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New Guy - Moving to Italy - Want to Buy First Ferrari - Thoughts?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by bulletpruf, Dec 18, 2014.

Page 4 of 5
  1. 88Testarossa

    88Testarossa Formula 3

    Sep 25, 2012
    2,381
    Annapolis, USA
    Full Name:
    Al
    #76 88Testarossa, Mar 24, 2015
    Scott, don't do it. Wait until you come back to the states if you value your marriage. If you don't value your marriage, go for it. There are just too many red flags and risks, including the cost of replacement parts.

    Invest the money, then buy something nice when you return home. Some things in life are worth waiting for, trust me.
     

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  2. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #77 bulletpruf, Apr 6, 2015
    I'm quite familiar with impractical cars in big cities. I went to grad school in New Orleans in the late 90's. Was bartending in the French Quarter when I wasn't at school. Drove a 66 Corvette, hardtop, L72 (425 hp 427), no A/C, 4.11 gears, knockoffs, side exhaust, etc. Fun car, but certainly not practical. Fine by me.

    Scott
     
  3. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #78 bulletpruf, Apr 6, 2015
    I'm 6'4", 230 lbs, work out 5x a week, and can handle myself. It would take someone with a lot of guts and not much sense to try and shake me down with a scam like that.
     
  4. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #79 bulletpruf, Apr 6, 2015
    Thanks, Todd. That's very helpful. Pretty good chance that we'll end up with 3 cars.

    Scott
     
  5. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #80 bulletpruf, Apr 6, 2015
    I do value my marriage, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take the easy road here. Wife knows I have a car problem. I know my wife has a problem with too many cars. If I don't get too stupid, I'll be fine.

    Thanks

    Scott
     

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  6. 88Testarossa

    88Testarossa Formula 3

    Sep 25, 2012
    2,381
    Annapolis, USA
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    Al
    #81 88Testarossa, Apr 6, 2015
    LOL I suffer from a similar affliction. Good luck on your journey, it should be fun and interesting


    Sent via itty bitty electrons
     
  7. mwr4440

    mwr4440 Four Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 8, 2007
    42,665
    Bavaria, The 'Other' Germany
    Full Name:
    Mark W.R.
    #82 mwr4440, Apr 6, 2015
    Scott,

    DA Civilian Germany. USAR RET. Where you going and I might be able to hook you up with somebody from your new unit/office like I did for Todd.

    PM me if you want and I'll send my NIPR address.
     
  8. marco246

    marco246 Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2004
    288
    Hawaii
    Full Name:
    Mark
    #83 marco246, Apr 6, 2015
    Scott,

    It has been 30 years since I was stationed in Napoli, so things may have changed regarding firearms in Italy. When I was there it was illegal for anyone, including members of the U.S. armed forces, to possess privately a military-caliber weapon. For pistols, that meant any type of 9 mm as well as .45. This law was passed right after WW II to ensure that the Italian government could legally disarm the various partisan forces (especially communists) of their military weapons. Rifle calibers also banned were .30-06, .30 caliber carbine, .303, 7.92 mm and others. If you already have a sponsor in Naples, you ought to check with him/her.

    I was transferred from Belgium to Italy, so I had to sell my Walther 9 mm pistol as I could not take it to Italy. Once in Italy, then I could buy weapons at the Rod & Gun club in Bagnoli. I bought a Beretta 12 gauge shotgun for home defense and a Beretta .32 for concealed carry. Regarding the latter, I had a "Porto d'Armi" issued by the Carabinieri (national paramilitary police) who provide security for the NATO base. Don't assume you can get one easily (I needed the approval of a US Army three-star); and don't carry a firearm without one.

    About Lago Patria: I recall many instances of Americans having their houses burgled.

    About terrorism: The good news is the Camorra keeps a lid on it. It's bad for business.

    About driving in Naples: It's like driving in New Delhi without the cows and elephants.

    About Ferraris in Napoli: In three years I saw only one--a Dino 246 GTS owned by a USN officer. I had an RX-7, three Alfas, and a Fiat.

    Cheers,
    Mark
     
  9. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

    Nov 25, 2010
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    #84 Todd308TR, Apr 6, 2015
    Mark the orders say we can't bring a firearm with us to Italy. I haven't asked about buying one while there. I plan on trying to buy an over-under 12 gauge while there.
     

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  10. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #85 bulletpruf, Apr 7, 2015
    Mark -

    I'm already hooked up with someone from my new office. A few of them, actually. Just need to find someone local who is familiar with the vintage/sports car market.

    Thanks,

    Scott
     
  11. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #86 bulletpruf, Apr 7, 2015
    Mark -

    Yes, I've done some research and I'm tracking the burglaries in Lago Patria. That still happens. If I live in a gated parco I should be fine.

    I've seen some youtube videos on driving in Naples. Pure anarchy!

    Thanks for the info on weapons. Have given that some thought. I'm pretty handy with a scattergun, pistol, long rifle, etc.

    Scott
     
  12. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #87 bulletpruf, Apr 7, 2015
    Todd -

    Are you going to buy something nice or something for home protection? I've always wanted a nice double barrel, but I prefer the look of a side by side to the over/under.

    Scott
     
  13. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

    Nov 25, 2010
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    #88 Todd308TR, Apr 7, 2015
    A nice one, but not too nice, don't want to spend more than $2,000; some of the higher end ones start at $5,000.
     
  14. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

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    #89 Todd308TR, Apr 7, 2015
    Scott see my threads in the 3x8 and Europe sections.
     
  15. JazzyO

    JazzyO F1 World Champ

    Jan 14, 2007
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    The Netherlands
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    Onno
    #90 JazzyO, Apr 7, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2015
    I suspect it is easier for us Europeans, we don't have the background of an easy life with cars. I also suspect that we do other things with our exotics, like keep them out of cities if we can avoid it. Cars & coffee in the city would suck. Taking it across some country roads in Italy does not. Not by a long way. So if you do a bit of planning life with an exotic in Europe is just brilliant. I do around 15.000kms every year in my F's and always include Italy in my trips.

    The biggest hurdle I see, once you own it, is finding a good specialist to service the car for you. There are a lot of dodgy ones in Italy, and owning an exotic when you don't have a specialist you can trust is a nightmare in the making.

    The other hurdle is your budget. I see it as very lean still, even with the USD rising against the Euro. I would personally never buy a Ferrari for €30k and if I did I would expect to spend another €15k minimum. I don't care if Italy's economy is in the tank; many other EU nationals are getting Ferraris from Italy left right and centre in this market and the people in Italy are well aware of that. Prices of all Ferraris are rising, and the 3x8 is one of the quicker risers.

    Best of luck with the search, but be careful of things that look like a bargain.


    Onno
     
  16. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #91 bulletpruf, Apr 12, 2015
    Onno -

    Appreciate the feedback. I realize that buying a bargain Ferrari might not be the smartest way to go about this, but I will have a fair amount of $$$ to invest in repairs/maintenance, if necessary. In other words, I won't need to take out a loan if the engine needs to be rebuilt.

    As for the maintenance, I do just about all of my own mechanical work, and have rebuilt numerous engines, manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases, front and rear suspension, etc. I have an extensive collection of tools and I'm always looking for excuses to buy more tools.

    My main concern about the Ferrari at this point is that it makes me a target. The crime rate in southern Italy is high, and I am concerned about projecting an image of affluence. I think we will end up living in a gated parco/complex, but these aren't impregnable, and there are the traffic scams to worry about, too.

    Thanks,

    Scott
     
  17. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #92 bulletpruf, Apr 12, 2015
  18. dalbright

    dalbright Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
    26
    Naples, Italy
    #93 dalbright, Apr 13, 2015
    When do you get here? I imagine you'll be here at JFC? Don't listen to all the BS...Once you get beyond all the negativity you'll find that Naples and the surrounding areas are wonderful. You're more likely to be the victim of a violent crime back states-side. Obviously you need to practice common sense when go around and about. BTW - there's auto hobby shop at the Support Site. You can basically do much of your maintenance there. They have a lift, tire balancing equipment etc etc. You just need to take a safety test before using it the first time. As far as taxes are concerned, you will need to pay a road tax on your second and third registered vehicles. If you purchase an Italian plated car, it will have to have a investigation done. It's not that big of a deal but will have to be done. If you get the car outside of Italy that won't be necessary. You will only be allowed three registered cars for your stay here. That can change if you wreck a car or it gets stolen. Also, your gas allowance is dictated by the size of engine of your first registered vehicle. The max you'll receive is 400 liters per month. My first registered car is a Honda Odyssey with the 3.4 liter engine and I get the max so that shouldn't be a problem. Anyway if you need additional info just pm me and let me know which division you be heading into.

    Ciao - David

    PS...plenty of amazing (expensive) cars on the road here so don't worry about being singled out.
     
  19. dalbright

    dalbright Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
    26
    Naples, Italy
    #94 dalbright, Apr 13, 2015
  20. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

    Nov 25, 2010
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    Todd
    #95 Todd308TR, Apr 13, 2015
    How much are the road taxes, and will they tax a motorcycle? USAA tells me that there is a tax inside my auto insurance. Do we have exemption to the VAT like in Germany?
     
  21. dalbright

    dalbright Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
    26
    Naples, Italy
    #96 dalbright, Apr 13, 2015
    ...the road tax is dependent on the size of the engine and year of the vehicle. My second vehicle is a VW golf with the 1.4 liter engine but has the 170hp....for that I pay about 500 euros per year. You pay that directly to MVRO at the Support Site when registering/re-registering a vehicle. I'm pretty sure you'd still have to pay for a motorcycle.
     
  22. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #97 bulletpruf, Apr 13, 2015
    David -

    I'll arrive 1 July. Was headed there sooner, but boss didn't want to have any underlap here in Korea. I'll be working at JFC-Naples. Will send you a pm with more details.

    Our first registered car will be the wife's Infiniti FX-37. 3.7 liters, so I guess we'll have the max on fuel coupons.

    Appreciate the info on taxes; that's helpful. I may bring over my 71 Javelin road race project, but doubt it would be registered. Close to 7 liters if it is, so wouldn't be cheap if I did register it.

    I've heard about the Support Site hobby shop -- sounds like I'll need to bring my own tools if I use it. Have also heard that they don't have grinders, welders, parts washers, vises, sandblasters, etc, but that's about what I expected.

    Thanks!

    Scott
     
  23. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #98 bulletpruf, Apr 17, 2015
    Anyone have any experience with the Maserati Merak? These just hit my radar screen. Fairly rare, but I should be able to find one in my price range. Curious to know if I would fit in one, any systemic issues, etc. Got to think that parts availability isn't great.

    Would prefer the Bora (very similar car, but has a V8) but they are definitely out of my price range.

    Thanks

    Scott
     
  24. bulletpruf

    bulletpruf Karting

    Dec 17, 2014
    50
    Naples, Italy
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #99 bulletpruf, Jul 5, 2015
    Arrived in Naples on 1 July. So far, so good.

    Have been focused on buying some temporary transportation for now. Don't want to rush into buying a vintage car and wife's car won't be here for a few months (90 days to ship from Korea). Will probably pick up an older 3 series BMW for $3k or so; would be a lot easier to find a nice one if we were going to get a stick but wife doesn't do manual transmissions. Manual transmission cars are about 80% of what you see here.

    Will also need to find out if we're going to be living on base or off-base. If we're off base and I have a garage, I'm more comfortable buying something that needs to be garaged, is more of a project, etc. There's an auto hobby shop on base with lifts and tools, but they don't have a lot of what I'll need (engine hoist, blast cabinet, engine stand, welder, grinder, etc).

    Driving is pretty intense. Seoul was a good warmup, but Italians take it to the next level on the roads.

    We're staying on a smallish Navy Base north of Naples (Gricignano) and my work is about 20 miles west (Lago Patria). If we live on base, this is where we'll be. Fairly easy highway drive; have made it a few times. Seems like everyone is going 120 km/h or 60 km/h. Not much in between. Maybe that's because the speed limit is 60 or 70 km/h.

    Driving a Fiat Croma 4 dr sedan with a GUTLESS diesel that I borrowed from a co-worker. Won't get out of it's own way. Will be glad when we pick up something that has more than 25 hp.
     
  25. Jacob Potts

    Jacob Potts Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2008
    324
    Pueblo, CO
    Full Name:
    Jacob Potts
    #100 Jacob Potts, Jul 5, 2015
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