Thinking of moving from Aston Martin, but...

[Slarti]

Hi folks,

I currently run a DB9 Convertible and really do enjoy it - the way it looks, sounds etc. However, I feel that at 38, there's still time to get myself a shiny red Ferrari without it looking like some kind of mid-life crisis. Not to mention, I've always wanted one anyway (I got the 9 for the rear seats, I've decided to do away with that for now).

As I've been an Aston owner and PHr for a few years now, I've managed to get to the bottom of how to maintain my Aston at the lowest possible price, without compromising quality or service history. For example, at service time my local main dealer is happy to let me use my own oil and gives me a significant discount on servicing because he knows that I'll only end up going to a nearby independent with a very good reputation. I'm a firm believer in not paying more than I need to so I'll go out of my way to try securing the best possible price.

My question is will I lose this flexibility by moving to Ferrari. For instance, are Ferrari dealers flexible in this way? Do they expect you to pay through the nose for everything? Is there a mature, well respected network of independents that keep the main dealers honest? Are there any 'legendary' independents whose reputations could even add value to your car if they serviced it (in the Aston world, we have Bamford Rose).

My other question is that I live in Lancashire - I'm wondering how well served I am up here.

BTW, I'm looking at early F430s and looking to do about 5k per year.

Thanks for reading this!!

[Eleander]

Given nobody else has responded thought I would have a stab.

For me buying my Ferrari was the fulfilment of a childhood dream. As such I am of the opinion that you should not look to scrimp in any way on the car as I would not want anything to tarnish my ownership experience. Whatever needs done to the car I will have done. Similarly you cannot be afraid to drive it for fear of depreciation as again that would detract from the ownership experience. If you are going to do it do it properly.

I am in Scotland which like you has little in the way of independents. I am aware what independents charge and when booking my car in for a service at the main dealer was happy with the price they quoted. From my experience the dealers do not try and rip you off. To date I have found them to be very helpful and courteous. FYI the charge for oil (engine and transmission) in the service was around the £160 mark so not sure how much you would save supplying you own - personally its not something I would even consider.

[sone]

It depends what car you buy in my opinion. If your looking at a new Ferrari then you get 7 year service package so all good. If you're looking at second hand but recent youll get a 2 year warrantee when buying from a main dealer. However if you're looking at older cars you will probably be offered an after market warrantee that isn't that great.
My experience with older cars is tha there are some great independents out there who are reasonable so I'd take some of the stories you hear about massive bills with a pinch of salt ( although it does happen) . Best go to your local inde for a chat these people are usually very approachable

Edited by sone on Saturday 19th January 17:11

[LukeyLikey]

I made the same move. I had newer Astons, a DB9 and DBS. I added first a 360 Spider to the DB9 and then a 430 Spider to the DBS.

My costs have been much higher on the Ferraris, but then they were older cars v brand new ones. There are various independents who can lessen the cost but you have to negotiate.

Overall though I wouldn't change back. Ferraris are much more exciting to own and drive and for me, they are what I dreamed about as a kid. It's totally worth it but they are all the good and bad of Italian machinery.

Fantastic!

Edited by LukeyLikey on Saturday 19th January 22:10

[Slarti]

Thanks for the input guys :-)

I'm looking at an early F430 which I guess isn't exactly old school Ferrari. I'm not looking to skimp on quality wrt servicing. My first Aston was a V8 Vantage (currently DB9) and I paid through the nose for stuff with main dealers. After some ownership and listening to the advice of the great guys on the AM forum, I realised I could get exactly the same quality but at much lower prices with the main dealers (just basic haggling and knowing what you're getting for your money). For instance, my last service should have cost £1400, I actually paid £700 (at the same main dealer) - they did the essential engine type stuff (oil, spark plugs etc) but for sundry stuff e.g. wiper blades (which IMHO don't require real mechanical expertise) or for mechanical stuff that work that doesn't compromise the service record, I just used an independent. This mixing & matching means that my car is fully serviced up with a clean record, with every bit of work done to it and it's really not cost me that much. The oil thing: well, I save about £100 by supplying my own oil(!) so I think that's worth it. I want to get into a Ferrari, I'm just trying to see if there's a way of jumping the ownership learning curve I suppose :-)

[bromers2]

Lots of independants around Manchester to keep prices from main dealer honest.
Also worth trying supercarhub as they get some cracking deals too.
Are you planning on keeping having a FFSH ?
Local guy in Warrington will do a PPI if you're buying privately (or dealer).

[Cipo]

Not exactly the same move, but brand wise yes. I went from V8V to a Cali, F cars are in a different league IMO. Nothing wrong with Aston and one day I may go back, but for now i am so glad I made the change. Service costs for me halved for my 3 year service (with no oil supplied) was a shade over £500.

[LukeyLikey]

Spoke to an insurance company specialising in high performance cars today. Chap told me that people often change from Aston to Ferrari but rarely if ever the other way around.

[Slarti]

Thanks chaps, you're gents. Interesting comment about it being a one-way conversion. I've only briefly driven a 360 spider (that was years ago) so I got a hint of the 'specialness' then. I just need to decide what and when. I could get a 430 now but i'd need to convince the wife that we don't need back seats anymore (i have a 5yr old daughter)... or I could see how business goes, save up and and get a Cali (by which time a 458 could start to look very tempting!). Hey ho, nice problem to have as they say but I gotta say, the thought of a lovely red Ferrari in my garage does excite me!

[johnnyreggae]

Read some of the recent 612 threads if extra seats are needed and see how tempted you are - very fast very spacious very affordable

[Mario149]

johnnyreggae said:

Read some of the recent 612 threads if extra seats are needed and see how tempted you are - very fast very spacious very affordable

....and then buy a 550

!

[tuscaneer]

Slarti said:

Hi folks,

I currently run a DB9 Convertible and really do enjoy it - the way it looks, sounds etc. However, I feel that at 38, there's still time to get myself a shiny red Ferrari without it looking like some kind of mid-life crisis. Not to mention, I've always wanted one anyway (I got the 9 for the rear seats, I've decided to do away with that for now).

As I've been an Aston owner and PHr for a few years now, I've managed to get to the bottom of how to maintain my Aston at the lowest possible price, without compromising quality or service history. For example, at service time my local main dealer is happy to let me use my own oil and gives me a significant discount on servicing because he knows that I'll only end up going to a nearby independent with a very good reputation. I'm a firm believer in not paying more than I need to so I'll go out of my way to try securing the best possible price.

My question is will I lose this flexibility by moving to Ferrari. For instance, are Ferrari dealers flexible in this way? Do they expect you to pay through the nose for everything? Is there a mature, well respected network of independents that keep the main dealers honest? Are there any 'legendary' independents whose reputations could even add value to your car if they serviced it (in the Aston world, we have Bamford Rose).

My other question is that I live in Lancashire - I'm wondering how well served I am up here.

BTW, I'm looking at early F430s and looking to do about 5k per year.

Thanks for reading this!!

i did this.after my gang of tvr's i went into a db7 which quickly turned into a new v8v in 2007.roll forward 3 and a half years and a depreciation loss 50 odd grand i wanted a nearly new db9 for the rear seats.then i test drove a 430.christ it was so much better than anything else i was test piloting at the time.i honestly couldn't even consider any other car after that drive.

one thing i got stung for, however was cracked manifolds.VERY expensive job.i kept the car for 12 months ansd in a moment of madness(2 kids) sold it to buy a 5 ltr supercharged rangey sport.awesome bit of kit but i was so hurt not having a donkey i ended up giving the rangey to the wife and buying another 430.this time,however, i made sure i went in eyes open.i made sure the manifolds had already been replaced and this time i made sure i bought a car with full main dealer service history just to be sure.

i initially bought a silver car as coming from astons myself was a bit reserved about driving around in something garish.this time around i went the full monty of cream leather and rosso paint.i wouldn't have it any other way!!!

how can anyone argue with this...........

[erics]

maybe try driving an aston v12v

[Slarti]

tuscaneer said:

made sure i went in eyes open.i made sure the manifolds had already been replaced and this time i made sure i bought a car with full main dealer service history just to be sure.

Thanks for the advice on the manifolds. I'm guessing this is the sort of stuff an inspection would uncover? Btw, how do you crack the manifolds??? ( and how much did it cost to fix).

I keep looking at 612s but I come back to the conclusion that if I'm moving away from Aston, I might as well say goodbye to subtlety. I see 612s like the gentleman's Ferarri - lines that mean business but stop just shy of being brutish.

[Mario149]

Slarti said:

Thanks for the advice on the manifolds. I'm guessing this is the sort of stuff an inspection would uncover?

Not necessarily unless they're obviously blowing already I believe

Slarti said:

Btw, how do you crack the manifolds??? ( and how much did it cost to fix).

By driving the car in a normal manner (and lots of £, 355 ones are about £1200 per side if I recall....)

It seems Ferrari have had issues with them on several models - they're certainly also a problem on the 355, at which point you send them off to a company in the midlands (I forget the name) who refurb them for about £750 inc P&P to send them back and you're good as new again.

[tuscaneer]

Slarti said:

Thanks for the advice on the manifolds. I'm guessing this is the sort of stuff an inspection would uncover? Btw, how do you crack the manifolds??? ( and how much did it cost to fix).

I keep looking at 612s but I come back to the conclusion that if I'm moving away from Aston, I might as well say goodbye to subtlety. I see 612s like the gentleman's Ferarri - lines that mean business but stop just shy of being brutish.

You cant really tell.i had a rattling silencer develop.when i had it checked out they found the manifold problem.from memory they were about 1500 quid each side plus fitting.all cars will need it at some point so best to buy one that has already had the job done.the upgraded replacement ones are more robust.also make sure all exhaust brackets are sound.that cost me a few quid as well!!. Best advice is that if it seems too cheap there is a reason!! I rang a couple of private sellers that balked as soon as i asked about manifolds, exhaust brackets and ball joints.that said there are a few corkers out there for sale privately right here in the classifieds.do your homework and go in with your eyes open.

Another thing to think about.donkeys might be more to service but you wont get raped on depreciation on a ferrari as badly as you do with astons!!

[Slarti]

bromers2 said:

Lots of independants around Manchester to keep prices from main dealer honest.
Also worth trying supercarhub as they get some cracking deals too.
Are you planning on keeping having a FFSH ?
Local guy in Warrington will do a PPI if you're buying privately (or dealer).

What do you think of doing a PPI on a car bought from a main dealer with 2 yrs warranty?

[GusB]

I am looking at a main dealer 599 at the moment and it has never occurred to me to have a PPI done... Maybe I am being naive?

GusB

[sone]

GusB said:

I am looking at a main dealer 599 at the moment and it has never occurred to me to have a PPI done... Maybe I am being naive?

GusB

I wouldn't bother with inspection from main dealer, they have to inspect the car to put a 2 year warranty on it and then you have 2 years where you can just send it back should a problem occur.

[Slarti]

sone said:

I wouldn't bother with inspection from main dealer, they have to inspect the car to put a 2 year warranty on it and then you have 2 years where you can just send it back should a problem occur.

According to the above, if you wind up with cracked manifolds then this won't be covered by the lesser warranty that come on older cars (I'm looking at 2006 f40s). Furthermore a ppi would tell you how much clutch wear there is and the state of other consumables like pads and discs that aren't covered by any warranty.