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A Logical Decision or Am I Absolutely Nuts?

Discussion in 'FF/Lusso' started by bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014.

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  1. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #1 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014
    I would really appreciate some counseling.

    I am the current owner of a 2013 Maserati Granturismo Convertible (second time around on this car - generally love it - really value the soft top). Have owned many cars over the years - F430 Spyder, a variety of Porsches including most recently a 2012 Panamera Turbo, BMW M5s, etc. General requirement (ex the 430) has been 4 seats given 2 young children that i always try to include in the fun.

    Here's my issue: i am being offered an incredible deal on a gorgeous black/black nicely equipped/low mileage 2013 FF for what equates to an increased monthly of $1K net, net, net (take me out of Maserati, new taxes/fees, incremental insurance costs). From a financial perspective, I don't think there is much of an argument that there is significantly more "value" in the FF lease (closed end - 36 month) given the nearly double MSRP. The +$1K is not an issue.

    The question is more about whether or not this is a value trap waiting to catch me - again. I am sick of making car mistakes. The Panamera seemed perfect and it was - so perfect that i often describe it as a very fast/functional car that lacked a soul. I have driven the FF twice - didn't love at first (too much traffic) but after a MUCH more spirited session yesterday with a very skilled Ferrari trained driver, I walked away a believer. So did the kids - all smiles and ready to punt the Maserati, grabbing the keys trying to hand back to the dealer. Amazing...I have grown to love the way the car looks - interior is downright stunning. The problem is that family is split arguing in 3 months I will miss the convertible and regret having made the swap. One key part of the decision was heard saying "it will be just like your Panama".

    Help...

    Thanks!
     
  2. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
    25,415
    Northern Virginia
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    Bob
    #2 Piper, Jan 12, 2014
    I'm in the same boat as you, love the 2+2's, have two small children, current Granturismo owner albeit hardtop. Where we differ, I don't yet love the FF and seriously doubt I ever will, but I "am" trying, staring at them, trying to reconcile. I also tend to rationalize my purchases the same way you are as well. In fact, you could be asking the same question now that I will be this year or next of my Maserati and 612 combined. It's unlikely, but I could see that discussion arising over turning in both for something. One thing I might add for the moment is perhaps you might look at an Aston Martin Rapide. It's just another very similar car. I find it much easier on the eyes than the FF, and although there aren't any used on the market yet, the new Rapide S is 540hp. As for the financial rationalization, I don't see any room for error with a closed ended lease. You're either happy with the value or you're not.
     
  3. gt4me

    gt4me F1 Veteran

    Sep 10, 2005
    5,671
    UK
    Full Name:
    Lewis Mitchell
    #3 gt4me, Jan 12, 2014
    Start this video at 28s in and tell me you don't want this V12 in your life
    [ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aBzDy42lsm0[/ame]
     
  4. Kravchak

    Kravchak Formula Junior

    Oct 17, 2005
    850
    Northeast
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    Ken
    #4 Kravchak, Jan 12, 2014
    I think the FF is the logical progression and from the people that I have seen with them they truly enjoy the car. And are quick to tell you how much they like their FF
     
  5. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Nov 2, 2003
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    mark k.
    #5 absent, Jan 12, 2014
    Test the Rapide S before you buy it.
    Most of these horses are in a pasture by the road,not working in that car......
     
  6. bldscud

    bldscud Karting

    Aug 19, 2011
    110
    Washington DC Area
    #6 bldscud, Jan 12, 2014
    I traded a 2012 Maserati Quatroporte for my 2013 FF. Not the same as going from a GT convertible, but somewhat similar. For me, there is no comparison - the FF is in a different league. Far more power, handling, and excitement. After 4,000 miles, I am still astounded at how Ferrari was able to make a car that is truly usable as a daily driver, yet has the animal spirit many of us look for in a car. And it really does carry four people in comfort.

    No way I could go back, and I can't imagine any other car coming close to meeting all my needs like the FF does.
     
  7. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
    Three Places
    #7 Noblesse Oblige, Jan 12, 2014
    Yes, test the Rapide also.

    But the FF is a completely different kind of car. Its mission is different. It will take you pretty much anywhere in any kind of weather in comfort, speed, and style. And it is a V12. Enough said.
     
  8. ITR TCHR

    ITR TCHR Karting

    Aug 1, 2012
    63
    Southern CA
    #8 ITR TCHR, Jan 12, 2014
    Personally, I'd rather pay $1,000 more to drive the FF. So if I was to gain $1,000 it would be a no brainer.

    Then again, I am not into the Maserati.

    Too much like the Panamera? That person must blast the music while driving because the exhaust note as shown above is nothing like a Panamera.
     
  9. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
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    #9 Piper, Jan 12, 2014

    Fair enough guys. I'm not in the market right now. I was offered a test drive one day and the battery was dead.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
     
  10. bobbyd

    bobbyd Formula Junior

    Nov 17, 2003
    722
    #10 bobbyd, Jan 12, 2014
    If you lease make sure it's a CLOSED end lease - not OPEN end lease - the former means you can walk away at the end and not be responsible for residual value, the latter not so. Best.
     
  11. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #11 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014
    I am a professional rationalizer...

    I disliked the looks for quite some time before starting to like - my advice is don't stare too long. On the Rapide, i drove the first version when it released a few years ago - wasn't impressed. The S may be a different story. That said, i'd rather hold onto the Maserati than make that swap - in my mind the Aston remains no Ferrari
     
  12. Noblesse Oblige

    Noblesse Oblige F1 Veteran

    Nov 7, 2011
    6,114
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    #12 Noblesse Oblige, Jan 12, 2014
    When you are thinking about making a jump like this, you always have doubts and wonder if you are crazy. It passes.
     
  13. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #13 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014
    That person is the wife! Hard to convince her otherwise - not a lot of appreciation for the FF --- yet...
     
  14. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #14 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014
    Lease is Ferrari Financial Services - 100% closed end - agreed upon residual value (in the mid $220's). That's the beauty of the deal. I have a hard time believing that the car will be worth $225 three years out given that 2013's are retailing in the high $275 - $285 range now. FFS is clearly supporting this one.
     
  15. Nospinzone

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

    Jul 1, 2013
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    #15 Nospinzone, Jan 12, 2014
    A Logical Decision or Am I Absolutely Nuts?

    That is a two part question.

    A Logical Decision?

    Absolutely, you will miss the convertible no doubt. However, that will be compensated by the broad grin on your and the kids faces.

    Am I Absolutely Nuts?

    This has nothing to do with the car decision, but yes you are! :D
     
  16. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #16 Piper, Jan 12, 2014
    I resemble that remark.
     
  17. Yoonyah

    Yoonyah Karting

    Sep 19, 2010
    135
    #17 Yoonyah, Jan 12, 2014
    The FF ist just in another league than the Rapide - S or not. Lookwise and soundwise. The rapide is a step up the Grantourismo and the FF is again such step up the Rapide. Can't compare an Aston V12 to a Ferrari V12. The Ferrari owns them.
     
  18. MarkNC

    MarkNC Formula Junior
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    May 22, 2012
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    Mark
    #18 MarkNC, Jan 12, 2014
    Buy the FF, you'll absolutely love it. I've had my for 18 months and almost 7,000 miles and I enjoy it more and more every time I drive it.
     
  19. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,619
    #19 Caeruleus11, Jan 12, 2014
    To me the question comes down to whether or not you can drive a Ferrari every day to every place you go. If the answer is yes then its FF time.
     
  20. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #20 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014

    Predominantly a weekend car - RR sport steps in when Mas (or FF) would not be appropriate


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  21. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,675
    virginia usa
    #21 LARRYH, Jan 12, 2014
    I think the real question is can you keep the car 36 months without getting sick of it sounds like you trade cars around a lot.... Leases work great only if you follow the terms of the lease. Personally If you do not LOVE the ff I would pass... I had a 2011 maserati granturismo s and loved it for about a year then decided the electronic were just antiquated and so I just traded it in on a 2014 panamera gts which I really like (it is my wifes car) now if I loved the FF i would have considered i but just not for me...
    Best of luck
     
  22. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
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    11,619
    #22 Caeruleus11, Jan 12, 2014
    Sounds like you should really consider the FF. As a weekend toy Id rather have a 458 but you need the backseats.
     
  23. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #23 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014

    In a world without the kids, 1000 percent the 458 spider is the solution. My 430 was rarely driven as there were few times when it was just two of us. So it was ultimately rather useless and was traded back.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  24. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #24 bob1blanch, Jan 12, 2014

    I think you have hit the heart of the matter - I typically love them all for inside a year or so :)

    The early terminations can be painful but are often livable


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  25. bob1blanch

    bob1blanch Rookie

    Apr 8, 2007
    15
    #25 bob1blanch, Jan 13, 2014
    Thank you all for your thoughts and advice. All things considered, I ultimately couldn't stop myself from pulling the trigger. FF being picked-up on Friday...very excited!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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