Poor Ferrari Buying Experience - Lessons Learned

So are you saying there was no Carfax report for the cars you were looking at? If there is no Carfax report I would stay away, not that they are the last word but service records are automatically added to the history of the car. I would also add that Marcel is extremely correct about picking the right dealer. The 812 is an awesome machine, don't give up!

 

List the dealer names so we can avoid them. Esp the first shady dealer.
But you are correct F cars are not P cars. They are more akin to kit cars and have far more little nagging issues, and yes, some big ones. Can be super fun to own with the right screaming model. But you do pay to play.

 

Well said.

 

Happy New Year ! Pursue the dream. The SF is an amazing car. You will love it. Yes these cars have issues BUT often things get replaced early in the builds as parts are at a premium and getting the car back out is important.

Repairs are expensive true. Warranty can help but repairs can bite. Period. It is because they can bite that makes them more Chère. Take that both ways.


I’ve had many Ferraris. The modern ones don’t scare me anymore but they used to. The extended warranty can help but those cost variably a lot or a stupid amount and not everything is covered.

Best advise is go to your dealer that at you will you. Introduce yourself to the service manager and ask about any car you might buy or even if there are 812 owners that have good cars that might be close to selling. My service manager brought me into the sales aspect based on my trust with him. I then told my sales guy please find me a _____ for this price range. Fill in the blank. With this dealer I started with an used 488 spider then FF. Then asked for a Lusso and requested a new slot for F8. I bundled and leveraged my business and now have great access.


I suggest if you’re going to be in this for the long run develop relationships not transactions.


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This.

Marcel Massini

 

The first car I'd say would be problematic, but the second car with a tach replacement would've been fine imo.

Brand new 812 GTS had flaking paint on diffuser & front bumper seams, scratches in center console and scratches + chip in air vent. Huracan EVO arrived with paint damage, got a replacement and the seats are squeaky (waiting for replacement) and the rear firewall was somehow punctured by sport seats (replaced). TRX rear door wouldn't close properly + scratches on grab handle. Aston DBS (09') issue with driver window not going up all the way, now dealing with rattles. F430: F1 issue, sticky brakes, and then a bunch of parts needed replacement over the years (engine mounts, couple struts, ball joints, bushings, F1 solonoids, pads). The point is that if looking for perfection in an exotic, new or used it's going to be difficult to find.

Have an Emira on order, watch that be the flawless one