Colour and supplier conundrum | FerrariChat

Colour and supplier conundrum

Discussion in 'FF/Lusso' started by Lukeylikey, Nov 10, 2015.

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  1. Lukeylikey

    Lukeylikey F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 3, 2012
    3,669
    UK
    So here's the story. I bought a Rosso Maranello Speciale this year, my first new Ferrari though I have had four others used, one of those also supplied by my local Ferrari dealer.

    Having thoroughly enjoyed the experience, where the dealer worked particularly hard and did a great job, (actually my best ever retail experience) I have discussed a plan with my dealer, who is excellent, to purchase a number of new cars from him over the next few years, in order to be supplied some of the rarer vehicles coming in the future (I am particularly taken with the F12 TDF which for those with access to one looks simply awesome, therefore I suspect the next gen TDF will be one I would like to be supplied with).

    Any new cars I buy en route will be supplied back through my dealer and I will play the game straight. (Planned additional new cars will be 488 spider, new generation FF, maybe one other, leading into 488 Aperta or equivalent and F12 TDF new generation or equivalent).

    The conundrum: I have a 12C (which I have loved by the way) and will sell as part of the 'plan' in favour of a used FF. So, my dealer has a Rosso Maranello (a colour actually launched with the FF) car, 2012 with 20k miles on, importantly it includes driver LEDs. It has the cuoio semi aniline interior and I have not seen it yet. However, his offer on my 12C was a fair way less than my McLaren dealer, who coincidentally also had a used FF in stock.

    This car is a TDF/beige with diamond stitch but no driver LEDs, one year newer and only 7k miles. I have seen this car and it looks very good. It is, of course more expensive but with the extra for the 12C plus I think he is about to come down some more on the FF means that price to change might only be about around £5k/$8k different. By my reckoning that makes the deal about £10k/$15k better, with the Ferrari dealer having already moved £5k and seemingly unable to get closer.

    My Ferrari dealer, (I know the salesman well and like him) and who would obviously like my business has, in his words 'cheekily suggested' that if I didn't go for the TDF car and chose their car, even though he cannot get to the same valuation on my 12C it would be much appreciated and in the (long) long run I wouldn't be left out of pocket. We clearly both know that there is a limit to this and I believe they see the point that the issue is the McLaren valuation, where they are competing with my McLaren dealer, so no hard feelings. Maybe?

    Anyhow, my reasoning for a used FF is that I will keep it until ordering a new one, which I already know will be some cost to me so I want to 'check out' the FF experience first, without losing too much money, therefore relative depreciation of the two cars over the next 18 months is a factor. I have a regular use for the full size four seats and feel that the more sombre TDF may well suit my use better, on the other hand I think RM is a particularly beautiful colour (though I do already have my Speciale in that colour). Finally, the RM car has the driver LEDs which would be a major deal for me in a mid engined car but I'm not sure about how I would feel about lacking it in an FF? I also have a feeling that to buy a car on a 'weaker' deal might be an opportunity to show some good faith (and vice versa). I know that dealers in the U.S. can be a bit more difficult but mostly in the UK they are ok and my one has been very very good so showing 'good faith' has some value in this case I believe.

    Any thoughts from those who have built up a long standing relationship with their dealer and have access to cars like the F12 TDF or those who own an FF?
     
  2. Gated

    Gated Formula 3

    Dec 21, 2009
    1,117
    Him paying you less for the cars you trade in is part of the "plan".
     
  3. JasonSpidey

    JasonSpidey Karting

    Nov 8, 2010
    165
    If your ultimate goal is to work your way into Ferrari's good graces so you can buy future LE models, suck it up and trade in the 12C with your dealer for the FF. You'll likely lose money on a few individual trade-ins along the way, but just consider that the cover charge to be able to buy the limited-edition 850hp 2022 F19 MammaMia!.
     
  4. Solid State

    Solid State F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 4, 2014
    10,607
    Full Name:
    Maximus Decimus Meridius
    You may want to be much more social with other clients of the same dealership to understand how many are likely in the line ahead of you for LEs. As you know, this varies by dealership and could be quite competitive which will drive the number of flips to get there and ultimately how long (and how much) it will take. If there is an LE where they only get a few then you may be in competition with folks that buy several from him each and every year. Its to the salesman's advantage to keep the number on the list secret (if he really even knows) and let you believe your just about there each year. I would not sweat the lower trade-in amount as suggested. Good luck and enjoy the ride.
     
  5. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

    May 3, 2014
    2,085
    UK
    #5 Camlet1, Nov 11, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2015
    Sounds like you desire the RM FF far more than the TDF FF so buy it, and don't worry about other factors. Enjoy! From personal experience I place little value in so called dealer goodwill. The schmooze is nice but doesn't secure LE cars.

    I have been with the same dealer for years, bought several F cars from them and always use them for service. When the 458 SA came out I asked the DP about obtaining one. I received lots of soothing emails about how valued I am, how they would speak to FNE on my behalf but how the dealership would be " only getting four". The result? I didn't get one.

    Then I bought a classic F car not from my usual dealer and this took me to 5. Guess what hapened? My usual dealer - once he knew I bought my classic - quickly asked for its VIN "to put into the system" and within two months called me to offer a "cancelled" 458 SA, which I could spec. This arrived a few weeks ago. And now I've a confirmed order for the TDF.

    Is 5 the magic number? Probably. Was a classic purchase helpful? Possibly. Did goodwill have much to do with securing the LEs? Sadly, I doubt it.
     
  6. rumble

    rumble Rookie

    Mar 14, 2015
    46
    UK
    #6 rumble, Nov 11, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2015
    I don't have any kind of history with my dealer so can't help on that front but wondered if you have factored warranty into your calculation? I would expect the F dealer to give you a two year warranty which would go someway to offset the difference in price.

    That all said and done I would follow your gut and buy the car you want. I would hate to open the garage in a few months and think if only I'd bought the other one...
     

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