New stable mate

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Did you run out of cash to buy a nice bike?!
Ha ! I used to own Harley’s (including my all time favourite v-rod original 100yr anniversary edition w screaming eagle exhaust) before we had kids. My wife forced me into selling them when our first born arrived. I believe that was my ticket to owning whatever stupid car I wanted w/o getting a veto...
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
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
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
Ha ! I used to own Harley’s (including my all time favourite v-rod original 100yr anniversary edition w screaming eagle exhaust) before we had kids. My wife forced me into selling them when our first born arrived. I believe that was my ticket to owning whatever stupid car I wanted w/o getting a veto...
LOL. Never had a motorbike nor want one. Very happy with 4 wheels and some protection around me

Lovely pair indeed. What colour is the 550 interior?
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
[QUOTE="rivarama, post: 725914, member:
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.

[/QUOTE]

I like that. Certainly felt a more... adult experience than the F355 I borrowed.
 

EnzoMC

Member
Messages
1,998
very nice and great choice.

just having a clear out and found Autocar mag (Sept 96) with 5 pages write up on 550. let me know if you want it? if so PM me your address and I'll get it sent otherwise I'll just bin it with the others.
 

Wattie

Member
Messages
8,640
Ok honest question.
V8, over v10, over v12.
I’ve never looked at cars because of the engine size. I’ve bought because of the way They made me feel.
I heard a v10 (Audi) recently and thought awesome.
Not sure I’ve ever heard a v12.
I’d happil6 run around in a rust free chassis Maserati V8 as for-me that was the pinnacle.
Maybe I’ve sold myself short, but why go bigger?