Interested in purchasing 1st Ferrari!

Hello all! I'm trying to do some preliminary research into buying a Ferrari and I was referred here. I was just wondering if there was any sort of buyers guide thread that I should read and if any of you had some dealer recommendations. I'm located in the Midwest so basically all big cities are going to be far so I have no preference as to where I end up doing the deal. Either way, thanks in advance! I look forward to reading more of what you all have posted here.

 

Search this site for the model you're looking for. There are sections devoted to specific cars and the search feature is a big help.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201857&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205430&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124010&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196152&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186587&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197612&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196801&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196349&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175886&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171621&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192548&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162898&highlight=buyers+guide

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190830&highlight=buyers+guide


The only two questions are "which model are you looking for" and "how much do you have to spend?

 

I am a dealer and Ferrari Chat Sponsor..I would be more then happy to help out any way i can...

 

I haven't bought my first one yet, but here's the approach that I've taken so far.

First, figure out what you want.
1. V-8 or V-12?
2. coupe or convertible?
3. 2-seater or 2+2?
4. recent or classic?

I have narrowed down my choices to a V-8 coupe, at least a 355 if possible.. maybe a 360. (I'm open to convertibles as well)

Then, do your research:
1. Go to the appropriate section on this website, for the car that you want.
2. Search for what others have asked, and see if that addresses your concerns.
3. Look on eBay, Craigslist, etc, and ask about listed cars here.. current owners are very helpful.
4. Some prospective buyers also post VIN numbers, and CarFax subscribers here are actually helpful enough to look up info. (I don't condone or condemn this practice)

I recently posted a thread about a 355 on eBay, and got some useful responses from the guys here.

Kick some tires, and keep your options open:
1. Talk to dealerships and sellers in your area(s).
2. See what they have to offer.
3. Figure out what you want, and let them know what you are looking for.

I visited FoW near Dulles Airport, and told the dealer (Ralph) about my plans to get a Ferrari in 2009. It was rainy on that day, so we didn't take any Ferraris out.. but he gave me a 2008 Maserati GT to test drive, and suddenly I am interested in Maserati as well.

Immediately, I also mentioned that I am looking at a new Mercedes sedan in 2008. Instead of getting an S-Class, I am now interested in the Maserati Quattroporte as well. A Maserati seems like a good path to Ferrari ownership.

So, I am still undecided, but at least I am more informed... I am looking into more real estate purchases in 2008, so a Ferrari can wait until I find a new home I like, and get settled in first.

~shahedc
.

 

Where in the Midwest?

 

Fill out your profile with at least you location, cars owned and previously owned. Local contacts will get you where you need to be and you'll find the right car for you.

 

sorry - YOUR location

 

Updated my into but just so those in this thread can see, I'm located in Nebraska at the moment and am interested in purchasing a red F430 coupe with the manual gearbox. The clutch is a must

 

FYI there's an edit function... next time you post, look at your post. can edit for about 1 hour

 

If you're not sure about the choice between coupe and convertible, consider the cars with the so-called "targa" tops, which are usually badged as GTS's. With the roof on, the car at least has a hard roof that won't leak (much) and is more secure than a soft top. But at least you can still take the roof off and enjoy some al fresco motoring. Keep the windows rolled up and you can even do that in rather cool conditions.

Naturally, there are compromises: the GTS's have the same relative lack of rigidity and stiffness as the true convertibles, and are heavier than the coupes/berlinettas besides. In the case of the 308 and 328, I also think the closed car looks better. But in the 348 and 355 the ts/GTS models look very close to the berlinettas, especially if you can find one with a body-colored roof panel, which I believe was a factory option. The problem with the 348s and 355s is that ts/GTS models are much harder to find on the market.

Unfortunately, the GTS died with the 355. I have always thought that all the closed-top Ferraris should have at least come with a sunroof option, but it hasn't happened yet.

 

Welcome to Fchat...where about in Nebraska are you? WE are in Sioux Falls South Dakota..just up the street..I have a 3 peddel 430 but it is a spider...

**EDIT** I just saw you are in Norfolk.....thats not too far...

 

Not the case -- I was suprised too -- http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=206633&highlight=sunroof

 

Neither do I condone or condemn the practice. However, whenever I hear "Carfax" mentioned I always chuckle at a quote from Rifledriver:

"I've seen cars with clean Carfax's that look like they've been painted by Ray Charles.......
.....with a roller".

Caveat emptor!

Good luck with your search,
Cheers,
Ian

 

They should change their name to Car Faux ...

thank you, I'll be here all week... (no really, I will !)

</end bad joke>