As a recent new Fcar owner, this thread has been enlightening. I didn't buy my 458 to drive to run errands, so parking spaces are not an issue. I was hoping to occasionally treat my wife to a fancy dinner, however will likely stick with restaurants away from city downtown, where I know there is separate space for my car. For what it is worth, I treat my car much like my Pinarello bicycle. I use it for the sole purpose of sport driving. I get in, pick a route for the day, ride like hell noting how fortunate I am with every mile, drive home, wash it, and cover it until the next adventure. I expect there will be a few exceptions like an occasional track day and F-club events, but other than that it is pure sport for me. I do admire and envy those that get to drive it to/from work every day or to run errands, it just isn't for me.
Lol I guess I am not the only one who has bad the case of OCD. It's a double edge sword as our paranoia keeps our cars nice but it seems I am always saving the car for the next guy to enjoy like my wife says. As far as parking is concerned I will not take out any of my nice cars unless I know the roads and the ramps, the parking situation and any other variables that could potentially result in any type of damage to my car. I will also never ever valet my car as I don't even want to begin sharing my horror stories with valet guys damaging and joy riding my cars. I think the only 2 instances I ever drive my exotic cars are to cars and coffee and drives around my local city in so cal where I know the routes.
Do you own a dogma gen 1 or 2? I am thinking of picking up my own pinarello bike soon in next few months as well.
If you take care of your home, are you saving it for the next owner? If it pleases you to reduce risk by managing where you take it and how you use it, do so. If it pleases you to accept the risk, use it as a DD and take it anywhere, do so.
I'm not really too surprised by these stories. We're becoming more uncivilized towards successful people. Just remember, we came out of an election where the major theme was class warfare. Bashing wealth is the mantra. Hopefully, it doesn't get to the point of physically assaulting the drivers of these cars.... Ed
When the "dream" is attainable, wealth is admired, when not, those who have are faulted by those who have not, all but a precursor to violence. Split screen Lansing Michigan "protests" and Athens Greece "riots". Best
To all of you nervous people I quote Jim Glikenhaus: "Not putting miles on your Ferrari is like not having sex with your Girl Friend so she'll be more desirable to her next Boy Friend." http://www.facebook.com/P45Competizione?v=wall
^ you're missing the point. Were talking about willful violence to the car due to peoples inability to control their emotions. Were not talking about stone chips. Ed
I think you are taking an extremist approach. It's like saying why wash the car at all just keep it dirty for the life of the vehicle so the next owner can clean it if he wants to. Some people take enjoyment in keeping the car in pristine new condition as well as the spirited drives. It's part of enjoyment and fulfillment experience of owning an exotic car. Just because you drive it more and put more wear on the cars it does not equate to more overall enjoyment. I am sure there also percentage of people here who will never sell their cars and just keep adding new ones to their collection which means he is not saving it for the next owner but for himself. Just my .02 for what it's worth
There's nothing like getting to know every contour, every nook and cranny of a car you love by washing it yourself a dozen or so times. On a car that's shaped to make the most of airflow, it must be twice as rewarding.
I think it is best to cover the whole car with 3M film. Never have to worry about scratches and such. You can not see the film at all! Easy to clean just wipe down with cleaner, no worry about micro scratches. its just plastic film your cleaning. I had my Carrera GT done like this and I can take to shows with out worry...
I have only owned one car 10 years, and still do, a 1981 Porsche Turbo, which was not made in the U.S. at the time and was the first "exotic" car I could afford. A reminder of times past. After that, when I think of covering my car with "plastic" I am reminded of my mothers couch (lol). Best
I agree. LOL. I own several other sports cars that are driven any and everywhere. The 458 is driven anywhere it is not parked just anywhere. Anytime the distance between the haves and have nots is too great there is revolution. We are seeing it now.
Just needs to be replaced. No judgment as to too short or too long. It is what it is. Took off the front spoiler 3M and the front spoiler needs to be repainted. Three of the rock chips were so bad they went clear thru the 3M and damaged the paint. Am in no hurry to do this as I don't show the car competitively. You have to really be looking for it to see the damage. Will have to get it done sometime before I sell or trade. Did the 3M totally protect the front spoiler? No. But it did delay repainting by a few years.
