Answer Questions About Cost of Car

I think it is a rude question to ask that no one with any class would ask. I am not that concerned about feelings when I answer it. If it bothers you just smile when you tell them it is none of their business.

 

I usually go with "I dunno - I just stole it" or "A lot, but my ex wife is paying for it". The first reply always got a laugh when I used to work in South Central LA....

 

"A little more than a little, a lot less than a lot."

 

It's a kit car....

 

Maybe so, but I get asked how much it's worth more often than I'd like. I guess it's part of the Ferrari mystery for people who don't know anything about them.

If I think someone's only interested in the car because 'Ferraris are expensive', I'm usually less forthcoming than if a real car enthusiast is trying to figure out if a 3x8 is something he should consider.

A reasonable answer is to say that values for older Ferraris fluctuate/vary a lot. A not-so-pretty driver-level 308 might go for $50K less than a concours-winning glass car. So the real answer is that the person asking needs to learn more about Ferraris rather than nailing down the price of yours. I usually say something like: "It's not for sale".

 

I usually say something like: "It's not for sale".

well said! best response yet

 

I usually give one of two responses:

1. "It isn't cheap." This usually get a confirmatory nod.

2. "If I told you I would have to kill you as you might tell my wife."

I like the "I stole it" reply. Will have to try it out.

 

I usually say they(308qv) cost about the same as a new SUV.

 

If a stranger asks I just say that my cars are not about money and they hopefully get the idea. If they still don't get it then I tell them it's probably less than they imagine.

If a friend or family member asks then I just tell them.

 

Of course it's rude and, being a gentleman (nobody here would believe that), it reminds me of a cannon artillery instructor I had as a lad at Ft. Sill, OK who would waive punishment if you were asleep but, had the presence of mind to answer when called upon. "Why, sir, two trucks and a jeep." That's what I paid for my Maranello when asked. Cheers.

 

I usually say "A lot... I don't know what I was thinking.".

 

I just say, "more than a Honda" and smile.

 

My reply is "...it's not so much the purchase price as it is the maintenance..." $10k for a tune-up

 

I always say:

'I'm not sure. I have'nt got the bill yet"

 

I don't know how much it cost. I won it in a church raffle.

 

For most of us with "commodity" Ferraris, the typical price range is readily available. I just attribute the question to normal curiousity, and, rather than focus on my personal situation, I address the question more generally. I explain that the value of any particular car is a function of age, mileage, condition, and perhaps race or ownership history. Then I try to put into context where my model fits in the overall product line, and describe the range of prices for my model, and similar models, both newer and older. I think the uninitiated are really surprised at how valuable the older models are. This usually satisfies the curiousity, and helps educates rather than humiliates.

 

A sociological observation. Over the past several years, I would guess that >90% of the people who ask "how much does it cost?" are, what I would call, socially disaffected White Males in their late teens to late twenties. It is usually asked with a tone of aggressive resentment. In my travels the most appreciative of the 575 as a "special car" have been African American males; none of whom has ever asked how much it cost.

Steve

 

I usally say "It's not cheap, I have to work a lot to pay it."

 

"Four hands of poker"
"A stripper gave it to me"
"I just found it in a barn"
"My neighbor just lets me borrow it"
"It's just a loaner from the dealership until they fix my car"
"I just got it by responding to an email from a Nigerian prince"

 

I agree it is a rude question. What do these parents teach their kids?
I've learned that telling them the true cost often disappoints these folks! Tell them a number three times the actual price and your audience will be happy.

 

This one works best with 430 owners!

 

"more than i can afford" or "more than my wife but don't tell her"

Mark

Taiwan/UK

 

"Enough"