Hey Guys, I was looking for a little advice on my decision for my next car. I am turning the big 5-0 this year and decided to upgrade/change my present driver. I have a 1999 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet with 14000 miles on it. I really love the car and have driven several other cars in an attempt to find something better or at least as good but different. I also want something that wont have the balls drop out in value in the next couple of years. I recently drove a Maserati Spyder with 6 speed which was nice but didnt get me excited enough to cough up the difference in cost from the Porsche. I even drove a new Viper which I thought would be more thrilling. I am presently considering a 355 Spyder a BMW Z8 a new corvette and a new Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet. I want to keep the price in the mid 80's. I really love the 355 but dont know if it would be good as a regular driver. I put about 5-6,000 miles a year on the car and live close to here I work. I really like the Z8 and I dont think it would lose much value if I buy one right. I have not driven one yet so I wondered if anyone can give me an opinion on it. I presently have a 1983 512BBi that I love and wonder if 2 Ferraris would be too decadent. I know it seems rediculous but I am starting to drive myself crazy. I dont expect much sympathy just some good free advice. Thanks boyz.
All of the cars you have described are convertibles. On the assumption that an open car is a key element to whatever you choose, could i throw in the idea of a late plus 8 Morgan? Its got alot of character, it will give you a pure bugs in the teeth experience, i don't think its going to make a "daily" but even at 5-6k miles/yr., that's still recreational driving in my book. The 355 is a very nice car, but it has nowhere near the torque of the Boxer you have:- plus, i'm not sure how you will feel about the power steering in the 355, after driving the Boxer. To me, the Z8 is a curiousity, but not something i'd spend alot of money to own; if the Corvette, i'd wait for the Z06. The Porsche will be the best bet, for practical purposes, but is that what you want? It is nice to struggle with such "problems," though, because the process of chasing the car is half the fun. I think.
The nice thing about the Ferrari is that it is always a conversation piece. I can't begin to tell you how many people have asked me 1. How does it drive 2. How fast is it 3. How does it handle 4. Is it fun to own I have never been asked these questions with any other car. The Ferrari's are always a topic of conversation. That is what I have enjoyed about them. The Ferrari's are to me "more than just a car". That is what I enjoy. Plus the 355 is such a fun and classic looking Ferrari. I would suggest to buy a late model though. Good luck...
A Porsche Carrera is without a doubt a nice car. But it's not a Ferrari. There is nothing like owning a Ferrari. A 355 is a great daily driver, especially considering the limited number of miles you are driving it. It will put a huge smile on your face, and you will know that you are driving a limited production piece of rolling artwork that also happens to be an amazing engineering achievement--the finest automobile made, period. Another way to look at it...there are lots of Porsches and BMW's out there. I pass dozens of them every day. How many Ferraris do you see every day? I drive a 27 year old Ferrari and I get thumbs up and compliments on it everywhere I go. GET THE FERRARI! (What did you expect people to say when you ask this question on a Ferrari site? "Get the Beemer?")
Have to agree. Everywhere I go the 355 just grabs attention. It makes it fun sometimes. Old and young everybody loves to look and appreciate. The 355 is so enjoyable. Rides wonderful, accellerates great and handles like it is on rails. I love the small tight lines and looks of the car. That is why I chose the 355 and will wait for the 430. The 430 finally has performance numbers that make it worth it.
The 355 is definately the answer. Its 8 cylinder engine contrasts the bbi's 12 enough that you get a completely different experience. Plus, you can get a spyder and an f1 transmission if you are so inclined. The Z8, in my opinion is one of the best looking cars in the last 10 years. It uses the same engine as the previous M5 which is a very solid engine. If you want more looks, you can get the Alpina which provides a different engine and wheels. The engine, though providing mroe torque, is not supposed to be as good for whatever reason. The ALpina, I also belive, is only offered in automatic. The automatic provides, obviously, very little driver involvment which the 355 provides to the max. You cant lose if you get a 355 or a Z8, but if you get a Z8 uprgrade teh wheels to the Alpina's.
Charlie, Isn't it great to have so many good choices in sports cars. In that price range I would also consider the srt10 viper. You can get a nice 03 low miles model for mid or even low 60's. Fast, warranty, and good looking, imo. I too, love the z8 and have driven them. Great engine and gear box, beautiful exterior styling and very reliable. I am not crazy about the interior though, esp. the dash. The ferrari experience is with out a doubt unique and for my money, the sound alone is worth the price of admission. One issue I have with the spyder is no rollover protection, which influenced my decision when looking for a convertible. If I were you, I would take the time to drive all the candidates and then decide. Should be fun and have a great 50th!! John
I recently sold my Z8 to get my 360. I loved the Z8 and I had it for about 2 years. Great styling, wonderful, torquey motor with a great "musclecar" sound. It is a great driving car with good road feel. With the hard top on it is very quiet at highway speeds. I had it on the track several times and it was pretty impressive. Not as much understeer as I thought it would have. But then I got the 360. I had always wanted a Ferrari since I was a boy, so when the opportunity arose I grabbed it. Wow, what a difference. I think it just depends on what you want out of a car. I've never smiled as much in any car as I do in the 360. I'm sure the 355's the same way. Everytime I drive it's like it's the first time. Total excitement. You could drive a 355 or 360 everyday without problem, and if I didn't have to deal with heavy traffic day-to-day, I'd probably drive mine everyday, but the Z8 is probably better in that it's a little quieter and the suspension a little softer. Overall it's a beautiful car, strong and elegant, but at the same time, much more subdued than a Ferrari. It really didn't attract a lot of attention on the street, which some may like. I kind of like the attention that my 360 gets, especially with the Capristo Level 3 exhaust! Good luck with your decision.
Charles,I have a 355GTS F1(see profile pic)and anticipate annual mileage very similar to 5-6K in fact probably nearer7 go for it the 355 is a fantastic car and is very very usable in that mileage(and probably a lot more) Dave Mc
