| Author | Message | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 191 Registered: 3-2002 |
OK, I know we have covered this already but... I went to my local Ferrari shop today and drove the 550 again. damn that car drives great, but so does my 355, so when I can not make up my mind on a car I let my wife drive it and get her impression. Now my wife is no ordinary women. Ask her about turn 7 at Mid-ohio and going airborne backwards into the kitty litter, jumping out and getting right back into a back-up car. Or watching her kick butt on our Karts. I was out driving my Daytona and she was in front of me in our 355, so I passed her doing 125, I looked into my rearview mirror and she was not there! Next thing I know she passed me doing 155! No, she is pretty fast behind the wheel, she and Nika could be great friends. I took the 550 over to our friends house where Dana (my wife) was visiting. I pulled up expecting her to say what the hell is that and no you can not have it. Instead she goes cool, are you wanting that car? I said I want your opinion. Dana and her girlfriend jump in the 550, Dana looks over and turns the ASR off! Then proceeds to lay rubber for 60 feet until she hits 2nd and does it again, 3rd gear same thing, and finally into fourth we here a slight chirp and off she goes! 30 minutes later she comes back with a huge smile on her face and says "Damn this thing is fast!... but the 355 is a better track car!" So now I have to once again decide, 355 of 550 I am so confused! | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 129 Registered: 3-2002 |
cmparrrf40 what is the latest on the 550 search..  | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 222 Registered: 12-2001 |
Andrew: i just went there and saw it. You don't need to search; after clicking on the opening image, the home page has a number of clickable windows, one of which is barchetta by s/n. Click on that, then scroll down to #66; then click on the thumbnails to enlarge. I am reluctant to post the images here since the CR is held by Roger S., and i got his authorization to have them posted at the barchetta site. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 122 Registered: 3-2002 |
oops hehe my mistake: W Hart..I spent some time searching the site and a lot of the galleries and the search option is down for "logistical reasons" according to the site..Would you be willing to put a picture of your 550 Barchetta on the site??? Thanks | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 106 Registered: 2-2001 |
Good call on the 550, Chris. Super-comfortable and power pretty much everywhere in the band. A bit heavy but an excellent and forgiving handler that would make a nice driver and could likely survive a drop of water or two. May be the best all-around Ferrari yet built. BTW - nice car, wm. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 216 Registered: 12-2001 |
Andrew: as i indicated, look at barchetta.cc and go to the page where the listings are for the 550 B. My car is #66; you can click on the thumbnail images and they will enlarge. The photos were by Roger S., the R&T photographer. Car was featured in Jan 2002 R&T; was also the cover car of April 2002 Forza.(p.s. not to be a prick or anything, but my name is W Hart, not WART. Reminds me of the time a guy in my old law firm had to make a motion to the court to prevent his adversary from referring to him as "dickhead." Unfortunately, my partner won the motion, but you get what i mean..). | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 116 Registered: 3-2002 |
Wart where can I find pictures of your car? Im dying to see it! Andrew | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 183 Registered: 3-2002 |
Whart, I am envious, in a very positive way. I truly believe that your car was an instant classic like a NART spyder or a Daytona Spyder. I respect that you drive your car. I will probably have the highest mileage F40 in the world in the not too distant future, but I do not care. I love to drive a Ferrari. An open car must be wonderful. I hope to get a chance to meet you someday, I'll swap rides around the block with you! thanks for writing..... Chris | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 214 Registered: 12-2001 |
Chris, car is black/black; images are at the barchetta.cc web site, on the page dedicated to, you guessed it, 550 barchetta. the cold doesn't bother me too much; i have driven in chilling temps with the top down on other cars, just crank up the heat, roll up the windows and wear a sweater or whatever. i am not one for driving in the baking heat, top or topless, and as you know, these cars tend to perform better (any car does) when it is colder, rather than hotter, ambient temps. I do love driving an open car, though. And, since i don't make it a practice to drive for sport in rainy weather, it is only the risk of getting caught in a downpour that is troubling (or leaving the car out in the open for the night if i could not get it garaged, which is a reality when you go on road trips. Indeed, even at fancy digs like the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, there is, to my recollection, no indoor garage, and places like that are at the high end of the hotel scale) | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 182 Registered: 3-2002 |
Whart, we have a '56 t-bird (I know its not a Ferrari) with a convertable top. Our previous t-bird had the hard top. The hard top is a little like being pregnant you either are or you aren't. I could see the benefit of having the hard top, when the weather is too cold or too hot (ecspecially too hot) the $18,000 for that top might sound cheap! I kinda like the looks, has a 250 LM look to it. thanks, Chris (what color is your Barchetta? Our boat is named BARCHETTA!) | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 213 Registered: 12-2001 |
10,000 miles on a set of high performance tires is in my estimation, pretty good. P zeros never lasted that long on the rear of any of my mid-engine cars, but i was reluctant to drive them when the tread depth was reduced to slicks. I found that the Michelins seemed much "harder" than the p zero, and broke away more easily than the pirelli. The pirelli seemed to have eraser-like grip, but were a bit sloppy and really tramlined. On the R&T shoot, it came about through a combination of events, like most things in life. I had previously been in touch with R&T to track down the rights to that photo of Dean Batchelor's hands at the wheel of the Daytona, showing the tach and speedo buried at their limits. Turns out i forget who actually shot the photo, but Dean's assets were purchased by Ron Kellogg, who supplied me with some large prints. (This is one of my favorite ferrari-related photos, in addition to the one of enzo in his "What, Me Worry" pose behind his desk, wearing the ubiquitous shades). When Forza got in contact with me about the shoot, i called the people at R&T, to see if they had any interest. It took them less than a day to get back to me, with a when where how soon call. The rest, as they say... | ||
| Michael Yip (Mightyslash)
New member Username: Mightyslash Post Number: 14 Registered: 4-2002 |
Mr. Doody, I didnt mean $150-175k is low. I was just surprised by the fact that the prices on used 550s have been decreasing sharply. Some used 360s are even more expensive. If I remember correctly, 550s are supposed to be a lot more expensive when brand new. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 96 Registered: 1-2002 |
wm, Many thanks for the reply. They sure did gouge on those tires!! ;-( I bought my PZero Assimetrico's from Tire Rack, and had a local workshop (insert plug here for Ben's Workshop in Austin, Texas!) install them. So far, much quieter than the Michelin Pilot MXX3's that came OEM on my car new, on which I got barely 10,000 miles... And, the Pirellis did well on the track 2 weekends ago--wet & dry (big surprise to me). Best wishes on your Barchetta. BTW, how did you get picked for the R&T spread, which I loved? (I know Andy Bornhop & Doug Kott) | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 212 Registered: 12-2001 |
Chris: yes, i did see the pictures of the hardtop on the net and emailed the guy for more info. Biggest problem(leaving aesthetics aside, and i know what you mean about the Z double bubble), is that the roof is like the ones on the older benz roadsters: you can't really take it with you unless you are wearing it, which kind of defeats the purpose of having an open car. The Barchetta is wonderful, but is not a practical for my purposes because i do tend to drive these cars... | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 211 Registered: 12-2001 |
Dave: i called FNA and got them to deliver a set to a dealer, who then gouged me on the price. FNA originally sourced a set of P-zeros for me, which were scarce at the time (and may still be), when i put a nail thru one of the Michelin Sports that came with the Barchetta. Turned out that Michelin quit making the tire in that size, so i was basically forced to buy 4 new tires, rather than 1 or two (there were few miles on them at puncture time); Michelin were cool about it though, and agreed to pay for the other three tires. FNA promised Pirellis, but couldn't locate them and then substituted the goodyear tire at the same price as the Pirelli. However, when the dealer's bill came, it was close to 4 grand for 4 tires, something that Michelin paid 3300 or so of. Needless to say, the dealer made out like a bandit since FNA assured me that they sold the tires to the dealer at the same price as the Pirelli. Great tire though, not as mooshy or as noisy as the P zero, not as hard and quick to break away as the Michelin.(Also, i seemed go get pretty good mileage out of the P zero on the 550, compared with rear tire wear on the midengine cars). | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1438 Registered: 12-2000 |
Chris, you have a 6 and 8 already, so I think a 12 would be a good addition. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1874 Registered: 5-2001 |
Chris, if you do decide take this one into consideration: 2001, 560 Miles, red/tan all option except carbon package, the car is here in Miami and is NEW! Sticker $224,000, you can have if for $25K less! The books are still packed. Red calipers, daytona seats. e-mail me if you have some questions! Direct link: http://www.miamioffices4rent.com/cavallino/invent/550_maranello_01.htm off my website: www.4Ferrari.com | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2326 Registered: 2-2001 |
Manu hit a big point there, without a Borla and IMO needs no cats too, with bother with such a beautiful car. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 159 Registered: 2-2002 |
New 575 though, is meant to drive (and by that I mean handle, grip, brake, midrange grunt etc) substantially better than the 550. All the same I love the Maranello series. Fantastic cars. Their only fault?? Too damm quiet - can't hear that glorious V12 enough. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2324 Registered: 2-2001 |
The 575 is faster, newer, etc but the 550 is still the cream of the crop IMO. It is a much classier looking car from the outside, and the interior you can't even compare the two. The 575 has Pcar boxer like gauges, I mean come on. The 550 is the long lasting out of the two IMO, years from now it will be more highly desired. And performance difference is really nothing between the two. If you are that into performance out of it I'm sure you could get a used 550, have Koenig twin turbo it and put it over 800bhp for less than a new 575. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 95 Registered: 1-2002 |
wmhart, where do you get the F1 tires? I could not find them in my 550's size, so I got the Pirelli's instead. Thanks. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
New member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2002 |
...and the new 550M is out 515 HP's 0-60 in 4.2...ooohhh and it is so nice! | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 177 Registered: 3-2002 |
Whart, you have a 550 Barchetta? Very nice, have you seen the hardtop being made in Germany for your car? I really like it, kind of a Zagato look. I did enjoy my drive in a 550 yesterday. I would like to own one as a daily driver. I just have to convince myself to spend that kind of money for a car that will get rained on! (Hey it is just a car, it won't melt!) Chris | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 208 Registered: 12-2001 |
Oh, yeah, some cars had a false "check engine" idiot light problem; don't remember the cause of it. They are great cars, and pretty reliable, sporting, comfortable; not as lithe as the 3 series, but oh, that torque... | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 207 Registered: 12-2001 |
There is a wheel recall for the cars, since the aluminum wheels were cracking and will be replaced at F's cost; also i seem to remember an ECU recall. There was also a problem with the oil temp gauge in some of the cars, a subject of the Edmunds.com review; The back window on most of them delaminates, but i don't think F will do anything about that. I also had some weirdness with the ecu controlling my driver's seat; it would get stuck, and i replaced it. I don't think there is anything particularly wrong with the earlier cars, other than those that are sitting. If you buy a low mileage 97 or similar early year, have it completely gone over; i had a belt snap, a hose explode and other little nasties occur just 'cause the dealer didn't do what he should have when i bought my first one, a low mileage 97. My new one, a barchetta, has been flawless, although i don't like the three piece wheels. Also, even though the car is not as low as a 355, be careful with the nose on gradients; the radiator plug will get knocked out easily and, while fixing it is no big deal, you don't want to get caught on the road with a draining coolant system. I also recommend the goodyear f1 tires over the p zero or the michelin sport on this car. I've had all three and the goodyear is the bast compromise for grip and smoothness. | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 112 Registered: 3-2002 |
IS there any problem years for the 550 I should know about? I recall someone on another thread saying that the first few years on a model is not that good of a year due to them not ironing out the defects yet..I might be wrong but if im not does that mean to say away from the 97 or 98 year on a 550? | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 110 Registered: 3-2002 |
IS there any problem years for the 550 I should know about? I recall someone on another thread that the first few years on a model is not that good of a year due to them not ironing out the defects yet..I might be wrong but if im not does that mean to say away from the 97 or 98 year on a 550? | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 156 Registered: 2-2002 |
I love the 550 - i truly love this car. My advice: Buy one NOW! | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member Username: Doody Post Number: 149 Registered: 11-2001 |
michael - if $150K to $175K is "low" to you, then please accept my congratulations ;-) seriously though, over the past year or so, 550 prices (esp. the earlier years) seem to have been very slowly drifting downward. they're certainly not plummetting. smells like a pretty natural decline to me. btw, i had a 93 rx7 iii. the only car i no longer own that i really and truly miss (and that's a list that includes an E39 M5 and a 996 C2 Cab). great great car. pity mazda screwed the pooch on it. doody. | ||
| Michael Yip (Mightyslash)
New member Username: Mightyslash Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2002 |
Anyone know why the price of used 550 is so low? | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 93 Registered: 1-2002 |
Chris, no laugh. I'm glad you are no longer a virgin ;-).... And, I'm glad you liked the 550. I had mine on the track, in rain, a week and a half ago. Not super-agile like the 355 or 360, but a great track car if you know how to drive it well...and remember that is is a heavy car (3700 lbs), so it takes a lot of brakes before turning. But, oh, that torque & power! And, having driven ours 3,800 miles across country to Calif. last September, and back, sometimes at well over 160-170 MPH, I can tell you that 9-12 hours a day in that car is a delightful experience. I hope I get to see you in LA. | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Junior Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 219 Registered: 8-2001 |
Damn it Chris, your ruining it, I will be 17 tomarrow... What better then my favorite 355? I guess I can earn it like the rest of you guys, damn! | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 176 Registered: 3-2002 |
Kenny you got a deal! (now did you want the drivetrain option?) A title will run you a little more....... We can negoiate about the wheels and tires....... lol Chris | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 624 Registered: 8-2001 |
I think you're getting alot of car for the money with the 550. Especially now with prices going down a bit. A modern Daytona, indeed. Since you already have a F40, why not get a comfortable GT car to keep it company? | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Junior Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 218 Registered: 8-2001 |
I will buy your 355 from ya, it is my birthday tomarrow, and can give you 50k+- in cash on the spot. Its a deal? Good! When can I take delivery? | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
New member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2002 |
Yes, do it now! | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 175 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hey I know I am a little behind the curve and my friend Dave (Maranelloman) is going to laugh, but I just drove an 550 today. Wow, what a different experience. Going from a F355 to Maranello is a quite hard to compare. If you did not know that a 550 was a Ferrari you might think it was a something else. I felt like I was driving my Daytona 30 years later, which is exactly what it is, front engine, 12 cylinders, 2 seats. This is an excellent automobile, big, quiet, comfortable, fast, handles like a dream. For those 550 drivers, I understand why you own these cars. They should be, and can be driven daily. Great car. If I should ever decide to sell my F355, I would have to consider a 550. Needless to say I was impressed... maybe I should sell my 355, get a second on the house, cash in the kids college funds.....? Chris |