Buying dealer or individual?

Can you provide a few more details? IMO the answer is partially dependent on the car. 2006 430 Spider vs 88 Testarossa foe example.

 

I've been looking for a 360 for three months now and it's a rather interesting excercise in comparing options, pricing and closing the deal. For what it's worth, 95% of Ferraris are priced well above their "real" market value. Perhaps this is in preparation for stiff negotiations. I have made offers on several cars that this forum has helped be fair value. Some private parties believe their cars are worth as much as a dealer car. I won't argue this since it will only incite violence and arguing, but I will say that buying from a dealer offers some (maybe minimal) recourse if necessary. When buying form and individual, this option is limited. Individuals aren't worried some much about "bad press", whereas dealers are. So, my point is individual sales should be discounted to reflect this additional risk. But since there are so few fine Ferraris, you can find yourself waiting a while to close a deal.

I spent some time talking to three Ferrari dealers, Dallas, Shelton and whatever the one in Atlanta is called. While they are very reluctant to conduct pre-purchase inspections, they all do "thorough" inspections prior to buying a car and selling it. They also stand on their comments regarding their cars. Interesting. I believe you pay-up for the piece of mind. According to many on this forum there are many good deals to be found from individuals, but don't get emotional. Be fair, courteous, and know the pricing of the car. And, know the pricing of the car. Everyone on this site has been extremely helpful to me in avoiding some questionable cars.

My search continues....

 

not too many 360s for sale.

 

You are kidding, right?

My personal suggestion is that if it's your first one, and you want a 308 QV, I'd check reputable Ferrari-knowledgeable dealers like Forza Motors up in Connecticut, or Sport Auto in NC, where I bought my 328. And you've got Bill Pollard nearby, who knows those cars thoroughly.

I know you can end up with a great car through individual purchases, but you're really on your own the second the title is signed over - and you have a higher probability of buying a needy car.

If you have someone knowledgeable with you, or a good Ferrari tech to rely on for an inspection, then it tilts the odds more in your favor if you decide to buy from a private seller. This is all my opinion, and how I would spend my money - but you'll get other opinions here.

The official Ferrari dealers don't handle many (any?) 308's anymore, so you'll likely be wasting your time there. I tried that route.

Hmm, investment time?

 

360's are like Hondas they are everywhere...

 

Everywhere? If you have flexible requirements. Finding a six-speed, red/tan, low miles, 00-03 (no cab) for a fair price. There are a few pie in the sky cars that are silly pricing examples. Okay, here comes the "if you can't afford.." Buying a car for a fair price only reduces my loss upon liquidation. In fact, I'm now looking at 430's too. The depreciation will be less with them since the demand is so high and the supply so limited and there are low mileage fine cars available with the stated 6spd red/tan. The wife may throw may out, but I'd have a nice place to sleep.

 

If you want an extended warranty you buy from a dealer. BTW there are 95 360 coupes + spiders listed on FML.

 

I'd be more comfortable with a private party than a used car salesman.

G

 

www.sportauto.cc

 

Ugh...did anyone else catch that? 16 years old huh?

 

I will gladly sell you a 308 for just under USD 100 000 !

 

yes, at any given time there are 150+ on the market.

 

Then why is it so hard for people to pull the trigger?

 

....

 

.....this kid is just the thing to push me over the edge and go to the private section.

 

I've always wondered insurance would run on a 16 yo with any Ferrari? If you could find it offered.

I just wonder since insurance on a normal used Honda Civic for a teenager is quite pricey.

But to answer your question for less then 100K i would search out a private seller. And don't spend all your green on the car . Keep back funds for sorting it out. Most need it.