Help me I must be sick

Once you get the urge to own a Ferrari, it doesn't go away. It's too late for you now. Start shopping and buy what you want.

 

My favorite part.

Dale

 

PS

I worried about "the distance thing" too. You, like me, will still buy one though.

I feel your pain. Now...'bout those 3x8's....

 

If you want torque I don't think you can beat the V12. IMO, the 308 /328 will not match your requirements for performance. Great looking cars though....

 

I used to be a Porsche guy.. 924 when I was 16, 928 at 22.. then a Boxster after residency. But it just didn't do it for me... then I bought my 360 late last year. No Porsche compares. The craving that I quite frankly didn't think I would ever have.. is in my garage. That feeling has no words.

My father had his BMW's and then his Jag... all used cars. He always wanted an E-type and an Aston. His mother in-law moved in and he came across a Volante on Ebay. I asked him the same question I ask now:

"What the hell are you waiting for?"

You'll procrastinate because of the other expenses, or because you can't afford it now.. but as soon as they graduate from college you'll get it.. then it's helping them with their apartment. And soon enough your back gives you problems or someone gets sick. And then you look back and you think that you should have got what you really wanted when you could enjoy it to the fullest.

360's and 550's have come down in price... sell the Porsche and get the dream car. I have met too many good people in my time that assume tomorrow will provide them time and health as it has in the past. If you can afford it... what are you waiting for?

 

The archives in the 550 sub forum are a gold mine of information regarding searching, inspecting, buying, obtaining pre-purchase inspections from unbiased third parties, shipping, maintenance, etc. Pay special attention to any and all posts from Tazandjan (Terry Phillips) as his Maranello knowledge (on both the 550 and 575M) is unmatched.

Are you a member of FerrariChat? Check.

Do you have the money for a 550? Check.

Now begins the fun part... Please keep us posted.

 

Just my simple opinion but follow your heart. It sound's like you should treat yourself and just like any other vehicle a Ferrari require's care and maintenance. The smile and enjoyment you will get from driving it will overcome your maintenance concern's, just my opinion of course but get while the getting is good.

Best,
Gregg

 

Thanks very much! Taken in Tuscany, very close to Cortona. That was my first holiday in my 550, and very warm memories too. I think the colour shows off very well in that shot.


Onno

 

I'm glad to hear it. Life really is too short... The first time I sat in a Ferrari.. or for that matter drove one was when I drove my 360 off the transport. That feeling was magical.

I hope you share pictures when yours arrives in the carrier truck with us!

 

You mention project. I find that any of the old 3X8 series at their age and if not restored can be a project/restoration with always something to improve. I have an 87 Mondial and always have something to tinker on but that may not be what you are looking for. I'll be the first to suggest you get the 550 a car that I find fantastically beautiful and a second car, a 3X8, 360 or 430. You may find that one Ferrari just isn't enough once you are in the drivers seat. Also on Service, check to see if the nearest dealer has a valet service. Pickup and delivery puts the dealer in your driveway.

Although I call my Mondial a project I just took it on a 3000K trip with no issues. They are nice cars, great fun to drive but due to age will not be blindingly fast.

 

Keep us informed of your search. The 550 is an amazing car. One of the FChat members was selling his recently. Came on the forum explaining what a great buy it was, with the options he had in it, the maintenance he had performed. And I let it go by.

Then another thread started explaining how the 550 is one of the best values right now as far as performance/$. And that seems right.

I think if I had the money some day I will own a 328 and/or a 550. But for sure I think you might be disappointed in the 328 performance.

Ignoring all that, it's an great looking car.

I hope you can keep us informed of HOW you do your search. What online resources you search for example.

 

Sounds like you've mad your mind up. Good for you. Don't forget to consider a 512 TR. Good values right now.

 

I just saw this 2010 GT3 with an aftermarket exhaust and it sounded so much like my F430, GT3 models do have an intoxicating sound. Maybe you should buy a Ferrari and see if it's what you thought it to be, if not you can always keep it because they are that great!

 

Way better choice over a 360. When I had the Testarossa drove a 360F1 and the car was agile, but besides that not as much of an event to drive, not even close. The 512tr is a legend, full of rawness and the sound it really is something else.

 

Good call.

 

GJ, if you dont mind me throwing my .02 in.

In your position I dont know if I wouldnt start out with the 308/328. These cars are fairly bulletproof, issues are known, resources are plenty, and they are at the bottom of the depreciation curve. You can do a LOT, if not ALL, of your own maintenance on them. You will NOT lose money on them. I think its a great entry level car. It will scratch that Magnum, P.I. itch that you mentioned. I personally think its the most beautiful Ferrari out there even through today. It wont have the torque of the V12, but it is definitely quick enough to get you into trouble and it has a fantastic sound. Additionally, every single one of the 308s is now more than 25 years old and can count as a vintage car.

I do LOVE the 550 and would gladly have one in my garage. Its definitely a beautiful car, but it is a completely different animal. Its hard for me to find negatives about it except that its still depreciating, maintenance costs are higher, and entry costs are 2-3x what you can get a 308 for.

Good Luck!!!



PDG