Newbie needs your advice! Exoto vs CMC

Definitly de 246, first and IMO it´s a much more beautiful car, the 500 as you said, it's just to "simple", than the 246 belongs to the xs series from exoto, wich is basicly the best die-cast you can buy, period. The level of detail from the 246 far surpasses teh 500..of course the car costs about 3 times more than the cmc 500 version but, since you pointed out that money was no object...

 

Simple answer.: The Exoto Ferrari Formula/Grand Prix models are far better than the same ones modeled by CMC.

The big problem with Exoto is that they have a well deserved - horrible reputation for doing any business with.

The problem with CMC is that they are truly clueless about the real cars and make numerous mistakes and odd choices with what and how they produce all of their models.

 

I would generally agree with both above statements but not 100%.
I know it was not on your list, but if I had to pick a model with the budget of $1000, which is what the Exoto 246 would end up costing you, I would buy CMC's Bartoletti truck. It is an amazing piece of miniature art. It is fully licensed and backed up by CMC, which I would definitely take into a consideration. On top of that you can display at least two more cars on it, while not taking any extra space.
As far as the two models you mentioned, I don't think it is a fair comparison. Compare the 500F2 from CMC with the one from Exoto. Or their Sharknoses. That would be apples to apples. I have the 246. I did not buy it, let alone from Tony/Exoto. It is an amazing model, but extremely fragile and finicky. Things fall off of it, brake etc. '
I own both Sharknoses. The Exoto one is better without a doubt. But it is not three times better than the CMC. Yet you can buy three CMC Sharks for the price of one Exoto. I prefer personally the CMC Shark. Funny that, you may say, because the Exoto is more detailed. It is, but the CMC has that aura of more authentic vintage feel, while the Exoto feels like an overrestored classic that is too perfect.
The 500F2, which I also own both CMC and Exoto, have the exact opposite problem. the CMC 500 is far more detailed and better made than the Exoto 500. But it feels too perfect. The Esotos are not as good, but they feel more "right" somehow.
Having said all this, I would not buy a bubble gum from Exoto or anyone representing them. They may be making the best models in the universe, but anyone caring just a touch about the hobby or having the slightest shred of consciousness would not support anyone with their business practices and reputation. They have been sued numerous times (and lost) by few companies and by countless individuals. They have outright stolen money from their customers, lied, cheated and arrogantly laughed in everyone's faces, time and time again.
Of course you can always say "what the heck do I care? I just want a nice model." But I believe that Exoto should not be supported in any way, regardless of how great their models are.

 

Great replies.

 

Yap, the best way to buy an exoto is trough a private seller or any other place, avoid at all costs doing rirect buisness with Exoto...Tony K as a long history of cheating people....

 

This, 100%

 

Hopefully, you won't have a problem.

If you do you may be able to get some recourse through your credit card company, PayPal, or whatever you used for the purchase.

Best regards,
Jerry

 

Let's hope everything arrives fine, they have many complaints but i know people who never had an issue, let us know and please, share some pictures....

 

I also know people who have had no problems.

 

You guys don't get it. Supporting Exoto in any way (buying their product) makes you part of the problem.

 

Perfectly said!
They once annoyed me so much, that I didn't just decide to buy no more models from them, but also sell all of those four cars I had in my cabinet. Of course it was an amazing deal.
BTW; When I purchased the first Exoto car, a Ferrari 312B, it was €45.00. Around $ 60.00 back then.
Crazy.

Best Regards
Martin