A primer for sellers. Beware of the B.B.

But hey, I'm 49 years old and I want to find the last fun car to keep while I still have the physical ability to enjoy it. So far I've bought and sold an '82 Mondial, '87 Fiero GT (with a racing suspension), '80 Triumph TR8 and a sweet '97 Donzi Classic 22. From my experience, niche market products can bring out more than a fair share of interest whether it's phone calls, emails or actual visits with test rides.

Unfortunately, my time is very exclusive so the first buyer who comes along with the bucks (in my price range) usually wins. I've sold all of the above for less then I wanted to but that saved me a whole lot of time as a result. Still had my share of "tire kickers" though.

Recently I sold two sportscars (owned one for 14 years and the other for 24 years) and my boat plus paid off the loan for my existing vehicle to make room for the Ferrari that I've always wanted. I'm a paid subscriber here and The Ferrari Market Letter plus CarFax too. I've even paid for a PPI on a car that I've never seen... If that still qualifies me as a "tire kicker" then so be it. If something doesn't seem right about a car or the seller then it's best for both parties to move on.

 

Hey C'mon most people buying a "used" Ferrari are not "dripping of money".

Speaking for myself, I just have a passion for driving and want a vehicle that reflects that. If I was loaded I would be driving an Enzo! So until then my F355 spider will have to do......poverty sucks!

 

This is better than comedy central.

God Bless Ferrari USA!

 

I hear ya. ;-)

I guess the word "dripping" was a little much. Maybe a slight "odor" of money?? ;-)

 

Not neccessarily (that I would have lost you). You would have probably said something to me to justify to me why you are interested in it, and why I should let you drive it. If you would have shown up in a pickup, tee shirt and jeans, and not said anything more than "I wanna see what these things are about" or "I have always wanted one of these" without much else, yeah, I probably WOULD have lost you. But, as a Ferrari guy, I would bet you would have done your part to let me know your "story".

The last guy who showed up to buy my Porsche widebody was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Showed up with his wife and kid. They were driving an older Cadillac. But he told me his situation from the start and I could tell he wasn't screwing around. Most of the time you can.

I hear you though. When I go to buy a car, I let the guy who I am buying from know "why I am there". As in, what my intentions are, other cars (equal cars) I have owned, and I also let him know about other comparables that I have looked at and why I didn't buy them.

If he can't help me from the start, it makes for less time screwing around.

 

Too funny! I, as others have mentioned will show up in jeans and mediocre vehicle. The one thing that may help is my knowledge of cars.

I once went to the P-car dealer in my VW for some parts. I saw a GT2 and asked the salesperson about it. After a little while, he was somehow convinced that I needed a test drive in it with no questions asked and no pressure.....I thanked him but declined and said "even if did like it, it is the wrong color". I was only checking the market values and would only consider a black or silver one. ;-)