Need Opinions on Ferrari Dilemma...

Hope I posted this in the correct sub forum. Just wanted to get some input / feedback / opinions from all of you, since I value highly your collective opinions and experiences...

Was doing some thinking over the holidays and doing the usual New Year's regrouping of goals, planning, and new directions -- and, for some odd reason, the idea of "downsizing" and "consolidating" has sort of taken hold. Perhaps it's simply a matter of evolving priorities, etc. -- or perhaps it came about while trying to decide whether or not to repair the pool screen enclosure for the umpteenth time just for another series of hurricanes, or simply tear it down altogether -- which led to more thinking.

Then I really fell off my rocker and started thinking about the cars! Seems as though with each year there's less free time to enjoy as the responsibilities of family, business, etc. grows; therefore, I find myself not being able to drive and enjoy the cars as much as I'd like. Then, when you factor in not enough garage space, constant upkeep and maintenance, etc. -- for cars that increasingly seem to become garage queens -- one starts to wonder if it's time to downsize / reprioritize.

Add also the fact that the wife (who was kicked out of the garage long ago) would like to get a fun car this year as well -- and reclaim her garage space . I now find myself in sort of a quandary as to "what to do".... what would be your opinions regarding the following:

After sharing with the wife the above, I mentioned also that it would be nice to downsize the collection on my behalf to just one Ferrari. Funny thing is how receptive to that idea she was . My thoughts were to perhaps sell or trade the 308QV and the TR across the board for something "newer" -- say a '98 or '99 F355 F1-B -- and pay the difference. This would give her the convenience of driving and enjoying the car as well due to the F1 tranny. Would also be delighted to hear from former and current 355 F1 owners -- especially those of you who've previously owned 308's and TR's.

At the present, it's just an idea that I've been tossing around; and, although I'm not that enthusiastic about letting go of the current cars, it would be very nice to have just one newer F-car to enjoy and worry with. I must admit that I don't really look forward to the hassle of trying to sell two F-cars neither. Either way, I'm going to need the extra garage space later this year for "her" toy -- a man's gotta' keep his promises.

Is this a ridiculous proposition? Am I out of my mind? As Bruce says, "Do I need to up my meds"? Tell me what you really think.....

 

I switched 328 to '99 355F1 last year, and very pleased w/ the switch. Although I would love to keep 328, financially & space-wise, I couldn't, as I still like 328 very much.
328 in TX summer was too uncomfortable of a car to drive. I had to carry a towel to drive w/ A/C on, so I didn't drive much during the summer. Although the trunk space was a big plus for 328 compared w/ 355.
What is your intetion for the usage of a car? I really enjoy riding 355 on track & autocross, and my wife & friends don't mind riding in 355, but not 328 after their first ride.
HOWEVER, I do still love 328. It was the first Ferrari for me, and the styling is just breath-taking still.

 

Eric,

It sounds like you would solve a lot of issues with this move. I think you should go for it and make your wife happy.

Good luck

(99 355 F1 Spider and no previous Fcar)

 

Thanks Yoshi and Eric for the opinions and advice thus far -- you've helped calm my insanity!

Indeed, parting with either of the current cars would be a big gulp to swallow; but, in the end, it seems the best solution.

Like Yoshi said, the 308 was my "first". And both it and the TR have been long-time "dream cars". I still think they are beautiful and visceral machines!

The more I research the 355's, the more beautiful and appealing they become beyond what I noticed before. It seems like a proper and fitting car to replace the others with. It almost has many of the qualities and features of both the 308 and TR built into one nice well-designed package -- with an F1 tranny to boot.

Primarily, the car would be used as a "fun" car -- driven to events / shows, around town for pleasure, driven to work on occasion, etc. -- all of which the current cars have been used for, with the exception being that the 355 would be actually "driven" to events/shows instead of tailored . And, with an F1, the wife could drive it and enjoy it as well (she doesn't prefer manual / clutch trans. at all).

As hard of a move as this would be from an emotional standpoint, there would always be the satisfaction, experience, and knowledge gained from once owning the former “dream cars”.

I guess that next comes the cold hard reality that I’ll have to basically “give” these two cars away….

 

Here I sit w/ 4 sports cars in my driveway: Datsun 240Z w/ the custom built Al V8, IMSA wide body ported RX-7, Jackson Racing supercharged Miata & my stock 328 Ferrari. How can I help you exacty?

 

I think the move to a 355B is a natural one for you, and one that you will be pleased with. Timeless design, good handling, great grunt, and - assuming you find the right model - manageable maintenance costs. These are just some of the positives. I've had mine for just under a year, and I love it more after each drive.

I would try to convince you to get a stick shift, but I can see your wife will prevent that. In any event the move will not only resolve the reprioritizing and space issues, but will also get you into an tremendously enjoyable car.

Go for it.

 

If space was the only issue (doesn't seem like it is) you could just put a car or two in a storage unit near your home.That's what I do, just 2 miles away.

 

Just remember to collect on all "accessories" due. In your case I am sure you had to acquire some non Ferrari related Ferrari post purchase wife options (NFRFPPWOs) twice. These likely included new furniture, house upgrades, new car for her, jewelry, anything from Pier 1, European vacations...etc. The NFRFPPWOs can add up. Make sure you get yours back. I suggest sex, more sex, immediate sleep after sex and perhaps permission to have an anniversary bachelor party before your next anniversary. If the above is to much to ask for just get a 360.

 

HI ERIC...JUST SAW YOUR POST......

MY RELIGION SAYS " A HAPPY WIFE IS A HAPPY LIFE ""

WITH THAT SAID, AND I DONT KNOW YOUR FINANCIAL POSITION....

SELL THE 308 AND TR AND GET A 550...

MY TR WASNT EVEN NEAR, THE FUN AND POWER I HAVE WITH THE 550 , I JUST BOUGHT..

I JUST ADDED ON TUBIS AND ITS UNREAL...............

A GOOD-EXCELLENT 15K MILE, 98-99 550 COSTS ABOUT 95-125K THESE DAYS..YOUR TR AND 308 SHOULD BRING YOU ABOUT 75K OR SO....AND YOUR ALMOST THERE..

A 550 IS A GENTLEMANS CAR THATS A BEAST AS WELL AS CAN BE DRIVEN EVERYDAY...PROVIDING YOU LIKE THEM..


END RESULT, 1 550, 1 GARAGE SPACE FOR THE WIFEY, AND A HAPPY MARRIAGE..

REGARDS MY FRIEND,
BRUCE

 

If it were me, I would just add another garage and also get the 355.

That way everyone is happy!

 

Karen – LOL! Yes, at this stage of the game, I’m even considering letting the MGB and the 944 go just to “simplify” things.

Vik – very good points. In addition to the F1, the wife will probably appreciate creature comforts like power assisted steering, ABS, etc.

Thanks Dan – the idea of a storage unit didn’t even cross my mind. Do have a couple of available enclosed garage bays at the office, but it’s rather dusty and dingy environment. Currently, I keep the MG and 944 stored there the majority of the time and it’s sort of a hassle to care for the cars and take them for drives when they are not that readily accessible, if you know what I mean. Sort of complicates things.

Mike – ROTFL! How very true! Which is part of the reason I promised to get her a “fun” car too – but, as we all know, that still can’t compete with the items you mentioned. As a matter of fact, I think she’d prefer those instead.

My good friend, Bruce – I really like your religion! And, like you, wouldn’t want it any other way. She certainly deserves it after putting up with me all these years . Your recommendation of a 550 is one I hadn’t considered yet. After the TR came along, I’ve become intoxicated with the aura of the 12-cyl. engines. Price-wise, they aren’t too far off base from the 355 F1 prices it appears. Will definitely have to give the 550’s close consideration also. That said, my wife loved seeing the pics of your TDF 550 a while back – so that’s a good sign.

Duane -- would you believe that we actually considered that idea in our discussion? Was thinking about adding a detached single-car garage w/ lift to accomodate two additional cars. We have the space available for this. Of course, this would probably delay the 355 or 550 for at least 3 or 4 more years. Haven't ruled this one out though.

I guess it boils down to simplifying things. Having time to reflect and realize that, in addition to life getting more hectic, the days and years are flying by. Just realized that my daughter will be leaving for college in another 4 years, and my son won’t be too far behind. Rather sobering, and puts things in perspective. Furthermore, I would not want these cars to be neglected, and not driven routinely as they should – nor do I wish to shell out unnecessary $$$ on maintenance because they were not.

 

Just out of curiosity...is the 550 available with F1 trans.? Have seen it on the 575M models, but don't recall running across it in the 550. A quick browse of the dealer pages only showed available 6-speeds for sale.

 

No, the 550 came only with the 6-speed. There is no F1 option. Best of luck on your search.

 

Eric,

As you can see in my profile I have had many 3xx cars. Yesterday my wife and I took the day off and went shopping. Well she went shopping and I went eating hehehehe. She drove the car down in AUTO mode with the F1 and had a blast. Of course I barely ever run in auto mode. Our 355 is a blast. Everybody loves it. I love the sound and sights of the 355. The F1 355 for a married couple is a perfect car. If you stay with a late model year you will be better off. Hope all works well.

 

Andrew – Thank you for the info. On the 6-speed. Was wondering why I couldn’t locate any 550’s with F1’s for sale. Kind of a bummer too, as this is one of the main deciding factors. I recalled reading in FORZA Mag. a while back and they mentioned a possible F1 option, but I guess that never came to fruition…especially with the newer 575. Looks like all things are pointing towards a 355 now.

Andy – Your insight into this is very helpful…particularly with regards to the F1 side of things. I showed my wife your post just a little while ago, and she was happy to see that this option is and can be enjoyed by our “better halves” – even when shopping. On a side note, I was mainly looking into the Berlinetta models – but was wondering what it was like to live with a Spider version. Is the top fairly simple to raise up and down and store away?

 

Eric -

The top is not a press-and-store option like the SL's, or even the 360 Spiders, but it is a relatively simple option nonetheless. Should take no more than 3 minutes of your time.

 

The top is very easy to raise and lower. You need to be still doing it though. If you apply the boot cover then it is a little more effort but looks better. If you are looking for a fun car then I would definately go with a Spider.

 

If you want a Ferrari, get one with 12 cylinders. Otherwise, just get a Viper or Corvette. IMHO it is better to have the top of the line Daimler-Chrysler or GM than the bottom of the line Ferrari.

 

Franklyn,

Thanks for the insult. Eric, go drive a 550 (roughly the same price range as late model 355) and you will see that they are TOTALLY 2 DIFFERENT CARS. I have driven the 550 and the 355 is a heck of alot more fun, but only you can see for yourself. I would definately suggest you drive a 550 so you can set your mind at ease. I am not quite as bitter as Frank but I always suggest to drive a car first. If I was a daily driver and in rain and weather alot and put alot of miles on a car I would buy the 575; however I'm not, hence the 355.

 

LOL, Frank! I do admire and respect your appreciation for the 12-cyl. F-Cars. Believe me, after having driven the TR over the last year-and-a-half, I have great respect for that machine! I can only imagine what it'd be like to tap into the capabilities of the 550 / 575 cars. Ironic that you mentioned the Corvette, as that is precisely the car that the wife wants. We've put off purchasing one until the latter part of this year, hoping that by then the new 6-speed auto. will be available in the C6. Otherwise, we'll just have to see what's available.

Thanks Andy and Vik for clearing of the questions regarding the Spider top! Doesn't sound to difficult or hard to live with.

 

i'll take them!! but, seriously, i wouldn;t mind a TR. send me pm or email at [email protected] if you're going to sell.

john

 

I mean no insult whatsoever to v8 Ferraris. I have had two myself, a 328GTS and a 348 Spider and enjoyed them both. But, the fact is that except for the F40 the v8 cars have always been the entry level Ferrari, thus my "bottom of the line" designation . I believe the line now goes, from top to bottom: Enzo, 575m, 612 and then 430.