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Where do I start?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by ferrari169, Jan 15, 2014.

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  1. ferrari169

    ferrari169 Karting

    Jan 14, 2014
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    #1 ferrari169, Jan 15, 2014
    Hello all. For my first post here I would like to ask a question about buying a Ferrari. I hope I am posting in the right section.

    I have absolutely fallen in love with the FF but not ready to jump to that level of financial commitment at this point in my life. I am basically looking for something that I can buy and not take a huge depreciation hit, but still get the full Ferrari experience. I am not opposed to a V8 but would probably prefer a V12. Looking for something that will be reliable and somewhat reasonable to service/repair. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but not to the degree of rebuilding engines or other major work.

    I am not quite as concerned with the cost of the car as I am the actual cost to own it balanced with the experience.

    I am sure I am leaving out some important details but would welcome any questions/input from forum members. Thank you in advance, and I am looking forward to the conversation!
     
  2. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #2 Nospinzone, Jan 15, 2014
    Well first of all, since you just joined yesterday, you need to do A LOT of reading of threads here. Do a forum search of keywords that you have questions/interest about.

    Just to get you started, the 612 forum is a good place to start. It's a V12, depreciation has already happened, and maintenance is probably the most reasonable you will find on a Ferrari.
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

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    #3 greyboxer, Jan 15, 2014
    Or maybe a 550 - take a look there too - figure out your budget and then what car speaks to you emotionally - some will - some won't - if you are serious it'd be stupid to get a car you don't like just to be able to say you own a Ferrari
     
  4. ferrari169

    ferrari169 Karting

    Jan 14, 2014
    147
    Northeast USA
    #4 ferrari169, Jan 15, 2014
    Thanks for the starting points. I have been lurking for a while and mainly reading the FF threads, but will poke around in the different areas. I am not at all interested in "saying I own a Ferrari" it is truly about finding a car that is a thrilling experience to drive and not a pain to own. I am a car guy, having owned over 80 cars in my life and have been as happy with some $1000 cars as I have been with cars costing considerably more than that. It's about the experience of the car - the sounds, the smell, the way it makes me feel. There was more than one occasion I owned a Mercedes of varying vintage and ran into several people that thought I owned a Mercedes because it was a status symbol. They just couldn't "get" that I just liked the cars. I am sure I will run into that once I finally buy a Ferrari, but that's OK. As long as I am enjoying the car I don't care what others think.
     
  5. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    #5 VisualHomage, Jan 15, 2014
    Start driving several different types of Ferraris for starters. Get to know people who trust you behind their wheel, go to shows and get social. You need to drive them. It is a personal affair and a bond.

    A Ferrari is like a guitar--it must feel good when you play it. Some of them will speak to you and feel just right more than others. My favorites thus far have been the 550M and Dino 246.
     
  6. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #6 toggie, Jan 15, 2014
    Ferrari169,

    It would help to know what part of the country (or world) you live in.
    Best if you put it in your profile settings so that it will be there for other threads in the future.

    Your location doesn't have to be very specific - the State or Country you live in will do.

    Thanks.

    P.S. You should drive a few different types of Ferraris before you buy one. Be sure to try at least one: stick shift, paddle shift, front engine, mid engine, V8, V12, etc.

    .
     
  7. Bryanp

    Bryanp F1 Rookie

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    #7 Bryanp, Jan 15, 2014
    I clearly do not know you or your background, but speaking as one of the historian/dinosaurs here, please read up on Ferrari history. Understand why Ferrari has the mystique that it has, forged thru 60+ years of racing, blood, sweat, determination . . . did I mention blood? If you end up being a Ferrari owner, you will do well to be one that knows the history of the marque, and for whom the car is not just a lifestyle accoutrement. I think you will enjoy your car much more.
     
  8. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    #8 Glassman, Jan 15, 2014
    Yes and also find out if you want a modern car or vintage. When I bought my first 308 I spent perfect condition 250 GT money. That probably can't be revisited today. Big regret.
     
  9. GTS Bruce

    GTS Bruce Formula Junior

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    #9 GTS Bruce, Jan 15, 2014
    550 or 575. Great classic v12 front engine GT's
     
  10. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    #10 vrsurgeon, Jan 15, 2014
    What do you love about the FF? Is it the look? The drive?

    I'm sure you can find that element in other ferraris.
     
  11. G. Pepper

    G. Pepper Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 G. Pepper, Jan 15, 2014
    If you like the 2+2's, you are lucky and smart, as they depreciate more and faster than the two-seaters. The previous generation to the FF is the 612, and it has the 575M engine, basically. If you can find a rare stick shift version, you'll get the full Ferrari V12 experience in a practical car that you can enjoy in more situations.

    Spend a LOT of time in the 612 section. Read all the threads you can. This will inform you of the, "they all do that" quirks and the maintenance issues/costs.

    If you want a real easy first Ferrari, you might consider a 456M. They are all below $75K now, and a well maintained one will be plenty reliable. I love mine. Can't bear to part with it, so I'm currently shopping for a 360 stick to ADD to my garage.

    Find out where your local FCA club meets and meet the local Ferrari owners. Some really great people. Even lawyers who own Ferraris are pretty cool. lol.

    Cheers,

    George
     
  12. Fiorano57

    Fiorano57 Formula 3
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    #12 Fiorano57, Jan 15, 2014
    599!!!! LOTS of car for the price they are at.
     
  13. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 TheMayor, Jan 15, 2014
    Honestly the FF is a huge bang for the buck on the used market. Most depreciation has already been counted in in the first 2 years. Get one from a dealer and have them throw in an extended warranty on their nickel.

    BTW: None of them are reliable or reasonable to repair. That goes with the territory. If you want a Lexus, buy a Lexus. Also your Lexus dealer experience will beat the F car dealer experience by a country mile.

    You buy a Ferrari from the heart, not the head. It's sort of like dating a super model. She's a wonderful ride but a pain in the pocketbook. :)

    That being said: The biggest F car bang for the buck is a good 360 modena coupe with a 6 speed. If you want the most for your dollar, that's what you want.

    If you want 12 cyl, I also suggest the 599.
     
  14. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie

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    #14 Carnut, Jan 16, 2014
    As others have said you didn't give much info including what you were looking to spend. If your okay with 150-180k you will have a lot more choices than if your budget is lets say 100K. I assume being a car guy you can drive a stick so that widens your choices even more. You can find a lot of info here, but being upfront can go a long way on this board.
     
  15. gt4me

    gt4me F1 Veteran

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    #15 gt4me, Jan 16, 2014
    I'd say a 550 or 456 for a first V12, if you buy well you should be able to have one for 2 or 3 years and sell for around what you paid. Then your only costs are maintenance.
     
  16. ferrari169

    ferrari169 Karting

    Jan 14, 2014
    147
    Northeast USA
    #16 ferrari169, Jan 16, 2014
    Thanks for all the replies! I will definitely research the history of the marquee, that actually hadn't occurred to me, even though I have about 30 Mercedes Benz books and a couple Rolls Royce books. I think I will also see if there are any history videos on Youtube as well.

    I love the looks and sounds of the FF and the fact that its an AWD vehicle. I love the fact that people use them in the snow (I saw Rick's video on here, way cool!)

    As for FF alternatives, I really do like the styling of the 612 and am seeing what appear to be good examples under 100K. I will definitely need to get some seat time though. The 599 is beautiful too. I definitely have my homework cut out for me!

    Although I love stick shifts, I would probably lean toward an automatic, but that's not set in stone. I drove a stick shift car in NYC traffic for 2 years so sort of got tired of that. I know this is a whole different scenario though.

    My budget can be looked at a couple ways - purchase price or payment (which could open up the possibility of leasing) I would say I am comfortable with $100K purchase price or maybe $2000 a month outlay including payment, insurance, etc. Each one comes out to be about the same.

    Another thing that hadn't occurred to me which was suggested on here was to find a Ferrari club, join it, and attend some meets. I am in the MBCA so again, odd I hadn't thought of this.

    I should probably say how I came to have an interest in Ferrari to begin with, as it's kind of unusual. For my entire life, I never really let Italian exotics register too much in my brain. I was always more of a Mercedes fan and never really noticed or understood Ferraris. Recently I test drove a new Ghibli because I am looking for something different. The dealer had a Ferrari on the showroom floor (I think it was a California). I had a friend with me and he went gaga over the Ferrari. He talked about Ferrari for a good while after that. I could hear the passion in his voice. So, I asked myself "What's so special about a Ferrari?" and I started doing some research. I discovered the FF and spent a few hours reading posts, watching videos and so forth. I soon found myself smitten. It's been a long time since a car/marquee has grabbed my attention and desire like this, and that's exciting.

    Plus, I like the vibe and energy of this forum and that actually is helping to fuel the fire.
     
  17. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    #17 Elsi, Jan 16, 2014
    ferrari169

    There are several thought to make:

    First: There are the two main lines of F-cars
    a) The 8 cylinders which are the sportier cars. Lighter than the 12 cylinders, usually stiffer and faster in the corners. If you want a race car for the street, take a 8 cylinder car (360, 430, 458)
    b) The 12 cylinder are the GT cars. Heavier cars with lots of torque. Usually softer than the 8 cylinders and much better suited for longer journeys. If you come from a Mercedes, a 12 cylinder Ferrari may be better suited for you

    Then there are the other lines with the four seaters (also 12 cylinders) such as the 456, 612 and FF. And there is the California as a convertible (8 cylinder).

    Second: The age of the car
    Mainly you have to decide between higher investment in the car (and higher depreciation) with lower maintenance costs and lower investments in the car (and lower depreciation) with higher maintenance costs.

    If you buy a brand new 458 or FF you get 7 years of warranty and free service. On the other hand if you buy a Testarossa you have to change the belts requiring a full engine out service every 3 years (in theory).

    A good compromise may be the 550/575M and 599 for the 12 cylinders. Quite affordable investment wise and still affordable from the maintenance perspective, though you have to be prepared for bills of some thousand dollars.

    On the 8 cylinder cars these are the 360 and 430 that are a good compromise between investment and maintenance.

    And for the four seaters this is the 612.

    The older cars such as 348/355 and Boxers/TR are usually higher in maintenance cost than the newer ones.

    So firstly I would think about the type of the car (8 cyl, 12 cyl, 4 seater, California) and then about the age of the car (investment versus maintenance).

    And as mentioned earlier, talk to other owners and drive as many F-cars as possible.

    Hope this helps

    Markus
     
  18. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    #18 Elsi, Jan 16, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  19. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #19 Nospinzone, Jan 16, 2014
    Wow, those are nice charts, thanks Markus!
     
  20. VIZSLA

    VIZSLA Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #20 VIZSLA, Jan 16, 2014
    Something appears to be missing.
     
  21. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #21 Nospinzone, Jan 16, 2014
    OK, I give up. Enquiring minds want to know. :)
     
  22. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    #22 Elsi, Jan 16, 2014
    The Cali is missing...
     
  23. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    #23 Elsi, Jan 16, 2014
    And the Speciale. As mentioned I was too lazy to update the charts with the latest models
     
  24. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #24 Nospinzone, Jan 16, 2014
    Shame on you, bad, bad Markus. :)
     
  25. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #25 Nospinzone, Jan 16, 2014
    You know I don't blame myself for missing the Speciale, but I should have noticed the Cali (and now Cali 30) omission.
     
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