taking the plunge into an SA...

I started a thread several weeks back about the very thing you are doing.After much opinion seeking from F-Dealer's around the country the consensus was that the SA's are tracking the way the Barchetta did and this
market is about peaking and will drop to around the 250-275k range.Also an important issue that was urged
was the amount of driving to be done.I was told every mile would de-value the car even further if beyond am average of 1000 miles annually. They said milage was the "coolector cars" worst enemy. In any event I'm
standing pat.Just my 2 cents.

 

I asked a consultant to look for a SA for me (a few weeks ago). I have had several "offers" wherein a seller calls and says, "I'd sell my car for X." Only once has that number been over $300K. And this one time, it was a famous actor's car (and in this case, I actually initiated the inquiry).

I just looked at a nice car with 3,000 miles and no stories--it seemed almost perfect. The starting "asking price" was $285,000.

If you have some time, bid lower than you think. As for the F1 tranny, I am like you. I have had limited experience with the F1, and I was not inclined to push it real hard, since it was not my car. Interestingly, however, there is a thread on the 430 site in which the guy changes him mind about the F1 and is in love with it. Until I hear something really bad about it, I think my next car will have the paddles.

 

If you are buying the SA as an investment, you will have issues with dropping values, but if you are buying it to use and drive you will never make a better choice. It is, without a doubt the best open top GT available. It is a Ferrari, performs like one and has all of the creature comforts you need in a touring car. The trunk is real and fits my golf clubs. The cabin is perfect ergonomically and is passenger friendly. The roof is ingenious and works flawlessly and the F1 is excellent, being the benficiary of many years of development. Only the 599's F1 is better and that is absolutely sensational.
The only thing I added from a functionality point of view is a TomTom 910 GPS unit. I also swapped the sport exhaust with an X-OST system, which gives the car a deep burble at idle and a screaming wail at max PRM.
It is also well behaved and is quite comfortable sharing garage space with ordinary cars
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The 599 is the best car Ferrari has ever offered, but it is a closed coupe GT - very different in character to the SA, and the market price difference is around $200K. I use my 599 as my daily driver because it is that easy to drive that I simply get in and drive, as if it was a benz. The SA is the perfect open top weekend cruiser. I considered selling it when the 599 arrived but it's really nice to have a solid performing open top car. The price comparison is really between the SA and the 430 spider and for me there is no comparison. The SA wins hands down. The 430 coupe and specifically the upcoming Scuderia, is an out and out sports car, and spider versions of sports are always compromised.
Whatever you choose, you will be delighted. Modern Ferraris are glorious and reliable - an unbeatable combination.

 

Yes, get F1 and to be easy for lazy American drivers who never learned to hear the heart of the automobil. Be sure to get the bleutooth so you can talk on your mobile phone.

 

Mario, you are in quite a dilemma !!
If I can add my 2 cents, skip the SA and go straight for the 599.
This way you'll have the stickshift (the only way to go for me) and the F1 (in a package that does not get any better than that).

 

Mario,
Hope all is well -- still haven't figured out how to meet for the Enzo key. not sure what type of key an SA comes with, actually. Is the blue SA that you're looking at the light blue grigio alloy one (w/ florida plates) that i've seen around Manhattan?

-Jason