It's getting mighty close...

[alanc5]

...to that time I've been waiting for since I was a wee nipper. Of course, it's going to be Ferrari, and still going to be a 550.

So just a question I've been mulling over: how far can you haggle down a list price? I've absolutely no experience in buying high-end cars and I would really prefer not to get suckered first time out.

[v12v8]

Alan, give them hell. There are after all plenty of franchised and non-franchised dealers in the country.

Problem is, when you spot the car you "love", reason tends to go out of the window. When I buy a car, I always bear in mind that I will sell it one day.

Good luck. Don't be put off by non-franchised dealers. their cars are often cheaper.

[anniesdad]

Can't help you with your haggling question, but I sincerely wish you all the very best with your intended purchase. I'll own a Fezza one day just like you. Have had the opportunity of driving them, but held off, because the first one I drive....will be mine....oh yes it will be mine.

[maranellouk]

When they give you their price, give them a low number which you both know won't be accepted. This is one way of starting negotiations. This will give you more room to work with and you could possibly find out the lowest acceptance price with an unskilled negotiator.

They will probably try to offer you things that cost them very little to keep closer to their price so be aware. Upgrades, tyres, interior refurbishing will be their first port of call.

If they know that you are serious about buying a 550 they would rather shift one of theirs then send you elsewhere. I mean, even if you buy an early one for 65k, that is a fair whack of change. Also hint that you really are stretching an already stretched budget but if the right price can be reached you will do some business. They have to sell the car to you don't forget. Too often the dealers turn the tables and try to make you feel they are doing you the favour.

Always remember that you have the absolute right to walk away and think it over. Just try to block out the sound of the V12 when you walk away to think eh

LAW

P.S: Never agree to split the difference.

PPS: Don't fall for the old "shine the tyres to make the car look new" trick. It works sometimes - believe me

[Chris_w]

Just a thought but maybe drop in that this will be the first of many such purchases (hopefully true!) - suggest that the 550 will be replaced by a 575 next year, or a 456/612 once you've had kids for example. Any dealer worth his salt will want to set up a good relationship with you. If they think it's a one time deal they might be less inclined to be so 'generous'.

Chris (who, to date, has bought precisely zero Fezza's... )

[alanc5]

anniesdad said:

Can't help you with your haggling question, but I sincerely wish you all the very best with your intended purchase. I'll own a Fezza one day just like you. Have had the opportunity of driving them, but held off, because the first one I drive....will be mine....oh yes it will be mine.

Well I'm just like you too, I've looked from afar, never even looked at too many first-hand because I intend to savour that first experience.

[ceeage]

I've just bought a 575 for i suspect far too much cash. Toi giv eyou an idea i bough a DB7 just over a year ago which was an £85k car and i know the markup was around £20k. If i'd known i'd have been aiming for at least £10k off the price. I used similar maths on the 575 and it worked.

[alanc5]

Ahh yes, that's what I meant. The higher the price it seems people care less about markup, whats 10-20k?!

I wish I was one of those who didn't need to think about such things, but a 10k kitty would do nicely for keeping it maintained.

Nice choice on the 575 btw, such a beatiful car. I'll get one eventually, once you playboys have took the dep hit ;o)

[maranellouk]

Chris_w said:

Just a thought but maybe drop in that this will be the first of many such purchases (hopefully true!) - suggest that the 550 will be replaced by a 575 next year, or a 456/612 once you've had kids for example. Any dealer worth his salt will want to set up a good relationship with you. If they think it's a one time deal they might be less inclined to be so 'generous'. Chris (who, to date, has bought precisely zero Fezza's... )

Good point mate. Them keeping you sweet is paramount. More so if you imply you intend on changing models on a fairly regular basis.

For god's sake, since the 550 we've had:
575
575 with F pack as standard
575 stradale is almost here
575 replacement is on its way too

You could go as far as saying the 550 is old motor and they'd be lucky to sell it

Let's see, you could go down to a dealer with one of our FML forum owners in their respective exotica. The dealer will see your mates have the right motors and know you mean business. Also, 2 blokes vs one dealer is always a bonus as the dealer will know he won't be able to corner you on price easily. Plus the charitable PHer could throw in a few "bloody hell mate, I've got a mate selling one for 10k less" every now and then.

MARA

[MOD500]

Yep, try the walking out of the door trick, I had to do it and it worked when I bought the porker.

I am no Ferrari expert, but would it be worth trying to wrangle a sports exhaust of some kind as part of the deal if the car hasn't already got one? Or at least get it fitted for free by the dealer if you were to supply the zorst? I have read a few tales on here of this happening. TUBI exhausts can be found at www.scuderiasystems.com sorry if you already knew all that!!

Hope you get a stonking 550

Best Regards


Martyn.