I really want an 84 or 85 GTS/GTB Euro model. Based on your collective experiences, where do you guys recommend I look to find a solid used car? BTW, I live in Phoenix. Thanks in advance.
Try these places: http://www.ferrarichat.com/ferrariads/ http://www.dupontregistry.com/ good luck. Milton
Also, look at dealerships. They generally keep the cars in good condition. Most importantly, make sure the car is well-documented.
Also check the Ferrari Market Letter and the classifieds in the FCA monthly newsletter. See if there's an independent dealership that sells these kind of cars in your area that can locate one for you. Take your time searching and test-drive those you're interested in. Follow the advice in the many threads on this topic posted here.
w/o sounding like a joker...but the best place to buy a ferrari is where you find the best ferrari. if buying new, buy at a dealer close to you so that you can enjoy some pampering.
I would suggest starting at your local Ferrari dealer. They would probably have the best examples in your area. With any car, official dealers are generally more expensive, but you know you're getting a quality car. Good luck!
Locally! That should be possible in Phoenix. Failing at that, what ever sources try to get one from a DRY temperate state. I believe 1985 Ferrari was well on the way to producing rust resistant automobiles. But it does not hurt to get a Ferrari that has not been subjected to the elements and salt either from ocean spray or road deicing. Make doubly sure of the documentation, since you want a European model. I don't know the rust protection was provided to the European models. I only know when I took European Delivery of my 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo, besides emissions the glass, bumpers, air bag and bars in the doors were not up to U.S. specs on the European cars. I wouldn't like to be driving a car without safety glass. stephen
Martin from Cavallino Motors has one I believe... Also, Sindo from the Florida forum is selling his... Not sure what year but it's definitely a 308... GTS
Hard to buy an '84-'85 308 new these days. Auto Palace in Pittsburgh has an amazing Euro 308, priced obscenely (IMO) high. I was considering making an offer on it but for our smog checks in California. There were a couple Euro 308's on DuPontRegistry.com, as mentioned. Dealers seem to shy away from 308's and older Ferrari's in general. Sometimes Motorcars in Springfield MO, or guys like Brandon Lawrence seem to know where to find them.
Most dealers only get 308s as trades on newer used cars like a 348 or 355, and only know about the car what the owner tells them, unless the dealer serviced the car over it's life. I wouldn't pay a premium for a 308 just because it came from a dealer. Pay based on condition/records!
I second the FCA Newsletter Classifieds...many knowledagble owners there with well cared for vehicles........IMO.
Well, having looked at cars for years before finally getting one, I found cars from many sources, including Hemmings, Ebay, FCA, among others. But seriously, the best place will be the person with the best car for the price you want to spend. I couldnt begin to tell how many times I seen the same car listed on EVERY site mentioned, all at the same time. One other good source is cars.com. Its a listeing of newspaper classified adds from around the country. But I finally just dealt with Butch at Italian Design and got a sort of a project car that was almost sitting in my own back yard.
The premium is probably for the warranty they offer that a private sale does not have. Also, dealership cars tend to be near mint, any junk they get as trade ins goes to auction immediately. A authorized Ferrari dealership is not going to put their name on a suspect vehicle, they don't want any bad press, you contacting momma Ferrari, lawsuits, etc....you telling the world via Ferrari chat sites dealership XYZ screwed me on this car. Now a place that only sells used Ferraris maybe less credible.
If you want the best car, go to your local Ferrari meets and examine what real tifosi drive and show off. Someone will always be selling off their pampered dream. Such is life. If you want the best price, you'll have to contact the exotic auto leasing companies. They typically sell their vehicles at steep discounts sight unseen as they come off of lease...to the cash-paying secondary market of used car dealships. These are the leased Ferraris that won't have service records and will have been driven by the greased-hair sub-trust-fund kids and wanna-be's whose idea of car care is getting the front parking spot at their favorite restaurant/strip club. So, two very different types of places to go based upon what you are wanting. If you want something in between perfect car and perfect price, then start at the high end at an authorized Ferrari dealership. Work your way down to lesser dealerships if you want more of a project car (going all of the way down to the just-off-lease deals or even down to the Salvage title "deals" if that's your bent). Nothing wrong with restoring a project car, so I mean no disrespect. In fact, it's quite an achievement if you have that sort of time and talent.
