18th May 2012, 10:37

If I had a car blow up 3 times, I would either change my driving habits or determine if it's the automobile.

At nearly 60, I have learned a lot about finicky vehicles. I would much rather have a high performance sports car that isn't in the shop constantly. Or even worse, have second thoughts bringing it out to drive. I have owned such vehicles, and other than a 1/2 mile drive to pick up a Sunday newspaper, they sit parked.

Some may like looking at cars as art, but I do not any more. I can go out buy a room of 1:18 diecasts and look at them on the shelf with equal effect. I actually have a den dedicated to Rolls Royce, but would not own a real example. If it's a trailer queen or you are part of the polisher set at shows, I guess that's an alternative. I guess I am a driving enthusiast, that will drive distance consistently do shows, and still drive home with a frequent show win trophy as well.

Anyway, good luck!

20th May 2012, 11:17

Well first of all, comparing any Ferrari to an M3 or a Corvette; it's like comparing a beautiful unique and rare jewel that you will only find at Tiffany's or such, to Walmart jewelry that is a dime a dozen, and everybody wears.

The Ferrari 456 GT is a rare piece that is for very exclusive people. It's for an older gentleman that made his money, has nothing to prove to anybody, so the color of his Ferrari would be gunmetal grey or azure blue at the most. And he would use that car on a quiet Tuesday (while regular 9-5 folks stay home) put his Brioni suit on with the Audemars Piguet watch, and take his lady to Casa Tua restaurant for an exclusive dining experience, and afterwards to his yacht in Miami Marina for cocktails and some private moments.

I hope with this brief note I explained the difference between a special masterpiece and a Bimmer or a Vette as they call them. Regards!

20th May 2012, 15:17

"The only negative comment on this thread has been from someone who believes, quite earnestly it would seem, that a Corvette is a better car than a Ferrari GT. How exactly? Well, we're told its for "practicality" reasons, though I'd wager that patriotism plays a key part"

Nah, I don't think it's "patriotism". He was advocating for the M3 too, not just the Corvette.

That said, the Ferrari is still worlds ahead of the Corvette.

21st May 2012, 12:42

Worlds apart; what in appearance or sound? Drivability, performance and maintenance; a newer generation Vette or Viper will be far more rewarding. A previous Ferrari poster indicated Chevrolets are flimsy. That opened that topic up. You can also drive them on the track, and then drive them home a great distance. And we have.

Blowing up 3 times isn't very inspiring.

21st May 2012, 17:30

You may view yourself as such, and that's your prerogative. Others may view it as someone driving a 65k current value vehicle that's 13 years old. It's not that exclusive at that price level.

I like to relay that the most popular credit card carried by millionaires is a Sears card. Just because someone can afford a new Ferrari, does not mean they want to own one. I will take a 96 Viper GTS and a 2012 Carbon Flash Corvette.

22nd May 2012, 11:13

Imagine anyone wanting a very collectible 750hp Supercharged Viper; first year of the GTS in 1996. I believe production was just slightly over 1000 made out of the typical Viper production 5000 made annually. That addresses the exclusivity comment.

Also do I dare have time to look down at any designer watch, so as not to miss my Poker Run departure on my offshore Fountain Powerboat.

Some buy to drive, not just a piece of jewelry.

Cheers!

19th Oct 2013, 05:46

I have to laugh at some of the comments here, particularly from the V12 haters and Corvette defenders.

I am not a wealthy individual. I could afford to buy a fully optioned Infiniti, 'vette, etc. but would rather spend my time with depreciated exotics. Life is too short to drive a Chevrolet ;-)

Pick any car, especially if it's a V12, and you will hear all manner of horror stories regarding maintenance costs. True, these vehicles were not cheap to purchase new, and replacement parts and labor are concomitant with the sticker price (if purchased via official channels), but there's something that evens the playing field, and you're on it: the internet.

Don't go to the dealership. Do some research and find a qualified independent mechanic to do your work. Same for parts; don't buy them from the dealership. They want $1000 for accumulators (suspension bits)? Source them from a BMW for 1/5 the price (new), or have them rebuilt by Boge / Bilstein / whoever for $100 each. Interior plastic bits deteriorating? An industry has sprung up around reconditioning these parts with superior coatings vs. buying Ferrari parts which will melt again in a couple of years. Windows not sealing properly? Dealer wants $8k for a fix that will fail again in a couple of years. A company in Florida offers a permanent fix for a few hundred per window. I could go on and on.

My point is this - use your head, and these cars can be relatively economical to run. This goes for Ferraris, BMWs, Jaguars, Mercedes, Maseratis, etc.

Here's my secret formula:

- Find an exotic you love.

- Make sure it's well sorted (pre purchase inspection up to par).

- Buy it.

- Address anything it may need (the weak points are well documented online).

- Drive the hell out of it.

- Address any maintenance it may need.

- Drive the hell out of it.

Rinse, repeat, and enjoy the fact that you've been able to experience such a wonderful machine!

As for the folks who think these cars are all low mileage because owners are afraid to drive them, I disagree. Certainly there will be a portion of owners who fall into that category, but I think the people who bought them new had other things to do (and cars to drive) than rack up miles on what was most likely a pleasure vehicle. They most likely weren't commuting in a $230k GT.

Me, I keep a motorcycle, two 10 year old + exotics, and one work truck. I don't have to deal with snow, and if one requires maintenance, I have the other + a bike. It's wonderful. I keep the truck for work appearances. Even though a client's fully optioned Camry may cost more than my 456, they'll never believe it. Such is the world.