| Author |
Message |
James Adams (Madmaxx)
Junior Member
Username: Madmaxx
Post Number: 77
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 7:20 am: | |
Like any hobby, cars can be very expensive. I always like to put it in perspective though when people ask "why do you spend so much money on cars!?!"
Everyone has a hobby. Some more expensive than others. Some play golf.. and blow hundreds of bucks for a weekend round, plus high end supermega hi-tech clubs, etc. Others like to take huge vacations every year, blowing though money in the thousands like it's nothing (my neighbors... they take a month long vacation every year). I know a guy who does model trains... who probably has 50K wrapped up in his setup EASILY! Vintage stuff, gigantic rail systems, etc.
It all comes down to what makes you happy. I for one love cars, and it's the only thing I'm really interested in. Yes, they can be expensive... but if you enjoy it, who cares! Life is way to short to be looking in hind-sight all the time. Sometimes things work out in your favor, sometimes you get burned, it's all part of the game man. If it comes down to a money problem, than by all means.. family first. But, if it's just the "feeling" you get when you have to spend money on the car (and have the $ beforehand) then perhaps a change of hobby may be in order?
Yes, cars are expensive. But, to me it's worth it.
James
|
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 60
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 6:47 am: | |
Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic) - don't hijack the thread start your own
regards |
Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member
Username: Enjoythemusic
Post Number: 382
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 6:37 am: | |
Des,
Enjoy many forms and genres of music. Have approximately 10,000 albums here (7.5k vinyl, 3k digital discs). Estimates say if i enjoyed music 12 hours a day, it would take approximately 4 years to listen to them all only once.
Also, have been a member of the Grammy organization for many years and have been to the show. Have interviewed and am friends with MANY musicians. Just a few days ago i was hanging out with BB King only to also talk with his right hand man who loves Ferrari cars and has ridden in Miles Davis' Ferrari with Miles' drummer Tony Williams at the wheel. The experiences go on and on...
Enjoiy the Music (King Crimson "Neutorica" right now),
Steven R. Rochlin
"Good morning
it's 3am in this great roaring
city full of garbage eaters ravaging parking
spots beneath my plaza window I see cheetah in their
tight skins and tired heels all-night hippo in
the diner crossing the street swarthy heards of young
impala flambastic gibbon even a struggling monza
and over there that brilliant head ornament on that
Japanese macaque but look closely at the hammerhead hand
in hand with the mandrill
it's a sight you're
unlikely to see anywhere else on the planet..." |
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 59
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:14 am: | |
Foskers web site :
http://www.foskers.com/homepage.htm
p.s. I will shut up now |
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 58
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:02 am: | |
They also take p/exchanges so if anyone is looking to upgrade hastle free then this is for you.
UK only of course |
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 57
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 4:00 am: | |
Also If you want a free warranty from Foskers at Brandshatch then you can buy it via them but cost would be �49,000.
You would deal with them and would then be buying the car from a specialist dealer with all the finance facilities and warranty / gaurantees that you get by buying a dealer car. |
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 56
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 3:57 am: | |
Sorry, I meant �47,000 just spent 3K servicing it.
How could I forget |
Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member
Username: Brian_jackett
Post Number: 55
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 3:50 am: | |
Brian, did I read your 355 cost you �50K, if thats the case you are well quids in! Drive it and enjoy, your losses will be minimal as you bought it at rock bottom cost.
_________________________________________
I actually paid �48,500 private sale but had to fit tracker and have �1k service done.
If anyone in the UK is interested, will sell for �45K - just has had FUll service + cambelts & tensioners and new clutch.
Serviced all its Life at the same main ferrari dealer, last two at Foskers at Brandshatch.
29,000 miles Right Hand Drive.
Lovely car has a few of the normal stone chips at the front from a year of driving (was absolutly un marked when I bought it).
Rosso red black interior with Red carpets.
'94 model so no airbags - so has nice steering wheel.
regards |
DaveE (Banzaiboxr)
Junior Member
Username: Banzaiboxr
Post Number: 95
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 4:20 pm: | |
If you hate your Ferrari sell it. You have no
business owning one. |
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 3595
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 4:16 pm: | |
Chris, i agree; (i agree with your buddy Mike, too) Once, i rented a Saturn for a weekend and really put it through the ringer... One night, while on the parkway, i was enticed by a Town Car and we ended up...
...well... let's never mind that...
The car just hld it's own when i drove it...
Steve, Saliva, that's right...! You listen to a lot of different types of music, don't you...? |
chris cummings (Entelechy)
Junior Member
Username: Entelechy
Post Number: 211
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 4:10 pm: | |
DES,
I always end up driving a host of vehicles while on location on a film. I've been driving a lot of Suburbans, Tahoes, Dakotas, Explorers, Cavaliers, Neons, etc. and most of them are such pieces of crap that they're downright dangerous to drive hard if you don't know what you're doing, but awhile ago I drove a black Saturn for a few days. As my buddy Mike says, "it's a rental, don't be gentle". I drove the hell out of that car and have to say I came away pretty damn impressed. There are plenty of nice twisty deserted roads out here in Alabama where you can really open it up and push its limits without putting other people in danger. For it's market and price range it was twice the car that others in the "rental fleet" were! Enjoy :-) |
Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member
Username: Enjoythemusic
Post Number: 380
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 2:22 pm: | |
Des,
Saliva - Always Lyrics
I hear, a voice say "Don't be so blind"
It's telling me all these things, that you would probably hide
Am I, your one and only desire
Am I the reason you breathe, or am I the reason you cry
Always... always... always... always... always... always...
I just can't live without you
I love you, I hate you, I can�t get around you
I breathe you, I taste you, I can't live without you
I just can't take anymore, this lack of solitude
I guess that I'm out the door and now I'm done with you
Done with you, done with you, done with you, done with you,done with you
I feel, like you don't want me around
I guess I'll pack all my things, I guess I'll see you around
Its all, been bottled up until now
As I walk out your door, all I can hear is the sound
Always... always... always... always... always... always...
I just can't live without you
I love you, I hate you, I can�t get around you
I breathe you, I taste you, I can't live without you
I just can't take anymore, this lack of solitude
I guess that I'm out the door and now I'm done with you
I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you
I left my head around your heart
Why would you tear my world apart?
Always... always... always... always...
I see, the blood all over your hands
Does it make you feel, more like a man?
Was it all, just a part of your plan
The pistol's shaking in my hands and all I hear is the sound
I love you, I hate you, I can�t live without you
I breathe you, I taste you, I can't live without you
I just can't take anymore, this lack of solitude
I guess that I'm out the door and now I'm done with you
I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you
I love you, I hate you, I can't live without you
I just can't take anymore, this lack of solitude
I pick myself off the floor and now I'm done with you
Always... always... always..."
Enjoy the Music,
Steven R. Rochlin
|
"The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member
Username: Mlemus
Post Number: 4166
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 12:55 pm: | |
I leave my Ferrari outside overnight often. Usually on accident |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 1408
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 12:54 pm: | |
I generally pretend it isn't a Ferrari: I park it outside, I drive it, I use it. It's only a car, and its only money. I do take a few precautions: I cover it when I park it, don't leave it at the commercial airport, generally watch carefully for cops. Otherwise, it just a car. When you start making it into something else, turns into a pain in the $ss.
Art |
Tony Fuisz (Fuiszt)
Junior Member
Username: Fuiszt
Post Number: 51
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 8:50 am: | |
I am sure a honda accord would be more likely to get stolen than my ferrari here in DC.
My neighbor's Integra had the wheels stolen on night-luckily Borranis aren't as popular.
|
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 3582
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 8:30 am: | |
LOL, Stu, that was cool...
"i love you, i hate you, i can't get around you..."
"i breathe you, i taste you, i can't live without you..."
-i don't remember the name of the band |
Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member
Username: Dapper
Post Number: 631
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 4:26 am: | |
Brian, did I read your 355 cost you �50K, if thats the case you are well quids in! Drive it and enjoy, your losses will be minimal as you bought it at rock bottom cost. Jeez, I paid not very much less for a low miles 348 only a year ago!
By the way, you can loose a shed load on other run of the mill stuff, like I lost �20K on my SLK, a car that was supposed to be 'the one to have'...yeh right!
|
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member
Username: Artherd
Post Number: 278
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 3:08 am: | |
"Wish my car would get stolen so I could claim the insurance money and get some of my money back. "
Brian- where do you live? I think we could mount a covert liberation mission to 'save' the car! (I'm jokeing... a little bit... :P)
Seriously though, you may be happier with an older more rough 308. Or an NSX or such. Not everyone is a Ferrari person. Ferraris are very... strong flavored cars. They can be an aquired taste, and certinly can be outside one's priorities and goals in life. Do whatever makes you happy, that's what matters.
But I promise you you'll miss that sound!
Best!
Ben.
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Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1042
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 10:25 pm: | |
I don't see how any Ferrari buff could drive and park their Ferraris every day without considerable worries. My American made daily drivers have been crunched, dented, egged, broken into, scratched and hacked on so many times that I've almost lost count. Imagine what the buzzards would do to a Ferrari if you gave them half a chance. Nice sports cars like Ferraris would seem to be for occasional enjoyment where one can keep an eye on it. Otherwise, you might as well paint a target on the side and leave the keys in the ignition.
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Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 515
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 10:08 pm: | |
You have to love a Ferrari's spirit and forgive it's many flaws. Otherwise forget it.
When people ask why I would blow money on such an expensive, impractical car, my answer is first of all, it's not a car, it's a toy, I want it, I have earned it, and I can afford it. No other justification is necessary!
Talk to any Ferrari dealer and they will tell you a certain number of first time buyers find out they really aren't "Ferrari people" and sell the car pretty quick. That's OK. I suspect that even if 360's were 50K, they really wouldn't sell very well. They are not for most people.
Dave
|
stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member
Username: Balataboy
Post Number: 440
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 9:16 pm: | |
"I keep fallin' in and out, of love with you"
"How do you give me so much pleasure,...cause me so much pain"
....Alicia Keys |
John Delvac (Johndelvac)
Member
Username: Johndelvac
Post Number: 333
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 9:13 pm: | |
Blasphemy!
Seriously, I think of my Ferrari more like a boat than a car. Cars are for transportation. Sports cars are for - well, sport.
Brian raises many valid points for those with small kids who have the "fever" without the inheritance or forethought to become wealthy enough not to worry or buy a spare 456 for when the 355 is in the shop or the kids need a ride. Sometimes it's harder for us normal guys to stomach not being able to share the passion but a few days a year with the wife too. There are days I feel guilty that I'm maintaining the car instead of taking my family to the park.
One of the bigest fears Brian raises is about damage to the car from daily use. Since my car was 100% when I bought it, it does pain me to see even the smallest damage. The only way I cope with this is to drive the car HARD. As much as I really love looking at the car and showing it to people, I like driving it fast even more. I now have stone chips that remind me of onehellofadrive. Sometimes I'm real glad that I have a 328 instead of a 360 just because I can drive the car near limits on nearby roads and highways. In a 360, I would surely go to jail, or worse. Driving a fast car slowly is not a much fun as driving a slow car quickly. |
James P. Smith (Tigermilk)
Junior Member
Username: Tigermilk
Post Number: 119
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 8:31 pm: | |
DES, no problems with the windows. Just a leak in the trunk and a leak on the driver's side door. And mine is manual everything too - locks, windows. The only thing "premium" when I bought it was the "upgraded" speakers which were subsequently blown when the Foo Fighters cover of Gary Numan's "Down in the Park" came on the radio. |
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 956
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 8:21 pm: | |
After reading through this thread, its pretty easy to see that most of us, as enthusiasts, would encourage you to appreciate the car for what it is, and recognize what it is not. But, for the amount of tension you seem to have over owning it, it seems like a 9k loss to be rid of the agita would be well worth it, to you. (i assume that by hanging on to it, it will just cost you more in the long run, and if you are constantly worried about it, how can you enjoy it?) For alot of us (and i include myself in the camp of the working stiffs, rather than the lucky sperm club), its making a choice which gives us greater enjoyment than the thousand other things that, rationally, the money could be better spent on; and for every person that resents me driving a ridiculous sports car, there is the look of the little kid peering over the back seat, or staring thru the window of another car as i pass; my own sense of awe has changed little in nearly 5 decades.
As to ruining your driving experience, i doubt it. It enhances mine. I get a huge charge out of driving our WRX, and putting it thru hoops i wouldn't even consider with the ferrari. What if you didn't have to worry about the money, the depreciation, etc. and you were just a little deliberate in where you park it? (For example, i rarely take mine out in the evening, when we go to restaurants for a nite out; instead, i go out when the only thing i plan to do is drive the damn thing, and when i stop for a break, gas, or a smoke, i can keep my eye on it.) Sorry you've had a bad experience owning one, but as Jim G. said, in the years i've had them, they've actually been every bit as reliable or more so, than many other highly vaunted appliance cars. But, then, the problem here is not with the car, as you know... |
Craig A (Milo)
New member
Username: Milo
Post Number: 21
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 8:04 pm: | |
Found this quote by Rene Arnoux:
"I think I gave Ferrari my ability to go fast, and my passion. And I received a great deal in return. I understood that Ferrari is a religion."
That last line kind of sums it up don't you think?
|
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 3578
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 4:45 pm: | |
James, that double rocks, then...! i have the plainest, most vanilla '94 SL they made, too...! 5 speed manual, roll up windows, no cup holders - there's not even a lock for the glove compartment...!
i'm so glad to hear you don't have any problems with it; i was speaking to someone recently who owns a Saturn and he said his car is eating oil... The mileage on your car also alleviates some concerns i harbor... Awesome... My driver's side window doesn't roll up all the way, but other than that, the car doesn't leak when it rains; i don't suppose you've had any problems with your window...? |
James P. Smith (Tigermilk)
Junior Member
Username: Tigermilk
Post Number: 118
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 4:41 pm: | |
Yeah I have a '94 SL. Not an SL1 or an SL2, but the plainest vanilla SL you can find. That car does rock. Manual, super stiff, and nimble around turns. The odometer stopped working at 108,xxx 4 or 5 years ago and the only money I've put into it is for oil changes, tires, brakes, a battery or two, and an alternator. Good, reliable, and cheap transportation. It shares a few things in common with my 308 - both are manual and both leak in the rain. |
stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
Junior Member
Username: Ethans_dad
Post Number: 218
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 4:30 pm: | |
Brian,
Having already taken the financial plunge, why take the loss of a sale? I cannot understand how anyone can buy a modern Ferrari and expect to not experience depreciation? The car is serviced, so drive and enjoy it!
I really do understand your comments on Ferarri guilt when away from your loved ones, but ultimatey, everyone deserves some personel time. That is time reserved for your own selfish needs. For many of us, it is our beloved Ferraris. The joy I get from these cars is understood by my wife and son, and it makes them happy too.
I really like the thought of considering a 456 to include them in your Ferrari fun.
I hope you can find a way to live with your lovely 355. If driven more frequently, I suspect you will have many less miserable days!
Best of Luck. |
Brian Puskas (Inter911)
New member
Username: Inter911
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 4:19 pm: | |
Its the vandalism that stops me.
I posted the "what's the best entry level" post a while back. I was really gung ho then my wife reminded me about how I felt when the grille was kicked in on my new M-car...3 times in 6 months. And how someone keyed in 4 letter words in the rear of my P-car within 5 months of ownership. The looks I get when driving my cars are looks of hate (well, not all) and I just know someone is going to damage them again.
Combine that with the fact that I live way upo north with only a gravel road going in and out or town...its not even year round as it closed now.
I'm going to have to postpone my F-car purchase until I leave this place. Problem is...its living and working here that would allow me to purchase it.
Brian |
Jim Gress (Jim_g)
New member
Username: Jim_g
Post Number: 9
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 4:11 pm: | |
DES probably the same as it was then just a lot less people in the 25 to 35 age group for which I'm part of. No need to spend more then 24 hours here but its not a bad place to raise a family and we are only 90 minutes from Philly and New York. |
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 3572
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 3:32 pm: | |
James, you have a '94 Saturn SL...? That so rocks...! |
James P. Smith (Tigermilk)
Junior Member
Username: Tigermilk
Post Number: 117
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 3:31 pm: | |
A few months ago I went to a movie in the 308. Came out and someone stole the Ferrari badge off the back. I was pissed. But you know what? I'd be just as pissed if someone stole the plastic hubcaps off my '94 Saturn SL. Does that mean I don't drive either car? Nope. Drive the SL more simply because 1) 308 leaks water from somewhere on the windshield so I leave it at home on days with a chance of rain (which in Houston is often) 2) the 308 A/C works like a dutch oven so summers are brutal.
I've driven the 308 to the mall, Target, grocery, work, movies, just about anywhere. If I had a 355 or another 90s-00s Ferrari, I'd drive it even more. They have all the comforts of newer cars. |
Jaime T. Ferraris are sex on wheels (Chevarri)
Junior Member
Username: Chevarri
Post Number: 66
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 2:42 pm: | |
Hey Brian, to me it sounds as though your disappointed with the car because you expected some thing that wasnt their. Take Franks advice and join me in the ugly Chevy club, at least we are always satsified and content with our butt ugly Chevys |
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed
Post Number: 3569
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 2:22 pm: | |
Jim Gress, you live in a pretty small town, from which i have family... i was there for 24 hours, 8 years ago; what's it like, nowadays...? |
Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member
Username: Iluv4res
Post Number: 375
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 1:51 pm: | |
Brian,
I understand your position on this. I am anal about my things too, but I have (almost) learned to enjoy them or get rid of them. Each person has their own risk/reward parameters for just about everything they do in life. Some folks are high risk takers while others are more conservative.
Also, everything is relative. My take on F-car ownership is there are 3 classes. 1-people who want one but can't afford one. 2-people who make sacrifices to own one 3-people with so much money it doesn't matter. Perhaps there are folks somewhere in-between 2 and 3, but you get the idea. Being in situation #2 is sometimes the most difficult. Deciding what to sacrifice equals difficult life decisions.
There's no rational way to entice ownership satisfaction. As difficult as it is to accept, at this point, your $ is sunk into it with no way to recover all of it. Wishing you didn't buy it wont change anything. So, now you have to decide if it's worth the future sacrifices to keep it. Only you can decide, but it sounds like your unsatisfied with the sacrifices it takes at this point in your life.
Perhaps moving on would be best, then you have that knowledge to use if, in the future, F-car ownership desires appear again.
Good luck whatever you decide.
My 2 cents. |
DJParks (Djparks)
Junior Member
Username: Djparks
Post Number: 180
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 1:34 pm: | |
The vandalism would bother me the most. Mean spirited and hurtfull. Getting my old 308 keyed would bother the hell out of me. Not as much from the damage but from the thought behind it. I can fix the damage myself. The action gives rise to murderous pursuit.
Sorry, it slipped out. DJ |
Jim Gress (Jim_g)
New member
Username: Jim_g
Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 1:28 pm: | |
I will never own another sports car. I simply love the entire Ferrari experience. I drive mine a 1000 miles per month and get a new one every year. As far as justifying the cost these cars cost me less to drive then my wifes M5. No kidding. |
Jason Fraser (Jfraser)
Member
Username: Jfraser
Post Number: 313
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 1:00 pm: | |
Brian,
I definately agree with you on the parking aspect of the car.....I think it's worth remembering attitudes towards wealth and perceived 'luxuries' are very different in the UK 'v' USA. When parking my car in England, theft was never an issue, it was always vandalism (manifested from deep jealousy)....The looks I used to get from driving it, were in the majority of cases extremely negative ones. I really haven't found that to be the case in the US.
I remember walking on Sloane Street (nice shopping area) in London and passing a Testarossa which had "I was here" scratched into the paint (with a key) from the front door to the back of the car. Imagine coming back, and finding that on your car...Sure it can be fixed, but there is a difference between damaging the car yourself, & having some little sh*t do it for you. |
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