| Author |
Message |
Norman Yung (Storminnormin)
New member
Username: Storminnormin
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 9:25 pm: | |
I've driven the car a couple of times and it seems so much more fun to drive than my porsche. The power is incredible! I do agree the sound of the engine and exhaust are a little on the quiet side. The F355 sounds more exciting. I did sit in a 550 with a Tubi. The resonance/burble in the cockpit was loud, bordering on annoying. Any suggestions? I love the sound of a Daytona. That has got to be the single most exciting car soundtrack I have ever heard. |
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 340
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:57 am: | |
"If they sit, they suck."
classic!
doody. |
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 427
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 9:42 am: | |
On balance, the trade-off on reliability is probably worth it, given the low price for used Maranellos and the amount of car you are getting for the money. There was indeed a wheel recall, i had some ECU and hose problems, the back window delaminates and yes, the front sits low enough to cause some trouble. Also, the wait for parts, compared to the Porsche may be a problem, but when i went thru the fettling process after buying a 97 Maranello, i was able to get it sorted without long delays, between what various dealers had on hand, and what FNA were able to supply.
I am on my second 550, the newer one having been bought fresh out of the box. Apart from a hood latch problem (more a matter of adjustment than anything, although the dealer did not get it right the first time) and yes, believe it or not, another "wheel" problem : the three piece modular wheels on the barchetta leak, and FNA is replacing them, no problems whatsoever. But, you gotta drive these cars. If they sit, they suck. |
Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
Junior Member
Username: Teachdna
Post Number: 61
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 6:18 am: | |
The 550, while reliable, is not as "bullet-proof" as the Porsche. So you have to decide just how much it will bother you when things break down. WIll it drive you crazy because this incredibly expensive car needs work 1-2 times/year? Or can you simply laugh it off and ascribe it to the fact that you are driving a great car that is essentially hand-built? Only you can decide.
That being said, I consider myself pretty anal but have not regretted getting the 550 for a minute, even though, at 3500 miles, the auxiliary water pump went out and almost cooked the engine-something that I can't imagine happening on a Porsche with that mileage (and I've owned/own 6 of them). I assume that every year the 550 will cost me between 1500-3000 dollars, barring major services; the Porsche would probably cost you anywhere from 20-50% of that.
Hope this helps and be sure and get some extensive seat time in the 550 before making a final decision: it's a much more exciting car to drive than the Porsche! |
Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member
Username: Manu
Post Number: 355
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 4:06 am: | |
The 550M is one of the most reliable cars to EVER come from Maranello (according to a dealer I spoke to recently).
I don't think ANY Ferrari is totally bullet proof in the same way a Porsche is BUT - the 550M is a fabulous car to sit in, let alone drive - unbelievable, wondrous engine and just so satifying.
The front splitter is vulnerable because it DOES sit quite close to the ground - stone chips gather easily on the bonnet - check whether it's had the recall for fuel tank problems (was there another for wheels?) - the fiorano handling pack is desirable but supposedly may make the car more impractical (sits lower and stiffer).
Be careful when you switch out the ASR - it will wheelspin EASILY in any of the lower gears and above all enjoy it. A 'proper' exhaust system is a MUST because the 550's only fault is that it's not visceral enough.
Otherwise it's pretty much perfect.
Good Luck and Congrats! |
Norman Yung (Storminnormin)
New member
Username: Storminnormin
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 9:06 pm: | |
I currently have a 98 Porsche Carrera S and am about to purchase a 97 maranello. The carrera has been bullet proof. I was wondering what experiences you guys have had regarding the 550. Please give me any advice or opinions you may have. Thanks! |
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