Thinking about buying my first Ferrari

You don't want/need a stereo. Get a tubi exhaust instead.

 

One word: 355.

The car blends elegance, design and performance into a seamless package. I have one and I love it. There are a number of quality 355's available for sale - in coupe (GTB), targa (GTS), and spider form. There are also a number of hidden wrecks, so do your homework carefully. Quality MY95 355 GTB's are going for about $75K. Do a search on this forum for issues to watch out for, and you'll have a good primer to get you started.

 

The radio/CD player is behind a flip up panel in the center of the dash.

Keep in mind that the basic interior was designed in the 80's. Close to 20 years ago.

BTW, I am an hour from Seattle myself.

 

Might I suggest, you get a car that you are impressed with the lines and the way it drives. You can usually modify a stereo to your liking. Since 1997 I haven't had a stereo in my 308 GTS and never needed one. Just hearing roar of the carb on my 308 is relaxing. I have never gotten any complaints from my riders either and they always want to ride again.

My other suggestion, if this is going to be your first Ferrari, might I suggest something like a older model (76-82) 308 GTB (hard top) or a 308 GTS (targa top). You can usually find these from $25-$35k in decent condition. Unless you have money to burn, this is a nice model to learn if you like driving a Ferrari. I have to warn you all Ferraris are tempermental and will expect your undivided attention. I always suggest the 308, because if you can't put up with the car's additude its affordable enough to sell pretty quickly and get your money back. The higher up the ladder you go on the Ferrari chain, the more you limit the people you can resell it to, should you decide to let her go to get a beter model or get away from the Ferrari line in general. For example, I can afford a 308 and maybe a Testarossa, but the 355 and up are a little out of my league even though I would like to get something a little newer. If you do have the money to get tied up in a Ferrari, then of course get the best model you can afford. Good luck and welcome to the world of Ferraris.

 

The stereo in any Ferrari is under the engine cover.
And speed is just one dynamic of the totality of capabilities of any Ferrari. All the way back to the 166mm.
As for a tubi exhaust on a 355, thats an awesome symphony.
Or on any flat 12. Worth the price of mission alone!

 

512 TR is another great car with your prefered TR look and the interior is excellent.

 

I'd certainly consider the 355, they're great cars. The 512tr is also a wonderful Ferrari but you'll need to pay much more attentoin driving the car compared to the 355 which is much more driveable and refined. Find some people in your area and ride or drive in their Fcars and see which one fits you the best. And when you find it go out and buy one, you wont regret it.

 

One car that you might want to take a close look at is a 456...they are now dropping in value, look beautiful and have an amazing V12 up front. They are also quite modern inside and are a blast to drive, but expensive to run. I think it is the best deal out there. If the car is serviced properly, you shouldn't have many problems either...

 

i'd say go with the 355...
i currently own a testa, 355, 360 and 550.
i'd have to say that the 355 and the 360 are about equal to me, both awesome cars to drive...
the testa almost feels like a lambo for some reason- built as a "drivers" car so it definately makes you hold your attention while driving (or maybe just myne ) anyways. i'd say go for a 355... if your interested i am selling myne- 1999 black 355 spider f1.. 10k miles, tan int. pm if interested

 

oh and btw,
welcome.

 

if you went the ebay way i'd suggest actually flying to go see the car and check it out...
that 456 looks decent though.

 

The 456 is almost like a Maranello, just a little less hp, but pretty much a similar engine. It's just as modern and as reliable as well as looking great!

Ebay is not a bad place to buy, I've bought Porsche 911 turbo and my Ferrari there, but I had a thorough PPI done at an independant mechanic. I got a good idea of how the car was mechanically and cosmetically and bought both w/out seeing the car. But if you're going to spend close to $100k on a car, spend an extra $350 for the round trip and check the car out so you have no surprises.

 

Lambo Dallas has a gorgeous blue 550 in the $100k range.

 

My advice for what it's worth (which is probably very little... )...

Don't buy a Ferrari at the upper end of what you're able to afford. If you do, there is a good chance that maintenance costs will bite you in the ass later on.

 

Purchasing a Ferrari is not something to be taken lightly. While opinions like those expressed on this board are valuable they are only opinions. You need to look at all the models - go to some shows (Concourso Italiano for example), check out the dealers, talk to owners, follow values that are posted in numerous publications. The search can be almost as much fun as ownership. After serious researching narrow your search to the car you really want and start looking for it. During this time you might also be interviewing mechanics to service your car.

 

This particular advice is worth alot. Well said.

 

good luck with whatever you decide. i'd suggest the 355, i've been in one twice, and the sound is excellant. the 456 however is still a great choice. backseats from what i can tell, are worthless, but do provide extra storage space. and one BIG advantage of the 456 over the 355, is the engine: a v12. you cant go wrong with either car. of course the final desicion is up to you, just remember when looking for a 456, dont get the automatic, get the manual.

 

If I were you I wouldn't get a Ferrari that is exactly under your limit, because you must remember the cost of ownership as well. Since you said your limit is right around $100k, I would go with a nice, clean 355 that can be had at or around $75k...so you can also be ready for any repairs or maintnance costs that may come up. Good luck and welcome to the club.

-Doug

 

I think it's hard to disagree with the 355 given your intentions and age constraints. The 308 qv and later cars have good build quality and are progressively easier to maintain (in terms of reliablity issues). The 328 is relatively affordable and has developed a reputation for being bullet proof. I think the 348 is unloved for styling reasons they are peculiar to each individual's tastes. I don't know that it's less reliable than the 328s but I hear more anecdotal grumbling. The 355 is still later and given the large production numbers will be easy and cheap (relatively) to maintian. Aside from often overstated concerns about valve guides in early cars, which over time will prove to be water over the damn, there is little to worry about here. I think these cars will be regarded as the perfect entry level car over the next ten years. They're nearly fully depreciated and you'll always be able to find parts. Were I you and were I looking for my first car, I'd buy a 355 (if you don't want a car as early as a 328) and I'd buy it during the winter out of the northeast or midwest, where they're large in numbers and the owners are just looking at them. Good luck.