Should i do it?

[BermyAndy]

Toying with the idea of a move to the darkside, ditching the targa for a 550 maranello

Heart says yes, head says no. PH Says...?

[kennyboy]

To use everyday? - do't do it.

[Grey Ghost]

You only live once....if the wallet can handle the costs then go for it.

[clubsport]

definitely do it,,,if you don't get on with it you may choose to come back to porsche, there will still be a few around....assuming you have considered possible expense of owning a 550, no point looking back in 20 years time wishing you had done it...Go get it!

[Wanta996]

Go for it - Live the Dream

P.S. Not wanting to confuse your choice but why not a used 355 or a 360? I just found the 550 too conservative for a Ferrari, on par with the 456 in my eyes.

[BermyAndy]

Wanta996 said:

Go for it - Live the Dream

P.S. Not wanting to confuse your choice but why not a used 355 or a 360? I just found the 550 too conservative for a Ferrari, on par with the 456 in my eyes.

Thats why...

Its to be parked on a street in london so like the conservative nature. Also, supposedly the most mechanically reliable of the 3, and has the better handling

[Dr S]

BermyAndy said:

Toying with the idea of a move to the darkside, ditching the targa for a 550 maranello

Heart says yes, head says no. PH Says...?

Go for it. Good friend of mine runs two (a regular 550 and a spyder) as daily motors for quite some years now and is extremely happy with them.

[nbetts]

BermyAndy said:

Toying with the idea of a move to the darkside, ditching the targa for a 550 maranello

Heart says yes, head says no. PH Says...?

Can you afford to write off £20k for a year or two of ownership? If you can go for it, I love those 550's - if you can't don't.

I am not saying it will cost you £20k - but that is what I would put aside if I were to enter the world of V12 Ferrari Ownership.

Good Luck.

[mikeg996]

Ready Harry Metcalfe's long-term test of the 550 in EVO (available on their website). Makes for great reading, as long as it's not your wallet. He was doing two rear tyres every 5k miles as I recall.

[Bund]

Andy,

I think its a good swap as long as you dont need to run it on a shoe string. Iv thought a few times about the 550/575 idea.

Id say do it!

[scotty_917]

Didn't we cover this subject yesterday?

[Bund]

You dont seem very sure though. Maybe if you wanted it enough you wouldnt need us convincing you?

[Wanta996]

You may get a more informed opinion from the Ferrari forum boys anyway, i only know what i have read in Autocar and the EVO long term article BUT i have also heard that it was the first Ferrari that you could use as an everyday car.

P.S. I think all used Ferraris from the official dealers come with a used warranty for peace of mind.

[BermyAndy]

Bund said:

You dont seem very sure though. Maybe if you wanted it enough you wouldnt need us convincing you?

Its (for me) a big chunk of change, with the added issue of things just generally costing more on a ferrari so its taking time.

But bear in mind, it took me about 4 months to choose the targa!

For £60k, anything else I should consider (no 996 turbos, they just dont do it for me im afraid)

[Wanta996]

Thats the thing, after Porsche, the only way to go is either:

A. Ferrari,Lamborghini
B. Aston Martin,Bentley
C. AMGs CL55/63,SL55/63

D. You do get the odd strange folk that may to take a risk with a Maserati, personally i wouldnt touch them.

P.S. I have noticed that 996 GT3's are going down in price, 2 on Pistonheads classifieds at £45ish and numerous on Autotrader.

[Bund]

BermyAndy said:

Bund said:

You dont seem very sure though. Maybe if you wanted it enough you wouldnt need us convincing you?

Its (for me) a big chunk of change, with the added issue of things just generally costing more on a ferrari so its taking time.

But bear in mind, it took me about 4 months to choose the targa!

For £60k, anything else I should consider (no 996 turbos, they just dont do it for me im afraid)

I think an AMV8 would be a good choice especially for 65k. Not sure if they are there yet but they will be very soon if there not already.

[Dr S]

Wanta996 said:

C. AMGs CL55/63,SL55/63

They are only an option for people who drive TT Tips...

[Testarossa]

Make sure you get one with a fiorano pack and scuderia shields (it breaks up the side a bit)the 2/3 piece wheels look a little dodgy, if you get the WSR, you will lose less in depreciation.

The car is ultra cool!


for 60k, think about a vanquish

Edited by Testarossa on Friday 8th June 18:35

[911wise]

Do it. Wouldn't want to die not knowng.

[Steve_M]

The old saying goes, "You have a love affair with an Italian car and marry a German car"

Nothing wrong with a little love affair every now and then

Go for it!