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Questions for the experts

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by RMDMAN, Jun 28, 2013.

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  1. RMDMAN

    RMDMAN Rookie

    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Ron L
    #1 RMDMAN, Jun 28, 2013
    Hello to all. I'm about to purchase my first Ferrari, and want the opinions of the best source... Ferrari owners. I have the chance to get a 95 348 Spyder with 43K on the clock. A dealer is asking 35K. I also am looking at a 96 355 with 25000 on the odometer. a private owner is looking for 52 for it. I have experiance with alot of cars, and do most all my own repairs, but never on a Ferrari. What should I be wary of or specifically look for?
    Thanks in advance for your time. Any feed back is welcome.
    Ron
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,665
    South East
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, Jun 29, 2013
    Do a lot of background reading in the 348/355 section then decide how comfortable you are with a private purchase - however good your own mechanical skills are if you are not experienced with the models a third party opinion PPI is a must
     
  3. RMDMAN

    RMDMAN Rookie

    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Ron L
    #3 RMDMAN, Jun 29, 2013
    Thanks Jimmie....I'll do just that. I am assuming that it is vital for any purchase to include the vehicles service history, correct?
     
  4. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    85,600
    Texas!
    #4 Texas Forever, Jun 29, 2013
    There is a heavy learning curve when it comes to working on Ferraris that tends to be model specific. Many of us prefer to make our money and pay a pro to work on our cars.


    Lack of service records is a major red flag, but having service records is not necessarily a green light either. That said, don't be afraid to put the car up on lift and eyeball it yourself before paying for a PPI. Spotting crash damage is not that hard.

    Good luck.
     
  5. RMDMAN

    RMDMAN Rookie

    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Ron L
    #5 RMDMAN, Jun 29, 2013
    Thanks for the info guys.
    I was an automotive pro for about 40 yrs. Now retired from that, and spend time building other things.
    I worked on everything BUT Ferraris, Lambos, and other exotics. Actually found Mercedes pretty easy...( people said they were a pita)...Hondas were my nightmare.
    I read alot of posts in the 348, 355 tech repair forum, as (Greyboxer suggested). I found nothing there that I wasn't comfortable doing.
    That all being said, what would make one Ferrari (of the same model) worth more than another?
    Is mileage a very important factor? What is "high mileage" for a Ferrari? I know now the service history is important,as well as general condition. Any other factors?..or am I being over cautious on this?

    Thanks
     
  6. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    85,600
    Texas!
    #6 Texas Forever, Jun 29, 2013
    No, you are not being overly cautious. As far as which model to go for, the market doesn't lie. A F355 sells for more than a F343 because the F355 is a better car and so forth and so on up the food chain. My suggestion is to first sit in different models to see which one fits you the best. In my case, at 6' 2", I fit in a F343 and F360, but not in a F355. Next, you need to drive a car to see if it floats your boat. Then and only then, should you start your hunt for a specific car.

    Oh, and one last thing, the best deal in used Ferraris today has got to be a F550 Maranello. Big V12, gated shifter, great handling, cool looks. You should be able to get a good one for around $70k.

    Good luck and let us know what you do.
     
  7. RMDMAN

    RMDMAN Rookie

    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Ron L
    #7 RMDMAN, Jun 29, 2013
    Thanks T4ever,
    All good info, from all you guys.
     

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