Milage on 550's

I haven't updated my Maranello tracking spreadsheet since September. However, at that time, it showed that there were 41 1999 Maranellos for sale with an average mileage of 11,500. The average asking price was $140,000. My guess is that the average gettin' price was about $126,000.

However, as Mahatma Gerald Roush always sez, "Condition, condition, condition." It ain't the miles that count. It is what kind of condition your condition is in (sic).

Dale

 

If the 30k service has been done and everything else checks out, I'd say do it!

Good luck, Dale

 

IMO if you are more concerned about owning and driving the car a well maintained car with mileage on it should not be a concern. If you are concerned about resale, mileage is a killer. Many people don't seem to want to buy a properly pre-driven Ferrari. With any other marque 40K miles on a 5 year old car is considered extremely low mileage.

 

I do not think the bottom will will be in the 90's. You may see them lower.
I would not consider any low mileage 550 a garage queen. I think realistically most people drive their cars 3 to 4k miles a year, on the weekends. Most are not daily drivers. Miles also depnd on where the car is living also.
I bought a 2000 550 with 9K miles on it. I did a 30K belt change anyway when I bought it. I do not plan on selling it though, only parking another next to it eventually.
If you are going to drive the snot out if it and trade it in a few years, then buy a high mileage car and do a 30K with belts. That way you correct any problems and you will pay a lot less for the car due to the miles on it.

 

Remember most California cars have freeway mileage. This type of mileage is not bad for any car. It gives it some excise. The suspension and the brakes are not used much and the engine’s load is light, and it is at speed.

 

A data point, for whatever it's worth:

I paid 150K for an '01 with 3200 miles on it in May of this year. Cosmetically (and functionally) the car was immaculate, except for the passenger's side visor which was sagging, and has since been replaced. Since purchase it developed a coolant leak (repaired) and I've done an oil change. I'll do the belt service this winter.

 

I have been driving my 550 in the bay area daily for about 1400 miles/month. The 550 is a perfect car for daily use on 280/101, etc.

With 40k on the clock, just make sure you get a good PPI. When did they do the major? Is the car coming from FoSF? Have Guiseppe do the PPI then, otherwise, there are a few others in the area who are well qualified.

I doubt 550s will be touching 80-90k in the near future, esp 99s. 97s are just breaking into the high 90s if you find a deal.

If you need any help / direction, let me know. Always happy to help another local owner or owner to be. Besides, we need more 550 guys out and about!

--Dan

 

i think as well you shouldn't really bother, as the car seems bullet-proof when compared to older ferraris.
It's more a matter of care (as for any car actually), though i felt more confident buying a newer car with lower miles.
Anyway, if you buy it from a Ferrari dealer ask them to offer you a year of Power Warranty. If they do it, it means they know what they are selling, and the car is in sound condition (Ferrari has to accept the warranty).
Otherwise, it might be better to look further around, 550 aren't that rare afterall.

 

Finding a well-maintained 550 is actually a lot harder than it seems.

Bayarea: PM me and I'll give you my number. I'd be more than happy to help you through things.

--Dan

 

Don't know how it is in the US, but very true around here. Second hand V12s are really not well taken care off, sloppy maintenance and obvious lack of care (leather, rims, door edges). Seems that V8 owners take much better care of their cars than V12 buyers. Perhaps depreciation translates into a particular darwinian selection: survival of the careless.

 

LOL. I'm sure there's more to it than that, but very succinctly put!

--Dan