[Dream-Clean]

Hi everyone, another Ferrari nut here, still saving up for the first one....might take awhile!! I was invited over by Alister. I'm a professional Detailer, and look after several FOC members cars, so if anyone wants any tips or help, just give me a bell, always happy to help.

Chris

[IPF]

Hi Chris & welcome.

I'ld say it sort of depends what you're saving up for how long it will take: any specific model preferences? Curious to know... Anyhow, if this helps: once you'll have your Ferrari, you'll probably never regret it (curse it every now and then, maybe, but regret? I'ld doubt it)

Re: detailing, I never really got the hang of it. For one since I'm rather lazy with respect to these things. But also because once I start considering it, I'm immediately overwhelmed with the number of products, treatments, etc. available.

Taking this into account, suppose I would want to do the simplest of care programmes myself, what would you advise, except for washing/rinsing/drying the car? And specifically for example, which blackening agent would you recommend (for the black mirrors on a 328 that is)? Turtle vs Poor Boys vs ... etc. etc. ad infinitum...

Cheers,
Irvin
.

[Barry]

Welcome Chris.
Agree 100% with Irvin, you won't regret it when you get your hands on a Ferrari. Have you a specific model in mind?

[Granucci]

Chris, welcome.

and

where are you located.....might help.

[Dream-Clean]

Thans for the welcomes.....forgot to say, i'm from Peterborough in the UK. As for models, i'd love the 355 or 360 spider, if i had the money to spend it would have to be the 430 or the new 458.
Irvin, i'll PM you about the maintenance plan, incase you don't come back to this thread.

[IPF]

Originally Posted by Dream-Clean

Thans for the welcomes.....forgot to say, i'm from Peterborough in the UK. As for models, i'd love the 355 or 360 spider, if i had the money to spend it would have to be the 430 or the new 458.
Irvin, i'll PM you about the maintenance plan, incase you don't come back to this thread.

Chris,

You've got (expensive) taste!

My guess is the 458 is going to be pretty hard to come by the next couple of years: most orders will have been filled, despite - or perhaps because of? -the serious price level.

Other than that, there should be ample supply of the models you mention. 355s and 360s galore, do compare cost of running and mainenance carefully however (e.g. on 355 expensive engine-out belt changes). And the 430's value may take a hit before long I guess (quite a few of them around, and superseded by the 458). Have fun making your choice!

As to your PM, many thanks! I sent you a reply just now.

Cheers,
Irvin

[Neonzapper]

Welcome Chris! I like all the cars mentioned above. I have to say, my 308 is quite a kick! It is fun to drive, and not too expensive to maintain. If you want a Ferrari, you could always start off with a 308 first, get your passion flowing and your feet wet, then move up to that 458 Italia you're dreaming about. Again, welcome to Ferrari Life!

[Barry]

Chris,
I'd be very interested in the maintenance plan you sent Irvin. ALways interested in the professional's opinion (hopefully tailored for the amateur that I am!)

[360 Modena]

Originally Posted by Neonzapper

Welcome Chris! I like all the cars mentioned above. I have to say, my 308 is quite a kick! It is fun to drive, and not too expensive to maintain. If you want a Ferrari, you could always start off with a 308 first, get your passion flowing and your feet wet, then move up to that 458 Italia you're dreaming about. Again, welcome to Ferrari Life!

+1 but think of also keeping the 308.

I wish I had kept my 308, quick, nimble, fun car.

Mondial, 308, etc. are good entry-level cars to dip your toes in the water.

TR is a wee bit on the $$$ for maintenannce, and the 360 a bit too civilzed, but I own and love them both, for obviously different reasons.

But still lust for my first love, the 308.

Good-luck w/the decision.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by IPF

Chris,

You've got (expensive) taste!

My guess is the 458 is going to be pretty hard to come by the next couple of years: most orders will have been filled, despite - or perhaps because of? -the serious price level.

Other than that, there should be ample supply of the models you mention. 355s and 360s galore, do compare cost of running and mainenance carefully however (e.g. on 355 expensive engine-out belt changes). And the 430's value may take a hit before long I guess (quite a few of them around, and superseded by the 458). Have fun making your choice!

As to your PM, many thanks! I sent you a reply just now.

Cheers,
Irvin

Hate to say it, but I do love the 355 EXCEPT for many of the mods needing to keep it safe if not operational and an F1 would be the bottom of the 355 list.

- Exhaust manifolds [starting to show up on 456, 550s too ]
- Sticky items [thought on a almost all Ferraris at some time]
- Fuel line recalls which are now, once again, starting to get recalled, 14 years after last mfgr. made. !!!
- shocks,
- I did mention F1 stuff
...oh, so much more.

360's have issues too, but far less than 355.

Newer ones will maninly only be dealership serviced due to new electronic interfaces etc....

sigh, take your time to sort the one you can live with.

[Night Life]

Chris good to have you on board