PRICE CHECK

Options?

 

In this market, who knows? If it were me, I'd come up with the lowest price I could think of without really insulting the seller -- and then take $10k off that price.

If it is a normal color combo, I'm guessing that '01s are around $90k. So I'd offer $80k just to get the ball rolling. Hmm, on second thought, maybe I'd offer $75k.

However, I would always be willing to pay for a good/known car.

Dale

 

You buying or selling?

 

The devil is in the details as you are probably learning. Quilted leather is usually a plus and a slight premium on price, as are shields. You did not mention shields. Also, I am assuming this 550 is a US variant; if it's a euro you can expect at least a $10-15k haircut on price given the stigma among many within the F-car community (deserved or not), even with spotless DOT/EPA certs.

Complete manuals and tool kit are nice, but even more important is full and complete service records. It's surprising how many 550s avail have either questionable gaps in service histories or no records at all. That should be a big red flag for a 550 buyer given that an iffy service history can lead to a big risk of catastrophically expensive repairs and services down the road. Also make sure the services and TSBs were done at either authorized Ferrari dealers or at least at independent shops who know 550s. Some people try to save a few bucks and use shops that don't work on Ferraris at all or very often. As such, the level of thoroughness can be compromised. In those cases, just because it says "15k service" does not necessarily mean all the items a fully authorized and competent Ferrari shop would do was actually done. Again, the devil is in the details.

Your color combo is ok but unless the car has a very odd combination or an odd interior shade (say light blue dash or red dash and red steering wheel), I am not finding that color combo translates much into price differentials.

As others have noted, prices have definitely softened. Your $65k floor may be a bit aggressive right now, but there are a couple being offered not far from that number that are not moving even in that range, so you might be right. We could be seeing $65k-$70k by the spring as you suggest. [please no hate mail. I just call 'em as I see 'em]

ketel