I think I'm done with Ferrari

I get it, this hobby/fascination/infatuation can wear on you pretty hard. I've pared down my collection to focus on the cars I truly enjoy and had to go through a bunch to find out. I do think that while the new technology is impressive, the subtle enjoyment without the pressure comes from the older ones. Boxers haven't experienced the price escalation of many others and I think you can get a great one at a reasonable price that will maintain and grow value slightly while eliminating many things above, which can drive you mad.

 

I haven't driven a 458 but the 512TR & F40 are great

I love how crazy the F40 is. Straight pipes, breaking traction in every gear, waiting for the turbos to spool up & then the slingshot to come. No worries re dings in the aluminum body

Sure its not an every day car, its more for special occasions

As far as people chasing after you I don't think you get that so much w older cars

As for the 512TR its a great comfy GT car that really hauls the mail

 

Bob -

Great post, though disappointing to read...mostly given your "history" as a passion-led Fcar fan who enjoyed the experience without losing a grip on reality.

I can empathize with your frustrations; I'm not there but who knows, we could get there at some point. OTOH, each drive gives me a dose of a drug my family and I are addicted to.

It seems somewhere in your 458 Spider experience something changed; I know you have been both discreet and respectful, but out of curiosity I'd like to understand what the "breakdown" was - if only so some of us can learn. You've remained very supportive of your dealer, not seeking dirty laundry.

To some other post comments, our family has been treated very well by SpA and FNA, and our dealer, though there is CLEARLY some improvements to be made in certain areas; your post certainly highlights a few of them.

 

That's why I keep my 1982 911sc. It is simply an involving car to drive at any speed. I was shocked to read that the new Alfa 4c won't have power steering which means it is high on my list of wanted cars (shame about the lack of a manual tranny). I'd look for a nice early seventies Alfa GTV or 80s 911 if your looking for a visceral driving experience; s2000s are awesome if you want open air motoring. Keep us informed Mayor as to what you are leaning towards.

 

I agree with Italiafan, has a lot to do with where you are and consequently your driving experience on a daily basis - my daily driving in the mountains is awesome - driving in Fort Lauderdale a pain in the butt
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Buy an early Murcielago or a Diablo 6.0.

The dark side is calling you

 

Buy an early 911, have it completely restored and uprated where wanted (brakes etc) but leave it looking original. Bullet proof car, and nobody will bother you. And it drives like a b***ard, even at normal speeds. And then get a Dino for sundays.

 

I agree with much of what you say. Would never buy a new one-overpriced for what you get. I am also sticking to my old 993-great build quality and never lets me down. The cars I wish I never sold were my old DB MkIII and a Jag XK150s-simple to work on. I will stick to my 456-didnt cost much,dont expect much of it ,and still fun to drive-but the quality of Ferrari parts-so very poor. Keep one Ferrari for those days you want to have fun.And let it develop some patina-whats wrong with worn seats,or a frayed top,or stained carpets,or scuffed wheels,or the occasional scrape-they all add character.

 

I agree with your problems with Ferrari's arrogance and quality control. These are logical reasons to step away but I completely disagree with letting the losers in our society alter your dreams.

Sorry for being crass but F the dirtbags that ruin your hard work and determination. Don't let these leaches of society stop you from living the way you want. Drive the snot out of the car and take it everywhere you can. If anything do it just to show that the ignorant majority can't stop you! I'm the end it's just a hunk of metal that can be fixed.

I spent over a month with a friend's 458 so I can relate to the social issues. I experienced none of the QC issues you did. I took that car everywhere and anywhere. I had the same fears of the general public but I refuse to let our nations legions of dullards dictate the way I enjoy life. In fact, when anyone gave me crap about the car I made sure to pour as much salt in their wound as possible. I told the aggressive beggars to pound sand and I told the scornful Prius drivers I was gladly wasting all the oil they were saving and then some. Best of all I did with a smile and a "have a nice day"!

I do agree with the terrible driving experience as I am from Florida and can relate to having zero curves. The year round sunny driving season makes up for this.

Maybe you just need to get back to basics. Find an older car that matches your style and is less of a money pit. How about an Outlaw 356 or a barebones 911 RSR clone?

 

I have a general philosophy in life.
If something brings you more grief than it does joy, it is time to move on.

I think you are making a difficult decision, but one that is best for you. I hope you continue posting here as you are very insightful in your posts.

 

it's the paddles.

 

I agree with everything "the mayor" said, I think it applies to most of the modern super cars. That's why I only drive my car thru mountain roads, national parks and that sort of trip. Other than that it is almost impossible to enjoy the ownership.

 

Well said.

 

Next time I'm in Vegas lets rent some off road trucks & go tear through the desert

Maybe you'll discover a new hobbie

 

Aventador. Do it.

 

This is what I would say. A little alfa GTV, or a Lancia Fulvia or something. These cars aren't very quick, but they are a lot of fun, and cheap. And fun fun fun. You know you'll have a great little car, and since you've been talking so much about the 4C and the new Vette, you have options for a more reliable daily driver.

There is nothing to make you love driving like daily driving a great, well sorted classic car. A few aftermarket upgrades (AC, especially) and you'll have a blast.

 

motorcycles and sailing. (I guess Vegas is not a sailing hub of the US though).

 

Its a beautiful car but he'll have same issues re people ogling, chasing, panhandlers etc

The Aventador is a great GT car

Bob, how about a RACE CAR !!!!!!!

 

I'm at the same point as you,tired of it all.
Most of all because of Illinois laws,still fighting (at great expense) my speeding in my wife's G63 41mph over limit (55) on I-294,at 9PM in Summer,no traffic,no cars next to me,on a 4 lane freshly done interstate(average speeds of cars,including rusty pick ups and semis easy over 80mph).
Never in accident in my 36 years of driving (except rallying 1979-1982),never DUI,just speeding supervisions from time to time.
Illinois wants my license for a year, 1 year in jail if caught again at 10 mph over.
New law in this idiotic state I live.......
It's no place to own a high performance car,any car for that matter,should get something slow and comfy,not tempting to push it.
On top of it, the games Ferrari Spa and it's dealers are playing only soured my mood even more,I'm done,lost the passion,didn't even want to be a Mod here anymore.

 

I bought this Baby for F430 $

By the time its restored it will be 458 $ but near F1 performance

Also together we'll be VIPs at pretty much any Vintage Race in the USA, maybe the world

No worries re chasing, panhandlers, speeding tix etc

Looking at finally breaking 200 MPH at Daytona next summer
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For me a day without a Ferrari is like a day without sunshine. Sunshine is not all good. You have to use sunblock or you will get sunburned. You may have to wear sunglasses to shade your eyes. There are pluses and minuses on everything. One must weigh them and see what works best. Different strokes for different folks. Of course, when it is hot you can put the top down (in Colorado not Vegas) and cool off if you drive fast enough. Works for me.

That being said the 458 Spider is the most fun car I have ever owned. Over 10k miles and no mechanical problems. the number of problems I had with both the F355 and 360 in 10k miles would fill a novel. Selling the F355 was a relief.

So IMVHO the quality today of the 458 Spider is up there with the best of them. Yes I was stranded in a bought new Boxster S with only 8k miles on her.

Really doubting if a 70s air cooled Porsche can make through a Vegas summer. Really do not know what I'd drive in the summer if I lived in Vegas but suspect most of my driving would be at night. Driving up Mt. Charleston would getty old pretty fast. Tahoe/Reno would be a better climate with more fun roads for my taste.

4WD off roading is fun and you can do it right out of Vegas. Great fun and no cops. LOL

Bob, good luck on your quest. Thanks for all the help and insight you have given me on Fchat over the years. Much aprreciated. Come to Aspen May-October and I'll show you some great Ferrari spider roads.

Best.

 

What you need is a 308 GT4. Still cheap, for less than $30 grand, you can probably get a nice one. While it is a little conspicuous, it is recognized more as a classic car, not so much as a ferrari. Still expensive to maintain, but not crazy like the newer cars. Fun as all hell. There is nothing like the sound of a carbed engine at 7000 RPM.

It may not be the fastest car out there, but it's so much better to drive a slow car fast, than the other way around, as you've experienced.

 

Come karting with me this weekend at LVMS Bob. It'll be my first time and I'm in my early 40's. Being in the open air, 2" off the ground, doing 60mph........it scares the sh*t outta me. And I love it! lol Oh...and it's cheap as chips compared to an Fcar.

 

One word, Aventador. Comes with just about everything, the best of both worlds, Italian styling and soul, German engineering and reliability. And as far as looks, no current Ferrari can match it as far as exotic, and yes I'm a die hard Ferrari fan.

 

Join me! I left ILL-Annoy months ago... love it here in TX!

Mayor -
still getting the Vette then? May still have the high profile issues. Sure, its not a Ferrari, but still looks very exotic, and it will be awhile before they are everywhere. (FWIW, I'd LOVE a new one!)
Try an older car. Mid 60's Vette, older 911, old alfa.