| Author | Message | ||
| Tony Roberts (Pantera)
Junior Member Username: Pantera Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2003 |
I a coin collecter and I have a passion for car's. I currently own a 355 and a 328. I used to own hundred's of coins and then I met a dealer that told me it would make more sense to own a few great coins than hundreds of average coins. You have to decide what your goals are before you spend your hard earned money. I would love to own vintage Ferrari's but i am not at that point yet. I don't know your financial situation so it is hard for me to comment on what you should do. The bottom line is it's your money, do what you feel confortable! | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 191 Registered: 4-2003 |
David, I agree with you about the 355/360. Subjectively I actually prefer the 355, the 360 looks too big and rounded to me at this time. Might grow on me. Love the see-through engine compartment though!!! The 355 Spider would allow me to enjoy the short summers we have here. Will, the collection is by no means defined as yet...whatever strikes my fancy at the time, I collect! I guess I mean I would like to have more than 2 Fcars, whatever they may be. I suspect the Dino will always be a keeper, my first love. Then a 12 cyl. This is where I am stuck. I LIKE the lines of a Boxer, but LOVE the Testa. That of course might change! I'd love to get a rare/collectible. A Lusso perhaps. That will probably have to wait for a while. Finally, a driver. The 348/355 Spider appeals for obvious reasons...it's been so wet here recently, and for so long that I am starting to think I live in Vancouver/London! Will be trying to drive the 355 and Countach today. Let's see how it goes! Thanks all. | ||
| will h (Willh)
Junior Member Username: Willh Post Number: 96 Registered: 3-2003 |
"A large part of the problem is that this is all part of a larger collection I intend to start. Deciding on which is next is part of the fun." Well put. I think the key consideration is where you want to position your "collection." Do you want to own perfect, concours winning examples of higher volume cars? Expensive rarities? Do you want a collection of drivers? A particular era, # of cylinders - or is the unifying theme "Ferrari?" You have a Dino, you list a Boxer as a car you consider - what does that mean? Are you willing to go through a lot of cars, buying and selling often as you fine tune your collection? Do you hope to turn a profit buying and selling cars? Do you really want a "collection" at all, or do you just want to sample the catalog of these beautiful cars, owning two or three at any given moment? I don't think there's a universal right answer, it's too personal, except to take the time to try to get a handle on the market. Perhaps it makes sense to be a "value" investor (if that's possible) and buy whatever you feel to be the less favored models at any given time, in the hope of finding a relative bargain. I'm very new to all this, too, and I join the others in enjoying spending your money, wisely or not. | ||
| David R. (Rodsky)
Junior Member Username: Rodsky Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2003 |
well put adrian. I enjoy reading about someone trying to make a decision about which F-Car to buy. The way you describe it is great. Sometimes the logical answer is not always where your heart stears you. I am going back and forth between a 550, 360 and 355 spider. Everyday, I get to a different answer. In my case, I actually prefer the looks of the 355 to the 360 but the 360 is improved in almost everyway except maybe moice and looks (subjective). Then there is the 550 - completely different and also extrememly appealing. | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 189 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks guys. A large part of the discontent is exactly that each car offers so much, but until I drive them for some length of time, is hard to quantify. I remember when I first started this search over a month ago, I walked into the Ferrari dealer. They had 355s 360s, a Barchetta and a 348 Spider. Then I SAW the 91 Testa in the back corner. It took my breath away. It was just such a statement of power, machismo and chest hairs...everything I'm not! It sold the next day! I think the reason I've always been drawn to the 348 is exactly that it looks like a smaller Testa. The ones I've driven are plenty fast for me, make all the loud sounds and the convertible is a huge plus. I'm going to try to drive the 355 today. So far the appeal is primarily logical...improved, powerful, evolved...I like the lines but prefer the Testa's. I guess I like cheese. The 456 seems like a logical combination of nice looks, functionality, practicality, 4 SEATS, modern, all it needs is 4wd and I'd drive it in the winter! I'd even buy it just for the boss!(my wife, for those not familiar with the term). The Countach would not be a daily driver...just a car I've always wanted. Just as an interesting point...I like the 328, but I LOVE my Dino. The 328 is efficient, logical, fast, has AC, all the things my Dino isn't. BUT. I love my Dino. I want to drive it everyday. It isn't practical for me to do so, but I wish it was. I think it starts with the incredible visual appeal, and that makes huge allowances for flaws. Of all the choices above, the Testa visually grabs me. I know I probably would not drive it everyday, but then it would be a perfect counterpoint to the Dino. A large part of the problem is that this is all part of a larger collection I intend to start. Deciding on which is next is part of the fun. | ||
| Ton Visser (Lion315)
Member Username: Lion315 Post Number: 618 Registered: 12-2002 |
Adrian, I understand your problem. Just go and testdrive them. Listen to your emotions. Recently a 456 owner came up to me on a meeting after I passed him on the freeway and he told me that what he missed most about his 328 was the targa roof and the sound. He told me how much he liked the 456 but it was just too quiet. Just sit back and listen to your emotions. What do you really want in a Ferrari? I really wanted a car with an open roof. Just to have the sun in my face and enjoy the sound of the engine. Another choice could be a TR. The TR is a beautiful car but not the most practical car for everyday use. The 456 has it all but is not a real neck twister. The 355 is in my opnion the best choice of them all (if you don't need the rear seats). But that is of course just my personal opinion based on my personal emotions. Good luck on your search. Ton | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 293 Registered: 5-2002 |
Adrian -- I had the 456 since early last Dec. I could tell you this is the most user friendly F-car I had driven. I will go for a 550 if I do not need the back seats and if I could afford the price difference but I found the 456 is the best value for money especially you are talking about a daily driver. In terms of maintenance issue, my 456 is really not bad at all. I had the throw-out bearing, battery and 2 hoses replaced but I cant tell you exactly how much they cost as I bought a one year used car maintenance support from the dealer. I do agree with other F-chatters that you should test drive as many other Ferraris as possible before making any decision. But I would highly recommend a V12 as you already owned 2 V8s. Cheers | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 392 Registered: 2-2001 |
Dino and Boxer'd make a nice combo. On the other hand, if the next car is meant as a driver, there're worse picks than a 456. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 438 Registered: 6-2002 |
Adrian, you simply must must must drive these beasts! It sounds to me like you may have not seen all of them in person. I can't recomend enough that you drive drive drive, you will discover where your passions lay in short order, and have the time of your life! From what you're saying, 348 Spider, OR Testarosa might be just what the doctor ordered. Testarosa has the 12-cyl (maybe the best sounding production engine ever actually) but wasn't made in a cabrio. 348 has the look you like, goes pretty darned well (not as well as F355 though) and is by most accounts a more immediate car (with non-power-assist steering.) Lastly, 456GT is just the greatest GT car ever created. It might be the perfect compliment/counterpoint to the nimble sports car 246. 456 is also a much more modern (= relatively trouble-free, at least for F-cars :P) car. It may be the best mondern f-car deal too. You've really just got to drive 'em, you'll find little nuiances that just stir you. (eg, the 456's interior is one of the most beautiful ever created, the sound of the F355 is JUST like an Indy car, the Testarosa's interior is dated but ultra-cool in an 80s sort of way, it's a BIG car to practically drive in any kind of town/city environment, etc.) | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 579 Registered: 4-2003 |
Adrian, It sounds to me like you're looking for something with a little more oomph. You've got your "emotional" car and a great one at that!!  I think you should trade in the 328 and go out and test drive some more cars until you find the one that has the right amount of power, maybe something that pushes you back in your seat a little bit more. A V12 may be a good idea for you. Vincent. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1255 Registered: 12-2001 |
Adrian. I'm not suprised. I like the 328, but its not different enough (if you get what i mean) from the 246. I truly think a 12 cyl. car would bring out a different aspect of the marque for you. As to daily drivers, i'll bet even our friend Allan Lambo would not encourage you to buy a Countach (i love 'em too, but i think driving one every day would get me short tempered in a big hurry). So, 12 and practical: well, the 456 is everything its cracked up to be, as long as its been sorted (they had funny problems with things like windshields, which aren't cheap). I would also add a 550 to your list, but its a good bit more than the other cars on your list. (BTW, while the 355 is probably in every way a better car than the 348, i found the power steering, and the larger package to be less involving, along with the F1, but that's just me).A 348 or 355 might be fun, but it won't bring out the beast in you like a 12.(Kind of like the difference between chamber music and Wagner). | ||
| Charles rich (Ccr2002)
New member Username: Ccr2002 Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2002 |
adrian, Don't let henryk temper your enthusiasm. It's fun to talk (chat) about a new obsession and i believe it helps one sort out one's emotions by hearing others experiences and seeing how they resonate with you. Last July i asked "550 vs 456" in a post...confused about where my heart was on these two extraordinary automobiles. I had many helpful comments...except Henryk who simplisticallly asked "you either need the back seats or you don't..." and then implied he would be surprised if i got either one in the next 6 months. As if a time frame of 6 months would only validate the question or my obsession. Well, i bought a 2001 550 just 3 weeks later when the perfect car showed up, daytona seats, shelf, headliner, titanium/sabbia/blue, and modular wheels. If the perfect 456 had presented itself it could have gone the other way. In fact...i'm going to test drive a nice 2000 this week...still captivated by the 6 speed v-12 that i can take my 2 yo and 4 yo in. good luck | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 188 Registered: 4-2003 |
HAHAHA. Ming, how long have you had the 456? Any issues? How does it drive? What's the engine note like? | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
Member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 292 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Adrian, Get the 456 as your daily driver and the pleasure of laid back 6-speed gear box with the power of the incredible V12 engine. Also, trade in your 328GTS for a 348 spider for the topless fun and precise handling. Happy hunting! | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 807 Registered: 8-2001 |
I thought it was funny!!!!!! | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 187 Registered: 4-2003 |
HenryK, You're right, I don't have a clue. If that bothers you, why even read this thread? In fact, why even respond? | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 806 Registered: 8-2001 |
How can anyone help you pick a car, that "stir my emotions". This is obviously a personal choice, and you have to decide.....and ONLY you!!!!!!! No offense, but it is pretty obvious that you really don't know what you want. I recommend that you check with your emotions. | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 186 Registered: 4-2003 |
Rob, you think the Countach is really the way to go???!!! And what the hell are you doing up this late? I did consider the GTS, but haven't seen 1 yet. | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 206 Registered: 2-2003 |
What about a 355GTS? Just a thought open top fun, but also fixed roof for daily driving instead of a spider. Erik | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5301 Registered: 12-2000 |
Go 12! | ||
| adrian low (Audionut)
Junior Member Username: Audionut Post Number: 185 Registered: 4-2003 |
I bought my first Ferrari just over a month ago, a Dino 246GT. Since then I acquired a mint 89 328 GTS to serve as an almost daily driver. Problem I am finding is that although the 328 is an incredible car, it doesn't stir my soul like the 246 does. Part of it I am sure is the style. I am also finding that it is not as powerful as I would like. I love the open top idea as we have relatively short summers. I'm considering either keeping the 328 or trading it, in either case getting another more satisfying car. I'd want the car to be a daily driver in season, not planning to track it. Budget up to $100k US. What do you guys think? I've been considering the following... 1)355/spider 2)348 Spider 3)Testa 4)Boxer 5)Maybe even a 456 6)A Lambo (HORRIFIED REACTIONS!!!) Criteria? Simply that the car must stir my emotions. I find the design of the 348 Spider more appealing than the 355. However, though I have not driven the 355, I am sure it is MUCH faster and more evolved. The 348 Spiders in Canada sell for almost $93k US!!! For about $7500 more I can get 355B. I have not driven any of the 12 cyl cars, though everyone tells me they are very exciting. I like the Testa design more than the Boxer, but the Boxer appeals to my collector's side. The 456 is a nice, Q car that seems like an incredible deal. Finally, I've always wanted a Countach and found a 25th Anniversary in Red. Haven't gone to see it yet, though I may do so tomorrow. Unfortunately, importing relatively new cars is not an easy option...regulations require very expensive modifications. $12,000US for bumpers for F355 plus other incidentals. Some cars are almost impossible to import, though I need to do more digging to confirm that. Please give me your opinions. You guys have been great so far, and I really value your ideas. |