Cost of maintaining a modern Ferrari

[Rail26]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

But generaly speaking I think most Pcar owners do not drive their cars every day.
of course I have absolutely no data to back this up.

I wonder if this is true? My Box is a daily driver and I don't know why other people don't use there car as a daily driver (except for the obvious fact of kids, etc). It gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, looks good and is fun to drive. I don't care about racking up the mileage because I bought the car to drive...not to sit in the garage trying to "protect" my investment (worst investment in the world).

My rule for any car I will buy is it has to be a daily driver.

[z12358]

Originally Posted by Rail26

My rule for any car I will buy is it has to be a daily driver.

I only drive for leisure and on weekends so can't speak for people who have to drive to work during the week, but I can see how one could have a different car for a different purpose and conditions. There are plenty of congested metro areas with bad roads, hellish commutes in stop-and-go traffic. I don't think it's a matter of mileage or wear and tear, it just plain doesn't make sense to be driving a high-performance roadster (with a stick shift, no less) in such conditions. Moreover, it makes sense to associate the roadster with fun and joy (like a twisty road on a weekend) and disassociate it from stress, congestion, and hurry. It's a different feeling when you sit in your joy car for your joy ride, and not in the same seat in which you cursed and sweated just yesterday while stuck in traffic on your way home from work.

So I don't think this is a matter of some people being obsessively concerned about their cars, while others (daily drivers) not. My guess is that if most people here lived in an idylic country setting, driving to work on beautiful, uncongested, country roads, they would indeed use their roadsters as daily drivers.

Finally, why ever impose such "image" rules on yourself?

Z.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by z12358

I only drive for leisure and on weekends so can't speak for people who have to drive to work during the week, but I can see how one could have a different car for a different purpose and conditions. There are plenty of congested metro areas with bad roads, hellish commutes in stop-and-go traffic. I don't think it's a matter of mileage or wear and tear, it just plain doesn't make sense to be driving a high-performance roadster (with a stick shift, no less) in such conditions. Moreover, it makes sense to associate the roadster with fun and joy (like a twisty road on a weekend) and disassociate it from stress, congestion, and hurry. It's a different feeling when you sit in your joy car for your joy ride, and not in the same seat in which you cursed and sweated just yesterday while stuck in traffic on your way home from work.
Z.

I understand what you are saying, but the other side of it is, when I have a long and stressful day at work at a client location, often the best part of my day is that commute in my Boxster. I am always looking for twisty backroads that, although may lengthen my trip to and from work, I can fit some “me” time in there during an otherwise potentially boring task of commuting. I can’t count how many nights I have shuffled out of an office building completely drained, only to have a big smile put on my face when I see my car.

When I first got the Box, I kept another car for DD purposes – nice car, an Acura CL Type S, but every day when I was driving it, I wished I was in the Porsche. So I wound up just selling it.

I hear you about the inner-city driving. I certainly don’t live in an idyllic country setting, but if I have to go to Manhattan, I take the train, but otherwise, Jersey, upstate New York, Long Island, I’m taking my car, and I am enjoying it – every day.

[z12358]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

I understand what you are saying, but the other side of it is, when I have a long and stressful day at work at a client location, often the best part of my day is that commute in my Boxster. I am always looking for twisty backroads that, although may lengthen my trip to and from work, I can fit some “me” time in there during an otherwise potentially boring task of commuting. I can’t count how many nights I have shuffled out of an office building completely drained, only to have a big smile put on my face when I see my car.

When I first got the Box, I kept another car for DD purposes – nice car, an Acura CL Type S, but every day when I was driving it, I wished I was in the Porsche. So I wound up just selling it.

I hear you about the inner-city driving. I certainly don’t live in an idyllic country setting, but if I have to go to Manhattan, I take the train, but otherwise, Jersey, upstate New York, Long Island, I’m taking my car, and I am enjoying it – every day.

Glad we're in agreement. That was exactly my point. To the extent that the conditions allow for that big smile, the Box should be used as often as possible. Not everyone has the option to take the "twisty backroads" on their way from work.

Z.

[orange260z]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

I understand what you are saying, but the other side of it is, when I have a long and stressful day at work at a client location, often the best part of my day is that commute in my Boxster. I am always looking for twisty backroads that, although may lengthen my trip to and from work, I can fit some “me” time in there during an otherwise potentially boring task of commuting. I can’t count how many nights I have shuffled out of an office building completely drained, only to have a big smile put on my face when I see my car.

When I first got the Box, I kept another car for DD purposes – nice car, an Acura CL Type S, but every day when I was driving it, I wished I was in the Porsche. So I wound up just selling it.

I hear you on this. I bought my '01 Box with 11K miles on it this past summer, and wanted a Tip particularly so that it didn't become a weekend car for me (I have arthritis in my knees). Although I kept my other car (a pristine '01 IS300) out all summer, I can count on my two hands the number of times I used it. This coming summer, I will put the IS away and use the Box as a DD.

It's difficult sometimes to accept the wear and tear on it - it's Lapis Blue and shows scratches easily, and the interior tends to get a little beat if you are getting in and out regularly - but at least I am "getting my money's worth" and enjoyment out of the car!!!

[Franco]

I would be surprised that people able of owning a FERRARI are concerned about how much their oil change is going to cost them, that's more of a BOXSTER owner dilemma. That explains some comments here

Jealousy invites misery so if u can't afford a Ferrari go get a Ford or some derivative of that and join a Fix Or Repair Daily Forum

Happy New Year To All U Guys and Your Families

[YellowPorscheMan2002]

Originally Posted by Franco

I would be surprised that people able of owning a FERRARI are concerned about how much their oil change is going to cost them, that's more of a BOXSTER owner dilemma. That explains some comments here

Jealousy invites misery so if u can't afford a Ferrari go get a Ford or some derivative of that and join a Fix Or Repair Daily Forum

Happy New Year To All U Guys and Your Families

Sir,

I think you have missed the point of much of the dialogue. Just because someone can "afford" a Ferrari (afford of course is a relative term), doesn't mean they should be happy with spending thousands of dollars on services, that are a high percentage of the overall cost of the car. It also doesn't mean they should go into buying a Ferrari uneducated, that is, thinking it is a highly reliable car. Clearly, some cars are, but many are not, especially cars from the 70's and 80's.

I guess what I'm trying to say is jealousy really has nothing to do with some of the analytic comments made here. Ferraris are great cars on many levels, but frankly I'm glad I became educated on their pros and cons and never bought one. Maybe some day

Have a good one.

[David N.]

Not sure you can compare a new Boxster to a used 355. More than just the daily driver use the Boxster can get, there's a serious power deficiency that the Boxster will always have due to Porsche's market goals. Seems like it's always going to be the autocross favorite over a real performance car because of it.

BTW, I happened by a PCar specialist in Santa Monica called Foreign Sport. Along with fixing my CV boots (and doing a darn good job of it too), I noted they had a whole collection of Ferrari 355s and a 360 in the shop. Common malfunction? Electrical system gremlins. I guess wiring is something Ferrari's limited production run has a hard time fully bulletproofing.

-David

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by Rail26

I wonder if this is true? My Box is a daily driver and I don't know why other people don't use there car as a daily driver (except for the obvious fact of kids, etc). It gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, looks good and is fun to drive. I don't care about racking up the mileage because I bought the car to drive...not to sit in the garage trying to "protect" my investment (worst investment in the world).

My rule for any car I will buy is it has to be a daily driver.

Yep, I'm with you. This car is performance art, not sculpture.

[jeffsquire]

Originally Posted by Rail26

I wonder if this is true? My Box is a daily driver and I don't know why other people don't use there car as a daily driver (except for the obvious fact of kids, etc). It gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, looks good and is fun to drive. I don't care about racking up the mileage because I bought the car to drive...not to sit in the garage trying to "protect" my investment (worst investment in the world).

My rule for any car I will buy is it has to be a daily driver.

_______________________________
Well spoken. Here here!! Another reason why we didnt "box" the Boxster up for winter here. Drove it 80 miles yesterday. No snow for the past few weeks. Had the top down in 40 degree weather last week. :dance:

[Chills]

Originally Posted by Rail26

I wonder if this is true? My Box is a daily driver and I don't know why other people don't use there car as a daily driver (except for the obvious fact of kids, etc). It gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, looks good and is fun to drive. I don't care about racking up the mileage because I bought the car to drive...not to sit in the garage trying to "protect" my investment (worst investment in the world).

My rule for any car I will buy is it has to be a daily driver.

I couldn't agree more. I bought my Boxster to drive it, not to sit and look at it in my garage. It is my only car and I drive it everyday. I'll soon have a back up car for the days when Chicago weather isn't at it's best, though.

I know many of the Pcar owners here in Naperville drive their's on a daily basis. At the train station I see a yellow late model Carrera and a black mid-90's 911 everyday in the parking lot.

[drburton]

Some of us have good reason not to drive the car daily, and it's not so the car can be a 'garage queen'

My boxster is our third car and I drop off the kids at school every morning then park at a train station. Kids don't fit in the boxster, and I don't really want to leave it at the train station. Not to mention the Touareg is a more comfortable ride for commuting purposes in traffic.

Also, to the point made earlier, since I'm not commuting in the car I really enjoy the moments I have to drive it - no destination, just a great way to unwind.

[denverpete]

Personally, I drive mine every day there isn't snow on the road. Sure there are days stuck in traffic when I wish I had an automatic, but most days I can't wait to jump in for my commute home. No twisties or anything - just enjoying the car. It's why I bought it. As to those who use it for weekends or occasions - good for you. That's probably why YOU bought it.

Now, as to the 355. I'm certainly no expert, but I've seen quoted 0-60 times of around 5.3 seconds. Nice car, and it's a Ferrari, but it'd get it's clocked cleaned by a 2006 Boxster S. So, in the end you'd just be paying for prestige. Now the 360 is a whole 'nother story....

[rbellezza]

Originally Posted by denverpete

Personally, I drive mine every day there isn't snow on the road. Sure there are days stuck in traffic when I wish I had an automatic, but most days I can't wait to jump in for my commute home. No twisties or anything - just enjoying the car. It's why I bought it. As to those who use it for weekends or occasions - good for you. That's probably why YOU bought it.

Now, as to the 355. I'm certainly no expert, but I've seen quoted 0-60 times of around 5.3 seconds. Nice car, and it's a Ferrari, but it'd get it's clocked cleaned by a 2006 Boxster S. So, in the end you'd just be paying for prestige. Now the 360 is a whole 'nother story....

I am not sure where you got the info but ......
Performance wise 355 and 360 are very close....
355 clocks at 4.5sec. 0 to 60.... and about 185Mph top speed.
I assure you there is not Boxster 06 or even 07 ( not boosted up ) that can even be close.
I have a Boxster S, which i truly love, and i used to own a Ferrari 328GTS in the past, i drove the 355F1 several times, i know what i am talking about.
Anyway, all of you guys are right when you talk about driving daily.
Ferraris are not daily driving cars... and very expensive to mantain.
A blast and a privilege to own one.... simply fantastic.

[PSP]

It's not the cost of the car, it's the cost of the maintenance that freaks out most Ferrari newbies.

As stated, the 30,000 mile service on a 1984-91 Testarossa is an engine-out service that typically costs around $7,000 from an independent mechanic. The biggest problem is replacing the cam belts which are located on the front of the engine, but for almost everyone the "while I have the engine out" syndrome kicks in, so you end up rebuilding the water pump, clutch, etc. It's not unusual for the major service to surpass $10,000

BTW, the 30,000 mile service is actually 3 years / 30K miles - whichever comes first. A TR with 50,000 miles is considered a high mileage car.

....and 355 maintenance prices are similar.

[Dr. Kill]

Hmm, maybe the best bet is to go with a Panoz - there is nothing like the cost of maintaining Ford parts. You could do your maintenance at Pep Boys.

[IowaS]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

Hmm, maybe the best bet is to go with a Panoz - there is nothing like the cost of maintaining Ford parts. You could do your maintenance at Pep Boys.

Just buy a mustang and save yourself some coin...

[UroTrash]

GUYS!!!


PLEASE don't tell me you are actually considering buying one of these heaps?

If so you have obviously never read: "UroTrash's Guide to Not Buying a Ferrari"

Here:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/velostrada/issues/200505/Analysis%20Paralysis.pdf


Or if that doesn't work, here, last article on the page:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/velostrada/issues/200505/contents.htm