Can You Afford to Drive a Ferrari (1998 550 Maranello)?
02-24-2008, 10:00 PM
#42
Originally Posted by JJaber06
If I was a multi-millionaire, I would have a stable full of my favorite cars, which would include the NSX. Afterall, if I had that much money, I would still be a car enthusiest, and wouldn't let the greed go straight to my head and swamp my garage full of Ferraris. I'd have an S2000 in mix as well and probably an E36 M3 and an E55 AMG, how wierd!
I was never a fan of the 550...If I wanted a front engine exotic, I would get an Aston Martin over it any day of the week. As for the interior, I don't think Ferrari's main focus is interior design, as their track record has shown. Yes, its functional and i'm sure they use high quality leather and what not (they better for the price), but as far as design and aesthetics go...its nothing to write home about.
If you really want to post pictures....here you go...
I think you're the one in denial
I was never a fan of the 550...If I wanted a front engine exotic, I would get an Aston Martin over it any day of the week. As for the interior, I don't think Ferrari's main focus is interior design, as their track record has shown. Yes, its functional and i'm sure they use high quality leather and what not (they better for the price), but as far as design and aesthetics go...its nothing to write home about.
If you really want to post pictures....here you go...
I think you're the one in denial
I never said the NSX interior as ugly. And I even said this before, my dream garage would have real JDM ITR sedans in it. I never said I would exclude an NSX in my "dream garage." If anything I would have more Porsches than Ferraris... but would I have an NSX-R INSTEAD of a Ferrari F430 (a better comparison than a GT-class 550M)? Don't think so.... if you would though, that's fine with me.
You already provided reasoning, though I would exactly agree with it all.Since you like to make comparisons, I would take a 911 GT3 over a S65 AMG anyday.
02-24-2008, 10:01 PM
#43
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
Originally Posted by nokiaman
Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari have always been a motivation for me to work hard at school, harder at work. It won't necessarily make you happier if you're just rich and need a car, but if you're a hardcore and die-hard car enthusiast it can simply be the result of childhood dream. I've always had a fascination for anything on four wheels for as long as I can remember and if one day I can afford a Carrera GT or an F430, I won't even second guess myself. I wouldn't be buying an expensive exotic sportscar, I would be satisfying a dream I've always strived to accomplish.Surely there are priorities to be set in life for everything, but dare I say it a car is still a car. But again spending doesn't equal happiness like iTimmy said.
Just because I like a car, appreciate it doesn't mean I'd want to own it. The 5k mile service on my S2k will cost around $20, the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, to me that's happiness. Did I mention I'm a stingy jew
02-24-2008, 10:04 PM
#44
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
Originally Posted by nokiaman
Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari have always been a motivation for me to work hard at school, harder at work. It won't necessarily make you happier if you're just rich and need a car, but if you're a hardcore and die-hard car enthusiast it can simply be the result of childhood dream. I've always had a fascination for anything on four wheels for as long as I can remember and if one day I can afford a Carrera GT or an F430, I won't even second guess myself. I wouldn't be buying an expensive exotic sportscar, I would be satisfying a dream I've always strived to accomplish.Surely there are priorities to be set in life for everything, but dare I say it a car is still a car. But again spending doesn't equal happiness like iTimmy said.
02-24-2008, 10:05 PM
#45
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Originally Posted by zeroday
^^ wow you sure picked a terrible looking nsx interior to prove your point. the seats clash with the carpet in a bad way...
And not a stock US NSX either, with the racing wheel, goofy shifter and racing-shell type seats. Better pics are on Edmunds, MSN autos, etc.
The interiors on the mid-V8 Ferraris are better looking than that on the 550, too, although the F430's is not as nice as its predecessors.
02-24-2008, 10:12 PM
#46
Originally Posted by Will Y.
And not a stock US NSX either, with the racing wheel, goofy shifter and racing-shell type seats. Better pics are on Edmunds, MSN autos, etc.
The interiors on the mid-V8 Ferraris are better looking than that on the 550, too, although the F430's is not as nice as its predecessors.
) And it seems like those carpets are old and faded. The seats look brand new though, I think they look great. Not the factory shift knob either.
02-24-2008, 10:13 PM
#47
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
@ JJaber06 posting a pic of a non-stock NSX...
02-24-2008, 10:17 PM
#48
Its supposed to be the NSX-R interior, not the base NSX. Its the only have decent picture I could find of it =/
AFAIK, the seats and steering wheel are the factory ones, and like Costco said, the shift boot and knob are different.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Media/ma...-evo-nsx-r.jpg
AFAIK, the seats and steering wheel are the factory ones, and like Costco said, the shift boot and knob are different.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Media/ma...-evo-nsx-r.jpg
02-24-2008, 10:17 PM
#49
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by iTimmy
Just because I like a car, appreciate it doesn't mean I'd want to own it. The 5k mile service on my S2k will cost around $20, the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, to me that's happiness. Did I mention I'm a stingy jew
and I certainly wouldn't kick one out of bed. As you said we're all different and in fact I really like the way you think, it's inspiring. And automotive happiness doesn't exactly equal a 400k check to Porsche. I'm sure you get more thrills in your s2k or Phil in his Elise than someone driving a 599 Fiorano. If your car makes you smile, that's happiness.
02-24-2008, 10:20 PM
#50
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On a side note....
The magazine quoted, Keith Martin's Sports Car Market, is just about the best car mag around.
Subscription is highly recommended, articles like this appear in every issue.
Cheers,
-Mirror
P.S. Ferrari vs. NSX is a collision between two very different car company histories and philosophies.
Ferrari began as a race car fabricator turned road car manufacturer to support their racing habit.
Honda began as a transportation device manufacturer who eventually climbed their way up the ladder to exotic car production.
Ferrari has never worried about finding well heeled buyers for their cars, Honda needed to chop their market for the NSX out of that Ferrari clientele. Come to your own conclusions people.
The magazine quoted, Keith Martin's Sports Car Market, is just about the best car mag around.
Subscription is highly recommended, articles like this appear in every issue.
Cheers,
-Mirror
P.S. Ferrari vs. NSX is a collision between two very different car company histories and philosophies.
Ferrari began as a race car fabricator turned road car manufacturer to support their racing habit.
Honda began as a transportation device manufacturer who eventually climbed their way up the ladder to exotic car production.
Ferrari has never worried about finding well heeled buyers for their cars, Honda needed to chop their market for the NSX out of that Ferrari clientele. Come to your own conclusions people.
02-25-2008, 12:46 AM
#51
Originally Posted by TheMirror
On a side note....
The magazine quoted, Keith Martin's Sports Car Market, is just about the best car mag around.
Subscription is highly recommended, articles like this appear in every issue.
Cheers,
-Mirror
P.S. Ferrari vs. NSX is a collision between two very different car company histories and philosophies.
Ferrari began as a race car fabricator turned road car manufacturer to support their racing habit.
Honda began as a transportation device manufacturer who eventually climbed their way up the ladder to exotic car production.
Ferrari has never worried about finding well heeled buyers for their cars, Honda needed to chop their market for the NSX out of that Ferrari clientele. Come to your own conclusions people.
The magazine quoted, Keith Martin's Sports Car Market, is just about the best car mag around.
Subscription is highly recommended, articles like this appear in every issue.
Cheers,
-Mirror
P.S. Ferrari vs. NSX is a collision between two very different car company histories and philosophies.
Ferrari began as a race car fabricator turned road car manufacturer to support their racing habit.
Honda began as a transportation device manufacturer who eventually climbed their way up the ladder to exotic car production.
Ferrari has never worried about finding well heeled buyers for their cars, Honda needed to chop their market for the NSX out of that Ferrari clientele. Come to your own conclusions people.
I would consider myself one of those individuals who considers the only "real" Ferrari to consist of a front engine of twelve cylinders driving the rear wheels. Throughout the years I've thought at times of purchasing a Maranello, not so much as it is my favourite model, but in my eyes represents a continuation of the Ferrari twelves starting back with the original sixty degree Colombo V12 debuting in the 125 S. As a kid I remember seeing photographs of the 340, 342, and 375s and being absolutely mesmerized. And I'm sure everyone here has seen photographs of the lovely 250 GT. The 365, 275, and 330 road cars that followed all remained truthful to the original platform of V12, front engined, and rear drive.
No, a car such as the 550 doesn't have the racing heritage of it's earlier brothers, but is instead a wonderful continuation of a design and character put into place many years earlier. It possesses the mystique and carries with it the heritage that made Ferrari the manufacturer that is today. Sure this particular 550 sounds as if it has required much more than it's regular maintenance, and of course the recommended maintaince costs are atrocious, but it is much more than a car. It is an embodiment of an idea and a passion that originated many years ago. One, although arguably somewhat now diluted, carries on with a rich racing heritage.
Terry
02-25-2008, 01:25 AM
#53
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Originally Posted by 2000TaffetaTL
Still one of the most beautiful cars, and easily the best made by Honda/Acura.
I'd get one if it doesn't cost an arm and leg.
02-25-2008, 08:51 AM
#56
Originally Posted by majin ssj eric
Thats just too much stuff going wrong within 30k miles, Ferrari or not....
Last edited by FiveLiterCheater; 02-25-2008 at 08:53 AM.
02-25-2008, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by JJaber06
Exactly. You'd think for the price they would be putting quality parts in there, but I guess even the best are just out to make money. Its an amazing car for sure, but I think most modern day BMW M and AMG benz will keep up or even beat it around the track...for almost 1/2 the cost.
At any rate, if I had the means, I would have the toys...
02-25-2008, 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by teranfon
Well said.
I would consider myself one of those individuals who considers the only "real" Ferrari to consist of a front engine of twelve cylinders driving the rear wheels. Throughout the years I've thought at times of purchasing a Maranello, not so much as it is my favourite model, but in my eyes represents a continuation of the Ferrari twelves starting back with the original sixty degree Colombo V12 debuting in the 125 S. As a kid I remember seeing photographs of the 340, 342, and 375s and being absolutely mesmerized. And I'm sure everyone here has seen photographs of the lovely 250 GT. The 365, 275, and 330 road cars that followed all remained truthful to the original platform of V12, front engined, and rear drive.
Terry
I would consider myself one of those individuals who considers the only "real" Ferrari to consist of a front engine of twelve cylinders driving the rear wheels. Throughout the years I've thought at times of purchasing a Maranello, not so much as it is my favourite model, but in my eyes represents a continuation of the Ferrari twelves starting back with the original sixty degree Colombo V12 debuting in the 125 S. As a kid I remember seeing photographs of the 340, 342, and 375s and being absolutely mesmerized. And I'm sure everyone here has seen photographs of the lovely 250 GT. The 365, 275, and 330 road cars that followed all remained truthful to the original platform of V12, front engined, and rear drive.
Terry
02-26-2008, 12:01 AM
#61
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two tires, an oil and coolant change is 2600 dollars GOD DAMN. all these ferrari mechanics are probably going to hell when they die. i bet half of that maitenance was super preventive maitenance. tires, oil and coolant shouldnt even be more than 500$ on a regular car tops. i could understand maybe a thousand and change but 2600 is a fucking rip off. unless the tires are 1000 a peice.
and 10k for a oil change? are we paying for the mechanics spa and oriental massage treatment later too? does the oil change come with complimentary escort service? or a movie or something?!?
and 10k for a oil change? are we paying for the mechanics spa and oriental massage treatment later too? does the oil change come with complimentary escort service? or a movie or something?!?
02-26-2008, 09:43 AM
#63
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
acturally checking tirerack, the rears are about $300 each, but if you add dealer markup, like every dealer does, i think they were about 500/piece.
Like it was said in the article, some of these owners spend more on ebay crap then they do on the maintenance, its not like they are ballers on a budget. Plus i believe that when one purchases a Ferrari they are aware of maintenance costs.
When in CA i went with a friend to the ferrari dealer, he was interested in a 360. He asked can the car be driven 100,000 miles, they said yea, but your gonna have an expensive trip up there. They said that at about 4-5 years the dash needs to be replaced in CA cause the sun dries up the special leather on the dash, which is an $8K job, in conclusion the dealer sales manager said that if your looking to be noticed, get a ferrari, but if your looking to drive 100,000 go get a porsche.
Like it was said in the article, some of these owners spend more on ebay crap then they do on the maintenance, its not like they are ballers on a budget. Plus i believe that when one purchases a Ferrari they are aware of maintenance costs.
When in CA i went with a friend to the ferrari dealer, he was interested in a 360. He asked can the car be driven 100,000 miles, they said yea, but your gonna have an expensive trip up there. They said that at about 4-5 years the dash needs to be replaced in CA cause the sun dries up the special leather on the dash, which is an $8K job, in conclusion the dealer sales manager said that if your looking to be noticed, get a ferrari, but if your looking to drive 100,000 go get a porsche.
02-26-2008, 10:41 AM
#64
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by stangg172004
gotta pay to play gents...
No news here.
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