PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL THAT DON'T OWN A FERRARI!

Where did you find that image, the one with the 308 GTB and 312 F1 car?

-F

 

great post, rammer! Hopefully I'll have my 308 before too much longer

 

No need to convince me about the joy of owning a 308s. I've been pursuing the dream of getting my own for over two decades now. A few years ago, I actually came really close to closing a deal on one, but it failed a PPI and the seller wasn't interested in doing anything about it. Since then, my financial situation has radically changed: I'm now married, have a mortgage, and a kid. Shortly thereafter, my Ferrari Fund went down to, and continues to remain at ZERO. Yeah, that's a bummer. And what's worse is that my wife already gave me the 'OK' to buy one IF we were to ever have the finances. She and I have actually launched a small home-based business to hopefully help bring in some extra $$ but it's really tough as there's not enough time in the day to get everything done and "make it big".

Realistically, it's not going to happen for me any time soon. Everyone who knows me knows how crazy I am to get a 308QV and I've got a lot of support for "the dream". But not being able to afford one is what's been in my way. Add to that the fact that the asking prices are now rising (great for sellers!) while the number of quality 308's remaining on the road diminishes every year.

Fortunately, I've been able to meet some very generous 308 owners and have had some rides + 1 drive to date. I get to scratch the 308 "itch" with nearly daily visits to F-chat and perusing other Ferrari related literature. Oh, and we've even bought a 308 cromodora wheel, a mondial grill and fender off ebay to add to our home's decor! That all has helped me feel like I'm making progress towards becoming an owner, but at the end of the day, I'm still stuck on the outside looking in. A little motivational boost every now and then from owners and enthusiasts posting to threads like this certainly helps. One day, I hope to be joining in on the ownership side!

 

Greetings. +1 and bravo. I too am not rich and have funds to toss around. Those who do - salute... I came accross a 90 TR that was hit and was in deep need of some TLC. I saw the unpolished diamond of what could be. To make a long story short - sometimes buying a car with some body issues is not a complete loser. I got her back the right way. Tightened her up bit and walla. My FCar dream is now real. She puts a smile on my face everytime I open the door to get in.

Drive it and love it. Good for you my man

Robbie
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I pretty much agree with the op, except I'd suggest someone only taking the plunge if they don't go into debt.

btw - I'd suggest moving this thread to General Discussion where more potential first-time owners might read it.

 

Your experience does NOT mirror mine. Driving the car 15k miles in 3 years, based on my direct experience, could easily cost you something like $15k in maintenance. I realize I'm likely at the upper end of that curve, but you are likely at the lower end. I'm well over $1/mile over the last 7 years in my 328.

 

Gawk! Keys! Where are my keys...Got to go get my fix! LOL! SOOOOO TRUE!

 

While of course lumping down the cash for an F-Car purchase can provide a good piece of mind- especially for the "surprises", I agree w/ Rammer that financing thru a home equity, may be the most financially "prudent" thing to do....right now anyways. With the Prime rate sitting at 5%, a good borrower can find a HELOC for example at Prime minus .5 to .10 depending on line amount. That puts your effective rate at say 4.25%. If you are unable to take that Ferrari" money and get an investment return of at least 5%-by all means put it in the car. But, with current lending rates so low (CDs and savings rates low too btw), any half decent investor can in this market return at LEAST that much. The difference between your potential (money sitting in the car) and your actual (interest paid on HELOC) should really be added to the cost of the car. And keep in mind Uncle Sam helps pay some HELOC cost (tax deductable). This is strictly my opinion, but money on wall street will grow faster than money in a 308. Of course I HOPE my 308 goes up in value faster than Wall Street, but I'm not willing to bet 35,000 out of my portfolio on it. YMMV. Take Care.....

 

My buddy in the passenger seat is a Porsche fan. After a day with me at our Fchat meeting he admitted "almost" considering buying a Ferrari

Yes, they are FUN!!

 

+1000!

Shame you can't see my grin in this pic, but it lasts for days!

P.S. Thanks to the guys at aussieexotics for the pic. Sorry, I can't remember who sent it to me (Ryan?)
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*sings*

Money talks
But it don't sing and dance
And it don't walk

 

I have that 308/F1 poster framed in my man cave. One of my favorites

 

Rammer, so sorry to hear about your baby. If you get to Phoenix you can drive mine for a fix anytime. Hope your on the road soon.

 

Great attitude! Hope the rebuild comes in under budget and ahead of schedule.

 

With a name like Rammer you aren't???

 

That definitely eats it! However, I bought an airplane when I was 20 and had no business buying an airplane. I couldn't afford it. It change my life.

Moral to all..Swing it any which way you can!!!

Dave

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR5iM2KAZQA[/ame]

 

I'm not gonna lie, My broke azz has thought of buying one and doing the whole 288GTO conversion with some kind of motor swap in black or dark grapite. My only beef with the 308 is its slower than my 3.8 Camaro and Fiero GT and its far more expensive to maintain.

And at 25 to 35k hmmmm the Lotus Esprit and Acura NSX is also some damn good options in those price ranges.

 

Porsche 911 as well, not to mention about a dozen other models I could name. This is the biggest hurddle to my taking the plunge. I am not a person of unlimitted means, so I need to choose what I buy carefully. Plus, shopping and dreaming is a big part of the fun.