head v heart

[Roadrunner]

Just returned to PH land after a while away and have been reading through the Ferrari threads. You guys have so much passion for the marque, it makes great reading.

On the rare occasion I see a 355 around the city, it makes me well up with desire. The visual drama and sheer sex appeal is absolutely stunning. Then the wall of sound kick's in - unreal!

Unfortunately the small issue of money crops up. I couldn't afford to spend 5k a year in maintainance - small change to some of you I'm sure. What are your experiences with the costs? I guess this aspect would make a 911 RS / GT3 look like a bargain to run.

>>> Edited by Roadrunner on Sunday 3rd November 14:17

[ninja_eli]

Hi Roadrunner. I'm sure you can get some 355's for £50, either early RHD or late LHD cars. Talacrest seem like a nice bunch so you can check there first and then places like Kent Performance cars, Foskers etc. The warranties are not as good as official dealers but they should still provide very good cover. Regarding running costs it all depends on what stage of the service cycle the car is in. My service in a few months is likely to cost around £4K plus VAT. Add to that a wing mirror and respray of the front bumper for around £1100 and I think £5K or so. Otherwise an annual service is only about £800 or so. It can get costly if the car needs anything other than routine maintenance. Check the car out properly. With regards Ferrari's and where to buy Ajay or Manu can help you. Drop them an email?

[456mgt]

Unfortunately the small issue of money crops up. I couldn't afford to spend 5k a year in maintainance - small change to some of you I'm sure. What are your experiences with the costs? I guess this aspect would make a 911 RS / GT3 look like a bargain to run.

Maybe not the best person to comment on this but IMO you should be prepared to spend £5K a year on it, whichever model it is, and be pleasantly surprised when it costs less. BTW, £5K isn't small change in my book, it's an insane amount of money to spend running a car, but owning one of these cars is not a 'head' thing. It is a head thing when you look at resale values and tot up the costs for the year; then when you hit 8K through a tunnel you'll forgive it anything, and, for that moment, believe you're getting good value.

The first time I 'spoke' to Ninja was on another forum where he was debating precisely the same point. My advice was to get a Porsche... As I said, this isn't a head thing.

I've logged my costs on my profile: these are an accurate record of everything except discretionary spend (exhausts, armourfend, fuel)which I can't be arsed to keep a record of.

Kevin

[frostie]

I echo what has already been said. If you budget 5k a year then that should be a worse case average. My 355 has cost just under 6k in 2.25 years of ownership, first was about £800 second £5k. I'm not flush with cash so owning one was/is a big financial commitment which I have not regretted for one minute. You cannot put a price on the sheer joy and excitement a Ferrari brings.


Frostie

PS Maranello's have a stunning 96 Spider at £60K in their showroom.

>> Edited by frostie on Sunday 3rd November 17:47

[rich1231]

I am in no position to say what the annual cost of ownership are but..

You will never ever ever regret buying yourself a Ferrari.