Worth going down the Ferrari route?

makeshiftUK

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1,089
This is a very interesting read gents, I only wish that I too was in a similar situation with the same conundrum!
 

rossyl

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3,312
Hi, very interesting and thanks for sharing your research as I’m in a similar “quandary”.

Genuine question though with respect to your comment about “I'd be taking a considerable risk on the reliability front, and also aluminium corrosion, with a 360 parked outside.” - how would that be any different vs a 550 which also has an aluminium body ? I thought aluminium only corrodes when two different metals eg steel and aluminium (hence the sandwich on the 550) touch ?
Just curious to understand more/what I’m missing here ?
Tim from Walkersport is probably the best person to ask.

It was described to me in simple terms as a 360 being more akin to a Lotus Elise.

The 550 is meant to be built more for durability (like most GT cars) compared to a 360.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,593
I would go try the Cali, don’t just dismiss it based on what others have said. Remember the same people said it about the Dino and how wrong were they.

The Cali T is well regarded but the first versions are usually met with distain.

I did a test drive in one such car today and it had a lot going for it...a modern interpretation of a F360/430.

I didn’t push, simply pottered as I was Road testing but the gearbox is descent and drove well with a well appointed interior.

F458 is the one to have but you will need just into the 3 figures to get a descent one where the Cali/T may suffice for half that.
 

Ewan

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6,756
After the 355 I had a 360. It was considerably quicker, but harder to drive. Then a 456 which was beautiful, but definitely a GT rather than a sports car. Plus ruinously expensive. After that, the 550 arrived, courtesy of my business partner. Simply awesome, and truly analogue. Every driver loves the 550, so if you want a blend of performance, feeling, balance and useable sports car performance, it has to be a contender. Oh, best I don’t dwell on my 400i in this conversation, as it’s a car I have more for its style and waftability than any genuine engineered ability.

The fact that the 550 still sits here 15 years later (alongside the 400i) says a lot. But the 355 was prettier.

Overall, the good news is that with the OP‘s budget there are several very good Ferrari options. In fact, there aren’t really any bad ones - any road car Ferrari from approx 1995 onwards could make a good case for itself. It all depends on what you want from the car, and how modern you want to go.
 
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Wattie

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8,640
Why not switch your MC Shift for a Strad 4 seater (if required), 2 if not.
Still gives you the Ferrari DNA, with a less shouty exterior, takes you to the pinnacle of Maserati in terms of sports performance and many here insist they will rise in price in due course.
Oh and you'll still have lots of cash left in the bank too.

70660

I bought my MC for this money!!
 
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rockits

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9,167
Why not switch your MC Shift for a Strad 4 seater (if required), 2 if not.
Still gives you the Ferrari DNA, with a less shouty exterior, takes you to the pinnacle of Maserati in terms of sports performance and many here insist they will rise in price in due course.
Oh and you'll still have lots of cash left in the bank too.

View attachment 70660

I bought my MC for this money!!
Bl00dy h3ll Wattie....why did you have to go and show that Strad pic again . Please tell me it is sold?

Love it though. I would feel very odd about owning, driving and being in a single car that cost £70k. It is way above my pay grade and level on a social level but archievable financially if I wanted to. Still not sure if I could do it.
 

Wattie

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8,640
Bl00dy h3ll Wattie....why did you have to go and show that Strad pic again . Please tell me it is sold?

Love it though. I would feel very odd about owning, driving and being in a single car that cost £70k. It is way above my pay grade and level on a social level but archievable financially if I wanted to. Still not sure if I could do it.
Well you’re only born once, I’m led to believe.
 

rossyl

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3,312
Is way above my pay grade and level on a social level but archievable financially if I wanted to.
Dean, if you can afford it none of the rest matters to anyone except yourself.

Life is far too short to wonder about what other people think, especially if it stops you getting what you want.

Also, what you desire and enjoy now, might well be different later and you might kick yourself for not doing it now.

Go for it !
 

rockits

Member
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9,167
Dean, if you can afford it none of the rest matters to anyone except yourself.

Life is far too short to wonder about what other people think, especially if it stops you getting what you want.

Also, what you desire and enjoy now, might well be different later and you might kick yourself for not doing it now.

Go for it !
The problem is it is not what others think that bothers me. Never has and never will. For people who know me well they know this is far from an issue.

It is actually what I think that is actually and exactly the problem. Sounds weird but it is what I think that matters most and of course only matters. I have never had a car that was worth remotely so much and never thought I would ever be able to dispite my dreams and ambitious aspirations.

It is weird and maybe I'm just thinking about it too much but it is a strange psychological big things I seem to need to get over myself.

I would be rolling 3 cars into one so there is no financial outlay or concern so that isn't an issue. Weird I think it is an issue to myself when I have 3 cars worth the same as one so what is the difference.
 

Ewan

Member
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6,756
If you pick the right car (such as a 2 seat Strad, as just one example), rolling 3 cars into one might actually save you money. Cheaper tax, insurance and servicing bills, plus less depreciation.
 

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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7,309
The problem is it is not what others think that bothers me. Never has and never will. For people who know me well they know this is far from an issue.

It is actually what I think that is actually and exactly the problem. Sounds weird but it is what I think that matters most and of course only matters. I have never had a car that was worth remotely so much and never thought I would ever be able to dispite my dreams and ambitious aspirations.

It is weird and maybe I'm just thinking about it too much but it is a strange psychological big things I seem to need to get over myself.

I would be rolling 3 cars into one so there is no financial outlay or concern so that isn't an issue. Weird I think it is an issue to myself when I have 3 cars worth the same as one so what is the difference.

I know what you mean, always feel conscious in a Ferrari. The thing is, they’re amazing cars, very well made and when you drive a good one, you realise why they have the reputation they do.
 

rossyl

Member
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3,312
The problem is it is not what others think that bothers me. Never has and never will. For people who know me well they know this is far from an issue.

It is actually what I think that is actually and exactly the problem. Sounds weird but it is what I think that matters most and of course only matters. I have never had a car that was worth remotely so much and never thought I would ever be able to dispite my dreams and ambitious aspirations.

It is weird and maybe I'm just thinking about it too much but it is a strange psychological big things I seem to need to get over myself.

I would be rolling 3 cars into one so there is no financial outlay or concern so that isn't an issue. Weird I think it is an issue to myself when I have 3 cars worth the same as one so what is the difference.
That's certainly a better position to be in. As I said, nothing else matters than what you think.

However, it's worth not discounting my other point. If you really want something now, there's no guarantee you will still want it later and won't regret doing it in this moment.

If it is something that you really do want, then it's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons, as you see them.

One thing, in my view, that is important, is that even if it is expensive it still needs to be treated as a car. Driven. Parked. All without huge levels of worry and concern. If it gets a ding, so be it. Once you start worrying about them too much, they have the potential to become more of a headache than an enjoyment. It's very easy for people to turn cars into museum pieces, for some that's all they want to do, which I suppose is just a different way to enjoy them. But it's not for me.

Ive been guilty of worrying too much, I now take a more relaxed approach.
 
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rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
Rossyl and Ewan, good replies.

There are quite a few areas to consider. Simplicity, toughness and usability being key points.

Living in the Lake District, 'water-tightness' being important.

I have a garage, but would prefer a car that I can leave outside, at least over summer.

The 550 would be my first pick in your scenario. For the driving pleasure, unshowy looks and ticking the V12 box. Or any scenario involving Ferrari.
Only been a passenger, but the car was driven like an elise. Think it did win EVO car of the year ( COTY) outright, perhaps at the turn of millennium. Sure it placed very highly too in their car of the decade.
 

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,952
After the 355 I had a 360. It was considerably quicker, but harder to drive. Then a 456 which was beautiful, but definitely a GT rather than a sports car. Plus ruinously expensive. After that, the 550 arrived, courtesy of my business partner. Simply awesome, and truly analogue. Every driver loves the 550, so if you want a blend of performance, feeling, balance and useable sports car performance, it has to be a contender. Oh, best I don’t dwell on my 400i in this conversation, as it’s a car I have more for its style and waftability than any genuine engineered ability.

The fact that the 550 still sits here 15 years later (alongside the 400i) says a lot. But the 355 was prettier.

Overall, the good news is that with the OP‘s budget there are several very good Ferrari options. In fact, there aren’t really any bad ones - any road car Ferrari from approx 1995 onwards could make a good case for itself. It all depends on what you want from the car, and how modern you want to go.

550 is an amazing car, mind I've not drive one since it was a production car but I am sure they are still hugely impressive. Made the mistake of driving an F12 in the Scottish Highlands more recently - I don't understand the attraction of mid-engined current hyper cars after driving the F12 as it could do everything.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
If it's an itch, or a box to tick, just do it :) We could debate the pro's and cons , or right and wrongs, models etc. We never know what is round the corner, only too true in this climate.
 

rossyl

Member
Messages
3,312
What sort of correction might we expect on the 458, and when, if at all?
This is a question mark over all the supercars. Previously Ferrari was a low volume manufacturer, this, in-part, helped keep prices high. Now that they are producing more cars per annum, older models price is being pushed down, as there needs to be a gap between the new model and the old. That gap needs to increase as time goes on. Either new cars get more expensive, which has been happening, or, old cars get cheaper.

488 is £150-250k.
458 £110-190k

488 started at about £190k
458 started at about £180k.
 

Lavazza

Member
Messages
1,060
This is a question mark over all the supercars. Previously Ferrari was a low volume manufacturer, this, in-part, helped keep prices high. Now that they are producing more cars per annum, older models price is being pushed down, as there needs to be a gap between the new model and the old. That gap needs to increase as time goes on. Either new cars get more expensive, which has been happening, or, old cars get cheaper.

488 is £150-250k.
458 £110-190k

488 started at about £190k
458 started at about £180k.
Relatively, the 599 and FF are bargains. Both are pretty smart bits of kit and relatively low production.
But, not core demand, which is fine by me. Would happily have either.
The question mark for me is, am I prepared to sell several cars to get one really outstanding car, or should I just enjoy what I have. Each car I own is quite distinctly different and serves a purpose.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Relatively, the 599 and FF are bargains. Both are pretty smart bits of kit and relatively low production.
But, not core demand, which is fine by me. Would happily have either.
The question mark for me is, am I prepared to sell several cars to get one really outstanding car, or should I just enjoy what I have. Each car I own is quite distinctly different and serves a purpose.

This.

I went for the FF as the daftness of a 4wd, v12, hatchback Ferrari appealed to me and the back seats are handy for the kids. It’s mega fast, sounds the business, feels very special and on the plus side, it doesn’t attract quite as much attention as a red 458 might.

I thought about a 599 but heard some expensive maintenance stories and felt that age was now against it. I think if I wanted the risk associated with an older Fezza, I’d probably seek out a 550.

I have toyed with an f12 but this covid world has hurt the value of my FF and so that would be an expensive change with little upside. So I’ve resigned myself to just using the FF more and getting some value from it. First world problem I know!

I also drive the Lusso for a few days but felt it was not as involving as the FF and where the modernity of it was nice, I didn’t deem it worth the extra cash.

in short, I am very happy with my choice and would heartily recommend the FF. Ideally a post 2014 one.