Congratulations on the purchase of a fabulous car. I'm contemplating buying once next spring and would welcome any tips based on your search and buying experience. Running reports would also be most welcome please and how you find the ownership experience compared to the 430.
I was encouraged to read Ewan's post that a nice one recently sold for £60k as most rhd examples seem to be £80k plus with the dealers. Does anyone know what the Silverstone ones were bid to and whether they were good examples?
I have only driven the car 2ce so far. Test drive prior to putting a deposit down (though technically I tried a few others before pulling the trigger on that one) and on the way back home. Both time it was wet, on B roads covered with leaves. So a full report is still due at some point.
All I can say at this stage is that the 550 is miles apart from the F430. The 430 feels like a young ballerina - light, fragile, nervous and super responsive to the slightest touch of throttle and wheels. The cabin feels more open too. A stallion waiting to be spured!
The 550 feels more sturdy, a rawer driver’s car, the cabin fees more cocoon-ey, loads more torque. Not a lazy car, commands respect just like a true proud italian woman would. The road presence is immense.
I once read somewhere a quote describing both cars: “the man driving a 430 is out having a good time, while the man driving a 550 is enjoying life”. Pretty sums up my experience so far.
As far as pricing is concerned - all I’d say is that a good RHD example starting w a 6 isn’t that unrealistic in current market. I’d assume a 10-15% discount on asking price might not be idiotic.
Not all sellers have smelled the coffee yet - but prices have surely corrected in the last 12months