Purchasing advice

Ok first things first, you could probably walk into a dealer and tell him what you want, but bear in mind(not so sure if this applies in the states) dealers are only allocated so many cars by Ferrari so chances are you may have to wait, but having said that chances are more than a few guys that were ordering the Modena will have changed their orders to the new F430. A new model wont help you depreciation either. As far as I know prouduction of the Modena Coupe is comming to an end and the spider wont be around much longer either.

What I would suggest is that you look at used low millage cars, as far as I am concerned buying from a dealer as apposed to an exotic car dealership is better in that you build up a relationship with that dealer.

(really my word isnt cast in stone, thats just how a few of my mates have bought their cars, when they wanted new cars because they had built up a relationship with that dealer they were able to get in line before others, again not sure if this applies to the states)

 

The only way to know what type of deal you can really work is to ask the dealer. I suspect that there may be a few on the list who want to wait for the 430 and the dealer will have some slots to fill for 360's still in the pipeline. With the introduction of any new model, however, comes accelerated depreciation on the discontinued model.

 

The topic of how to acquire these cars is a constant source of friction for first owners as well as long-time Ferrari customers. First, fill out your profile, since it will help identify where you are, geographically, and that alone may determine your fate for new ones. Why not kill 2 birds: you ain't gonna walk in and order a car as a newbie-unless its a 612 or a 575, so you are looking at dealer stock, including trade-ins, consignments and little sweetheart deals the dealer and his good customers have hatched together.
Depending on the version of the 360, you could avoid some of the over sticker stuff, and get a nice ride; whether that gets you on a list for a new one is uncertain, or whether being on such a list has any meaning is itself open to question. (Just stroll through some of the current threads on these topics- being on a list may not mean much at all).
I don't know if your local dealer will agree to commit to a new 430 simply because you buy a used 360. But, if the dealer will, insist on making a deposit- not some token amount, but 5 or 10 grand, if they will accomodate. (Don't know what current practices are, since i was last on such a "list" in 2001 and don't even own a Ferrari right now, not that there's anything wrong with that...).
But, choose your dealer, to the extent you can, wisely; not just for glad-handing, but for service and customer loyalty. There are a number of dealers near me and i can tell you which one has the better sales guy and which one has the better service. If you do your diligence (about the dealer and the particular car), you can actually have an enjoyable ownership and driving experience, which is what it's all about.

 

Go in buy a used 360, get on the list for a 430. Given the demand for the new cars, unless you have a history at that dealership, they'll put you on that list, but you'll be so far down on it, that you'll probably not get the car, production will end before you get the car. If on the other hand, you pick up a used car, say a 360, or 355, take some time to know the people at the dealership (they're usually pretty good guys, with a lot of knowledge about the cars) you might be able to get a new 430.

Art

 

There are a TON of nice used 360's, I mean they made 10,000 of them, look at du pount registry, hemmings and such. shelton always has several.
plus it'll be 10,000's off the price of a new one.

 

A "TON" of 360s would be less than one as they weigh over a ton each.

 

hey guyz, just a little info from my own personal experience. I read all the time about going to your dealer putting down some benji's and getting on the LIST.. Well guys i don't know how many of you have actually tried to do this BUTTTTT... If you are not on the list yet, you can forget it. I sent my 5K to the dealer i purchased my current 360 from and he sent it back!!!! already had 150 deposits (translates to 3 years worth of 430's) and this was 1 1/2 months ago...

 

A used 360 will not sell for much less than a new one. Certainly not at the depreciation rates seen with all other car marques. Also it is important to know how much it costs to own one of these cars. Lots of people just afford the car then sell them fast when they realize that ownership is pretty pricey. My opinion is that a first time buyer who even considers the price difference between a new or used one may be a little too tight on funds to make the ownership experience positive. I mean to offend no one so please just take my comment as an opinion. I do not know your financial details and do not wish to underscore your purchase in any way. Good luck with the purchase.

 

I think for a first f car at a young age it is better to go for a good used one as you will not lose out much after that and just to get experience in the f cars.
However, if the money is no object then splash it on brand new one and once you are bored with it sell it and step up to V12 and on and on.

 

Stupid question - why the opening gambit 'I am only 25 year old' what has that got to do with buying a car, is it a statement meant to impress or make us feel sorry for you as you might have problems buying the car. If you have the means to make the purchase what difference does it make if your 19 or 90?

 

hmmmm.....90 and a 360??? does this really make no difference?