Hello I am new to posting here. Been reading post for a few months trying to decide if I wanted to join the Ferrari Owners Club. Last May I bought new 2009 Targa 4S. The car was not what hoped it would be just did not wow me. Was plenty fast but terrible sound and not enough Torque to suit me. I have been trying to come to a terms on trading for 2011 Turbo S or making the move for a Ferrari. My biggest deal breaker for the Ferrari is I live near Memphis Tn. Nearest Ferrari dealer is Atlanta 940 mile round trip. I dont know of any Ferrari specialist in Memphis or within 200 miles. Has anyone had any dealing for having to travel this kind of distance for service. I dont have a problem spending the money for the service needed. The time and distance is or appears to be to big of a deal. I have been reading so its seems the Ferrari will require more trips to FOA or specialist for service than a Turbo S might need. We have a Porsche Dealer here in Memphis. Would be driving around 7k per year this would only be a toy. I wont be taking to Track. Am I putting to much into Ferrari downfalls. I know newer Ferrari's dont need belt changed since they have Timing Chains. would that limit my need for service enough to justify a trip to Atlanta once every few years for major service if I could find someone close enough to say do fluids etc? Are the newer Ferrari's as reliable as the Porsche Turbo's Would want a F1 so it seems from what I read a new clutch etc would be needed every 3-4 years on avg. What else might I expect to have to have done in a major repair? Would have 4 year warranty but looking at 175 K less trade in for Targa. So Porsche will run approx 3k for 4 years of Maint. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Gj
Hey Gordon; most of us in Nashville use Roberto and Lee at Eurosport right here in town. 80% of their work is Ferrari and they do a number of Memphis cars. If you decide on an Fcar (which you should!), they'll take good care of it for you.
Welcome Gordon. What JC said about maintenance...they're well-respected by everyone around here. As far as maintenance costs per car, you should check out the model-specific threads higher up in the forum. There's a lot of good information readily available about the questions you have and there area also plenty of people willing to help you out in your search. Take your time and find a well-sorted car that suits you and (in theory) you shouldn't have too many issues with it. Ferraris are generally pretty reliable if driven often, and even if a few niggles come along here and there I think you'll find that they're quite worth the enjoyment. Good luck!
Gordon - I've had three cars; 2 328's and a 355. All have been very reliable; much more so than BMW's I've owned during that time. Maintenance is expensive, but these cars are well built. Just make sure to get one with ALL the paperwork. Eurosport has done major services on all my cars and all their work is top notch.
Thanks for the info on Eurosport I will have to check them out. I take it they have what it takes to work on F430 or 612. I will want to stay with more current model if I choose Ferrari. Gj
Gj what did u ever decide to do? I'm in memphis contemplating the same thing. I have 2 porsches and an Audi rs4 so I can get them serviced here. But I'm having the same concerns you had a few years back. Thx!
Agree with Gj325 -- it really depends on what car you are buying. I traded a 2000 911(I have owned several Porsche cars) for an 88 Mondial (not the most desirable Ferrari- but still a Ferrari) and I have NEVER looked back. The real difference is the Porsche is a very cold, calculated car that is very good at what it does -- but it is nothing like the warm,connected-feel of a handmade Italian designed vehicle that has the "love" that you feel from the Ferrari- The 911 was great- BUT I never felt connected to it. My Mondial is manual transmission (like the Porsche)- and when you are running through the gears in the Ferrari gate with the "click" "click" "click" you are totally connected to the motor, drivetrain, etc... So I guess you can surmise that I would say DO IT.. my car is much older than the 430 or 612 -- but to me, a Ferrari is a Ferrari — AND if you live and love to drive- there is not question-- these cars are to own. BTW, I also own a Caterham 7 which is the only other car I feel totally connected with... in the words of Nike -- JUST DO IT!
