Ferrari new prospective buyer needs help

If you want to buy anything with a Ferrari badge for 100 miles per month just so you can say you own one buy a scale model - which model is it that really attracts you ? Last year it was the California - once you've decided that buy the newest you can afford probably from a main dealer for best support but after a PPI and keep it on a tender at all times since you won't be driving it enough to keep the battery charged

 

If you don't drive her, you will have issues. 100 miles per month is nothing. Buy a Porsche you will be happier though you wont have the same street creed that you want.

 

Street cred; very well stated.

 

And you have no concerns that a Ferrari dealer may rip you off?

 

The 458 is a favorite among ferrari owners, it's among the last of the raw, mid engine, naturally aspirated, Pininfarina designed masterpiece, and if you have the means to purchase rather than lease another model, I'd say it's a no brainer. You are going to have expensive repairs with any Ferrari, but less than throwing money away on a lease. Those cars have been out for over a decade so their issues (transmission/electronic, etc.) are well known and well documented, tons of info in the 458/488 section.

Don't let anyone give you crap about how much you are going to drive it, I have to drive 2500-3000 miles a month for work out of a home office, so my sports cars are strictly point A-A weekend cars that are lucky to see 3 digits a month.

 

Always buy CPO from dealer if you can. The mid engines are so very different than the front engines. You need to go drive some to decide what you like.

 

Since you will be driving for pleasure .. i would go for the 458 - the other two are great cars but more of GT cruisers
I personal stay away from used cars from dealers and try to buy from this forum ( long standing members) if possible or owners I know - I always buy the "owner" not the car

 

458 is boring to drive IMO, and not the best pick anyway as the newest one is almost 10 years old. A Roma is the best option, buy from the dealer and get service there.

 

Did you drive 458 like a grandma?

 

Grandma would never red line it at 9000!

IMO, its difficult to go wrong with a 458. I think a lot of future buyers will say the same. Biggest downfall is the weak AC and the electronic interface. But the rest of the car is first rate.

 

Fair warning, noob - even the Ferrari with "the least maintenance issues" is going to be more than you expect...

I understand if you don't want to do the wrenching personally - but there's also guaranteed "best" maintenance option either - there's good and bad independents and dealers. Ask around here!

Kevin

 

for less than $300k you can get a nice 2023 under 1000 miles Roma with 7 years maintenance and factory warranty still fully intact. There are plenty of them available in different colors combinations. Some are with delivery miles and never even left the dealers lot due to the consigned owners building up their portfolio.

 

Nope, the low torque killed the experience, plus it was too isolated feeling....not visceral enough. Drove it in between two different Huracans and those were MUCH more exciting to drive. Will try one of the turbocharged models in the future, hopefully knock over a few liquor stores so I can try an F8.

 

I think there are a lot of good choices mentioned here.

‘First, I would have to say that if your aim is only 100 miles a month, why not hop on turo or some other app and rent a car once or twice a month. Go out have fun on the town or take a nice drive. No need to take up garage space, pay for insurance and no monthly payments. Also, you can rent whatever you want. Try them all out and see what you like the best.

if you are determined to own, I would still recommend the above to figure out what you want. Or, you can do what I did which was figure out what the best car is to my eye, and get that. I like to listen to pointers here because it helps me solidify my own decisions.

A note on ownership. Cars now come this 7 years free maintenance. So if you buy a newer one, that’s free. Some cars will have factory warranty left or even extended warranty. These are great ones to get. If the car you like is out of warranty and that’s important to you, pay ferrari to certify it. There are some great dealerships that are not associated with Ferrari however, I tend to go with the authorized dealer.

On repairs, they are expensive and do happen. it’s just part of the deal. Like most here, I just accept it as part of the deal


Ultimately, ownership has been an incredible experience for me and many of my friends. Every time I get into my F8, I have an experience. The looks and attention are also so positive. I make a lot of friends and just get to talk about cars which is what I like doing. I think the most fun is gatherings and talking about cars and driving them.

 

Buy from the dealer as you are so close.

 

I loved the 458 especially when the revs were up in The stratosphere. The infotainment experience sucked but that’s not the reason for owning a car like that. The 488 lost some of the excitement of the engine despite being faster and the Pista and F8 are out of the price range and although faster still- much too quiet for my tastes. The Portofino and its ilk are much more GT and were developed to compete with the upper end SLs but more sporting in nature.
After all that I’d go certified through a dealer- a bit more expensive but more peace of mind or through reputable nonFerrari dealers or as someone else here said well known Ferrari owners on this site.


Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

A 458 would be a fine way to start your Ferrari journey.

 

Good point

 

I own one- They are amazing- and special

 

100 miles a month.... no big deal. I had a gated 360 modena for 7 years and rarely drove it more than 100 miles every month. Never had one problem with it.
Maintenance is another thing. Costly and necessary. Annual oil changes, brake flush, filters etc. I haven't driven a 458, so cannot comment on them. The gated 360 was an absolute blast to drive.

 

True. I've had both, and the 911 is happy with low or high levels of use.

But for 100 miles a month, the OP could probably go with a classic Ferrari or Porsche. They're less complex, don't depreciate, and you'll have something relatively rare. Excellent street cred. In that range you could get a 512 TR, 328, early 911S...

 

You'd be best buying a new Roma with the 7 year maintenance plan. No worries.