FILA workout suit with a thick gold chain around your neck and a big gold braclet wth big gold rimmed glasses that says, "hey babe"? | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 962 Registered: 8-2001 |
I get the "This is YOUR Ferrari?!!" comment from people at parking lots. Recently, a girl had to say that 3 times to my face just to make sure that I really own the car (almost had to whip out the registration for that one). Not sure if I should feel insulted everytime I hear that. I guess it throws people for a loop because I don't fit the perceived Ferrari owner's "looks". Whatever that is. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2986 Registered: 5-2001 |
I find myself sometimes not even noticing that I am in the drive thru at Mc Ds and wake up when they stare at me like I am from Mars. I mean it is my daily driver! | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 593 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thanks Senna, what I find funny is pulling up to the pizza joint to pick up my order or going through the Mcdonalds drive through for some nuggets. I wonder what the people think, most of them seem to notice the car. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Junior Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 247 Registered: 8-2002 |
I still eat a taco bell and I still wear vans tennis shoes. And yes. I park the f-car outside in the lot when I eat | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 41 Registered: 9-2002 |
Paul, that is a beautiful 308 GTB you have, I am sure if you kept some of the money from your salad dressing you could probably buy an Enzo. Just kidding. I agree with Paul's statements. I have a Ferrari, but unfortunately I also drive my Wife's Volvo a lot of the time, I kind of like the fact that you don't have to worry about the Police and too much attention, but for the weekends what a thrill it is to sit in the F-Car. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1387 Registered: 9-2001 |
Since people started buying cars on credit and leases, its hard to tell a lot about someone by the car they drive. A lot of poor saps lease an expensive car they really can't afford and park it at an apartment or an el cheapo house. On the other hand, a lot of wealthy people drive beaters because they don't care much about about cars. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart drove a 1977 Impala at the time of his death. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 592 Registered: 12-2001 |
From past experiences, Ive learned not to judge someone by what they drive. I Know someone that drives a beat neon with primer fenders, overweight and unshaven. If you saw him getting into his car, you would be quick to judge not knowing he has almost $1M in collectible cars ranging from domestics to exotics. He makes me look at people differently so my motto now is, dont judge a book by its cover. I guess the flip side could be me, I dont have millions of dollars, I shave and drive a ferrari. People probably get the wrong idea about me too. Am I going off topic here? Did I miss the point of the thread? | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2092 Registered: 12-2000 |
So I'm unloved because of my looks, by my brothers and sisters who think I'm adopted because I don't look like the rest of them, by my patchy build quality...  | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
New member Username: Mojo Post Number: 42 Registered: 9-2002 |
Is what you drive a reflection of your personality ? Or do you become what you drive? | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 522 Registered: 10-2001 |
I'm 8 years older than my Europa (that's about 75 in car years), I'm very expensive to keep running but I have a lot of energy, look fantastic and am an exciting ride. I also tend to loose fluids at unexpected times! | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Junior Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 243 Registered: 8-2002 |
I guess I need a lot of warming up, I stink when I sit around, I am a termendous amount of money to keep happy and I wet myself. All at a ripe age of 24. | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
New member Username: Mojo Post Number: 41 Registered: 9-2002 |
There sure are a lot of miniture van people out there,dont forget the #1 selling cars 4door camarys and accords. What does that say about most of us.  | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 356 Registered: 4-2001 |
So I'm a sucky ole 2 valve? | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 226 Registered: 4-2001 |
Or maybe "You are what you ultimately want to drive". In the short term budget constraints might prevent people from owning what they wish to drive. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 323 Registered: 5-2001 |
High maintenance and comparatively unreliable? Sounds like my ex-girlfriend is what I drive. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 285 Registered: 4-2002 |
Having said that, I'm a reasonbably introvert person and I drive around in a Yellow Ferrari? I don't do it for attention I do it because I've always loved the form of the car, the mystique of the marque and I happen to prefer a colour other than Red, my favourite being Yellow. Having said that I'm talking exotics only, I wouldnt have any make of car in Yellow, just F's or Lambo's...work that one out if you can because I cant even understand what it is that makes me feel that way? Nowt so strange as folk, me included! | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 284 Registered: 4-2002 |
Good thread subject Modman My experiences are that, yes in general I'd agree. In other words I think there are/have been many people I know or have known with personalities seeming to fit the type of car they own or have owned at some stage. I'd go no further than that as any expension on the statement would be bound to cause upset in some quarter or another. Whilst driving around, the predictable matching of car to whose sat in it driving (by simply appearance alone) is often a source of amusement to me though. I have to admit to being an incessant people watcher though! | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 384 Registered: 11-2001 |
Ever hear of that statement? I've heard people owning cars up above what they've owned prior and feel good about it. It's a reflection of your personality in some ways and you can somewhat tell how a person is, I can imagine there's gonna be a lot of mixed feeling of this but I kinda find it partially true. Yes? I see customers and their cars everyday and talk to them and can see their personalities fit with their cars and so I see how this statement of "You are what you drive" was made. |