| Author | Message | ||
| Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Member Username: Coachi Post Number: 280 Registered: 5-2002 |
sounds like a daytona with its own idiosyncrasies. Looking forward to driving/riding in one... thanks guys for all the input...Jeffry, give me a shout when in Clemson. Thanks. | ||
| Jeff K. (Bladerunner)
New member Username: Bladerunner Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2003 |
I have to second Doody's comment regarding the ASR on the 550. It is the only complaint I have for the car. I'm glad to hear that other 550 owners feel the same way, because I've brought it to my mechanics attention several times suspecting that something was wrong, and they assured me that "that's just the way it is" so I've learned to live with it. On the track, I just take it off and "go for it" but around town it's probably worth leaving on just for safety sake. Other than that one small thing, it's probably the most complete GT touring car ever built. You won't be sorry. P.S. (maybe this should be a seperate thread) One thing I did when I bought the car to avoid "having to repaint the bumpers" was put on this product from 3M called "Clear Armor" www.cleararmorinc.com. It is available for many different models of cars, and it is a transparent protective film that protects the paint all over the car where rocks or sand might chip away at the paint. You can hardly see it and 3M guarantees the product not to "yellow" and will pay for repairs if the product fails. After several trips to the track and just out on the road, it's one of the best preventative maintenance things I've ever done. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 314 Registered: 12-2002 |
I love 550 better than 575M I don't like the float feeling because of skyhook suspension they put it in on 575M. Either 6 speed or F1. 550 is the best  | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 605 Registered: 9-2002 |
Now tell me this doesn't sound like practical perfection! ;) --Dan | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 91 Registered: 1-2003 |
I agree with Jeffrey. It is a heavy car and feels heavy. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1118 Registered: 11-2001 |
coachi - i just wanted to elaborate on jeffrey's point re: it not being a tossing-car. this is one of the reasons that you really want to get seat time before you buy. you can certainly try to toss it around, but it's nothing like a 3XX in that department. it is rather massive. it is glued to the ground. it doesn't toss well :-). i'd bet that many folks who get 550s and then get rid of them, unhappy, had incorrect beliefs re: the nimbleness of the car. since all of yours are twelves (not feather-light cars) including one front-engine, you'll probably totally dig the 550. on maintenance, my rule of thmb, fwiw, is to book $2K per year. in off years you'll only use $500 or so, and then every fifth year you'll have plenty for the major service and whatever other gremlins deign to infect. if anything's left over, you can respray the bumpers :-) although the 550 does not require an engine-out for the major, it still costs a fortune. c'est la vie. give one a whirl! i would add one potential negative, which is that the ASR system is a real drag when it kicks in. it'll save your butt (and it has saved mine!), but sometimes it's a real annoyance, and once it kicks in, it takes far too long (IMO) for it to "release" the car back to the driver. some folks here turn it off all the time. some folks leave it on and deal with it. doody. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1133 Registered: 12-2001 |
Jeff pretty much nailed it. If you could imagine what your Daytona would be if it had the benefit of thirty years of automotive advances in suspension, engine management, quality control, and interior comfort, you'd probably be describing the 550. I generally prefer cars without power steering, but once you get this thing moving, its not too insulating of road feel and its involving to drive. In fact, i think because of the amount of torque the car has, many new drivers don't get on it the way they should. Agree that there have been numerous discussions here about the glitches, recalls, etc., which are worth searching. None have detracted from my ownership of 2 550's so far. Given the low price of a US car (used), not sure why shopping a Euro car would make sense here in the States. If you are in the NY area, more than happy to let you check out my current car: just pray it doesn't rain! | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
Junior Member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 104 Registered: 9-2001 |
I urge you to get some seat time. My son is going to be at Clemson this summer and my wife and I may take the 550 and drive down to see him. If we do I�ll let you know and you can get a feel for the car. Otherwise, have a dealer take you for a long ride. Likes: 1. Rock solid on the road feeling, with truly outstanding handling. Incredibly easy to drive and it feels as if it can make you a better driver than you actually are (versus the older Porsches and Ferraris in which you could really get yourself into serious trouble if you did something stupid). It's a relatively forgiving car. 2. Looks. 3. Driver feel. It's still a very involving, sensuous car to drive. You have to get the revs up to hear that V12 scream but it's still there if you work the car a bit. 4. Driver's seating. This has to be one of the most comfortable cars that I've ever owned and the seats are wonderfully supportive as well. 5. Level of fit and finish. It's a sumptuous car and reeks of luxury as well as performance. All the goodies work and work well. 6. Dual nature of the car. If driven in the higher gears, no one will ever know from the sound that it�s a Ferrari. That is, it can be a stealth car if so desired. On the other hand, you can make it scream if you want. I haven�t owned a car before that can carry out both sides of its dual personality so well. Dislikes: 1. Maintenance costs. If you can't or don�t want to maintain it, don't buy it. Expect to average about $1500 dollars (US)/ year with about 3-4000 US dollars every 5-6 years for the major. There�s no getting around the fact that this Ferrari will continue to cost you money. 2. This isn't a dislike, merely an observation. This is not a tossible, light road/track car. It's a heavy GT that has the ability to just eat up the miles. But if you're expecting a tossible car, there are probably better choices out there. This car has gravitas. Hope this helps and good luck! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 1691 Registered: 1-2002 |
Might I suggest doing a search of this site on the topic of 550 Maranellos? There has been considerable discussion of the model over the last few years, and that might be easier for you to gather info quickly rather than waiting for folks to respond... | ||
| Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Member Username: Coachi Post Number: 276 Registered: 5-2002 |
Having driven only older Ferraris with the most recent being a 1986 TR, I am almost onvinced to try to buy a newer Ferrari as many seem to enjoy the newer cars as compared to the older ones. One of the models that has peaked my interest is a 550 Maranello. Would you be kind enough to tell me what you like or dislike about the car, and what options are available? A Euro model, or USA model? etc...Thanks. |