Potential service costs high milage 550

On a 550 with high mileage, make sure and get a leak-down test to get an indication of whether she has a good set of valve guides. Replacing 48 valve guides gets kind of expensive.

 

Are you in Europe? Are are you shopping in Europe to bring to the USA?

Buying a low priced Ferrari is not a recipe for happy motoring. They cost a ton more in the end. The best one out there will be cheaper and it will be in your garage and not your mechanics. Another factor few consider. One of the things about Ferrari ownership that makes it easier to cope with financially is how much you get back on the back end. Buy a great car and that number will be high. Buy a dud and it will cost you the farm.

Its potential future cost is more related to its life, use and service than any other factors. We cannot judge that remotely.

 

Martin, congrat‘s for your decision to look for a 550 Maranello…

Even if I never considered buying a 348/355, a Maranello is in my opinion the perfect affordable & ultimate gated V12 Ferrari at present time. But, honestly spoken, for me it‘s quiet strange to link your aquisition just to the pricing of the Ferrari. Maranellos are quiet different cars from the mentiones V8 modes..., more GT‘s, and so easy & enjoyable to drive… Finally you should decide, which model you‘d vote for and what fit‘s you best...


Don‘t be afraid of higher milage cars, if they are well documented....


Jürge

 

I bought one in 2012 sold it in 2016 . Spent about $30,000 during the 4 years. But I wanted everything perfect and preventive maintance etc. Motor Mounts $1,000 each side, new ECU e$1,000 each side, Steering rack $7500. Major $8,000.... new brakes, fans, etc. etc. But I wanted it all to be perfect, I did not let anything go and think "I will fix it later" never did that. But I miss it really bad, I loved the way it drove, the V12 massive pulling power, it always said "keep going, more gas, faster". Could drive it all day and never be tired. The 458 kills me after 2 hours I am tired of being beat to death. The 550 will impress you with the steering , etc. But they are mechanical and 20 years old, amazing how 2 decades will work on everything. But things like Sticky switches, shrinking Dash, are in all the car the 355, 360 , 599, 458, you name it the sticky stuff is a problem. But remember the "Cheapest" Ferrari will be the most "Expensive" Ferrari you will ever own. SO be sure to get one with a history of when everything was done. you can get one that looks pretty good, then put in $15,000 really quick. Honestly I traded the 550 for the 458 just to cut down on the money that was draining out of my pocket every year. I went from an average of $7,000 year to $800 a year to keep the 458 running. The 458 is the first user friendly Ferrari ever made, it is like a Camry, crank it and drive. But.... it is not my favorite. It is just cheap upkeep and screams at 9,000 rpm's ... insane.

 

Should find a new mechanic. Those prices are an outrage.

 

I wanted it all done at the authorized Ferrari Dealer, it ain't cheap, but sure helps on the resale. And all Ferrari Parts etc, etc. But if you don't mind a non dealer is cheap... not ever sure that is the best way to go on a old Ferrari.

 

Been in this business, in and out of dealers a long time and the idea dealer service only helping resale just isn't true. As far as dealer only parts, 99% of the parts even available for your car are factory parts.

2 grand for motor mounts? I am still laughing.

Put it any way you like, you're getting bent over.