| Author |
Message |
Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 27, 2001 - 2:02 pm: | |
A US 550 Maranello sold for $145k a few months back. This is a low price, and the car sold in one day. However, prices have been coming down, and should continue to do so through the winter.
I agree with Howie that you would be much better off with a US car. The savings are not that great, the car will never be worth as much as a US car, and Federalization is not just a matter of changing the speedometer. Did you know that the fuel tanks are different? Also, the internal door beams have to be changed. It is not a simple or minor thing to Federalize a non US car, and that is why it is so expensive.
My personal rule is only to buy US Ferraris. The exception is any vintage Ferrari built before all this *&%$ started with Federal standards, I believe around the mid 1970's.
Now, I'm sure many members of this site have bought European cars. And I'm sure many of them love their cars, and have had nothing but positive experiences. I'm just giving one person's opinion.
Also, while I know Ferrari North America is on a crusade to keep non-US cars out of the country, I do not agree with them that these cars are unsafe on US roads. Is Ferrari NA saying that they feel foreigners living in and visiting the US who bring their Ferraris with them are in danger? |
Nunja Bitness (Jaxfl)
| | Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 7:33 pm: | |
You can get some Euro cars for around $120K that are already in the states and converted. The mileage is higher (around 30,000), but hey its the flagship of Ferrari for about half price. Not too shabby. They created the car to meet global smog standards so the models are the same. I think its really just a matter of swapping speedos in MPH instead of Kilometers and different side markers. If the records reflect good care and it passes a thorough inspection it should be just as good as a US car. |
Howie F. (Brokerofexotics)
| | Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 6:07 pm: | |
Solly,
At $149K to me the hassle doesn't seem worth it. For example, I know of a 1998 550 Maranello in Florida (US car)with 9,175 miles in titanium/black for $ 160K. The car is mint.
For $ 10K more, no problems with the feds, and you know for sure the car is up to US safety standards. |
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
| | Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 4:20 pm: | |
The '97 Euro Maranello lists for 149k. how do i know that smog and Federalization papers are in order? Do an emissions test before purchase? |
Howie F. (Brokerofexotics)
| | Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 3:31 pm: | |
Make sure your insurance company will cover it for full value. Some will not.
How much would you be paying for the Euro 550 Maranello? |
Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
| | Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 1:36 pm: | |
Make sure you review all the Federalization paperwork, and that it is in order. Cars have been turned into nice little cubes for failing to demonstrate Federal compliance. A 550 makes a lousy coffee table. |
Erik Jonsson (Gamester)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 4:13 pm: | |
Parts and service are available. I have a Euro 82 308 and find that parts can easily be ordered from overseas dealers as well. Be sure to get a Euro parts and service manual with the car because a few minor differences certainly exist. I know from experience that a Euro car has more power than its US counterpart. Dealers want your money- period. They will work on your car, although I recommend service from experienced non dealers. Emissions pose the only possible drawback, be sure to smog the car prior to purchase and be certain it is in compliance. |
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 2:51 pm: | |
I'm looking at two Euro 1997 550 Maranellos. These Euros appear at least $30,000 cheaper than the closest American 550 (i.e. similar mileage, shape, etc.), and up to $70,000 cheaper than the most expensive '97 American.
These Euros have had all DOT/EPA conversions and are currently titled and registered in the U.S.
Since the warranty period is over, what is the drawback to buying a low mileage Euro 550 and saving at least 30k? Are the Euros serviceable here? Will dealers work on them?
I'd love to get one, but don't want to throw $$ away on a model that can't get even routine maintenance at an authorized facility. |
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