What would be a wise first Ferrari?

355 GTS, 6 speed, Yellow.

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$40-$50k puts you right into a 308 or 328. I have almost 60 grand into my 328 right now. It's a very nice low mileage 88.5 328, though.

$55k+ is 348 range. Too many potential issues for me.

$75k might get you a 355. I think decent ones are probably more expensive, but I could be wrong since I don't usually shop the newer cars.

IMO no V12 car without issues will be in your price range.

Usually a cheap Ferrari is the most expensive one you can buy.

 

A 328 would make a great "first Ferrari", but as you stated power might be an issue, but keep in mind that power is not the only thing to appreciate during your Ferrari ownership. If you can buy a great 355 that would be a perfect way to go, but do not settle for a questionable car, that will make your ownership expensive and much less enjoyable. Good luck.

 

I know I am going to get some flack for this but you might want to think about an Acura NSX--not a Ferrari (but is close enough you can get to a Ferrari for the price and most people think it's a Ferrari anyways). They can be had in the upper $30's lower $40's for a clean 97-2001. I know because I had one before I bought my 360, and I currently have it (1998 Yellow NSX) for sale(picture below was pulled from an earlier post on ferrariChat and not mine).
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this would be a good starting point:
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110259

 

I agree.

 

Simple - Get the car you actually WANT. I couldn't imagine spending any amount of money on a car I had to settle for. If the car you want is a 355 or 550, stash money away for a few more years to get one. Spending this much money on a sport car is not a practical decision. It needs to be made purely by your emotions. Because that, it's not a good idea to spend a bucket full of cash on something just because it's there and it says Ferrari on it... Find the car that makes your jiggly bits all tingly, then do whatever you have to in order to afford it.

-R

 

Of course you're going to get some flak. The guy wants a Ferrari, not an Acura. Anyone who has ever read a car magazine can tell the difference.

I agree - power is nice, but until you get to the 360/F430 range (or pick up an F40...) you'll be lagging the latest sports cars anyway.

Because you mention reliability and something under $50K, I'd say a primo 308 QV is something to consider. Gorgeous cars, iconic, depreciation-proof (well, probably). Also the 348 TB/TS seem to available nice in that range. If you want to go over $50K, a 348 Spider or 328, are great driver's cars. The later 348s seem to have been better cars and the 328 was solid from the start. Get an '86-'88 - avoid the $5K premium of the ABS cars.

If you're OK with 355 maintenance costs, go for it. But if you're stretching to get into it, and then an $8K repair bill pops up, you might regret it.

Another idea: The depreciation-bomb Lotus Esprit V8. Lotus had the car nicely sorted after 25+ years of production, but prices for used ones fell off a cliff. Depending on the year, I think an Esprit would hang with an F355. It's far rarer - Lotus sold a few hundred a year toward the end - so you'll never see one on the road.

It doesn't have the Ferrari curves, but it's a real exotic and well within your high-end range. Not sure they ever installed a good gearbox, but reliability apparently improved significantly with the arrival of the V8.

 

You would get more serious replies if you filled out your profile. You need not share personal information, just some information that let's people know where you are at - lifestyle, occupation etc. We have a great group of folks North of Boston that could help you. Post in the New England section and we can go from there. Too bad you had to start out this way.

 

Seriously - that is my dream first Ferrari. Exactly like that!

 

Hi, I do not know where exactly you live and how's the market there for used Ferraris, so all I can tell you is what has been my experience.
I have bought a '95 456 GT with 6 speed after long search and after an initial infatuation with a 412.
I believe I made the right purchase, as I truly enjoy the car: it has the room I need for my kids, my wife likes to drive it too, it is powerful, fun to drive and it has the looks that will never go out of style.
You can find several of them, anywhere between 60K and 80K; you need to check them out carefully as there are some issues with these cars, but there are some good ones around as well.
There is not a single time I take it out that I do not get stopped by someone complimenting me for the looks of the car or asking me what model it is and what year it is (and no one can believe it is a '95).
Good luck with your search anyway, but remeber: V12 in front and 6 on the floor is the way to go!!

 

I don't recommend anyone buy an Esprit. They are really fun and shockingly fast but they are just too fragile and some parts are scarce (those Mickey Mouse gearboxes are filled with Unobtanium). Even at the depreciated price it's only a bargain if someone else buys it and you get to drive it.

 

Why not a 456? Ive seen really nice ones pop up for under $75k

http://motors.search.ebay.com/456_Ferrari_W0QQa10239ZQ2d24QQa10244ZQ2d24QQa38v1yZQQa38v2yZQQa39ZQ2d24QQa39705ZQ2d24QQalistZa39Q2ca41Q2ca38v1yQ2ca38v2yQ2ca10239Q2ca3801Q2ca85Q2ca10246Q2ca33512Q2ca10241Q2ca10244Q2ca39705QQcatrefZC6QQcoactionZcompareQQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfcclZ1QQfclZ3QQfgtpZQQfposZ28226QQfposZ28226QQfposZ28226QQfromZR2QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQgcsZ13QQlopgZQQlsotZQQpf_queryZ456QQpfidZ2473QQpfmodeZ1QQreqtypeZ2QQsacatZ6211QQsadisZ200QQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs

 

This is absolutely correct. Most will not take you seriuosly here until your profile is more complete.

A Lotus V8 is a great car, I own one. I sold my 328 to get it and as great as the Lotus is, I miss the 328. With that said, I think a 328 is a great starter Ferrari. They are fairly reliable, great looking, and have pretty good performance relativley speaking. I wouldn't say they are down on power, 270 hp is pretty good for for that size of a car. My Lotus is faster, but doesn't carry the same feeling my 328 did. At any rate, searching for a sports car is fun, enjoy the process!

 

seriously, save up and pick up a 360 6 speed with 20k-ish miles and recent service for under $110k. I just couldn't justify spending $60-$90k for a 355 that looks dated and slower when compared to the 360/430 body styles. Plus be prepared for costly service intervals on the 355 (no offense to the 355 group, I would have loved to get one but decided to spend the extra $20k to get into the 360).

 

I will admit my bias right up front, but I vote 328 GTS.

Underpowered? Well yes, you could say that in comparison to later models, but there is more to the experience than flat out power. And at least in my case, a strong touring car, not a track car, is what I wanted, and what the 328 delivers.

Reliability and driveability are also strong points, as is the timeless look.

The 328 is my first Ferrari. I know it will not be my only or my last one, but I believe it makes for a great introduction to the F-World.

That said, whatever you choose, drive, enjoy, and all the best!!!

 

Good perspective. I'm also pretty satisfied with the power of my 328. It just feels and sounds right, even if it's no dragster.

If there's a 'wise' first Ferrari, it probably is the 328. Mine has been quite reliable and it's chronically gorgeous, to boot.

I'll probably hang onto mine until I can afford something older. There hasn't been anything better since, IMO, although if I could find a way to put a Euro/fibreglass 308 in my garage I would be tempted. Black/tan of course.

If I won the lottery and gobs of cash ... I'd probably buy a bigger garage so I'd have more room to walk around and admire the 328. And I might park a Daytona next to it.

 

I thought the 355 had more problems than the 348?

 

The 328 is a great starter Ferrari with the money you're looking to spend. You should test drive it to see if the power is acceptable to you. What ever you get do your homework. Good luck

 

i know somone who got an '88 328 GTS as his first ferrari. 10 years later, he got himself a new 550 as a retirement present. a year later, he sold the 550. still has the 328. it's one you almost never hear owners complain about.

if power is an issue, pick one up in the mid 40s and send it to Carabou or one of those guys with a check for 10k and see what happens. but i wouldnt. it's a beautiful looking go kart with great sounds. not a dragster.

if you want torque, get a superformance cobra with 500hp for 50k.

 

I'd have to agree with Robin: putting "wise" and "first ferrari" in the same sentence is nuts. The experts are pretty well unanimous that the 328 is the best starter ferrari. But they're getting on in years now too - and any fcar can bite in unexpected repairs.

Drive a bunch and the one that's worth waiting for will speak to you loud and clear!

And don't believe all those 355 lovers, 348's are fun and a very different experience that only some of us can appreciate. (Furious_Fiero - when did you get so confused with cars ).

 

I guess it all comes down to if you want a classic Ferrari or a Modern Ferrari. Another way to look at it is comparing a new c5 or c6 Corvette (modern, better interior and more comfortable, better creature comforts) to a 70's corvette (classic, less comfortable, no creature comforts, dated).

 

I agree with the 456 statement, 12 cyl. nice, fairly new, not to extraverted