Costs of running a V12 vs. V8

When I was 19 and a student, I worked in retail for Bally the Swiss shoe company. The really rich always asked, the poor just laughed but the stuck up wanna bees were too embarrassed to ask OR argue the price. It was the snobby middle class ones that we loved : ) Figure out which one group you are in. Anyone making a purchase of any sort, no matter how rich or poor should consider what he is getting. My friend works for the official Ferrari dealer here in Japan. According to him, some buy the cars, then realise they can't afford to add too many miles - thats pretty tragic.

13 year old dude, welcome to the board, you are welcome to learn from the board and I am sure everyone is happy to have you here! In all fairness, you might want to search through the forum a little more, maybe you should ask Dubai Vol - What do you drive? What Year? Whats the Mileage? How long have you had it? And what has it cost you to maintain? What is the depreciation?

I am sure he will give you honest responses and IF he drives a car like your dad wants, it might give you some background. But there are so many Ferrari's and some not so good because of maintenance or worse DIY jobs.

PS Dubai Vol - your type is the best customer. Always happy when he walks in, never argues the price, doesn't want a discount, happy when he walks out and couldn't care less if his shoes fall apart in a month.

 

Andy,

Welcome aboard!

In my opinion, if your dad likes the 348's looks but is intrigued by the BBi, then he should seriously look at Testarossas. They have really good performance and are not too expensive right now. The maintenance is higher than many other cars but if you get a good car and budget $5k a year for maintenance, you should have a well maintained car and surplus cash in the budget.

Oh, and the comment about 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it' is really old. Most working adults can afford to buy and mantain a Ferrari (a great 308 will cost you mid $30s to buy and $1.5k - $2k per year to maintain - if you don't abuse it). Buying a Ferrari is about priorities, if it is a high priority to have a Ferrari, then you will make it happen.

Good luck, I hope you convince Dad to buy one and, hopefully, he will teach you how to drive cluch with it .

Regards,

Art S.

 

When I started looking for an Fcar I'd thought a BBi would be perfect, but after doing some research I realized these cars are very different. The 12's are much heavier and more comfortable on the open road, than in downtown traffic or on tight twisty mountain roads. My mechanic felt upkeep on a good 348 and a good BBi and a good TR would be about equivalent. Maybe/maybe-not; I'm sure we could debate that one until the NDP take over Ottawa (or the Leafs win the cup?).

I'd suggest budgeting for $1/mile just for maintenance, buy the best darn mechanical example you can find (buy price/buy twice), ensure the model you select fits your actual use of it, find a reputable mechanic, and treat him well as he controls your inheritance.

I selected the 348 spider - and couldn't be happier, but it's certainly not for everyone. I've even heard some people prefer the 355 with the power steering, hydraulic top, hydraulic suspension, electric seats, more boring style, and more hp, but I can't imagine why - except that even my wife would be driving it. Oh - and don't use eBay or AutoTrader as a budget tool - that's bottom-feeding and not where you want to be!

There are quite a few local owners in Montreal - if your dad is seriously considering an Fcar I'd suggest buying a few locals dinner and asking lots of questions. Anyone with a 348/BBi/TR is fair game if that's the market range. There are big differences to be aware of!

 

As a owner of both, i sum it up this way.

Apples and Oranges

The V8s, are nice and easy to drive around town...easy to go out and into...very user friendly..from the 308 right up to present

Calculate about $3,000 per annum for service with all yoru fluids and belts and odds ends if you buy correclty upfront. This does not include insurance or gas.

The 12s...different animal, very torquey...large and not easy to drive...boxer through the tr line up....hard shifting when cold and always notchy, very much a cruiser car....get on the highway and enjoy the blast on the freeway....not good around town at all.
Caluculate about $5,OOO per annum for service with all your fluids and belts as required....the older 12s require engine out service which is costly...again buy wisely....this does not include insurance and gas.

Ask your dad what his objective or goal is with the car......if its to take a sat night dinner in the city, or going around the block anbd to church the V8 would be the best fit. If he plans to go away for weekends with your mom, and do wine tours, or longer trips, the 12 would be a nicer ride.

Apples, and Oranges.

 

You just posted a lot of urban legends.

 

I hate to sound like an ass, but don't post about Ferrari ownership if you have never owned one. When they are actually driven they are very solid cars.

Signed,

An F355 owner who daily drives his car and disagrees with 90% of your post.

 

+1. my car has been right the whole time i've owned it.

 

Hey, I said I would duck for cover!

FTR I drive a Corrado, which I can afford to take care of. My personal experience with Ferraris is limited to a few friends and family members, and several bought them and couldn't afford to take proper care of them. Yes, a proper enthusiast who knows his way around a wrench, AND has the money to do it right, can be a responsible Ferrari owner, but the sad fact is, that like owning a puppy, it's far easier to buy in than it is to take proper care of a puppy, or a Ferrari.

Maybe I was too harsh, but anyone considering Ferrari ownership needs to know that the purchase price is just the beginning of a very expensive hobby. And frankly, if you don't understand that going in, you're in for a rude awakening, and it's the CAR that will suffer.

 

Maybe???

Neil

 

i would modify this by saying you could be getting into a very expensive hobby. not all ferraris are astronomically expensive to own. but they all have the potential. by the way, cars don't suffer.

 

This post actually makes me feel a bit better about the prospect. I was reading in FORZA that many of the 12s require cam seals at 10K miles! That's insane! One would think a car worth the kind of money a Ferrari goes for wouldn't leak oil like a 30 year old Ford! Maybe they were being a bit pessimistic?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

 

Yup, they might even make it onto a Top Gear episode as a poster child for poor maintenance

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173828

 

Ain’t nothing like the exhaust note of a Ferrari 12. It's like great sex or the Grand Canyon - you really can't put it into words.

 

I like the sounds of that!