| Author | Message | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 378 Registered: 3-2001 |
You guys may not believe this but I have still not been to a Ferrari Dealership yet. Neither a Lotus dealer either. I will have to go visit FOA sometime. Anyone in Atlanta want to join me sometime. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 479 Registered: 3-2001 |
Whart, BINGO on your last line.... I agree. You truly get what you pay for. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 374 Registered: 12-2001 |
Anybody buying anything(whether a toaster or a ferrari) is apt to get boned if they don't do their own research or have guidance from somebody that knows whats up (i never like to rely entirely on advice from friends, no matter how knowledgeable or well-meaning, but that's another issue). I don't have a problem with a dealer making a profit. A minimal amount of research will inform the buyer of the market for any of the production cars. I am willing to pay the dealer more, to get a car with a known provenance, service records, and a willingness to stick by me, regardless of the "formal" warranty; having said that, blind trust is not something to place in the hands of a used car salesman, no matter what marque he is selling. (In my experience, really good cars do cost more than their beaten, forsaken breathren, but if you are handy with a wrench, etc. you can certainly save some money). The alternative for me is to buy on the cheap side, and bring it back for service at equally high prices for parts and labor, thus a little more spent on the better car, less headache later, and frankly, money is probably saved, at least where you can't do your own work. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
New member Username: Arlie Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ross, I totally agree about the idiot buyers who do not do their homework and have more money than brains. A few years ago, I had located a '59 Corvette that had been mildly wrecked back in the late '60s or early '70s and had been sitting ever since. The owner liked to take his time making any deals and I had been working with him to buy the car for $4000 and $1000 worth of NOS parts to fix it up. A total of $5000. A week before we were going to get together and complete the deal, some other rich clown with Corvette stars in his eyes offered the guy $7000 for the car AS IS without any parts. The stupid guy ended up buy 5 or 6 salvage early Corvettes from the guy and a trailer full of parts that he spent the next year peddling to anybody he could in a desperate attempt to get his money back. The guy had visions of making tons of profit but all he did was ruin my deal and work hard to nearly lose his shirt. I can't deal with idiots like that. | ||
| russell rosenblum (Rosenblumr)
New member Username: Rosenblumr Post Number: 18 Registered: 6-2002 |
Nick, That is very dissapointing, and somewhat surprising. I also drove in (to F-Wasington)in my 96 nsx. I did call to let someone know I was coming. Not so much to kiss A** but to make sure they would not be too crowded to help me. I was treated very well. I am sure you are annoyed, but the cars really were great, if you still want to, call them up and tell them you will be coming in. If they still jerk you around I would call FNA and complain. Who knows maybe they will move you up a wait list to apoligize!!! | ||
| nick l (Nsxnick)
New member Username: Nsxnick Post Number: 37 Registered: 7-2001 |
i drove my 96 nsx to cauley ferrari to see what kind of a trade in deal i could get. i was looking for a 355. i walked around for about 15 minutes (a small showroom mind you) before i realized no one was going to help me. i was the only customer in there! no "hello"s, no smiles, no eye contact. i got annoyed and left. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 476 Registered: 3-2001 |
I bought a new Sequoia about a year ago... I hate the car buying experience and having to deal with those people. I knew exactly what I wanted including color and options so I created a "Request for Quote" (RFQ). I also mentioned it would be a cash deal... no financing required. I faxed it to 6 dealers in the area, let them know I would be purchasing the car in 2 days from the lowest bidder. It worked... I think I got a GREAT deal. Then I had to make only one drive to the dealer to hand him a check and drive it home. Had to drive an extra 15 miles but I saved a bunch of $$$. | ||
| russell rosenblum (Rosenblumr)
New member Username: Rosenblumr Post Number: 14 Registered: 6-2002 |
You can find a lot of info on dealer holdbacks and invoice prices at www.edmunds.com. The ferrari section is a bit lacking, but for mainstream cars it is quite useful. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 906 Registered: 9-2001 |
steve is right, they pad the invoices and then refund the dealer money the next day - called dealer holdback - nice. plus all the incentives your don't know about | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 810 Registered: 1-2001 |
I too would like to know how you can really know what a car cost the dealer -- my impression is that the auto industry (brilliantly) "invented" a whole new level of bs-dealer cost documentation just to use as another tool to make the customer feel good. An ex-workmate of mine was a close blood-relative of a car dealership owner and his vehicle costs always seemed to be quite a bit less than the "dealer cost" (and I don't think the dealer was actually losing money) -- JMO. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member Username: Ross Post Number: 149 Registered: 3-2002 |
yes ed, it is all a matter of perspective. we all love the numbnuts when we are selling. currently i am a buyer though, so these people are not doing me any favors. todd. how do you find out the 'tissue' (strange name) prices? and doesn't it change depending on the location of the dealer? | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 460 Registered: 4-2002 |
god bless america.................. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 85 Registered: 4-2002 |
Todd, I love your buying style but my experience is that it doesn't work in the UK at the current time. Agreed for run of the mill cars it often works, basic supply/demand rule dictates. ....but, if we are talking prestige cars, new shapes, latest models, rag tops (particularly M-B, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari) you would be walking out of all showrooms car-less. IME the prestige dealers seem happy to NOT do a deal at such low margins over 'tissue'. Typically, if a 'latest and greatest' prestige car over here is listed as 50,000 ukp on the road, the dealers cut is about 10,000 ukp of that...and they won't shift beyond throwing in a set of floormats! simply because there's another punter about to walk in who will seemingly gladly pay it and there's usually a waiting list of 6 months upward so they haven't got a stock of cars to shift in any case. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
New member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 14 Registered: 6-2002 |
My input is this: When going to a car dealer I already know what "tissue" (Dealer cost) is. When I bought my 740iL I said to the sales guy, "You have my word...this could be very simple...You show me tissue on the car without calling over your manager and all the other horseshit, I will give you a couple grand over that price right now and take delivery today...therefore, you made a quick unexpected sale, you made some money...and I saved some money, etc..." ****A message that I like deliver towards the end of closing any deal is as follows: The secret to our continued success is delivering solid winning results to our customers EVERY TIME. So we both can enjoy a solid, meaningful, long-term relationship. Our definition of winning an opportunity is the company and persons we are engaging with feel very positive in their decision and it logically makes sense it's right for them. Both sides of the transaction MUST feel as if they have won. For example, if one side feels that they lost b/c they got pressured, etc or one feel like they got the last drip of blood squeezed out of them, etc-then ultimately our future working business conditions are not going to be in a very positive climate and atmosphere. In many cases it is the attitudes and values of each side that play a big role in having a genuinely enjoyable relationship. In short, by enabling our customers to WIN, we WIN too.***** It been a week or so since I have posted...so I got on a roll a bit...been busy with all the bells and whistles on the new ride! | ||
| Bob Campen (Bob308gts)
Junior Member Username: Bob308gts Post Number: 250 Registered: 9-2001 |
It seems like the guy that paid the least is always the guy that complaines he got taken by the dealer. A good deal is all in the mind. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1525 Registered: 2-2001 |
So I guess whenever we go to sell our cars we will all offer them well below market value? Yea right. There is nothing wrong with asking any price for anything. If someone is willing to pay it then they get the goods. If they pay more than average market then tough titty. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2002 |
You haven't experienced snobbery till you've spent time in UK Mercedes showrooms! | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member Username: Ross Post Number: 145 Registered: 3-2002 |
horsefly; more/less you are right, but there are always exceptions. however, the other major pain in the butt for those buyers who have taken the time to educate themselves on the object of their desire, is the buyers who have not.....in my case, i had a car virtually bought (price agreed, transfer of papers in progress etc) but not yet paid for, and some other numbnut walked into the dealership and paid $7k more than what i had agreed to, and drove off. nobody sane wants to pay more for anything than they have to but so often these days, you find people with more money than brains, and the first thing they do is want to get the top posing car and will pay over the odds because of their ignorance....hate to think what happens when they are on the road.... anyway, that was my rant against poorly informed buyers. oh, and if anybody wants to flame me about 'how do you get to know anything if you never visit the showroom'; well i never visited a ferrari showroom before i bought my first one, but i have about 3 ferrari buying guides, and numerous other books about the marque and models, and every 'road and track' article ever written about the cars i wanted, so where there's a will there's a way. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
New member Username: Arlie Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2002 |
Isn't it really the sad truth that ANY car dealership will try to get as much money from you as possible? Two salesman could be trying to sell the same car to several different people at the same time and each person is being quoted a different price. If car dealers were honest, all cars would have a rock bottom price clearly posted on them like refrigerators at Sears or cans of paint at Home Depot. The car game is a shell game built on buyer ignorance. The dumber the buyer, the more he can be taken to the cleaners. Just as you can't judge a customer by the clothes he wears, I wouldn't trust a car salesman as far as I could throw him, and I don't care how nice he SEEMS to be. I have been quoted different prices on the same car 2 or 3 times in the same day depending upon which salesman answered the phone. From what I have seen, the used car business is very well deserving of its lousy reputation. Buyer beware and trust no one! | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
New member Username: Henryk Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2001 |
Bill: Will be a Road America July 20th for the Redman Classics. Don't know which car I will take, TR, Boxer, or Camry. Years ago, one with a Ferrari, could park in the Ferrari corral, but not any more. I feel a little nervous parking next to a camaro. There is a car auction, with a lot of beautiful cars, near-by at the Osthoff Resort.....only a few miles from the track. They have it on Friday and Saturday evening. Have dinner at the resort, and view the cars......a great event. I bought a farm in southern Door County (not a farmer). I enjoy cruising Fish Creek, etc. in the Ferrari. All 2-lane highways, with great passing oppurtunities. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 307 Registered: 2-2002 |
Very cool. Door County is a great place. Is there a Ferrari excursion to Road America in your future? I live in southeastern Michigan, but my mother's family is from Ironwood, which is adjacent to Hurley, Wisconsin. There is nowhere prettier. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
New member Username: Henryk Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2001 |
Bill: THAT WAS THE ONE!!!!!!! Thanks for the link: the pictures look great. BTW the car looks almost brand new, with NO engine smoke. It was on consignment, hence a much better deal!!!!! My nephew will be bringing it up to me, in Door County, WI. next weekend. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
New member Username: Henryk Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2001 |
Rule number 3: ALWAYS buy the Ferrari that the dealer has on consignment. You will ALWAYS get a better deal, as I did on the 83 512BBi. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 306 Registered: 2-2002 |
I saw them on thecarexperience.com. Here's the link: http://www2.thecarexperience.com/pls/carexp/car_exp.car_page?p_car_id=3104 The car looks great. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
New member Username: Henryk Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2001 |
Bill: I bought the red/tan one with 17000KM. They also had a silver/red one but it was not PERFECT, as was the red one. Where did you see pictures? | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 305 Registered: 2-2002 |
Henryk Did you buy the red one? The pictures look beautiful! Congratulations!! Boxers are a great deal right now. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
New member Username: Henryk Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2001 |
I am on my 7th Ferrari (88TR), and have experienced some of the problems noted. I had problems with the salesmen at first, not now. Rule no.1: DO NOT discuss current market trends on a Ferrari that you are buying; this only leads to arguments, and everyone ends up angry...thus, NO SALE!!!!!!! Since I am the buyer, it is my responsibility to investigate and evaluate the market trend, and decide on a price that I would be willing to pay (there are a lot of sources out there to determine the market trend, and current prices; why argue this with the salesman)? Do your homework, then go to the dealer, and start negotiating. If you are not sure of the model, then look several over, but, DO NOT get into a discussion of what 'others have sold for'. Base your price on the history, damage, etc., and nothing else!!!!! I have just bought my 3rd Ferrari from Continental Motors in ILL. It is a 83 512BBi. We concluded the deal during a Ferrari outing on a polo grounds, this morning. Now I have to sell my 88TR! Rule number 2: NEVER trade ANY car for a Ferrari at a dealership. Follow these rules, and you will be treated fairly. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2002 |
I agree with Joe. Nancy and the people at Cauley are very friendly and easy to deal with. | ||
| joe saldana (Ironjoe)
Junior Member Username: Ironjoe Post Number: 80 Registered: 12-2001 |
Went to CAULEY FERRARI in Bloomfield Hills,Mich just for a little gasket.chatted with one of the premier mechanics in the country,got distracted by the bounty of FERRARIS n MAZERATIS n Race cars in the show-room.Forgot my factory parts manuel (we all know the cost).Anyways about a few days later I spoke to NANCY KELLY asked her if they had seen it.yes they did,but one of the night maintainence crew had misplaced it.You know what is so cool is she said at any time stop by and she will give me a brand new one went by seen the lovely blonde,she gave me a new manuel,a killer lookin SF SHIELD....NOW THATS TOP NOTCH,incidently on my way out I backstepped and asked Nancy about the Mazerati her answer,Ill throw you the keys to one,take it out youll love it...again I say a top notch dealership n crew..... | ||
| thomas pallan, M.D. (Doctp12)
New member Username: Doctp12 Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2001 |
where can I get authenticated photos/letters signed by Enzo,Schumacher,Barichello etc.etc.? | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1514 Registered: 2-2001 |
Some of the worst dressed and dirty people that Frequent my business have a pocket full of cash and some of the best dressed ask me to hold their checks for a period. NEVER judge a persons buying power by their appearance. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 443 Registered: 4-2002 |
not related to ferraris , but a story to share about "you never know" or "what goes around,comes around" OR "BE NICE TO EVERYBODY" a customer called me up about 10 yrs ago and looking for a special battery for his granddaughters doll house.He told me that nobody wanted to help him with just the sale of 1 battery for $9.00 and went and called at least 6 people before calling me.They said they could get it for him but he must by 24/case and has to buy the full case.HE SAID HE ONLY NEEDED 1 BATTERY AND NO-ONE WOULD BE KIND ENOUGH TO HELP HIM. WELL HE CALLED ME, I HAD THE BATTERY FOR HIM, AND I DIDNT EVEN CHARGE HIM FOR IT AS I HEARD OF ALL THE TROUBLES FOR THIS BATTERY FOR HIS GRANDDAUGHTERS DOLLHOUSE. WHEN I ASKED HIM FOR HIS NAME FOR SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS, HE REPLIED, MR FRED TRUMP, FATHER OF DONALD TRUMP. I HAVE BEEN A VENDOR NOW FOR 15 YRS FOR THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION. TRUE STORY... | ||
| steve Lauren (Steve308gtsi)
New member Username: Steve308gtsi Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2002 |
Its pretty sad to see how some of these salesmen treat potetial customers but it happens. Years ago I used to sell Porsches and Mercedes and besides selling the cars to the typical suit type of customer. I sold almost just as many to people who you would never think would buy one. Thats why I always treated everyone with respect.I guess its cause I've always been a car nut since I was a kid, so I know what its like. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 277 Registered: 10-2001 |
I went in to Shelton Ferrari and Bud Root was a very helpful salesmen. Nice guy. Offered me a test drive and spent plenty of time with me, even though it was a busy Saturday morning. I passed on the car... but just thought it would be nice to post a positive example. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Junior Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 167 Registered: 5-2001 |
I don't know if it is just the times that have changed or what. Back in the summer of 86 I dropped in FAF in Atlanta (now FOA) just to look at the cars. I was 18, just about to start college, and was in no way a qualified buyer. I was so excited to just stand near more then one Ferrari at once. Instead of being treated like an outcast, I was actually approached by a salesperson who asked if I would like a ride in one. Instead of being run off I was driven around the block in a black 308. He knew I wasn't going to buy the car, he was just being friendly. I still have the picture. I developed a good friendship with him and eventually bought two cars from him 10 years later including my Ferrari back in 1997. That's customer service. I stopped back by again in the spring of 92. Again I was only looking having just started dental school and COMPLETELY broke. It just happened to be the day before a big FCA meet at Road Atlanta. Once more, instead of getting the cold shoulder I was invited to the event as a guest of FAF by another salesperson. This eventually led me to join the FCA (5 years before I got my car) and I have been active every since. I can't speak for any other dealership but FAF/FOA has always been very very nice to me both as a customer (now) and a visitor(then). | ||
| Dave Wapinski (Davewapinski)
Junior Member Username: Davewapinski Post Number: 224 Registered: 8-2001 |
Old sales saying, 20 % of the people give you 80 % of the sales. So some decision has to be made on how to spend time. However, how do you determine the 20 % in advance? And it is more than just this one sale. I know a person worth over $200,000,000 that does not own a tie. Recently I called a Ferreri dealer that was rude over the phone. They will never get any of my business. Some people feel that abusing people is the way to sell. I disagree. Be nice to everyone - you never really know who has money and who will spend. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 368 Registered: 12-2001 |
Another plug for my suggestion that Rob create a permanent file for feedback on dealers ( authorized and independent) as well as vendors. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 519 Registered: 7-2001 |
I avoid Ferrari of Dallas. When I was shopping for my car, I was looking for a 308QV. I went to the dealership and told them I was in the market and the salesman sniffed "we haven't had one of THOSE is years". Screw you, sorry I wasted your time. I get much the same treatment there even now when I pull up in my 328. I guess it's a 'lesser' Ferrari. I can hardly find anyone to speak to. Sad for them, they don't realize that the 328 is just my first Ferrari, it's not my last. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 437 Registered: 10-2001 |
Doody I agree, except that a 308 owner may end up spending just as much as a 355 owner in the long run. If you are treated right, you will go back not only for another car but for service. That's what the dealerships want...money on parts and labour. they may only make 1-3K on the sale of a 308 but add on the cost of the service and the dealer is making money. They've gotta train salesmen that you can't afford to lose 1 customer. There should be no trade off. If I'm treated poorly I will never return, ever! I bought my wifes Grand Vitara almost 50 miles away when there is a dealership 5 minutes away from my house. Bottom line they didn't treat me right, looked at my age and didn't think I was serious. BTW I asked all the right questions and was reasonably dressed. So someone else got my business and I let them know it. | ||
| russell rosenblum (Rosenblumr)
New member Username: Rosenblumr Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2002 |
I want to be clear. If you are turly prepared to buy one of these cars, then you are correct, no appointment, suit or otherwise should be required or even offered. But, if you are merely "kicking the tires" with little real interest or potential to buy a ferrari, then I think a bit of "acting" is a reasonable way of accomplishing your goal. I am also rarely presetable, depending on how you define it. I wear jeans to work for gods sake. Still when I thought I would never buy a Ferrari, I wore Khachi's to the dealership. A suit no, but I did want to look more serious than i was. My advise was not for the serious buyer, but for the person a few years off. hell if you are really about to drop 150K+ on a car, go in in your worst pair of shorts, and a ripped T if you want, your checkbook will do the talking. But, wehn you are not sure if your checkbook can talk find something that can. When i was a college student, I had my own business. I went to buy a toyota cellica. I was in Jeans and a t shirt. When I asked the salesman the best price he could do, he went to his manager. He came back 3 times and said, "the price is on the sticker" when I asked what the hell was going on, he said "my manager does not believe you can afford this car anyway so he does not want me to waste my time." Well I bought the car elsewhere. When I bought a lexus, I went in with jeans and a polo shirt. They were about as nice as a car dealership could be. We later negotiated the contract by phone, they pulled the car off of the floor and held it for me for 10 dayd with no deposit (at the tiime it was one of very few sticks in the nation). I was 24 for gods sake (before the dot.com era, but not by much). Later I went to buy an NSX. It was celica time all over again. I was a dot.commer at the time. At Ferrari, I was treated with respect. Not fawning, not ass kissing, but respect. All I am saying is that one can not stereotype the car, but one may have to sell themselves if they think they need to. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member Username: Doody Post Number: 264 Registered: 11-2001 |
i agree 100% ed. and furthermore i'd stress that the economy situation is irrelevant. either you treat new potential customers with respect or you don't. it's that simple. i have only been in one ferrari dealership (FoNE) and have always been treated well there by whoever (whomever?) was present. and mind you, i very rarely look "presentable"! when you're selling goods like these, you can't make too many assumptions about who your customer is. they're all over the board from gangster rappers to guys in $5K suits. all that said, after giving you the initial onceover they do have to make a decision about how much effort to expend on you given their opinion of your likelihood to purchase (now or later). it's how sales works, right? so it's also up to you the customer to make sure you provide proper information (directly, indirectly, etc.) to qualify you as a legit buyer. also consider that the time investment to find a specific 308 (for example) is basically no less than the investment to find a 355 Spider. and it's not a zero investment to do a search - these guys are on the phones, trying to do multiple-car trades and flips. some of the deals are quite non-trivial. so making $1K to$3K on a 308 given its price-point -vs- making nearly $10K on a 355 means they'd be likely to be far more interested in finding a specific 355 than a specific 308. many of the ferrari dealerships seem to run very salesforce-lean. especially those that are f-car only (ie: no porsche salesguys or aston salesguys to pull onto the floor when volume peaks). so those stretched salesguys need to cover a lot of ground. i'm not making excuses for any specific treatment anyone may or may not have received (especially first interactions - those have to be done properly by the sales folks, and sometimes are not), just pointing out that there are a lot of factors in play, and like any business, tradeoffs will have to get made. losing a new 308 customer at the expense of making a new 355 customer happy is clearly an acceptable business tradeoff if you have to make a tradeoff. my two pennies. doody | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1510 Registered: 2-2001 |
Let's get real here, How many cars do these guys sell versus a Chevy store so how busy can they be when you have to wait several years to get a new car. I bought my Impala over the phone from 600 miles away with no problems what so ever. One phone call two signatures and I was out the door. If I ever purchase another Ferrari someone had better wait on me quickly and without an appointment or I'm out the door. A bunch of silly crap if you ask me, an appointment to spend $150,000 in this economy? Give me a break. | ||
| russell rosenblum (Rosenblumr)
New member Username: Rosenblumr Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sorry in case it was not clear, this was at FOW. | ||
| russell rosenblum (Rosenblumr)
New member Username: Rosenblumr Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well--This is my first time posting. I had my first ever trip to a ferrari dealer 2 months ago. I had NO intent to buy a ferrari, I just wanted to look--and see the new maserati. Redding new I was coming, and was GREAT when I got there. He new nothing about me or whether or not I could afford the car. After driving the maserati, I asked to try the Ferrari 360 just to "compare". In truth I was just hustleing to drive the car. WOW. I fell in love instantly (with the car not redding). My wife was with me as was a friend. Redding also let my friend drive both cars (to give me his opinion as he is the better driver). He then drove my wife in the car to show her how much she would like it. I decided I would buy the car if I could win the money in a poker tournament in Vegas (in May). Well, I did not win the event, I finished 6th--which gave me enough cash to buy a coupe--I really wanted the spyder. Anyway, I went back to see Redding. He was ALWAYS very easy to work with--not as true as the other sales people there. last saturday I decided to get on the wait list for the Spyder, and drive a 355 spyder and the 360 coupe again to see which I might buy in the interim. No offense to 355 owners, but the cars are not close. Despite my STRONG leanings towards a convertable, I choose the coupe. They actually had one in the color I wanted (Well I get to choose the car, my wife gets to choose the color) Tour de france blue. Redding was a bit busy so I told him I would call him Monday to discuss the car. I got busy on Monday so did not call him till tuesday. Unfortunatly, When I called on Tuesday the car was sold. In the interim I just bought one from california (it should be delivered in about a week). Anyway, I can honestly say, that if Redding had not helped me, I would never have bought A Ferrari at all. And yes, I do wish I bought it from him. I anticipate my next one will be. I recommend calling in advance and setting up an appointment. At least talk a good game. Look they do get a lot of people wasting there time--Of course I was one of them 2 months ago and in 5 days I will have my 360 Coupe in TDF Blue--1200 miles 19 months left on warranty. | ||
| David Albright (Dalbright)
Member Username: Dalbright Post Number: 358 Registered: 2-2001 |
Nick, I had the same problem with FOW. 2 years ago I went to them all excited that I was finally in the market for either a late 328 or early 348 black/black. The sales guy, Jim Coffee (?sp) told me that they rarely came by those cars in that color combo. I asked him if he'd be able to try and locate one for me. He said that FOW didn't do that. He had me write my name down. I have yet to hear from them. Incredible!!! The attitude he had with me was truly depressing. On their website, they mention how they will locate that perfect car for you. Anyways, the guys in the service department are great and have always treated me with respect. Try getting in touch with Redding at FOW. He's been there for a while and is getting into sales. Just saw him today at an FCA meet with a new Maserati Spyder....beautiful!! Good luck. | ||
| j Buffa (Jbuffa)
New member Username: Jbuffa Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2001 |
Nick, I had called FOW about the 348 Speciale, It took 3 days for them to call me back. The car has had accident history, rear quarter painted and front suspension parts replaced. The front spoiler is missing the extra lip that came only on the Speciale, and it also has signs of a bad repair. I don't know if they had the roof on the car, but that has a pretty bad scratch on it as well. If you make an offer on the car, all that should be reflected in the price. Good Luck | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 441 Registered: 10-2001 |
Nick, I was a little surprised about the way you were treated at FoW. I been there a few times, the first time just to see where they were located. Redding Finney met me and my fiance (at the time) at the door, gave us a tour of the entire facility including the area in the back where they were restoring an old silver 250 Lusso and a 512BB. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 433 Registered: 10-2001 |
I've had both good and bad experiences in Ferrari of Ontario. I'm only 29 now and a few years ago, well before I could afford a Ferrari, Larry gave me all the time in the world. He let me sit in Testarossas, 355's even invited me and my wife into his office to look at club event photos. He said "If you're just kicking tires, just don't kick too hard!"  It was a real pleasure. Larry is still there and still takes the time to talk to me. However, since then I've purchased a Ferrari (not from them)and have had some interesting encounters with other sales people there. When I went in to ask about being invited to a charity event for the Hospital for sick kids, the girl at the desk said "Well first you have to have a Ferrari" I just looked at her and waited, then I said "Yeah, what else?" Then she jumped up off the leather sofa to get me the paper work. Other times when I go in, the sales men treat me like I'm some criminal off the street. I mean I've been in there many times, I've even purchased things from them. Seems to me it is peoples preconcieved notions of who "looks" like they can afford a Ferrari. If you don't have grey hair and drive into the lot with a Mercedes or a BMW then I guess you don't fit the "look" and can't afford it. It's sad because many people will remember these things and take their business elsewhere. It perpetuates the notion that Ferrari owners are snobs. | ||
| Bill Steele (Glassman)
New member Username: Glassman Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2002 |
This type of treatment is not really that unusual. Until the sales people start to recognise you, or when they hear you talk in an informed manner they do loosen up. Some are just plain jerks. My wife always gets me something Ferrari related when she travels. Once on an extended business trip to San Deigo she shipped me a outside plug 250 Motor she found some where. Last year on a trip to the west coast, she stopped by Ferrari of______! After being greeted by a very beautiful but snotty youg woman, she wound up quite disgusted with the treatment. My wife simply said, how many Ferrari's do you own, to the little •••••. Then turned around and left. I was quite angry. The first time for no Ferrari gifts for me! After calling the Manager myself and being assured they would make it right, I never heard from them again. That dealer will never get a visit from me. | ||
| Vince (Manatee)
New member Username: Manatee Post Number: 38 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've never had problems with Ferrari of Atlanta. I visited their showroom for several years before making the plunge. Give Washington another chance, maybe there's something else going on to give you that impression. | ||
| Nick Iliff (Nickdtm)
New member Username: Nickdtm Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2002 |
While I wasn't a serious buyer, there certainly weren't any other customers! The place was empty except for the salesmen. | ||
| Robert Jude Klein (Rjklein4470)
Junior Member Username: Rjklein4470 Post Number: 115 Registered: 3-2002 |
When I was buying my wifes car, the sales person was tying to qualify me as well. In his eyes I did not qualify and he was starting to be a snob. So I told him that I was sorry I did not bring a suit, I was in cut offs, I only brought my check book. I went on to tell him I was going to be paying cash for the car, and then I asked the Sales Manager to get me another sales man, and I told him why. Another line that works well, or will break the ice is ask the sales person if they can afford the car. At that point the usually get the point. I was wandering how Ferrari sales men get paid. Salery, commission, how could they get a commission when there is a waiting list for cars. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 366 Registered: 12-2001 |
If you were a serious buyer, not just showing up on a Saturday or when the sales staff was busy with other customers, you should drop a note to S. Robinson, the top dog at FNA, and copy the dealer (get the owner's name and make sure the cc is addressed directly to him). Let FNA know about your experience. Its important. | ||
| Lou Papaleo (Papaleo1)
New member Username: Papaleo1 Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Nick - I did the same thing a couple of years ago, but my experience was totally different. Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT was great. Their sales manager, Werner, actually took the time to answer my questions and educate me. It was two years before I actually bought my 348ts, and they didn't have a car for me to purchase, but Werner helped me every step of the way. They will service my 348 for sure. I know it is too far for you to travel to, but keep in mind that there are good people out there who are avid, interested Ferrari lovers. . .and they deserve applause. By the way, I couldn't fit comfortably in a 328, but the 348 is perfect. Get one ASAP - it is an awesome machine! Good luck and have fun in your search. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
New member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 42 Registered: 2-2002 |
Welcome aboard, Nick! Surprised to hear of your encounter at Ferrari of Washington. I've never had anything but good experiences with them. Actually, they went out of their way for a long long time to search out and locate my yellow 328 for me. Took well over a year and they constantly kept me informed. Sorry to hear of your experience. | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Junior Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 97 Registered: 5-2002 |
Welcome Nick. I am 6'3 and have only sat in a 328 and found it to be a little tight.I previously owned a mg midget and at first that was tight also but I have found after a bit of time you get comfortable in a car. As far as car salesmen go unfortunately there are a few incompetent ones out there but there are also some good ones as well. Whenever I go to look at a car I bring a financial statement with me and if the salesmen starts trying to qualify me I just show it to him or if he acts snobbish towards me I show it to him and then walk out hoping maybe he will be more respectful to his next prospective customer. | ||
| Nick Iliff (Nickdtm)
New member Username: Nickdtm Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey everyone... this is my first post. Today I decided to go visit Ferrari of Washington, since I have been wondering if I fit in a 348 (at 6'5") and among other things wanted to check out the dealership. I have many friends who own Ferraris (TR, 355, 360, etc) but have never been there. I was pleased to see a nice collection of cars both in the showroom and the service bays. I sat in a 328GTS, a 348 ts Speciale, and a 355 spyder that was very uncomfortable since the electric seats wouldn't operate. I fit in the other two cars very well, but even as the 328 felt larger inside, the 348 fit me better, and I love the 348's seats. I wanted to look at the other cars more and look into the service area but the salesmen were the biggest pricks I've ever encountered. Even when I was asking them questions about the current market on 348s, other relevant questions, they answered hesitantly and seemed very irritated with my presence. It was enough to make me leave without looking as much as I wanted to. Granted I may not be able to afford the car I want for a few years (not so far off though), but they could at least show some respect for an enthusiast trying to learn about a possible future car. When I told the salesman "Thank you for your time" while on my way out all he could manage was a grunt and a disapproved look in my direction before going back to his desk. Nevertheless, seeing/sitting in the 348 still made the experience more than worthwhile... I have something to set my sights on now! :-) |