Wonder if anyone out there bought 1 Ferrari and own more than 10 years or more?

It wasn't my first Ferrari but I do have a 2005 F430 3 pedal coupe I bought new. I didn't have a preconceived notion about how long I might own it. First I had to see if I liked it. Then I had to see if it was going to be a good car in terms of reliability. It checked both boxes so I still have it. Overall, scheduled maintenance has averaged less than 1K/year. The 10 year service cost about 2200. at an independent. There have been no repairs since the warranty expired. I used to track it a fair amount which produces a lot of wear and tear on brakes and tires. I figure a track day costs about 1K between fees and wear and tear. BTW, as far as I know, there aren't any regular insurance companies left that will cover damage from a track day so unless you buy specialized coverage (expensive) you will be on the hook for any damages. If you shop around, you should be able to find independent places that will do the wraps, etc. for a lot less.

Dave

 

Ive had mine 24 years now. A BBI is probbaly morexpesive to miantain than some others. Realisticaly though for the long haul if youre really driving it and not doing the work yourself figure a $5k per year average. Some years its only fluids, other years its brakes tires etc. Every now an again its a radiator etc, it all adds up. I do ehar the newer cars are less costly to maintain, but 10 years out who knows.

 

Hey Dave, I remember when your car was the newest thing around, fresh from the factory.

-F

 

congratulations Robert! i am in awe. what a marvelous car and a marvelous story.

 

Coming from other car brands this is the one thing that amaze me most about some Ferrari owners but different strokes for different folks i guess.

 

I have had my 550 for 14 years now, as the second owner. Put over 30k on it since I have had it, and it is as beautiful, powerful and reliable as ever. Take care of things -- especially the small ones -- as they happen and you will avoid "sticker shock" of the accumulated delayed maintenance costs down the road. Regular maintenance -- annual fluid changes, belts, general wear and tear items -- and the costs have not been outrageous, very reasonable, in fact, especially since mine is serviced by an exceptional independent shop. Taking care of the cosmetic detailing myself is fun and satisfying, and helps maintain the car's image and value. I also truly believe that driving the car regularly has helped avoid those costly major mechanical issues. Exercise is good.

Will I keep this for life ? Maybe. I have looked at other Ferraris classics and exotics from time to time over the years, but to my taste I have not seen anything that appeals enough to me to replace the wonderful balance of aesthetics, power, comfort, and overall usability of the 550. Then again, I tend to keep my cars (and other things) for a LOOOONG time. My daily driver is my 1980 Volvo that I bought new...and will never sell.

 

my first 250 GT/E I have since 1977
the second 250 GT/E since 1981
the 512 BB koenig and the testarossa koenig competition since 2005

 

This is sound advice. I was looking for a Ferrari for over 20 years, and I was so afraid to jump in, I actually purchased a S1 Jaguar E-Type (oh the irony)! I've had the Jag for 14 years, with no issues whatsoever. Finally purchased a 308 about 5 years ago and wondered why I waited so long. There was nothing to be afraid of!

Now, I'm thinking of selling one of the cars and moving to a 360 or 430. Just want something more modern. We'll see. Good luck!