| Author | Message | ||
| Lawrence Yee (Ferrariguy)
Junior Member Username: Ferrariguy Post Number: 116 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, everyone here has said just about everything on why we love our F-cars. I for one loved mine just because it was my weekly stress reliever after long days at work. I know a massage therapist would definitely be cheaper but that wouldn't give me the same pleasure! I just sold my TR ONLY because I wasn't driving it enough and I already regret it. Just drive the thing mate. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Junior Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 179 Registered: 2-2003 |
Frank I love to hear stories like that. I would have no problem becoming a grey haired old guy driving a grey haired old Ferrari. DJ | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2159 Registered: 9-2001 |
At the local Italian car cruise-in this weekend there was a fellow in his TR that had over 80k miles on it. He came with his young daughter riding in a car seat. It is his only car that he drives rain or shine. He eats in it, smokes cigars in it and treats it more like a Fiat than a Ferrari. But, I guess a Ferrari IS technically a Fiat. He had a 308 that he drove over 150k miles that he sold to buy his TR. He claims that he has had very few problems with either cars. In the long run he gets the most value out of his Ferraris despite the extra mileage depreciation due to the "smiles per mile" factor. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2342 Registered: 2-2001 |
Matt put it very well. Thing about owning a Ferrari is you have to love the car for a car, not for status or for making $. You have to really love driving the tires off the thing to get max enjoyment out of it  Matt and I and several others here are very experienced at driving the tires off our Ferraris THAT is what enjoying a Ferrari is about | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 676 Registered: 5-2002 |
Owning a Ferari is like owning a boat... It's a toy! A boat sits for a good part of the year and you are constantly dumping money into it.. If I had a Ferrari that sat so much and at the end of every year I cost me 3-4k to maintain, I may consider selling if it bothered me that much.. If you owned property that was slowly appreciating but I had no tenants, I would surely consider selling.. Have you every looked into renting a Ferrari.. You must do it for a 3 day minimum at $1500 per day.. It makes more sense to own it and drive and not worry about making money when you sell.. It is not an investment.. It only depriciates slower than the average cars.. My .02 cents | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Junior Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 178 Registered: 2-2003 |
Ditto Ross. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 92 Registered: 4-2003 |
I did not have to justify to my wife, but I did anyway, strictly out of common courtesy. I also had an "ace in the hole" if she started to balk (which I had to use when I bought my brand new 3/4 ton turbo disel truck and 30 foot cabin cruiser combo). It goes like this: This is my paycheck, this is your paycheck.. Any questions? | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1098 Registered: 3-2002 |
i managed to justify it to the wife as follows: i don't drink (to excess anyway), i don't smoke, i don't womanize, i don't gamble, i don't play golf, ie i have no vices except cars. i am a good father and husband (at least in my opinion). so i need one thing that i can call my own and dote on, and i choose a ferrari. she gets to redo the house every so often, she buys more clothes and shoes than imelda etc. besides that, i need it for the occasional necessary boost to the ego/car lust/fun-in-life, that otherwise might have to be satisfied in other ways..... anyway, all that seemed to do the trick so far anyway..... | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Junior Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 177 Registered: 2-2003 |
In retrospect, years ago, I thought I could never own one, could only dream about it, a pinnacle of automotive ownership, thinking it would always be out of my price range and here I am reading a discussion about hating Ferrari ownership. Who'd a thought? I guess it's all relative and you know how we feel about relatives. I KNOW similar thoughts will cross my mind if and when my Fcar takes a dump and strands me in an embarrassing situation. Do I worry what people think about me?. I don't, there are always going to be people that will look at me like 'Who the F*k does he think he is?!', even in my 240Z I get that look (really). What they don't realize is 'This IS who I am!' This is what I do and this is what I like, period. What else is there. Animosity through ignorance I guess. Take your losses and chalk it up as an experiment. Don't feel bad about losing money, I have never made a killing on any of the cars I have previously owned. It's not about the money, it's about the love of engineering and performance, for me anyway. Luck to you Brian, DJ | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 564 Registered: 2-2003 |
As to my post, a great deal of any unhappiness I have with the car is the same as that "love it, hate it" thread. I LOVE the car in every way, but watching minor paint chips and seat wear begin is like watching a beloved pet age. Hard to believe, but the car actually pulls on my heartstrings!! Yikes!! It is that wear that hurts the most; I bought it knowing full well that it was going to cost me big-time! As a guy without the money of some people on this forum, the cost is a factor, but I'd do it over again in a heartbeat! | ||
| Craig A (Milo)
New member Username: Milo Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2003 |
When I look back on my Ferrari purchase I can find absolutely no logic in it. It is not practical, I certainly can't justify paying so much for a car and I'm wondering how I'm going to pay for all the potentail repair bills. But.... For some reason it all makes sense when I drive it. DAMN! What a car! | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 513 Registered: 1-2002 |
Two cases of bottle beer fit neatly in the 328 trunk. What else would I need to shop for? Dave | ||
| Peter Sedlak (Peters)
Junior Member Username: Peters Post Number: 230 Registered: 1-2003 |
I'll tell you about justification! When my girlfriend has her friends over at the house, she greets them in the gararge. She will point out the engine (with a fresh major) and say 'Here is my new carpet'. She will point to the gearbox and say 'How do you like the new paint on the house?'. She will point out the new seats and carpet and say 'How do you like our new couch'?. All of this is tounge & cheek and she is a great sport, but I hear what she is saying....Maybe a nice dinner in SF will tide her over....For a week! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 4543 Registered: 12-2000 |
I did! Otherwise I wouldn't of got the Challenge car. Luckily she loves the Ferraris, even if she would never admit it. She can't wait until I get a classic 12. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 90 Registered: 4-2003 |
Don, I agree. "you can never justify the expense of a Ferrari to anyone..Especially your wife" Should read: OR YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNER! (These things are not investments, investents have the possibilty of going up!) | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 4144 Registered: 8-2002 |
You can never justify the expense of a Ferrari to anyone...Expecially your wife Matt | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2002 |
Values of 355 Ferrari's at the moment are holding up ok here in the UK.. But things can change ... | ||
| Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member Username: Eilig Post Number: 119 Registered: 8-2001 |
Hi Brian -- I can sure understand everything you are saying. Though I don't yet own a Ferrari, I have a ZR-1 and Z06 and a few muscle cars, and can remember many times feeling precisely as you have described. Usually I get over these feeling when I can separate the money from the cars. I LOVE the cars, but anytime I attempt to justify the expenses in a logical fashion, I lose this argument with myself. With relatively few exceptions, cars just always end up being a losing proposition in the long run. But if I can step away from the money element of the cars, and enjoy the cars strictly for the enjoyment they offer (and not attempt to equate said enjoyment with quantification of dollars), I still find myself overwhelmingly loving them. Ultimately, that's why I keep them. But I still waiver back and forth between the money vs. enjoyment issue all the time (particularly when insurance is due!) As an aside, as an aspiring Ferrari owner myself, I must also say that thus far my only driving experiences in Ferraris have been with rentals while vacationing in Europe. Though it does end up costing several hundred dollars per day, it hs been one of the biggest thrills of my life. I, like you, am lucky to put over 1,000 miles on my "fun cars" per year. But with the rental, I get to drive it during those couple of weeks per year when I actually have TIME to drive, in an optimal setting (i.e. German Autobahn), and since it's not my own car, and can just drive the living sh*t out of the car, worry free. All for much less than even the cost of sales tax in purchasing one! Hopefully this joy does not leave when I do eventually become an owner. Anyway, hope this additional perspective helps. I know exactly what you are saying. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 89 Registered: 4-2003 |
I don't think that people were intentionally being harsh. It is just because it is their passion. When you here all day long, from strangers, friends, family, etc: "why do you spend so much money on a car? You tend to get a bit defensive about your passion. Timing is a lot of it for many people. Hope all comes out well. | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 4142 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, I have two kids as well. Little one's so I know how you feel about leaving them to drive. I drive mine everyday so I cannot relate to a once and a while drive. Matt | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2336 Registered: 2-2001 |
355s were mass prodeuced Ferraris, the value of the model has now cratered, especially the berlinetta. So screww it, juts go out & drive the H out of it. When I had my 1st 308 I was paranoid, after a while I realized 1) the car is insured 2) if it breaks it can be fixed 3) if it gets scratched it can be repainted So discover the joy of Ferrari by driving the H out of it | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2002 |
I will NOT be buying a Porche after a Ferrari. SOrry I do not like the image of them. And in the UK older Ferraris do not wear as well as in the US. Most age because of the weather here. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 437 Registered: 9-2001 |
It's a car...not an investment. Everytime I read about folks worrying about the cost of their car, I just can't get it. Cars are meant to be driven not saved as an investment. Sure, people do it but that is not why they were designed and built. As for the 255, you probably bought the wrong model for your lifestyle, a 456 or Mondial would have been better if you wanted something a little older. I have a Mondial T Cab to deal with the space and kid issues and I could not be happier. When space permits or my kids move on, I will get a two seater but for right now, it didn't fit my lifestyle. - JMG | ||
| Peter Sedlak (Peters)
Junior Member Username: Peters Post Number: 224 Registered: 1-2003 |
Brian About five years ago, I purchased an absolute pristine '85 308QV with a very rare color of Rosso. It became a gararge ornament that I could not mentaly justify having. I paid $27K for it with 8K miles. I sold it for $32K and 13K miles. I too put about $8K into it for minor items in the two years I had it. A year after I sold it, I started kicking myself in the head. It bugged me so bad that I bought another 308 four months ago. All I know is that I wish I had kept the QV. I will be burried in the car I now own! It sounds like you are going through a temporary 'butt-hurt' mood. Take two steps back and realize that you own a piece of true sports car heritage that you should be proud of. | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Junior Member Username: Dom Post Number: 142 Registered: 11-2002 |
It sounds like maybe the 355 isn't the car for you. Perhaps a 4 seater like a 456 would be better, so you could take the family. Another alternative, is to buy somehting like a Mondial, 308 GT4, or 400 series. These cars are much cheaper than the 355 (though the maintenance is still expensive), but are a lot of fun, you can take the family, and because they don't cost an arm or a leg, you're not afraid to park them anywhere, or put miles on them. Or, dare I say it, if you totally are anti-ferrari, perhaps a 911 would do you fine (I believe those have 2 tiny seats in the back as well). Dom | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 52 Registered: 12-2002 |
I think the other problem I have with it Is that I am used to servicing my cars my self, but you cannot do that with a 355 as it requires a service history. What I need is it to have cost me �25K then I would be happy, but then so would most of us. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 88 Registered: 4-2003 |
Brian, Best of Luck in your future endevors. You got to experience something that most people can only dream of. If there is anybody else out there feeling the same way...I go back to my original analysis: "Prozac, people, Prozac" | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 4540 Registered: 12-2000 |
Brian, I agree with most of the responses even though a few are a little rough (don't take it personally). Simply put, being a Ferrari owner is not a black and white thing. Although opposite ends of the spectrum are Tifosi (you have the fever) or stick to Chevy's. If you're in-between the two extremes sometimes it takes being an owner for awhile to find out where you really are. I see many that come in and leave, a high percentage of Ferraris have a high churn rate. Unless you have the fever, after a couple years the Ferrari just doesn't make logical sense (cents). That's why those of us with the fever will own Ferraris the rest of our lives, it's beyond logical and into the very emotional. BTW, I drive my 328 wherever I can, I've even parked it in the Wal-mart before. The first few months I was very protective and it's just not worth it to be that uptight. If something breaks, I'll fix it. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
Junior Member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 51 Registered: 12-2002 |
The funny thing is I think I hate it because I do love it so much. I thank all for their responses, I did not expect an easy time with a posting like this. It isn't practicale for me with 2 kids but I did not think it mattered. What I think I am finding is that I want to spend time with my kids and feel guilty when in the 355. But I say I hate it because when it is gone I will really miss the car. I think I have really experienced the ' Passion that is Ferrari' feeling. No other car has ever done this for me, but before this I had a Supra which costs half the price so this is the first car that has cost me �50K. I am not expecting not to suffer financial loss whe I sell it, I lost 11K on the Supra in the 2 years I owned due to Mods and depreciation. I seem to be in a misserable mood today and very very down. DOn't know why but hey can't always explain it. I do always worry about my cars what ever value, hate carpark dents and I drive my wife mad when I park my cars as she says I will not leave them anywhere. Yes I know that is my problem. I think I will get over it TTFN | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 558 Registered: 2-2003 |
Jim, with quite a bit of respect, I think this fellow (as most of us) isn't in your position. Ferraris probably shouldn't be purchased by those of us who can't afford to take the maximum financial hit. My '01 550 came to me with 1,182 miles after six months in the previous owner's care. He took probably a $60K (including tax) hit on depreciation, and I don't imagine he cared; he reportedly has 12 Ferraris, and wanted a different color 575. For mere mortals like me, I have to worry that road rash and increasing miles will cost me big time if I have to sell the car. Having said that, I STILL love it and wouldn't get rid of it, but the monetary aspect is painful for those of us who aren't (yet) in your league. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 86 Registered: 4-2003 |
FOR SOME PEOPLE, THE 2 HAPPIEST DAYS OF THEIR LIVES ARE: 1) WHEN THEY BOUGHT THEIR FERRARI 2) WHEN THEY SOLD THEIR FERRARI. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1051 Registered: 10-2002 |
Over 32 years I've driven Ferrari's hundreds of thousands of miles. I've driven in the rain. I've driven in the snow. I've stapped baby seats in them and taken both of my kids for rides. My daughter cried when I sold my TR after 115,000+ miles. I've parked them on the streets. I've driven them through the South Bronx. In 32 years I only came back on a tow truck twice. I've had parking lots damage them. I've loved every mile. If I hadn't I wouldn't have owned them. Best Jim | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1091 Registered: 3-2002 |
altho i can agree on having a love/hate relationship with my 348 (thats why i sold it), i think brian's problem is more mental than mechanical. you guys have covered all the big points, so i guess all i can add to brian is - get over it, or sell it. this is what i would advise anybody on any car (any purchase of any kind for that matter). don't torture yourself just because you already bought the thing. yes you will take a depreciation hit, but it is only going to get worse (not forever though), so bite the bullet and sell. if performance cars are still interesting to you but you need more practicality then buy a porsche. they are great cars and so ubiquitous in britain that hardly anybody can be bothered stealing or vandalizing any one of them in particular. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 369 Registered: 4-2002 |
Matt, You are sooooo right: My Ferrari is a daily driver. Screw the cost, Screw the miles and drive the car. I take it virtually everywhere IT'S A CAR. Be happy and drive it. Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Junior Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 176 Registered: 2-2003 |
A friend of mine is loking to buy a Mondial so his wife and his baby can go along. Also room for groceries or items from the hardware store. This is in addition to the 308 he already has. It sounds like the Ferrari/Lambo/Harley thing just isn't going to cut it with you at this stage in your life. It sounds like you are experiencing feelings of 'CONFLICT OF INTEREST'. Sell the car and buy an SUV until the kids are grown up then look around and inventory your life and priorities. My 308 is my 30th car. I'm single, no kids, house is paid down and I am a member of Ferrari club of America. I will be trying to make every function I can so I can drive the car, have fun doing it, meet people and learn new things. The charity thing is another angle. If I can make a kids dream come true or talk one kid into staying away from booze and drugs while we cruise in my 308 then I'll feel better about the 30K service I'll be doing later. Enough soap box from me, go with your heart, also known as your gut feeling. It works for me. DJ | ||
| Mike B (Srt_mike)
Junior Member Username: Srt_mike Post Number: 121 Registered: 12-2002 |
Some of the responses are a *little* harsh there guys... Brian, I don't think you bought the *wrong* car, I think you just are using it in the wrong way. You have to evaluate what your hangup is about driving this car. Is it because you are afraid to lose value? Is it because you are afraid of damage? Or maybe you are worried about the cost of service? Whatever your fear is, explore it and try to eliminate it as best you can. For me, I had the same fears you do. Here is my answer to them. 1) Depreciation due to mileage. Well, take a hard look at the real life selling price difference between low and high mileage cars. There is ALWAYS someone out there who dreams of a car like a 355. So if one sells for $70k USD with 15k miles, it may have sold for $60k USD with 40k miles. And $55k USD with 55k miles. So the hit due to mileage actually drops proportionally with miles. Make a mental choice to either accept the depreciation and then DRIVE it, because the more you do the less you lose per mile. Or, drive the car once a month on sunny days. 2) Accident/damage fear. Well, if it's going to happen it's going to happen. You can be so careful where you park but then you may get rear-ended at a stop light, or see a piece of lumber on the highway and be unable to stop in time. Hey, it happens. Park wisely, but not snobbily and you should be fine. Chances are 50/50 you could experience damage in a way which would be unavoidable (like on the road while driving) so don't stress on the parking too much. 3) Cost of service. Just budget for it and maybe put aside a little cash for it. If you figure it costs $0.30 per mile for service and you drive 100 miles a week, just setup an automatic transfer from your checking into your "Ferrari account" for 30 bucks a week. You'll never notice the loss of cash and when service time comes around, you'll have the cash and then some! | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 85 Registered: 4-2003 |
I think this guy is actually serious? His response to getting a dent/ding is you can't always claim it on your insurance. I am surprised with the pesemistic outlook on life that his wife even allowed him to buy it in the first place. Seratonin (sp) level is dropping. Prozac, people, prozac! | ||
| Charles T (Charles)
Junior Member Username: Charles Post Number: 102 Registered: 2-2001 |
It's a love / hate relationship. You love the way it look and drives, but hate it because it costs a fortune to repair. I had my car 6 months and had to spend 7k in repairs - if you thought I hated it, my wife really hated it!!! But I still have it 5 years later. Everytime I think about selling it my wife say "what will you buy, a vette? NSX? - you have a Ferrari - shut up and keep driving it!" | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 428 Registered: 2-2002 |
Matt you could start your own comedy skit like Jeff Foxworthy. All very well said though! I think all of those questions are ones to ask yourself before you buy. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2158 Registered: 9-2001 |
I agree with Matt, a Ferarri is just not for you Brian. Get yourself a Chevy and hang out at www.buttuglycar.com | ||
| Matt Karson (Squidracing)
Member Username: Squidracing Post Number: 461 Registered: 3-2001 |
Brian...to be frank, you, simply put are not the type of person who should own a Ferrari. Now...before you think of this as a pompus statement, let me explain. A Ferrari is not a car that one buys, when one is concerned about every cost involved. YOU WILL LOSE MONEY WHEN YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH FERRARI'S. If you need to worry about the financial aspect of ownership, (and this is NOT a judgement of you) this is not a wise use of your money. A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. A Ferrari is NOT a primary car. You DO NOT use a Ferrari to carry anything. If something fits in the car, then consider yourself lucky. You can take soft luggage, and have more than enough room for you and yours to enjoy a great weekend away. So, if shopping, or carrying items is an important issue for you, when considering what type of car to buy, A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. Insurance is available in every country I know of. Auto theft takes place in every country I know of. If you are worried about having your car stolen, to the point it has a negative impact on your quality of the overall experience, A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. A 328 is not what I would consider a modern high performance sports car. For its time, it was a formidable contender. NOW, IT IS NOT. If you want to complain about the performance aspects of Ferrari's, get one that performs. To expect a 14 - 17 year old car, with 14 - 17 year old technology, to be relevant (on an apples to apples basis) in todays market is foolish. AN OLDER FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. If you want a car with more than two seats, A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. If you worry about what other people think about you, A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. If you worry about every stone chip and door ding, and don't want to, or cannot afford the cosmetic upkeep, A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. I am on my 4th Ferrari. I don't drive it on the street. I don't use it for shopping. I don't care what other people think. I spend several thousands of dollars on upkeep on her every year. I drive her 30 - 40 days a year, and those are only on a racetrack. My car looks a bit sandblasted on the front end. I make her scream like the prancing horse she is. Extracting each and every ounce of performance the engineers designed into her gets me off. It's all about what makes you happy. If I wanted to pull a 24 foot trailer, I would not buy a Ferrari. If I wanted to go for relaxing drives in a performance car, I would not buy a SUV. Sounds to me, LIKE YOU BOUGHT THE WRONG CAR. NOT A JUDGEMENT CALL..... BUT A FERRARI IS NOT FOR YOU. The only person to blame for your current problem.....is yourself. Bad decision. | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 4136 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, Two years ago I decided to make my ferrari a daily driver. Screw the cost, Screw the miles and drive the car already. I take it to work, shopping, dinner, and I even take my dogs to the groomer in it. IT'S A CAR. Be happy and drive it. Matt | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1099 Registered: 7-2002 |
Buy a honda accord. Also don't compare a 328 to a NSX. kinda like saying a model t sucks compared to a new mustang. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 1233 Registered: 1-2002 |
Hoo-boy. This thread should be under Off Topic: Therapy Needed | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Intermediate Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 1081 Registered: 5-2002 |
It is a love hate relationship. Some of my Ferrari's give me no trouble some plenty. I think what a lot of people dont understand is thet they are not everyday trouble free cars.They are overpriced,parts are overpriced,service is overpriced and they are not built all that well. I know someone will get on and say their car is bullet proof. It's BS give it time. I've owned and own many Fcars over 20 years. Now you say why. Well it's a Ferrari thing. What I should get a bullet proof 65 mustang . | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4420 Registered: 5-2001 |
Give you an example: I bought a 348 in 2000 for $56,500 with 22K Miles. I did the 30K service, Clutch, Flywheel (my fault), oil changes and small things. I sold the car in 2003 with 43K Miles for $ 50,000. In all the car had cost me $ 16,500 in 3 years and I put 21K miles on the car. That is less than $1 per Mile. Good deal if you ask me. If I had bought a 355 then I would have paid $ 130,000 (becuase people were asking rediculous money for them then) and could sell the car now for maybe $ 70,000, plus would have had the same service done, same miles. I would have lost $ 70.000! You have to buy when the loss of value curve starts to even out! 355 Spiders today $80-90K. Now they are a good deal since the next model is still $100,000 away. They will hold better value over the next 2-3 years from now on. 360s will be in a free fall in a year from now when the newer model comes out. History repeats itself. You have to learn form it. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2003 |
Brian, after reading the entire thread, I soon realized that you are serious! Are you a pestimest with everything or just your car? If you really feel that way, then it is a no brainer, you really should sell your car. For most people their F-Car is their 3rd for 4th, etc car. It get's driven when they feel like driving, and it is always kept in the relative context of "it is a car". | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3553 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian, this is so sad to hear, i'm sorry... What you're saying is totally understandable, but like others mentioned, you seem to be worrying too much; why buy a car and hope to retain the value it had when you bought it...? Forget about getting your money back if and when you sell it - drive it...! Park it wherever you want, you have insurance - you should be pissed that you have to pay insurance with all the close care you give the car... You shouldn't worry so much... i feel bad, i know the Ferrari experience is not supposed to be what you'e going through... i hope it works out for the best for you... Keep us posted on what you do... | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 4419 Registered: 5-2001 |
Brian, find me one car that you can drive the way you want to drive a car and not lose money in vlaue, or get hit if your car runs over a certain number of miles, which is precieved to be acceptable Miles. Even if you buy a Vauxhaul and add miles to it you will lose money. You take any damn car of the lot and you are in the hole! A Bentley is the only car that you can buy cash and when you trade it in you still owe money! Sorry buddy but if you do not start enjoying the car you are better off selling it. You probably should have bought a 348 years ago for less, drove it and sold it now for just a little less than what you bought it for. Since you probably bought the 355 on the height of the market you can not come back now and whine that you are losing money! Same as the guys that bought 360 Spiders for $ 300K, so what if you lost $100,000 in 2 years. Your own damn fault. | ||
| Craig A (Milo)
New member Username: Milo Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2003 |
Brain, It just sounds like at this point in your life owning a Ferrari is just not (dear I say) practical for you. With a wife and two small children your priorities lie elsewhere. Personally with those commitments I'm wondering how you find time to drive it at all. Myself, I'm 38 and dating, the house is almost paid off, I live out in the country, etc. etc. I drive almost every evening when I get home from work for about an hour weather permiting. I find at least two hours on Sunday for driving. But this is easy for me because I don't have the commitments you do. Like someone said earlier, sale what you have now and rejoin us 10-15 years when the children are grown and taking care of themselves. By then the 360 will be a classic and gathered up for $75K and your priorities in life will be totally different. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Intermediate Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 1339 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>>I am disolutioned by the whole Ferrari thing. I have a F355 and I only get to do 1800 miles a year in it because you can't park it anywhere, it only seats two, if you do to many miles it loses value, if you do to many miles it needs an expensive service, people hate you in it. << Well make sure when you trade it in or sell it, that a Lamborghini isn't in the future picture anywhere. lol | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3370 Registered: 9-2001 |
I would say if you don't think you can ever get over the worries then the car is not for you. You cannot buy these newer cars and expect it not to depreciate significantly. As you know these cars are not investments and in fact are really expensive toys. Hey with kids maybe the 456 is better for you Best of luck | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2002 |
And when I say high miles I mean over 30K. Which is rediculous, my car is 10 years old that means it only averages 3K a year. To me that is LOW miles, it would be on any other car. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 49 Registered: 12-2002 |
It is important to me because it cost �50K that is the only reason that I am worried to drive it. But that is my problem, I just wondered if anyone else has not enjoyed the Ferrari Experience. Yes I did test drive the 355 before buyig it and everytime I drive it I love it to bits, it is the ultimate drive. But I am having trouble with the Ferrari experience as a whole. I know these cars cost money to service and was prepared for it. But after spending �3k on belts and clutch I am starting to wonder if it really is worth it. But It is each individual to their own. I have a family and my two little girls 4years & 2 years both argue who is going to go for a drive. So my wife can never go in it , actually when she does she hates it anyway. I think its my time for me to move on. But really in the UK high miles is a problem, I wish it was not then that would be one less thing to worry about. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3368 Registered: 9-2001 |
if someone gives you a dent, then get it fixed. Sh*T happens. Please don't think I am being critical because I understand how you feel but also realize that feeling this way is inhibiting your enjoyment of the car. BTW, did you test drive it before you purchased | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
Junior Member Username: F355bob Post Number: 57 Registered: 8-2002 |
Your problem is your treating the Ferrari for more than it is--it is a car meant to be driven. I take my 95 F355 to work every day from April to October. It is parked in a parking lot with many people coming up to look at it. The car is never locked and the windows are always down. It has never been scratched, or harmed by anybody. I drive it in busy rush hour big city traffic.The problem is your making the car out to be more important than it is. As far as the declining cost of the car with more miles on it-- what did you expect? What car is an investment? How much is an NSX after 3 years? What car increases value the more you drive it? Look at a Porsche 993 turbo that you can now buy for $70-80,000 and two years ago those cars were above $100,000. So many Ferrari owners are so worried about their cars instead of just driving them. Ithink it's great when a Ferrari has over 40,000 miles. It means someone had enough confidence in the car to actually drive it | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 48 Registered: 12-2002 |
You can't claim on your insurance everytime some person gives it a car park dent. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 47 Registered: 12-2002 |
Done a runway track day top speed over 1.2 miles was only 162mph and that was smashing through the gears. Got beat by Supras they got up to 183mph in an auto. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 216 Registered: 11-2002 |
Tom - Now that you mention it, I usually never lock my car....most people can't figure you where the stikin' door handle is to open it... And your right...that's what insurance is for.. | ||
| Tony Fuisz (Fuiszt)
New member Username: Fuiszt Post Number: 50 Registered: 10-2002 |
You either have the disease or you don't. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Junior Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 214 Registered: 11-2002 |
I love my 355. Last Sunday did close to 700 miles with top down....can't tell you good that was. Monday picked up my date, a singer for Carnival Cruise Lines, while driving (top down) in Miami Beach the car next to us was honking their horn. Looked over and they were trying to take a picture of us and the car! Cool. At dinner, valet just left her at the front door. I'm sorry your experience was not as good as mine. Having previously owned 5 P-Cars, I know of similar club members who either got a lemon or had a less than enjoyable experience. I will always keep this one, as it was my first. I'm now in the market for a Diablo, but will not let this one go. Just my $.02 | ||
| Craig Williams (Craigw)
Junior Member Username: Craigw Post Number: 119 Registered: 4-2002 |
Brian, if you're free this sunday then come to the runway, its not a trackday as such, after doing a few runs you'll remember why you bought your 355. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3366 Registered: 9-2001 |
did you test drive the car before purchase? If you have insurance why are you worried about parking it - I leave mine most places and sometimes with the keys in it | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 685 Registered: 12-2001 |
Brian, these cars are NOT for everyone. That is why you see a lot of "milestone" cars for sale with very few miles on them and owned for short periods of time. Many people reach a "milestone" in their life(big promotion, mid-life crisis, newly single, finally can afford their childhood dreams), buy a F-car(or P-car, L-car, etc.) only to find out that ownership is not what they thought it would be. There is nothing wrong with not liking your F-car but please, follow good catch and release procedure, get her out on the market so that someone else may find her and love her. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 46 Registered: 12-2002 |
I do trackdays once month, diplay the car at events & shows - get paid for it. I do weddings, birthdays, anniversaries in it for money. I do local charity events giving rides to kids. Their faces are a picture - dreams that come true.... ________________________________________________ Sorry I meant normal use there is not many people I know that get paid to do weddings, shows etc.. But good luck to you mate that sounds excellent, even if I could find a way to do all that I would not have time. Your 348 would be worthless in the UK as soon as the mileage goes over 30K the prices seem to drop.I have never seen in the UK a 355 with more then 35 K on it. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Junior Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 140 Registered: 2-2003 |
Brian...I don't want to say I agree with you, but I can say "I see your point".........But remember, you can change your life by changing your attitude. I used to be the same way...can't buy anything, can't take it anywhere...but then, it's a car....that's it......drive it and enjoy....I take mine to the mall, I take it shopping, to dinner...even to the movies...I always try to park up front, and you'd be surprised how many resteraunts will let you park within site just because they want the car in front.....Bottom line is, I don't worry about damage or vandalism anymore........that's why I pay insurance...Luckily, I have had nothing happen. But I enjoy it, and god forbid, if some idiot does something to it, I have a 250.00 deductible and that's it...........it's a car......there are no true investments in life.......we all die.....none of us can take our "returns" with us. Good Luck, | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 817 Registered: 6-2001 |
I would never even use the word hate in any sentance describing my Ferrari. I love everything about my car, and will never be without one again. You hope your Ferrari gets stolen?? That is madness. | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 269 Registered: 10-2002 |
Brian, I do trackdays once month, diplay the car at events & shows - get paid for it. I do weddings, birthdays, anniversaries in it for money. I do local charity events giving rides to kids. Their faces are a picture - dreams that come true.... I finish work, get home, pull the car out of the garage and take it for a spin for about 1-2 hours every night with the wife. She loves it. Stop off to eat something visit friends and family. At the weekend its on the road. I goto the food stores in it. Enough space for the groceries. The car is out from end of feb to end of October. Sometimes in the winter sunshine to keep it running. The car has never let my down. The best thing is I work as a engineer so I am visting a lot of chemical sites. So I use my old, slow Proton for work. After driving that a few days and getting into the Ferrari its a real buzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Bud C harbarneau (Housemover)
New member Username: Housemover Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2003 |
I'm about to purchase a 90 Testarossa.Last week I took my brother for a ride in a 88.5 Testarossa,he hated the car.I also have a NSX and he thinks the NSX is twice the car as the Testarossa.He feels there is twice the leg room, much better ride.I told him it's like a Harley if I have to explain why someone would want a Ferrari,they wouldn't understand. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 45 Registered: 12-2002 |
I agree it should be driven, but where???? I have done a few track days in it that was fun! But WHere can you go in it, you can't go out if you want to buy anything there is no room to put it. You can't even go out for a simple cruise because the car cannot cruise, you have to drive it hard and fast anything else is not fun. Where do you go in your 348 if you do not drive it to work. | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 268 Registered: 10-2002 |
Brian, I have 348 Spyder and its my first Ferrari. It has been a dream come true to own one. I must agree with you that its a pain to park anywhere without thinking it might get stolen or damaged in some way. I drive mine all the time except to work. I do not worry about the mileage or value. I bought it to drive it. That is what a Ferrari is for. the experience of driving a Ferrari is a great feeling. What is the point of keeping it locked up and just looking at it. Keeping it parked up will cause more mechanical problems resulting in more cost that is not necessary. The depreciation valve on Ferraris are not that bad compared to a everyday car. If you buy a new BMW at �40,000 pounds and a second F355 1994 around the same money say after three years of driving the BMW will be worth mch less than the Ferrari. I will never stop driving my car except for when the raods have been salted in the winter and its raining heavy. The F348 Spyder is not much fun in heavy rain. I like the roof down on a sunny hot day at speed (legal limit)through the countryside with Ferrari engine note ringing in the background. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 839 Registered: 10-2001 |
You sound like a Lexus kind of guy. | ||
| Crawford White (Crawford)
New member Username: Crawford Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2003 |
First time I drove a Ferrari, I was very dissapointed. I had just bought an NSX and the Ferrari (328) seemed to be inferior in every way (except for the sound). After having the NSX for six years, I finally bought a 328 and enjoyed it a great deal for the two years I owned it. I had to sell it a couple of years ago, but now am looking for another one. I think my expectations were way too high the first time I drove an F car. And I realized it was more of an apple to oranges (lemon?) thing. The Ferrari was going to have its pluses and its drawbacks...I just learned to appreciate the pluses! | ||
| Jonas Petersen (Karsten335)
Member Username: Karsten335 Post Number: 342 Registered: 11-2002 |
Give it to me please.. | ||
| Brian Jackett (Brian_jackett)
New member Username: Brian_jackett Post Number: 44 Registered: 12-2002 |
I am disolutioned by the whole Ferrari thing. I have a F355 and I only get to do 1800 miles a year in it because you can't park it anywhere, it only seats two, if you do to many miles it loses value, if you do to many miles it needs an expensive service, people hate you in it. I know that no one on here will agree with me but I have found the Ferrari thing to be over rated an NOT value for money. Wish my car would get stolen so I could claim the insurance money and get some of my money back. If I sell it I will lose about 9K which includes the recent 3K cam and new clutch. Yes I agree it is absolutly fantastic to drive, which has actually ruined driving for me cause I know nothing else will be as exciting to drive. SOrry but I hate it |