Buy from a dealer or private party?

Other (big) advantages of a dealer are a) trade-in of a car to move into another b) financing

 

Some (but not all) outside financing sources also won't allow purchase from a private party.

Private party definitely the way to go in terms of getting the lowest price.

 

Honestly I bet if you walked in today and ordered a new CA, you would be in a better list than buying a used 458 from a dealer.

No matter what you do, it's an 18 month to 2 year wait depending on the dealer's allocation. A lot depends on how much he wants your trade and how cheap he can get it from you. If your 458 has been crashed, he may not be too excited or even interested as they may ship it off to someone else to sell it. They can only sell certified cars.

Here's the thing most don't understand when it comes to "the list'

It's about money. They sell you a car at MSRP but want make it back in what you traded them.

If you buy a car from them, you overpayed. When you trade it in, you get undervalue. If you just trade, they give you less in trade.

A lot depends on what you trade and how much they want it. Want to get on the real fast track? Buy a used F12 over MSRP.

It's about money.

 

It doesn't. There's already 50 guys on the list ahead of you for the replacement. You might be number 48.

Buy the car you really want. You're over thinking it. You'll pay one way or the other.

The trick is to have a car in trade they want. If they have 20 458's on the lot at the time, they aren't going to be too excited to get 21. They'll low ball your trade and it wil all work out one way or the other

It's about money.

 

That would be my suggestion.

That being said, buying from a dealer has fewer risks.


IMO buy a 2012 or newer 458. If you want to trade, least oldest model year will be more interesting to them. Also, it should be only dealer serviced or they may not be able to certify it.

You're buying a car with the intention of trading the car 2 or 3 years down the line. If you just wanted a car, save some money. If you plan on not keeping it, find one that the dealer can make some money on -- right colors, service, history, mileage, and condition.

Then expect to get creamed in the trade because there will be a complete glut of 458's at that time.

If money is no object and you really want the replacement fast, go to the dealer and pay over MSRP for a used F12 with the intention of buying a replacement 458. You'll pay through the nose but it will be the fastest way to get one IMO, short of being with the dealer for multiple purchases.

 

Your idea earlier was the smartest--wait until May...don't stress about this now.

 

Ask the question of a reputable dealer, i.e. sales people recommended by those on this forum and presumably get all questions answered.

My first Ferrari was bought through a "broker" who bought it off someone on the "list" who wanted to turn the car. My second one was bought at a related dealer and after that, they call me. Some will tell you they "know" how it works, and they may be right given their "limited" experience (given we have to buy from local dealers). My experience is "who" I know. They know if I say I want a car it is a done deal.

As to private vs dealer, I sell on consignment and don't mind sharing a percentage with dealer. I have only bought new so never considered a private party. However, I would trust the majority of forum participants and have their "dealer records" to prove true or false. Some here may drive a car as though they were going to throw it away in a week while others may baby it so much, it is weighed down by all the wax on it (lol). Best

 

Get that triple paint yellow one you've got your eye on! It's got an awesome spec - and it would be good to see that thread closed in the for sale section!

Buying the next released model and getting on the list is likely a long way off anyways... by then, the quickest way to the top is to pay over sticker, so it's pay now or pay later with regards to dealers... The only exception is that sometimes they will offer you an FF and an up front place in line for the next big release.... So in that case, the depreciation you take on the FF is the premium you pay to get in line at MSRP on the upcoming car.. - and, it's not like the FF isn't fun to drive...

Rob

 

If you want a deal on a car, best thing to do is have a cashiers check made out to the party for what you are willing to pay. Its the closest thing to cash and it lets the party know you are serious. You would not believe how many people try to make a deal only to be unable to close because of financing problems, the " I just need to check with the wife" or they are playing dealers against each other.

I've bought lots of brand new cars (including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche like this at 7-15% discounts from MRSP. The Mayor is right -- its all about money and the average dealer for a 200-300K car makes around 12-16%. If they know you will close the deal right then and there and the car has been on the lot for a over 30 days you can really do well and limit your losses on the trade in down the road. In my experience Ferrari tends to see the lowest deals off MRSP and IMO Lamborghini is the easiest,with Porsche in the middle (high end TTS line) I actually got 15% off a new MY car in February once by shopping in a cold climate dealer.

 

After I bought my 430, the dealer I purchased it from put me on the list for the replacement no problem at all. I bought my car through a dealer and I probably will only buy from dealers because I like the thought that they will stand behind their product and will sell good cars. Now I know that there are a lot of stories of people buying a poor car from a dealer but I hope they would helpful in making it right.

 

The only advantage to buying from my dealer.. they offer free pick up / drop off of your car for any service. So once a year or whenever I want something done to my car, they show up with a closed trailer and pick up my car and then bring it right back to my driveway when it's ready. They only do that for cars purchased at their store.

Other than that.. any low mileage 458 that you have a PPI is going to be fine. As far as the "list" it's all BS and every dealer network does it different. There is no science to it.. It's about the money as TheMayor said.

 

LOL - the deals will only get better as May approaches, not now...a 'smoking deal' today will be a joke come May...but hey your money so go for the deal today

 

Great 'dude' go for it.

As long as you're happy that's what matters.

But you sure seems to be wrapped on price, etc...so just stating the obvious.

Sounds like you have it handled (well by the multiple threads you have started in the past day or two).

Good luck.

 

Buying one used car from a dealer won't get you on the "list". The guys on the list have bought many Ferraris for many years. I have purchase 4 plus other cars and I am way down on the list.

 

I agree with CarCommander as I know MANY owners would. Of course this depends a bit on dealer location. However generally in big markets like So Cal, Arizona, Dallas, and Florida this is true. I haven't worked with all these markets but I did live near NB in So Cal and I think it was a 5 used car minimum before you could order a car. You have to remember that if you have a dealer within 100 miles of your home you are obligated to use them (Ferrari NA prohibits dealers from selling to "outside buyers" Considering every dealer has limited allocations they are very choosy who they give the new car allocations to (Also remember they can't sell for more than MRSP on new cars regardless of demand)

I know there are folks out here in F Chat ( and certainly outside of the US) who talk about walking in off the street and getting an allocation for a Italia or even a Spider but that is generally not the norm. I bet it is very rare for that to occur with the Speciale and the replacement will have just as much demand for the first 12-24 months. Therefore, If you really want the replacement you will be looking at paying way over sticker for a lightly used car or waiting until 2017.

Therefore I would just buy an Italia now if you really want one. I think most of the depreciation has occurred until the new models are readily available. Remember that the new model will be (a) very hard to get and (b) very expensive due to price increases from Ferrari at base and markups on used cars; both which will stabilize the 458 prices. We saw the same thing in 2010 on the 430 when the Italia came out. Winter tends to be the best time to buy (maybe not at as much in sunny climates) but people tend to have a lot going on so car sales dip. You can get a good deal and find out if a Ferrari is right for you as some people find that the cost of ownership, the worries over miles or depreciation are simply too much for them to enjoy the cars.