Question about becoming a first time Ferrari owner (of 488)

Hey all, I'd been on this site for a long time in the Lambo section but only just now with the 488 have gained an interest in venturing over. Given I have no knowledge of Ferrari's sales model, and am more used to Lamborghini's flood the market and let me pick up a used one with negligible miles for 60% of what it sold for a few months prior, I am curious about what the chances of actually getting a 488 would be, and how it would happen?

I've heard, which could be biased as it came from Lambo owners, that typically new Ferraris go to previous owners the dealers have a 'relationship' with, they drive them for a bit, or maybe don't at all, sell them back to the dealer for at or above what they paid, then the dealer sells it as a 'used' car for a much higher price. Any truth to that?

I'd love to be able to trade my Gallardo towards a 488 (I'm keeping my Murci) if the tax benefit is greater than what I'd get via private sale, but if all the above is true, it sounds like I wouldn't have much chance buying from a dealer to begin with? If that's the case, I'd suspect I'd need to wait until some used ones show up on ebay in a year or two when the price calms back down?

Thanks!

 

A first time Ferrari buyer will have to wait to get a new car. How long will depend on the dealer. Average a couple years. The first 488's are being delivered now in the US. In 6 to 8 months there will be a selection of used ones. The will bring over MSRP for a year or two.

All this is based on what has happened in the past.

If you are tired of the Gallardo I would just sell it.

 

Most of what you just said is true.. it applies to brand new mid V8 models and limited addition cars. V12s depreciate just like other cars do.

The fastest way to get a new 488 would be to buy a V12 which you don't require a previous relationship with a dealer for.

 

Without prior relationship with local dealer it's going to be difficult to get an allocation for a new 488 right now. I suspect you'll be able to get one in the next 18-24 months new. Otherwise, you can buy a pre owned one likely at over msrp. We've all played and paid the game. I'm awaiting my delivery in March or April but I've owned several Ferraris and have had the pleasure of paying way over msrp in the beginning too. No one knows for sure how well the new 488 will be received by the public as there are a lot of changes from the typical V8 midengine bread and butter Ferrari. My guess, however, is that there will be a wait of at least 18 months for a new 488 at least in the U.S. Good luck

 

Thanks all. I'll probably just wait it out and see if and when a used one reaches a price that motivates me. I've had the G since '06 and the Murci since '09, I still have fun driving them, the 488 just looks so good It's drawing me in.

 

If you want to get a new Ferrari, you better go to dealer in your area and talk to them instead of just asking around here. Put some deposit (10%) and see how things turn better and better after that. Every dealer is different, and even different people in a same dealer can give you different time line. Based on my experience, first batch delivery of just launched car is difficult. But after that is normal, no matter V8 or V12, front or mid, except limited edition.

 

Go to your local dealer and talk to them. You may get one faster than what people are saying.

 

Cool, I'll check it out; the one closest to me has actually been doing Lambo maintenance too now so I've been wanting to go regardless.

 

You will be waiting years and years.

 

Fastest way to get one.

Buy a used overpriced FF and sell it back to them two years later at a fraction of what you paid.

Works every time.

 

I can attest to that.