As a first time Ferrari buyer, is there a way I can put a deposit for the 458? The dealership in Houston would not take a order from me until I get a pre owned Ferrari. Thanks
I agree. I think the 458s will trickle in and there seem to be plenty of well heeled buyers who have multiple cars and ALWAYS get the latest and greatest. Customers with running relationships with the dealers will be on the top of any "lists" It will be interesting to see. I never had one before and felt excited about the 430 when they were launched but didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting one. With the new economic realities, perhaps you can get one after the first couple yrs when those guys I referred to above have theirs. My advice would be to plan on waiting, or get a nearly new Ferrari at a relative bargain now. my .02
We'll see about that. This isn't the California we're talking about. I'm referring to a secondary market premium. It will sell for MSRP to the first buyers but I'm pretty sure it will have a hefty premium when people flip them.
That is what I saw 2 years ago with the 430's when I was looking. Despite "new economy" I expect to be similar at least initially with the 458
They won't take an order if you walked in with a suitcase full of cash. Get an F430 (newer the better) and build a relationship with the dealer. There are a lot of people who have owned a lot of Ferrari's that are sitting on the sidelines waiting for their number to be called on the 458. You could also get on in the aftermarket when they arrive in the US, but you will pay $75 to $100k over sticker for the opportunity. I would suggest you take the route we all take and get a wonderful F430 and make yourself know to the dealer. There is usually somebody the dealer has in mind for a 458 and that person may have changed their mind about spending the money at that time and place. This is where your relationship with the dealer comes into play. Hope this helps.
Actually the dealer proposed the same, he was very reasonable. I had booked a California but cancelled as I got a 997 Turbo cab. The problem with getting another car such a 430 is that I just don't need one. . . . and will have no time to use it. I am not a car collector either. I am barely putting miles on the 997. But I want to get a 458 and will get one even though it will be a garage queen .....
Wrong attitude. Even Ferrari recognizes their customers buy cars for different reasons. LdM has noted that Ferrari knows many of their customers personally. This is not possible for a large volume manufacturer. Each customer has their own personal reason for choosing a Ferrari. CH
Sure they do. Doesn't make it any less sad the thought of all those Ferraris sitting in garages instead of out being thrashed. It reduces the whole affair to pure materialism. And a Ferrari that spends its time just sitting in a garage is like a tiger in a cage. A tiger is defined as much by what it does as what it looks like, so a tiger not out in the wild doing tiger stuff ceases to be a tiger. Besides, if you want something to just look at, buy a painting.
So... should all art be in public museums? Is it "right" for a private collector sequestor such treasures??? Who are you to say how anyone one else chooses to use / enjoy their posessions...
I'm not telling anyone how they should enjoy their possessions. But I do reserve the right to have an opinion (this is a discussion board, after all). And in my opinion, cars that are designed to offer the leading edge of performance and the ultimate driving experience but just sit in garages doing nothing except looking pretty are wasted.
My mom recently visited me (I am 44 year old) and saw the 458 on my computer screensaver and asked me what car is it? I told her a Ferrari! She told me that when I a kid I used to put posters of Ferrari's all over my room walls. I guess I have just had it in me since I was a kid to own a Ferrari. I can take this post a step further that a Ferrari inspires a kid to work hard if he or she aspires to own one day. I am blessed to have the means to own a Ferrari and it is to fulfill my childhood dream. So my reason for owning one is different than someone elses. I do not see myself going to my 12 year olds baseball games or to the grocery store in a Red 458. Neither do I see myself taking it to my work. Between other cars I own such as my mortal suburban /my wife's LX 570 and my daily driver 997 turbo cab and the extensive travel I do I cannot see myself putting much miles on my future Ferrari. So, to each his own, every one has thier own reason to own a 458.
I think any F430 is a much better car than the 997 turbo cab. so I would suggest you buy a F430 spider from the dealer and secure a spot for the 458 if you can.