Best "Starter" (read cheapest) Ferrari to buy/own?

I'm sure we've all had this discussion before. Lots of variables but, from personal experience the worst first car to own is one that has carbs, is hard to get parts for, and doesn't have a mechanic within 500 miles that can tune it.

Price of entry may be lower, but price of ownership sure isn't, and the driving experience can be tempered by constant fixes and repairs. Also, most guys are not looking for that "old car" experience.

so, from a new car experience standpoint, I'd say a medium miles, well maintained 360 (coupe or spider) is a good jump off.

 

As my first is a 360... I'd concur. However I was also considering a 348, a mondial and even a 308.

 

Well if depreciation or appreciation is a consideration then the cheapest car is a Daytona- Cause they are going up big time over the next decade.

I would think a carbed 308 or a glass 308 could be bought cheap, run cheap, and would appreciate steadily...

If you're just considering running costs probably a 430 (chain no belt) or a 575/612...

 

Under $30k: 308 GT4 or 308 GTSi
Under $50k: 328 GTS or 308 GTS carb
Under $75k: high mileage 360 Modena
Under $100k: 550 or nice 360
Under $150k: 430

 

I personally believe the best bang for the buck has to be a 360 coupe. There are cheaper cars out there but it offers the best creature comfort combined with the best performance for the price.

Honestly, the 360 is a bargin for what you get.

 

Since he has a child on the way, I vote 456. Depreciation is slowing down, fairly recent car, and has rear seats.

 

Very true, they can't get too much cheaper. Plus it has a V12 and is more subtle, seems the best car for his situation IMO

 

There really isn't a cheap to own Ferrari. Take this from a Ferrari tech. The only advice I have is find a well cared for car and have a friend with knowledge of cars go with. It's easy to see a nice paint job and come to find out the car you bought needs $20,000 in engine and transmission repairs. If I had to recommend a car I would look at 308/328. There are a lot of aftermarket parts out there and factory parts are pretty easy to get too.

 

The least expensive Ferrari to own is the 1/24th plastic model.

There is not a Ferrari that qualifies as a least expensive car to own and drive.

 

If you're talking about from can see to can't see (as in a Ferrari in the garage), if you do less than $3 a mile, you're doing good.

Frankly, the best way to have the lowest cost per mile is to buy a new one at sticker (not at a premium). All repairs (and there will be repairs) will be under warranty. Thus, your only real cost will be depreciation. If you get lucky and flip it fast enough (like I did with a Stradale in 2004/2005), your round-trip cost will be sales taxes and tires. If not, you may take a 10% to 20% haircut if you sell within 1 to 2 years. So if you pay $250k (is this what the new Italia is going for?), put 10,000 miles on the car, and sell for 85%, the roundtrip will cost you $3.75 a mile.

But what about the smiles per miles?

Priceless.

Dale

Oh, and as a first Ferrari? Yeah, get a new one and put the service manager's cell number on your speed dial.

 

"least expensive car"-- certainly not.

"least expensive Ferrari"-- duh, of course there is one.

In the OPs case, I'd probably look for a 328 or 3.2 Mondial-- but the best one he can find. The cheapest Ferrari to buy will end up being the most expensive to own, so pay up for a good one.

I actually think a good 330GT 2+2 is probably the least expensive Ferrari to own, but I wouldn't recommend it as a first-time Ferrari.

 

Mondial, 456M, or 612. With a new kid he's gonna want a back seat.
If it's just for him: 360 or 430.

 

+1

 

Normally I would say a 328, but 360s have gotten so cheap, they are certainly a good pick, especially a coupe with 3 pedals. But if 360 is still out of reach, 328s are still the best bet. I have owned three of them for a combined 30K miles and 11 years. Problems have been very, very few. Belt service is still pricey, but cheaper than 348s, 355s or TRs.

Dave

 

A restored 328 or 3.2 Mondial. Find one that's been driven and restored or fully maintained. 50K miles should make it affordable. Drive for a few years, change belts and repeat.

 

There are lots of decent 308's out there, under $30K.

 

360 for sure.

308/328's are wonderful cars, but they are really more suited to the gear head. They will always have little things that need sorting, which is great for those of us that like doing that, but can be frustrating and expensive for those that are less inclined.

 

Unless you do your own repairs, none of them are cheap to maintain. And even then they still are not cheap to maintain. Unless you are stubborn like me, looking for days until you can find the same parts at sane prices, you will be stuck getting stiffed for what Ferrari charges. And sometimes, you have no choice.

 

+1

And delete the posts while your at it.

 

He's starting from the wrong vantage point. If price is the overriding concern, he's not prepared for owning ANY exotic, much less a Ferrari.

Tell him to put most of the money in a 529 plan for the new bambino and, with the rest of it, buy a later model Alfa Romeo Spider or Triumph TR6.

Either car can be purchased and maintained for a fraction of the cost of an exotic and yet still deliver a lot of fun on weekends.

By the time he's ready for an exotic, he'll be in the right financial position and frame of mind to know that "cheapest Ferrari" is an oxymoron.

 

I agree, looking to buy the least expensive Ferrari will be a source of pain. I probably have less financial resources but I'm a car guy, was looking for a fun car and my Mondial was in my budget and I can work on it. I fell into the Ferrari, wasn't searching Ferrari, then trying to do it cheap. If he buys the best of any Ferrari cheap enough, no guarantees it won't come back with a $20K repair bill, wife may not be happy about that.

 

Good choices. It is great to have the kid come along and gives you many more opportunities to take the car for a spin - that's what it's always about.

 

I've had my 330 2+2 for just over six years. Including all maintenance, gas and the negative depreciation, I've probably made $25 a mile!

Why do you not recommend it for a first-time Ferrari, Don? Especially for someone with a new baby on the way?

 

Back to discusssing cars, 308 B or S or GT4 .