McLaren vs Ferrari Buying Experience

I showed up to Ferrari of Beverly Hills in flip-flops, a beat up Casio, and an old T-shirt. They treated me like a king.

 

Wow. War, Famine, disease, Rogue nukes, economic upheaval, and this.

The world is coming to an end because of the fashion police of Canada. I mean, if you can't get attention you think you deserve in a Ferrari dealership if you only wear jeans, the world must surely be near extinction.

 

Yes, I have certainly seen this "snootiness" if you will, at Ferrari dealerships, but not McLaren or Lamborghini. Porsche dealerships used to all be this way. Like H&K in the gun business, they felt that their product was perfect as it is and you are the one that needs the adjustment. That has all seemed to change with the Porsche "Superstores"

I just don't physically go in Ferrari dealerships anymore. No ill-will whatsoever, I just had rather stay out of dealerships period. McLaren approached me, invited me to a private viewing and a night out, sent beautiful gifts ect., all for the world debut- and I'm a nobody. Well, I might be a whore, because I did go, and the staff was WONDERFUL...

Be Well-

SBF

 

Are patting yourself on the back reeeaally hard or am I just getting jealous?

 

Interesting post. I'm not sure why it is under the 458 section unless in your heart you know that's what you want!��
Yeah, that elitist attitude doesn't fly any more. I've been in a few Ferrari dealerships and did not encounter the indifference you did. I am a bit older, but I am usually rather casual with shorts and sandals. The salespeople at Ferrari of Ontario ought to be ashamed of themselves.
There is always 2 sides to a story but yours is rather believable.
Don't let those knuckleheads dissuade your true desire for a 458. You're not buying a dealership, you're buying a car. If you're plunking down that kind of coin, get the best. This is undoubtedly the 458.
BTW, your post does seem to come across a bit arrogantly. Just sayin.

 

Well my experience has been very different at Ferrari of Ontario. I'm a shorts and t-shirt guy, and I have always been greeted, offered water or an espresso.

They never hang over me, like I'm about to scratch or damage something, but when I need something, they are there. I don't find it snooty at all.

I did walk across the street to drive a McLaren, and was well treated there, as well.

And back at Ferrari, the service guys are first rate. If you are a car guy, they will bend over backward to make you understand an issue, or resolve one.

 

I've been in this Ferrari Passion thing for more than 35 years. Been in dealerships all over the world and always been treated with respect and kindness. The local dealership (Algar) treats me like a king, Always greet me with a smile and an offer of anything to drink including an expresso made by the general manager Francis no matter what he's doing.
Could not be treated better.
BTW these guys know for sure unless I win the lottery I have the only Ferrari I'll ever own.
Your first sentence telling us what oppressive bullies you think Ferrari are says a lot about how you feel about them.
The McLaren dealership as well as local Porsche dealer also are exemplary people and Always a joy to visit too.

You know what. Maybe it's just you dude.

 

Ah... but that's normal in BH.

More seriously, I find personal testimonies that take one (or fewer) experience and extend it to a sweeping generalization about an entire marque's treatment of customers worthless and irrelevant. There is a free market out there....so far. Go where you feel you are treated well and get value for your money. Stay away from those you don't. And definitely stay away from "journalists" on the make with some story they are trying to peddle to attract attention to themselves.

 

Guys, in his profile it says he is a student and lives in California. I think he is not talking about himself - he just posted an article he found somewhere.

"Robert Maduri is looking for a new car to add to his stable, but the stodgy and stuffy Ferrari buying experience is making him look at a newcomer to the scene. — T.O."

Why would he speak about himself in the third person?

 

I respect your viewpoint.On the other hand as someone who has worn flip flops, shorts, and a T shirt and still do, for twice your life time, I don't want to discuss my personal habits with people and tired of F-1 when the competition changed from Senna and Prost to too many too quickly. As a matter of fact, I feel intruded upon when someone approaches me. No one has to sell me a Ferrari etc., if I walk into a dealership I am their to "buy" what I want and all I need is how to do it. I never allow a sales person, or anyone else for that matter to become more important than my objective. Best

 

I think you are right. As I understood it, he was posting something because he thinks Ferrari will quash this (NON)story.

You generally get treated as you treat others in MANY aspects of life. I personally find that respect goes a long way. Hell, I might be an elitist myself now that I think about it... Although like I said before, I've observed this "snootiness" but I have never experienced it myself at a Ferrari dealership. Park Place Porsche in the mid-90's was the worst I've ever been treated at any dealership anywhere. That did seem to be the company's M.O. at that time- typical of German engineers of the time. I ended up having a great relationship with PPP after I got to know the G.M. who was a rather stern woman upon first meeting her. We later became friendly and even had drinks and dinner socially a couple of times.

McLaren HAS TO BE as accommodating as humanly possible given the lukewarm response the MP4-12C received upon introduction. Seems like a very hard time to start a new car company to me, but I am a McLaren fan and hope they stay around as a viable competitor to Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. I think many people expected the impossible from the 12C, and as reviews keep coming back in favor of the 458, McLaren rightly knows they can still get run-off business from folks who aren't able to get a new Ferrari.

Respectfully-

SBF

 

I have also noted the warm atmosphere while visiting Porsche and McLaren.

The major difference between Ferrari and others....when I walk into a Porsche or McLaren dealership, the sales team makes at least one pitch. No one from Ferrari has made a sales pitch to me. Ever.

As the people from Ferrari of BH say, a Ferrari sells itself.

 

During a discussion with fellow tifosi today, someone commented how the Acura NSX was Ferrari's salvation. Why, I asked? The answer was that the NSX was a supercar with reliable mechanicals and high content level. Its appearance on the market and popularity resulted in Ferrari having to try to approach if not match such levels of reliability and feature-rich content in order to maintain its market position. This led to the evolution and development of the modern 355, 360, etc. That the 458 is as good as it is can trace its way back to that impetus, and its current rivalry with McLaren should be a similar stimulus. It's a theory, anyway.

 

Competition is good for the customer. Aways.

McLaren will make Fcars better.

 

What Mac won't admit is that Ferrari has already made them better. Without a benchmark to work towards or refer to, there is no measurable goal to beat.

 

I often heard similar stories, and here's to hoping McLaren brings us more and that the next NSX is a (somewhat) thrilling experience...

-SBF

 

Yes.

The Ford GT's goal was to beat the 360. Ferrari is the standard to try and beat.

 

Great point. It's always easier to follow than lead.

 

I would like to add, the people at FOD have been great. Very businesslike. They do what they say they will do. So do I. What more can you ask?

 

I would not be an owner today if it were not for the staff at Ferrari of Beverly Hills. I left Ferrari for many years. They got me back.

 

I've had no experience with Mclaren since I really am happy with F cars.However I have a lot of experience over the years with Ferrari dealers. My last two Ferrari's were purchased from Beverly Hills Ferrari and I rate them the best of all the dealers I have known. They have been great to me and I hope our relationship continues for a long time.

I think anyone who is a serious customer should contact the dealer first by phone and speak with the sales mgr about an appointment to come in and discuss the cars before making a cold call to the showroom. They will be expecting you and respect you more whether you are in jeans or business attire.For truly serious buyers they will work hard to help you.Its also not a bad idea to get a reference through an existing customer, especially if changing from one dealer to another.

 

Truest thing I've read all day. Everybody here who hasn't yet purchased a Ferrari (or any other big ticket item) take his advice. It works wonders.

Best-

SBF

 

Great choice and as you surely know their maintenance and body shop are tops. I have done collision repairs on my CL63 at their body shop. Bill and Robert could not be nicer.

 

You mean the new one? Which one looks like a boat in your mind? I've been confused ever since. Did you read about that ECU replacement on my SL in Rossa? Are you going to order the S coupe, then? I didn't realize what was being said until someone else pointed that out to me...

SBF