Daydreaming Ferrari
 

Before this whole virus thing came down, I had a slight urge to buy an exotic. Of course it was more impulse than anything else since there is absolutely no reason to buy one other than having one. Still, the dream never faded and I find myself constantly peeking at it. With that said, I still don't think I am ready just yet. Maybe in another 3 years or with another 40% drop in value. Anyway the car I get will simply be a weekend driver and it has to be great to look at, it won't be tracked or raced. I just want to be able to have an exotic in my garage (Ferrari mainly). Anyway I don't know if anybody has or had one, but just want to see what are your experiences in owning one. I have a couple pros and cons of owning one.

I've considered it several times, but the required maintenance always brings me back down to reality. Or more specifically, the cost associated with the maintenance. But in the words of Ferris Bueller, "If you have the means, I highly recommend".

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/

I think this may be useful. What model are you thinking?

I don’t own one, have only ever driven one briefly, but know others who do (real people and avatars).

The cost of ownership is the big drawback. Research on ferarrichat will help you figure out which models to avoid. But suffice it to say that maintenance is not cheap. If you ever want to recoup your investment, you will want to provide documented service history and OEM parts. You will take a price hit on resale if you DIY’d the work. You may not care, but circumstances can change. Insurance isn’t cheap either, and parts can be an issue. Not every Speedy Auto Glass carries a windshield for an F12!

The other thing is that some cars are garage queens only because of the depreciation from driving them. That should’t be, and most don’t feel that way when buying it, but they get struck with the notion after signing the cheque.

Also, in some regions, you may not feel comfortable parking it out of sight (such as at a restaurant).

Finally, these are cars that you’ll find it hard to get out of 3rd gear without losing your license.

That said, there can’t be much nicer than cruising in your Ferrari. I’d love to do, but it’s just out of reach.

I went with a 4C instead. Can drive it all day for cheap, and it still makes each trip an event. Looks amazing too. Probably won’t satisfy your itch, but I hope that you get a chance to give your favourite car a try. Life, as we are finding out now, is short.

I paid a lot for my motorhome then the 488 GTB I was looking at. If I didn't buy the motorhome. The 488 GTB would have been sitting in my garage.

Like others have said. Maintenance sucks on them. Oil changes, tune ups is one thing. Brakes, clutches is other thing. But how many know know that you have to replace the fuel tank bladder every so many years. There is other things like that most don't know about.

Not Ferrari but owned multiple Lotus Turbo Esprit's. Superb fun and reasonable maintenance. 83,86 and 94 models. Do requisite research and check all aspects of ownership - tires, insurance etc etc etc. Inspect the potential purchases. My cars were bought from 1 owners with records not negotiable.

Enjoy the experience.

4C more rare than many Ferrari models. Superb vehicle. Exotic as any other exotic make I feel. :tup:

I saw a 4C in person, it was super cool. I had to go home and google to see what it was. I still like the Ferrari for the cool factor though, never had a Ferrari. It would be a childhood dream come true. At this point, it isn't until the price absolute crashes or we have a vaccine. Maybe 60K

I am looking for a California. I know everyone hates the car, but I think it is a good car to drive as it has reasonable amount of modern features. I tracked a 458. I know it was fast, but for some reason I just didn't like it. I can't tell you why, but it didn't do anything for me.

California model is very nice. Offers coupe' and cabrio experience. Buy what you like. The folks looking at it dont matter. Your money and life. We care too much what others think of the car we sit in. THEY DO NOT MATTER.

After the virus thing settles down, if there is anything left on this world, then we can make more dumb decisions :).

California, or California T? The latter seems to be the better reviewed car.

Listen to this man. He makes sense!
Learn from others, but follow your heart with this one.

Just realized that you should rename this thread "California Dreamin' "

:-D

Comparison between the California and California T

Performance Specs comparison between California and California T

EDIT:
BTW, if you are legally allowed to import them, it might make sense to look at the Canadian market for these as well.
Right now, our dollar is hovering around $0.70 to $0.71 against the greenback. Meaning, 30% off sale, baby!

Autotrader.ca search for Ferrari California

T is too new, likely out of budget. It's going to be a tough enough sell for a regular California to the wife. I don't need to make it tougher.

The cost of import and the lack of resale value will make the car not worth it. I can find one locally for around the same price.

It's more expensive than US prices, I just did a quick search even after the FX adjustment

Every time I see a Ferrari:


But in all seriousness they are nice cars. I would just rather spend that amount cash on a great condition R34 GTR