Question about going to a dealership???

It only make you look like you are trying too hard. You worry too much about what people think.

Here's a true story:
A few years back, I was at Lamborghini of Beijing just to browse. An average looking man walks into the showroom and asked to test drive the new LP640. The salesperson took him for a ride and when they came back, this fella bought the car in cash. When I say "average" I meant he looked like your neighborhood Chinese takeout delivery guy.

I also know a guy (an f-chatter) who's often decked out in designer brand clothing, often post up pictures of fine dining and hotels that he stays at, and claims that he has a white 458 overseas, yet the guy is a complete poser and scammer.

So the moral of the story is that your facade (what you wear or drive) doesn't mean ****, so quit worrying about what other people thinks, just be honest and say to the salesperson "I like Ferrari, not ready for one yet. Is it cool if I just browse around the showroom?"

 

You sir, could not of put that any better.

To chime in on that, my friend who just recently purchased a 458 before buying, went in to Algar test drove it and ended up buying the car. He wore shorts, sandals and an old fishing t-shirt and showed up in his DD which was nothing you want to show off. Just go there being yourself. You are not buying their approval, you are buying their car. You could show up on a moped and they would likely take you as serious

 

Hey

Hope U r Well!

I got very tired of those pipe laying posts...

Best!

 

When I was 12 I showed up at Mr. Chinetti's Dealership on my bike. He invited me in and once gave me a NART Jacket to ride home in when it was raining.

 

Bahahahha!!! Good to see you too Jim

 

I bought my car at ferrari of long island. Very nice people. They have no problem with browsers. I used to go in all the time before I finally bought. I still love to drop in and browse.

 

go to gotham dream car rent a ferrari for a day, drive her in to the dealership and say i am here to see the bello guy

 

Its a good idea to call ahead and talk to someone in sales and tell them what you are interested in. If they are a GOOD salesperson they will invite you to come down and check out a 308/328 or whatever you are interested in and show you the car and find out what car is right for you and most importantly let you test drive one even if you are not ready to buy right away.

 

The folks at Ferrari LI are very nice. they have no problem with people browsing and they will give the same attention as the guy who shows up in the drophead coupe

 

A man after my own heart. I own an '83 308GTB and I love her. Make sure you visit the 308 section. There's a wealth of information and sage advice.

LOL

As sweet as the GDC collection is, they dont have a 308. THough an Italia is a nice 2nd option.

 

As long as u r not going to miller in CT u'll be alright. I was passed from one sales person to another and with a difference of $2,000 during negotiations on 140k car I was told to come back when I was ready.

 

Also, if you dont plan to buy now but just want to look at it, hang around these forums and try to go to events that happen every now and then. You will meet Ferrari owners and im sure most will be cool enough to show you their car and/or offer you a ride.

 

I've been a 'lookie Lou' for a long time and have found most exotic/sports car dealers to be very helpful They realise that they aren't in the business of selling something people need, they are selling something that people want.

 

I'm also in the "Future 308 Owner" (and/or Mondial) boat. And my wife plans on driving it too. Alas, the odds of me picking one up soon are hovering between slim and none.

But I've had enormous fun going to local Concorso's and events for several years. Check out the Tri-State Upcoming Events thread. Most of the events are free if you're just spectating, as I do. I make sure to have a camera (or two) with me and empty SD cards, and just take photo after photo after photo.

After I get my shots, I turn off the camera and just "look" at the cars. Knowing that Ferrari gatherings don't happen all that often and are fleeting in duration, I try to soak up the spectacle with all the senses. You've got to check out every angle on the 3x8's, hear the brap brap exhaust of that F430, and smell that fresh Connolly leather scent filling the interiors. Check out the customized interiors...

I try to cram in as much Ferrari sensory overload as I can to hold me over until the next event I get to attend. Need to do more networking though, as I'd like to meet more 3x8 owners (Long Island in particular).

So yeah, if you can't own one now, at least enjoy the experience of seeing a bunch all in one place!

Funny story - at the Old Westbury show a few months ago, which was co-sponsored by FoLI, I went with my FoLI T-shirt on (a gift I got from Sheryl G. at FoLI when I stopped by for a visit). A couple of people thought I worked at FoLI! How I WISH!!

The photo was taken at the new "Ferrari and Friends" event in CT back in June. Lots of 3x8's there.
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Ferrari LI was awesome when i just went in to browse. I had time to kill one weekday and went to just look. Everyone was really nice and always smiling. I can honestly say that when im ready buy that i'll head there because of how they treated me as a 23 year old kid who wasnt even close to buying at the time.

 

You live on Long Island, your'e a car guy and youv'e never seen a Ferrari up close and personal? I find this hard to believe. Time for you to attend local car meets and by all means walk into any dealership and browse, like others have said they can't pass judgement on anyone cause they never know who is for real and who's not.

 

Most of the car places are pretty friendly. I went into FofLI without problems. When i went in driving my 328, they literally beg me to drive the California. I was too worried about getting a door ding on my 328 so I declined, LOL.

Ace

 

Hello Jaybird,

First off let me welcome you to Ferrari of Long Island regardless of whether or not you are in the market to buy. Part of what makes the Ferrari culture is that they are as enjoyable to view and be around as they are to own. As the owner of the dealership I officially welcome you because I understand the passion. I am a Ferrari guy at heart. it is not just my business.

Please feel free to come by any time. I cannot guarantee that we will have a 308/328 in stock the day you arrive for you to see but we do have a 328 right now.

IN the mean time consider my home yours.
See you soon
Garrett

 

Well.... That pretty much takes care of that....

 

Ha, ha .... pretty much answers your question, then ... doesn't it. Go and enjoy the experience. When I bought my 308 I went to visit Ferrari of Central NJ and everyone was very cool!

 

Excellent post, Garrett.

OP - you have a personal invite now lol.