Greetings from Seattle | FerrariChat
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Greetings from Seattle

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by TacElf, Aug 15, 2010.

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  1. TacElf

    TacElf Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 15, 2010
    1,713
    Seattle area
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #1 TacElf, Aug 15, 2010
    My name is Jeff, I'm 44 and have just been given the green light from my wife to start looking for my first Ferrari. I expect this to be a multi-year hunt as I gradually build up my knowledge of the trials and tribulations of ownership and educate myself about the models, mechanicals, service, insurance, quirks, etc. I've dreamed of this since I was a kid back in the 70's, and now it is within my reach. The only thing I have to sacrifice is my motorcycle (BMW 1150RT) but then I've had enough close calls with moron drivers to say my two-wheeling days are pretty much numbered.

    Most likely, a 308 QV or 328 GTS/GTB will be a good place to start -- these two models seem reasonably placed budget-wise and seem to have a good reputation for general reliability (as long as maintenance cycle is followed, and it *will* be followed). I have seen a few samples of these models around the Pudget Sound area, and what I've seen has captured me. I *do* plan on driving it at least daily to/from work except if the temperature gets below say 38. Yes, I intend to drive it in the rain if necessary (I know, *GASP* from some of you).

    Anyways, always on the lookout for any advice, local contacts (specifically mechanics), and all the other things that would make this a pleasure.

    Jeff
     
  2. mseals

    mseals Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 9, 2007
    24,468
    Kuwait
    Full Name:
    Mike Seals
    #2 mseals, Aug 16, 2010
    Jeff,

    Lots of information here... spend some time reading through the different sections...

    Then... DO IT!

    You'll never regret it.... trust me.

    Mike
     
  3. 430rcks

    430rcks F1 Rookie

    Dec 26, 2009
    2,737
    West Palm Beach
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #3 430rcks, Aug 16, 2010
    Agreed, you will NOT regret it.

    Good luck on the search for your perfect Fezza!

    Even better that she'll get driven! DAILY!


    Welcome to FerrariChat :)
     
  4. TacElf

    TacElf Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 15, 2010
    1,713
    Seattle area
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #4 TacElf, Aug 16, 2010
    Thanks.

    If any of you are in the Seattle area and have some good contacts for things like mechanicals, service, PPI, etc. I'm starting to build out my knowledge network and would appreciate these greatly.

    I do have one other question: I totally understand the importance of a PPI on, well, any used vehicle. Assuming I'm not able to find what I'm looking for locally (which is a fair assumption), how does one go about setting up such an inspection when the car is across the country for example? Every "normal" car I've ever purchased has been "local" so it was easy to get a trusted mechanic to go over it and give me a report. Not only is it unlikely the car I'll eventually purchase to be local, but not just any mechanic can do a PPI on a Ferrari -- or am I mistaken?

    Just curious, and thanks for any tidbits along the way!

    Jeff
     
  5. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,160
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #5 Jedi, Aug 16, 2010
    Welcome to F-Chat! I'm just down the road in Tacoma - if you want to come down
    some sunny weekend morning we can take my 328 GTS out for a spin and talk cars.

    PM me if you're interested.

    Jedi
     
  6. etip

    etip Formula 3

    Apr 4, 2004
    2,406
    Washington State
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #6 etip, Aug 16, 2010
    Hey. Good luck in getting a car. DON'T take years to get it; find a nice one and just do it.

    As for mechanics, Carlo at Alfa of Tacoma is very good and highly regarded. Very honest and skilled. FoS is pretty expensive and they don't work on the older 3x8 series as much. It's an old car and if you can work on other types of cars, you can work on one of these.

    Seattle has a very strong club population and a lot of Ferrari's in town. Go to the Exotics at Redmond and you'll find a bunch and some good info. Have fun.
     
  7. 430rcks

    430rcks F1 Rookie

    Dec 26, 2009
    2,737
    West Palm Beach
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #7 430rcks, Aug 16, 2010
    If the car is across the country somewhere, I'm 99% sure someone on here will know it. I'm sure someone could tell you the history behind it.

    Or, you can always have it checked out by a certified mechanic. I'm sure where ever you get the car from, will transport it there somehow.
     
  8. carguy98

    carguy98 Formula 3

    Apr 27, 2009
    1,482
    Cleveland, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Grant
    #8 carguy98, Aug 17, 2010
    Welcome to FerrariChat! :)

    --Grant
     
  9. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,160
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #9 Jedi, Aug 19, 2010
    Jeff - so are we on for next Friday? I lost the email you sent somehow...

    Sounds like fun!!

    Jedi
     
  10. TacElf

    TacElf Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 15, 2010
    1,713
    Seattle area
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #10 TacElf, Aug 20, 2010
    Yes, we're on for next Friday, August 27th @ noon -- unless with all your travels that week you need a rest. I'll be at what looks like your work location then -- look for either a silver BMW 1150RT or a "glacier" (some call it white) Lexus IS 250 AWD).

    I'll also be attending (weather permitting) E@RTC around 8:30am Sat, 8/21 as I live so close. Gotta see the nice cars.

    Jeff
     
  11. Angel

    Angel Rookie

    Aug 25, 2010
    2
    On the Beach
    Full Name:
    Angel
    #11 Angel, Aug 26, 2010
    Sell the bike, you've enjoyed it for many miles. Find the Ferrari and don't hesitate just buy it. If your 44 then your still relishing in the Magnum PI days, with those 308 and 328's. Why don't you dive into a F430 and if money is an issue then get the F360 and get the feel of the Italian horsepower and handling.
     
  12. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,160
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #12 Jedi, Aug 26, 2010
    I work from home so you'll be in a residential neighborhood. When you come, you'll
    see our driveway is quite long - park out near the entry on the side. That'll
    make it much easier to get the Ferrari backed out - it's pretty tight down by the house.

    See you tomorrow!

    Jedi

    ps - I did get your phone number - one of the mods deleted it from this thread as it's
    really not a good idea to put phones or addresses in public posts :)
     
  13. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,160
    Seattle Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #13 Jedi, Aug 26, 2010
    With all due respect, the 3x8 cars were and are great cars irrespective of any
    involvement with a TV show. They are affordable classic hand-built Ferraris and
    a blast to own and drive in every way. Magnum never used a 328 on the show.

    Jedi
     

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