Why do people buy used high-end cars other than Ferrari?

because people don't want to spend their kid's inheritance on routine maintenance?

 

The only reason you're asking this is 'cos you like Ferrari more. On other BB's they are asking why people chose Ferrari's when the cost so much to maintain.
Just your preference. . . . Not a better car.

 

1. Ride type: not everyone wants 'riding on rails' handling and high-revving engines, some (most!?) people like GT comfort, highway cruising, torque etc. It's why the Mercedes SL outsells a lot of other $100k "sports" cars.

2. It's whatever brand they want to be associated with. For better and for worse, cars come pre-loaded with social prejudices and identity. There are a lot of people who are too socially conscious to get something as "flashy" as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, no matter the price. See the "Porsche-owning Politician" thread as an example. There are a lot of people who feel those things are 'too much' (cost/care/labor/attention/grief) for them, and it's in their own mind.

An interesting case study is my own uncle. Nearing the end of his career as a union ironworker, with kids grown, he wanted a toy. It came down to a new H2 or a new C5 Vette. That's really all he considered. At ~$60k, there are obviously plenty of hot Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Aston Martin, MB, etc. cars to choose from. Not even considered, and I kept throwing out suggestions of my own Euro preferences. Maybe a Viper? But we're from a Steeltown, and he has his social circle, and what he wanted to have was a big yellow truck or a Vette (he had a red C4 for a while). He got the H2 and loved it.

 

And others are shopping for the most capable, which leaves out the Ferrari.

 

Well put. One's circle might dictate what to get in a way...it shouldn't, but it can.

Additionally, people choose their car for so many reasons. Look at it this way, for EVERY crappy, pathetic car (in one person or another's opinion) out there, SOMEBODY is buying them. What you would never consider owning if it was the last car on Earth, someone else feels different & buys them..otherwise they would not exist.

You couldn't PAY me enough to buy or own a ______, but to someone else, that is their favorite car in the world.

YMMV...

 

I like both F and L cars, but for the price, the Gallardo outperform your favorite 360, and looks waaay better too.

 

Indeed! I don't really hang with "the Ferrari crowd" in everyday life, and it took a while
to reveal what is in my garage to some folks/friends/business associates.

Jedi

 

That's true. I also forgot #3 - "Value" or price/performance. A lot of people want the most 'bang for the buck,' which is basically where the Corvette beats just about everything. Then you're talking about cars like a Mazdaspeed3, WRX, 370Z, Corvette C6, M3, Z06, GTR and then 997TT.

 

And break allllll the time if you get an e-gear. Don't waste your time with a Gallardo

 

I love both the 550 and the 360, but the reality is that the money meter is just starting to move with the cost of acquisition.

When the 550 was new, and people paid $200,000 to own one, a $7000 major service bill didn't seem like a lot of money relative to the cost of the car (even if it really is a lot of money). Now that they hover in the $70k range, $7000 service bills don't seem so reasonable anymore. Soon they'll be priced $50K, perhaps down to the mid $40's. New owners at this price level will probably defer maintenance, and the downward price cycle will continue as the cars get rattier.

As far as 360's go, you don't want to be the guy without a chair when music stops, and the $6000 F-1 transmission fails (or anything else fails, for that matter) on your newly acquired $50K sports car.

 

Hmmmm.... $70K would buy a really nice '65 Corvette...

 

LOL, I can not even comment on this thread, I'd get banned.

 

Smart move.

 

There is nothing sensible about paying $70K for a 10 year old production Ferrari, that will cost 10x to maintain than many othe choices.

 

Simply put, it's all about opinions really...

 

There are many of us who are interested in classic and vintage cars. I would have no interest in any modern Ferrari or other make. I drive a Toyota!
I would own just about any pre 1985 sports cars, and not just Ferrari. I don't care how much it costs in maintenance, if i'm short on cash it will sleep in the garage until I have the money.
I'll take a ratty 60 vintage Ferrari, Lambo,Maser, Jag, Etc. over a 550 any day of the week.

 

You have done a brilliant job of describing the thought processes that lead to Testa Rossa's with Chevy engines back in the day. Also the reason today the 4 seat Ferrari's and Fiat Dino's struggle with value in comparision to the two seaters.

The question is will there be a rebirth for the 550's and 360's or will they end up re-engined or just sitting in a field forever.

 

Different uses as well. I wanted a track toy (street legal)--I got an Exige S 240. I wouldn't pick it to do a 3 day trip, but I liked it better on the track than my 360's or 430. Plus, we all have financial sensitivity points. Easy to write off a Lotus (new) than a 430 (4 years ago, anyway).

 

Nothing says, "my first exotic" like a V8 Ferrari! ...the newest 10-15-year old one you can afford, too! ...and of course, be sure to make it red! ...and get a nice Rolex to go with it!

 

I wouldn't consider Ferrari the de facto most desirable car anymore. The Aston V8 Vantage is easily the most stylish, and the 360 really looks dated (especially now that crisp lines like on the 458 are more fashionable).

I guess for $70K for a weekend car I'd be looking for a high-end 328. For $50K I think the Lotus Esprit is a raging bargain.

I'd agree the Gallardo is a looker among high five-figure used cars. Unfortunately the E-gear and Audi electronics are already obsolete.

I would have a hard time justifying $50K on any used car from the past decade, unless it's a daily driver and you can afford to use it up and throw it away. The electronics in all of them are aging; the performance is second tier at best; and in many cases the styling is already looking iffy.

If you want value for your money, go back to the classic Porsche 911 (pre-'74), Merc 230/250/280SL, Jag E-Type, and so on.