Buying a 550 Maranello

I have had 2 550's. I still own 1 rosso/tan! Do It!

 

It's a car you will regret selling.

 

I don't understand, what is the issue you have with buying the car? Is there something wrong with it? Is the seller asking too much?

 

Here is some context. Today to replace my diesel pick-up truck is just under $100k! A ford Raptor truck is $112k. A 550 at $150k is a bargin.

 

Once you've bought it don't forget there's a huge amount of running advice down in the 550/575 section here

Fantastic subtle cars without excess power or technology

 

if the car is sound then just do it, it's already a classic and life is short

 

Make sure the car has a through mechanical inspection, realize people dont have x-ray vision, so likely there will be some annoyances as the car was driven about 700 miles a year on an average basis, but most typically most of that mileage happened in the first 3 years of its life. I would pay extra attention to the fuel system, fuel lines, etc. These are wonderful cars. Life is short, eat dessert first! Did you ever hear anyone ever complain, in their later years, as it was clear the end is near, that they should not have bought that Ferrari or taken that vacation? No. You do hear of them saying things like I wish I had gone on that vacation or bought that Ferrari. The 550 is an all time great. Also make sure you get new tires. Cheers and have fun!

 

Ditto on the inspection - by an independent mechanic if possible. Mine has been essentially trouble free for more than 10 years now. Pretty easy car to live with if it has has had some care over the years...

 

Mark comes here to get advice from crack dealers. Here is some more crack. These were/are mine.
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550s are wonderful cars. They are generally solid as long as you stay on top of their few quirks. I wrote this the other day for another member but it holds true there as well, and you should start here:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/niftyfivefiftys-guide-to-preparing-a-550-maranello-for-reliable-high-performance-daily-driving.656494/

Use it to make a checklist of all the key services and weak points a typical 550 needs. Not just belts but things like last motor mounts, last fuel redux, fuse panel, wheel bearings, cooling system, etc.

Then with any potential car, sit down with the records and see what/when was completed and figure out what may be needed before the next major.

I don't mean skim through, I mean literally starting with most recent, map/summarize out. All cars will need many of those areas gone through regardless now given age/time/known weak points.

IMHO every 550 (and 456 for that matter) need the cooling harness upgrade, an upgraded/not delaminated fuse panel (less/not as urgent if you have the cooling harness upgrade in place), and fuel system redux to remove the rubber parts that dissolve in the presence of EtOH. And that is beyond the usual checking for leaks/worn bushings/joints/rods/boots/etc.

Another way of saying it is this - if I was ever lucky enough to get a 550B (one of my dream cars), I would doing the following on it without a second thought:
- 575 engine mounts if not done in the last 8-10 years (thats how long they tend to last it)
- Cooling harness upgrade
- Guido fuse panel upgrade
- Full fuel system redux with upgraded fuel sender, all rubber removed, metal fuel plate covers (plastic cracks with time)
- COP conversion of the ignition system
- 575 fan shroud conversion (I live in a state that can get very, very hot during the summer)
And that is before we talk about "fun" upgrades like exhaust or overkill upgrade like brakes.

 

Unless you are worried for the economics of the purchase, go get it.
A Ferrari is easy to sell, especially a popular model like the 550.
In case you change your mind you won’t likely lose anything.
Just pay attention to what you get and pay a reasonable price.
I had been in a similar situation on my first one, and even not being a rich person my only regret now is not to have gotten it 10 years before.
Ciao,
Nic

 

What part of the world are you in?
Europe, the US?
If the US what state or region?

Very very few people ever regretted buying a 550.

I regret how long mine sits at the mechanic because the good one close to me has a monster backlog.