My struggles with (possible) Ferrari ownership

To the OP:

I am in a similar situation myself (I have a considerable higher income than my friends/family), and find that a balance is necessary. Sometimes you can hide the cost of your material possessions, sometimes you can play off how much it cost.

But sometimes you just have to go for what you want, and just don't flaunt it. Be humble and honest with your friends. If they see your new Ferrari in the driveway, they may be shocked at first, but tell them it was used, and its just a car.

And remember to share. Its the ppl that think that they are better than other ppl because they own "this or that" that are perceived a certain way. and sharing your wonderful car can help dispel that image.

honestly, I really doubt that your peer group will look at it as that big of a deal, if owning 100K cars is fairly normal.

Push the damn button!!!!

 

I undersstand the concerns as OP have explained them. Even I had those, even if I only bought a "cheap" 308. (not everybody are able to difrentiate between old and new Ferraris..). My experience after buying the car is that people are less judging than I thought. I have a lot of people approaching me and asking questions about the car. I try to be polite and answer all questions, and I try to not overemphasize the money involved. At least with a 308 people tend to put you in the "car nut" categori and not the "filthy rich" category. I think that trying to hide the car is a strategy that will not work. Buy it, be proud of it and take your neighbours for a spinn. Tell them it was a cildhood dream and a used car.

I really think your suroundings will "forgive you" this treat. Go ahead.

 

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Welcome to Ferrari Chat Chicago_C..

i have some random thoughts:

you are obviously intelligent, fortunate and well spoken.

people buy exotic and supercars for two reasons, or both:

#1. they appreciate them and/or #2. it's an ego thing.

you cannot drive around in one of these cars and not have people want to: race you, talk to you or take pictures of the car. my friends that like cars will drive from all over the suburbs to check out what's in my garage, which actually is fun, especially if i let them drive one.

owning a exotic or supercar does not change my life in any way. it's just another car in my garage that i appreciate.

and.. it doesn't make me a good person or a bad person. but they are FUN..!!

blinging around in a exotic car does draw attention to yourself. relative to current economic conditions, i know people with LOTS of money who will NOT flash around exotic cars in front of their employees and customers.

most of the old money, extreme wealth in chicago drive around in regular cars although the jets or mega yachts that they own are off the charts.

historically, there has always been young people spending money on luxury items, but it seems to me that the current younger generations are more willing to do so. for those that can afford it, go for it. life is short.

hopefully, we live better than our parents. unfortunately, that comes with a cost. i wish that i could be stimulated and happy enough by driving what i call a regular car.

i live in a small town with a ferrari store and i must say that even tho they are only cars, (or art) i appreciate seeing them, even if they are somewhat common around here.

as in life, everything is a tradeoff and it's all about balance. no car is perfect, but there are some that are close, buy one and experience life to the fullest. if it doesn't work out for you, sell it.


p.s. drop by supercar saturdays today... turn out will be huge (if the weather holds)

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