The Official "Jay Leno Doesn't Like Ferraris" Thread

Awesome! I hope he stops by here.

 

That's the great thing about Jay - straight shooter, coming and going.

 

that would be really neat if he stopped by.

 

Shoulda told Jay you would go to the dealership for him and get the salesman to set a price and at the last minute let Mr. Leno walk in and take over.

 

Cool story.It doesn't surprise me about the dealer though.

 

I got to hang with Jay at his collection, and basically you summed it up. He told me at one point he went to a Ferrari dealer to buy a 550, and all the dealer was interested in doing was gloating how they were getting double the sticker price.

There was an article written by him a long time ago in a now defunct magazine (Collectable Automobile) where he told the story of trying to buy a Daytona and how every time he tried, they could never find the 'true' owner of the car.

Unfortunately I think sales people (and possibly other collectors) think because he's so wealthy that they can take advantage of him. Instead of getting a repeat long term customer, they've set a bad example for Ferrari sales. Sad.

 

Yeah, I'd have to agree with Mr. Leno. I don't exactly have the money to buy a Ferrari, yet, but when I went into a Ferrari dealership they treated me, and my brother, as some stupid dreaming teenage boyracers! I know there are people on this site who don't think people like me should be here seeing how I don't actually own a Ferrari. To those people I say sorry but tough, because I WILL one day and I'm all ears to people that are willing to teach me everything and anything they know about these fansastic machines. Call me stuborn but I won't let a person that hates teenagers, or a rude salesman for that matter, keep me from my future purchase. I'm a Ferrari fan through and through!

 

i had to go out of state to buy my 348 ts. the dealership here didnt even ask if I needed any help. but when I drove up in it to get service they were all over me to buy another one. I can see jays point!!

 

Interesting. My dealer treated me just fine even before I got serious.

 

** Ernie ... tell Jay to try Ferrari of Atlanta. I bought three cars from their owner and he treated me great. Not all Ferrari dealerships are created equal ... some are cordial and respect their customers feelings. Then some are after the guy with the thick wallet. Jay Leno definitely has a THICK wallet but treating him badly is terrible for business.
Ferrari North America shouldn't allow that treatment for anyone especially a high roller like Jay. He might suggest to someone to go buy a Lamborghini and blow off the idea of a Ferrari. What does that do for business ?

 

Well, I wouldn't expect much from FNA... but then I'm pretty disgusted with their lack of customer service right now... they definitely make me feel irrelevant. Fortunately, there are some good dealerships despite FNA. In Dallas, I've always been amazed at how friendly and attentive Ferrari of Dallas is compared to the aloofness of the Porsche dealerships and the outright rudeness of the BMW dealerships. Its funny how I seem to be too lowly to be shopping for a BMW (evidently just wasting their time), but perfectly suitable for buying a Ferrari.

 

Well if Leno is in Philly anytime, he should stop by Algar. They treat my broke a$$ very nicely. I've had no problems with attitudes at all.

 

Tell him to try another dealer. Im sure he's far from the wealthiest man who tried to buy a Ferrari ..

 

I will just chip in as well... Ferrari of San Francisco exceeded all of my expectations, a real class act over there. Furthermore, they are owned by FNA, not sure if that has anything to do with anything. Anyway, if you ever go to FoSF nobody looks down on you, they are very cordial, and very helpful.

I look like a bum most of the time, so it was a real test to see how they responded to me. Then again, many of the richest people in this area look like bums!

-- Michael

 

Have to agree with that. When I went looking for a 246GT, I stopped in at Algar, expecing the worst. Instead, the owner came over and asked if he could help me. Told him I was looking for a 246. Took my number. A week later, he called me, said he had one, that he was holding for me to look at. Negotiated with the owner for me, and I bought the car.

Everyone at Algar has been terrific, from Bob, the owner, to Tony my mechanic.

Not all dealerships are packed with jerks who double prices and ignore potential customers.

 

Well I'm not an owner...and don't expect to be one in the near future, but I do 'know' what Mr.Leno says...some Ferrari dealers tread you like you're less then nothing. I'm just an enthousiast, but I do think that when I visit a dealership the salespeople there should thread me normal...
About Ferrari of San Francisco...they were fantastic. I was there (a couple of years ago). I was just looking around and taking pictures (ofcourse I first asked if that was allright)...then a salesman approached me and asked if I was interested in some brochures (like the 348 Speciale)!! And he gave me 3 brochures and a some pics. And I could go back, to the garage, and take some pics of the just arrived F50 (still partly in boxes!!) That was really fantastic!
So there are 'Good' and nice dealerships of Ferrari!!!

 

I like Jay Leno the comedian. Saw him at Carnegie Hall in the mid 80s.
I dont understand though his comments about buying a Ferrari though.
If i did'nt buy a car brand based on salespeople attitudes, i would be riding my bike still. If i really wanted a 550 or a Daytona, guess what i would own them. Most of those rare collectables he owns im sure took a lot of research, money an trouble to locate. More than buying a 550 anyways.

 

I'm wondering, if J. Leno really wanted a Ferrari, why doesn't he purchase one from a private owner and have it serviced at an independant garage that specializes in F-cars? After all...that's what I did.

 

I have to echo Brian's comments considering FoD/FoH. Mr Risi is definitely one of the nicest people I've come across in the car biz. Exotic or domestic.

My first dealership experience:
About 5 years ago when Tony was still at Ferrari of Houston, my wife and I stopped by. FoH is ALWAYS out first stop when visiting H-town now! Anyway, here is a young couple in their mid 20's drooling over the yellow 275 GTB on the showroom floor, when up walks Tony. He introduced himself and we chatted about the beauty of the cars on the floor. I mentioned up front that I couldn't even think of affording a Ferrari at that time, but I would eventually be in the market for a 308/328/348. He then gave me his card and said when I was ready, he would be happy to help in my search. Then he asked if we would like to see the shop. He then proceeded to give the complete tour,service area,parts dept,333SP race shop, everything. It was a fantastic experience! I still wear the t-shirt I bought that day too.

That, to me, is a testament to the quality of the operation that Mr Risi runs at F/MoH & F/MoD. It's a 180deg turn from the horror stories I have heard about other Fcar dealers.

That being said, I can't believe a guy of Leno's "stature" couldn't find a way around all the BS. It's just sad.

Dave

 

I cant say that Jay is wrong. Enzo always loved politics & drama, Italians seem to love exclusive things & one upping each other. At Ferrari its a byzantine culture where how much $ & contacts you have rules your worth as a human being. Thats pretty sick but I also cant deny that they have made some gorgeous cars , so gorgeous that Ive decided to ignore some of the unsavory parts of Ferrari Spa & their attitude.

2 years a go I toured Italy on the Car guy tour & we visited many factories including Lambo & Ferrari. The attitude was night & day. The people at Lambo were very friendly & welcomed visitors and were happy to have you there. At Ferrari they were Extremely snobbish, like being outside the velvet rope at an exclusive club, luckily I was on the list, otherwise I have no doubt I would not be allowed in. Once you get in the aura of insecurity, arrogance & pompous self inflation was thick in the air. Visitors were definately seen as the cost of doing business & a friendly face was seldom seen.

Its a real shame that Ferrari Spa has a difficulty with happiness & joy

 

He should get the car on discount. Enzo himself always did that with famous people. Famous people driving your car is free advertising.

 

i found out that the people at ferrari dealer of seattle very nice. my friend and I once went in to look at those cars and got to talk to the manager or owner(not sure) and he said that he treated everybody who walked in the door courteously no matter how they look because you never know when that person might come back and buy a car there. 3years later, my friend is thinking whether to buy a 360 or a porscheTT. if he decides to go with an F-car, i know where he will go.