I think I'm done with Ferrari

I assume you noticed he followed Bob into the 2014 Stingray thread in the American Muscle section also?



Mark

 

he was following Hubbster around in a Ford GT thread for a while too.

 

Man, this thread's got a little o' everything, doesn't it?

 

I would think this place would be the one place accepting of a little complaining. God knows you can't complain about anything Ferrari- related anywhere else. (1st world problems)

 

Looks and perception aside I completely agree there is no excuse for a 250k plus car to not have the best navigation/stereo,climate control, keyless go, heated/cooled seats etc. available. The switches should be made of the finest materials and the leather should not show any wear at 5k miles. Just because it is a sports car doesn't mean it is ok to overlook this stuff. A BMW m6 or a Benz sl does all of this just fine at much less than half the cost. If someone wants a stripped down cs version that is fine because they are choosing to not have these things but a normal production car from any brand at this price range should have the best available. Charging for electric seats or cruise control is a joke in this day and age. Obviously now they don't have to kiss ass to sell the mid engine v8's but with more and more competition in this segment I would think they will be forced to raise the bar in the not so distant future.

 

No fan of this fellow, but you guys are too thin skinned IMO. And the attacks are thick or sticky in consistency that I could tell.

Talk about first world problems!

 

On a 250k Ferrari, look at it as 200k for licencing of the Ferrari logo and name, 50k for the actual product and suddenly it all makes sense.

 

I get it that you don't like Ferrari but come on now. And is that your SV in your avatar? Wait until you need to put a new starter in that thing and you'll appreciate that, with Ferrari, it's about engineering experience gained from the race track and not just a logo.

 

Interesting read!

The point is Ferrari knows they do not have to build a superior car because the Mystique itself sells.

I've always loved engineering. Like most engineers, I am deeply conservative....I like things to work. And work well. As in being reliable.

Modern Ferrari's have gone a bit soft in actual engineering efforts. Only the LaFerrari with it's HyKers Hybrid system stands out.

But even then, some of the QC and engineering problems is simply inexcusable at this price point.

I had an interesting conversation with a fellow enthusiast about how Ferrari's are the built cars in the world. I told him that a crude Corvette was better engineered.

Here's proof.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/C599/HPIM0191.jpg

1999 C5 pushed 400k miles, (near 500k now)

Is it sexy as the Ferrari? Of course not. Is it special as a Ferrari? Hell no.

Is it engineered better? You decide. To me it's no excuse for Ferrari not to build reliability into their cars for the price enthusiasts pay.

As for the dealership attitude, that's all part of the "aura" of a Ferrari. Most of them treat you like they are doing you a favor by selling you a car.

 

You cannot put "looks" aside when considering a Ferrari.

They're as much about "art" as they are about "transportation."

 

I like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Dodge... If it's a great car and I like the design I'm all over it. Period. I don't get to caught up in the hype or banner waving. If it's a good car it's a good car. If it's bad it's bad. Ferrari has made some of my favorite cars like the 288, F40 and CS. I think my Top Gear SV avatar makes some think I dislike Ferrari, nothing could be farther from the truth. I grew up in the 80's and early 90's, the time of the supercars and that to me was Ferrari's greatest period.

 

As one Phil to another:

My experience is different. I have purchased 3 Fcars, all 'pre-owned' and I was on the list for a new F430 Spider which I passed on. Deposit refunded no questions asked.

Two different dealerships and they both treated me great.

BTW I have learned if you treat people with honesty and respect 90% will do the same back. Selling cars is a business. Must be a win win for both parties. If a dealership does not cherish repeat business they have a business model doomed for problems. Life is too short to have needless problems when it is soooooooooooo easy to treat people right.

Best

 

Then how come people buy models like the FF and the Enzo???

 

+1. Trolling, maybe. Meaningless, way the opposite. Hysterical, absolutely.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

 

I can understand where you are coming from.

Maybe a 308 or a 550/575?

The 02-06 911's are good deals right now too. You can get a really nice turbo, AWD, and doesn't suffer from the bearing issue all day long for around 40K...

A 968 is a nice blend of cars for you to consider too possibly.

It's all in what you want though. My 911 is a weekend car to go fast in if I want, my 308 will be a weekend/fun car to cruise in if I want, but my daily driver is a SUV.

 

I sold my love and hate 2 year relationship F355 with no regrets; because I know something newer is in the works. Mr. Mayor has probably just hit a certain point in life where he wants to focus more attention & energy into his health, love life, finances, spiritual life, family matters etc. We who go through the pain & stress of owning these cars can respect & understand his decision.

Joe joe....

 

It's good to refresh and take a break once in awhile. Things change, priorities change, tastes change...change is a good thing.

 

+1 Onno

The driving experience as a whole is a thrilling event.

I will add one other thing - the camaraderie, community, and lifelong friendships I've built amongst Ferrari owners is priceless. There is a positive bond created between Ferrari owners and some great people that unite. Even if it is to commiserate or love the brand.

 

now you're talkin'

 

in hk the gps does not work

 

My recent experience this past weekend.

I hadn't driven my 328 for nearly 10 weeks (yes, I know that is unforgivable) and we had a big drive planned on Sunday. So, I go out, turn the key and she fired right up. After stopping for gas we had a 2 hour drive out and back that day. So, if anyone is discouraged with the reliability of Ferrari, I suggest a 328. While it isn't $100K+ (yet ) it is a blast to drive.

 

Or.....he could simply be looking forward to kicking ass in that new Corvette Stingray that I lust after! May have to trade my supercharged C-5 Coupe for one at some point.

 

My personal experience with a Ferrari dealership. Many years ago ... I walked into a Ferrari dealership ... placed a $5000 deposit ... signed a 3 page contract ... and was told that the wait is usually 3 years before I could place the actual order (F430 coupe). I had never owned a Ferrari prior to this. Many P-cars. 3 years later .... I got the call. they were ready to take my order for a new F430. Unfortunately ... this coincided with the great recession and I couldn't make it happen. They gladly returned my original $5000 and told me that when things were better .... they would be glad to put my name back in the front of the line. So ... some dealerships do play fair.

 

I think the tell here is the fact not many say "I'm done with Ford, or Toyota...."

Would I buy another. ya' I'm that lame....but under warranty and sell just before it expires.