Advice from professional

This is really a crazy thread so I guess I'll jump in too. There's a guy who doesn't like cars or anything about them asking Ferrari guys if he should buy one? Next there's a guy talking about how Ferrari owners "give the brand a bad name"? Really, the brand has a bad name? Ferrari is the most valuable brand in the Global 500 list and number 2 is Apple. Not bad for having a bad name.
To the guy who's not sure if he should buy a Ferrari. If you're not sure then you shouldn't buy one. They are overpriced, you have to wait too long and the owners are snobs.
I just purchased my first one, a killer in Rossa Corsa, Nero Interior, Giallo Modena Brakes and approximately $70k worth of options. I've been a car guy since I was 5, always dreamed of owning and driving a Ferrari and still can't believe I have one at 55 years of age. It cost too much, I waited way too long for it to be built and now I'm one of "them". So go tell all those other good for nothing car chat boards to call me/us all the names they want because I'm the guy pulling up in a bright red 2013 Ferrari 458 and the valet will park it right where I tell him to park it. Oh, and have fun cheering for the Lambo F1 team next Sunday in Montreal. I'll be there with all the snobs cheering for Alonzo.

 

Altough giving those of us with more time on our hands than we know what to do with something to respond to, your query, which I take at face value, is impossible to answer without understanding your psyche. Do you throw away a "toy" after a week, is there anything that you truly enjoy? Call me strange, but I really find it challenging relating to someone who evidences a total lack of interest or joy at the thought of buying/driving a Ferrari. Maybe my limitation, but from what I read here, I have company. Don't waste money on a whim, it will fade quickly, but also know what you like (without having to ask me/us to tell you). Did you ask the same question of the Aston Martin, Lamborghini, maybe Bugatti crowd? If you do, we can see how those vested in different marque's answer your question. Should be fun Best

 

If you are looking for some ego stroking and self reward - the 458 will be your only course. While you may not enjoy the car for all it offers, it will certainly provide magnetic attraction from others.

You may also find over time that because the 458 offers an experience that is so far beyond regular production cars you may end up appreciating some of its virtues. Maybe not to the extent of a car lover but more than perhaps where you are at right now. But it is a sports car with the expected sports car compromises (low to the ground driving position, always egging you on, low ground clearance, lots of engine sounds, high intensity environment, drivers always trying to get dangerously close to you, etc)

My only other caution is that although Ferrari reliability has dramatically improved, they are also very sophisticated cars with advanced electronics. An issue can crop up that causes your heart to skip a beat while driving and may require several trips to the dealer to resolve. That would prove maddening to you since the mystique and the passion of Ferrari won't make up for the rare foibles.

I liked the Scaglietti myself because it's practical and gives the Ferrari performance without screaming "look I drive a Ferrari." You can be somewhat anonymous where the pride of owning a Ferrari becomes more personal than a public display of wealth. If you're not bothered by mundane concerns of rush hour single digit fuel economy, big out-of-warranty repair bills and poor resale value, a daily 612 might be in your future.

 

That pretty much sums it up. My recommendation of what you buy really depends on what you want to do with it, how much you want to pay, and how long you want to wait for one.

F430: Great car, reliable, least expensive, great road feel but a little crude compared to it's replacement, none under warranty. Scud and 16M version great cars but probably better for the track than daily driving.

458: Better overall car than F430, most expensive to buy, long waiting time to get one new, most still under warranty, 2012's and newer have 7 year maintenance free program. Many still sell for more than MSRP with used spider prices being 50 grand more than the original purchase price.

California: Great GT, a little space for the kids, medium expense, hard top convertible, less sporty looking, a new one coming out next year so probably not a good time to buy new, lots of good used ones out there.

F12: Long, long waiting list for new, no used ones available, unbelievable power -- forget getting one for at least 2 years.


Personally, for a first Ferrari that you probably want to drive a lot, I would not go older than the F430.

 

excellent advice!