Hey guys, I see myself buying a Ferrari 355 (ex: GTB) in about 18 mo. I have some questions, and I would be grateful, as it would make the buying process simpler. 1. Although I can afford one of these cars, I'm not in love with the idea of spending tons of money on upkeep. So, as an example, for a car with lets say, 25,000 miles, what would be the total ownership costs within in the first 5 years? What types of service are required? I'm thinking about 1000 mi per year. 2. Ferrari prices in Canada suck, while in the US they are great. How difficult is it to import a 355 to Ontario, Canada from the US? Anyone done it recently? Thanks very much from a newb...lol -CJ
why would you want a 355 and only drive 1k miles a yr? I would suggest taking a beautiful picture of your favorite 355...blow it up...print it and just hang it. then keep your +/- $60k and just stare at your garage queen. Others will chime in on expenses but in general you get the proctor and gamble saying...it depends.... buy a driven car that has been sorted, well kept and services up to date and you may not have to spend much per yr... buy a car that needs headers, valves, belts, etc...major works done and you could be looking at anything from $5 to $30k.... have a professional and well accredited mechanic perform a PPI and Leak down on the car then take it from there... best of luck 355, my favorite sports car to date.
BAHAHAHAH....It was just an example. 3500 is probably more like it. You may not have heard of the shortened season we have up here. The crappy summer we just had limited my driving this year on my car to 5000km. and I drive whenever possible. Thanks for the advice.
I say get the car. Looking at your bank statement with 60k in it doesn't compare to the feeling you get when you open the garage. These cars are well worth the price of admission!!! $3500/yr is only $300/month. That's not bad at all...............Lou
If you are going to moan about the costs of ownership, then don't get a Ferrari. Unless you are mechanically inclined, services aren't cheap. Neither are parts. This forum used to be for enthusiast/owners to share experiences and make friends. Every time I come on here all I see are people either trashing the value of their cars, wannabes trying to buy bargain basement cars and scrimp on maintenance, while others complain about service and parts costs. There is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari. Parts are pricey, as are servicing costs. Live with it, or buy a Vette. If you choose to live with it, and are an enthusiast, as apposed to a poseur.... you will fall in love with the marque, the heritage and passion that makes driving these cars an unbelievable experience that every true car enthusiast should experience and savor, at least once.
Then don't buy a 355. The engine out major will cost you some coin to have done if you don't do the work yourself. Then if you have a header issue, or a valve guide issue, or a worn out cylinder liner, or the throw out bearing, or triple seals. Shall I go on? Buying a Ferrari is not the hard part. Maintaining a Ferrari is what is hard. So if you don't have the stomach, or the finances to keep up a Ferrari, I suggest you don't buy one. I'm not trying to be an ass about it, but trying to inform you so that you are full aware of what you are getting into. Owning a Ferrari can get WAY expensive.
Thanks for the great responses guys. I appreciate the honesty. Most car sites the guys will tell you the car is the greatest ever and bulletproof...lol. Then again I can't think of too many cars where I've ever heard of an regular old engine out repair job, unless its a serious build up...lol $3500 per year is no prob. $30,000 one time = FML As buddy implies: if you are a true enthusiast, then you really don't have a choice. So what are the year to year costs that are $3500? Also, anybody know about the import thingy? The same cars stateside are way cheaper, and I can probably transport a vehicle myself.
I have not imported a Ferrari into Canada but have done some reading about it. It appears to be quite an involved and expensive process. It may even be impossible depending on the particular model and year you wish to import. See the following website, operated by Transport Canada, for detailed information: www.riv.ca Also, see the following link for list of vehicles that are able to be brought into Canada from the U.S. As you can see, for Ferrari 355, there may be an number of issues: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safevehicles/importation/usa/vafus/list2/VAFUS.pdf
Look I have a 1998 355 Berlinetta RED / TAN. I bought it for my 40th birthday and I have never regret it one single minute. I paid 77 for mine with 11456 original miles and it is perfect and i want it perfect so i dont drive it much. Contrary to what some people say .. i put 1300 miles since i bought it and I have used it every time i felt like it ... for what i can see (your comments) you are not some rich dude that can piss away 60k ... you earned your money you have it and now your are contemplating ... if that is correct ,,,, you are the same as me. My dream since I was 6 or 7 years old was to some day have a ferrari ... and I made it. The key is to find a car that is perfect, keep up with it drive it have some fun, clean it, wax it, go to the ferrari events that you like and you should have no problems, I would also say avoid F1, BUT THAT IS MY VERY PERSONAL OPINION F1 owners please don't chew me up. At the end when you are done with it you could say been there done that .. and if you don't want it anymore or you want your money back in the savings account sell it and that will be it. Obviously it will cost you some money .. as i believe that the days of making money on these cars is gone at least for a while ... but the satisfaction you will get driving the 355 down the road is just wonderful in every sense ... from the people passing by giving you the thumbs up to the idiot with the muscle car wanting to race you every time they come across the girls taking pictures with it when you park in south beach in front of a restaurant ....... and the driving .... being part of the ferrari legend ..... I say if you are not using your kids college money or your wife's grocery money ... "NIKE IT" "JUST DO IT" GOOD LUCK !!
I have both, haven't really driven the Vette in over a year, love the Ferrari, I say go for it! Buy the best example of the model you like and enjoy, but if spending money on a car bothers you it will take the fun and joy out of ownership and Dino is right, buy a Vette!
I imported a 348 in October of 2008, a 355 would be no different as long as it is 15 years old or older then you do not need to register with the RIV, it is a straight forward bring it in and pay 6% duty, 8% PST, 5% GST....and the year goes by what the plate on the door jam reads, not what the title says...if it is newer than 15 years than it is slightly more work but still very do-able You need to fax the title to the US border crossing where you will be exporting from the US at least 72 hours in advance. If you need more details, PM me.
Don't be afraid of an F1 car. My 99 355 F1 GTS has never failed and it shifts great. Not near as fast as the newer cars, but Ferrari brought F1 shifters to market in 1997, so maybe don't select a 1997 model, but my 99 works wonderfully. marc
