first Ferarri ... A 575M, a 612, or a 360 modena

I actually read it as he wrote it, his "daily car" is the bimmer.

He also said the Ferrari would be his "weekend car".

Thus not a DD nor a replacement for the bimmer and he's keeping the bimmer (or some other daily car).

 

If you still need to decide what model you want you might be better off starting with a dealer with a view to trying a few - however note that it is unlikely that a franchise will have all of them available second-hand on the floor due to their age

 

Call Adam Jaklitsch for an appointment (I presume he is still there, the way these car people move around who knows). I'm not sure what you may be able to drive though.

 

I suggest you begin with a later model 550 Maranello.

Initial price point: you can find them for less than 90k

Attention: any color other than red or yellow and you won't attract too much attention.

Handling: very good handling. IMHO the V8s handle better around the twisties and the V12s handle better on the highway.

Transmission: A truly sweet stick shift.

Bottom line: I think this is the safest bet to try out Ferrari-land. Just understand that Ferrari-land is unlike the other lands in the amusement park. Definitely be mentally prepared to hear you will need to put a few dollars into the car.

 

I do!

 

I second these two perspectives...

and

For a first Ferrari, I would definitely go after a 360 or a 550/575... it really depends on your final criteria. Like the OP, I too have a fast bimmer (2013 550i sport) and I also think the 612 would be too similar, or dare I say it. Not "Ferrari" enough. (No offense to the 612, I think it is beautiful and it sounds great but probably not my "second" or even "third" Ferrari.) Which gets back to your criteria and ultimately what boxes you want to check.

The 360 is (for me) a perfect first Ferrari. Not insanely expensive to acquire or maintain, but it certainly gets more than it's fair share of attention... even in a more conservative color than RED or YELLOW (mine is grigio alloy). Given that you don't particularly want any additional attention, if you do choose to get a 360 I'd look for silver, blue, black or something else a little more low key. That said, I can and do drive mine to work and to run errands when I feel like it and it is really no big deal. (Although, parking is a different story altogether... that can make me nervous!) As Mozella said above, you can putt around without drawing TOO much attention to yourself. And mine is louder than most with straight pipes and tubi. I've been extremely happy with my decision to get a 360 as well. It is a great value and delivers 100% of the Ferrari experience I was looking for.

The 550/575 is also a great choice. I would love to have one of those in addition to a mid-engined V8 Ferrari. Without a doubt it will be more low key, and may get mistaken for a Corvette more than once. Of course, to those who care it is a stunning design that is both beautifully aggressive and understated at the same time. I LOVE that hood scoop on the huge bonnet... it is such a cool looking car! The more one looks at it the more beautiful it becomes. It is also an incredible value right now... and with that great front engine V12 drivetrain it has a very practical and classic layout.

How do you envision using it? Mine gets about 3-5K / year and I do what most owners do (I think). I take it to cars & coffee every once in a while but mostly I just either cruise around with nowhere particular to go... or I take it to work or Home Depot because I think it needs a little exercise. For this kind of work, the 360 is perfect. I don't take road trips in the car and I have a few other cars so it doesn't have to be too "practical". The 550/575 would be much more low key and better for LONG days in the car or cross country GT'ing. It will also get you a very different Ferrari experience. Some of the folks on this board are of the opinion that a front-engine V12 experience is the ONLY one that counts or matters. Just one of the many colorful debates here on FChat.

This is truly a matter of Horses for Courses. Nice problem to have! My only strong recommendation is to search for a 3 pedal 6-speed. That gated shifter is now gone forever and for me... there was absolutely NO way I was going to own my first Ferrari without that. There's a reason why they are so popular with the enthusiasts and the earliest F1 boxes were not as good as they are today.

Best of luck!

 

Lots of great advice posted here.

Since you've got the high-powered Bimmer, the 612 would likely be the easiest transition to Ferrari for you. They are beautifully understated, but can turn into a raging monster at the push of a button. Highly versatile and reliable. If you get one, go for the HGTS or HGTC models. 612s are priced right and are actually quite rare compared to the other cars you are considering.

Like the 612, the 360 has the rubber belts and higher maintenance. The 360 is a beautiful sports car that will get you plenty of attention. There are also plenty of them with the famous gated manual. Alternatively, you could go for a high-mileage 430. 430s have much better performance and should be lower maintenance (chain belts), but very few have the gated manual.

If it were my choice, I'd opt for a late model 550 with gated transmission. A true front-engined V12 that is currently at the bottom of its depreciation curve. I like them in black or red. Yeah, they sometimes are compared to an '80s camaro from the front, but they really are awesome looking in person.

Good luck.

 

I would have thought they'd be a rocket ship.

 

These are completely different cars.
Go drive them.
Me; I'm a mid-engined geek and the rawer the better. The one thats in the plans next is a 360CS.

For front engined V-12 I'd rather have a Vanquish.

 

I'd take 575 over other 2 in a heartbeat

360 too fat & common

612 too wierd & fugly

 

For less than $100k, you will not get the best 612 which are the last ones or at least a 2006 with HGTC package.

I love how the Maranello looks but was never thrilled by how they drive. A bit too soft and too quiet.

A 360, manual would be a great addition to your M5. Add a Tubi, a remap and it's a blast.

 

my next car is a V12, but right now I LOVE my 360 its going to be a long time before I get my V12...

 

Many great points about both cars. I agree with all of it. I always knew my first would be a V8, but I want a V12 too!

My choice would be the 360 without question.

But I'll give the same advice I gave another new buyer today. Don't worry about depreciation, attention, etc. Just DRIVE all of them, preferably on the same day. Pick whichever puts the biggest smile on your face!

 

OP hasn't been back since post 27 in March......

 

Unless, of course, you end up with a Boxer or TR: Flat 12.

Regardless, 360 is a terrific car and I have no doubt your next F-Car will be something special.

 

I just noticed that, Jimmie. Pretty funny. He's probably out driving and enjoying his car while we debate what he should get.