[IDriveM5]

Hello Folks!

I've been reading posts on this forum for a while and have finally decided to join as a member. I'm entirely new to Ferrari Life, though I've had the privilege to drive a few select Ferrari's in the recent past. Their passion has caused me to want to join the ranks very badly.

I'm currently shopping for a 360 Spider F1. If you tell my wife that, she'll deny-deny-DENY it. But, it's my decision, and she'll respect that. I've never owned any exotic before - my most "rare" car is my current 2006 BMW M5, which I love dearly. I can't bring myself to part with it, as it has been my Princess (reading only 24,000 miles to date). When the lease is up on my 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic next Oct., the M5 will become my new daily driver and I'll have space in my heart (and garage) for the Ferrari. That's the ideal plan, at least. The M5 should be entertaining in the Ohio snow - don't worry I'll equip it with winter wheels & tires! I'm hoping to buy the Ferrari in the next few months, which will mean I'll have 3 cars to myself - a good problem, but it doesn't make too much sense to me. My corporate leasing agent told me the prices drop a little bit in the winter time (can anyone confirm this?) and I'm willing to wait to save the money, even if I pick it up to garage it for the first 2 months.

From all of my conversations with people, the 360 Spider is a great first Ferrari, having much of the passion without as much of the maintenance (and most of the actual depreciation gone). I have narrowed my search as follows:
2004-2005 F1, Rosso / Natural, <15k miles with as few owners as possible (but open to 4 owner cars). I'm more negotiable on options, but would like Scuderia Shields, Challenge Grid front/rear, Tubi Exhaust, and original / non-modular rims (I'm not crazy about their look). I've got an appointment set up with the Ferrari Dealer in Columbus, Ohio next week to go over what to expect for maintenance. Might not use them all the time because they're 1.5 hours from home each way, and we've got a decent Indie mechanic in my home town. I'll either spend or escrow between $2 and $3k each year for the car's upkeep. Also, I'm convinced I can get a good example between $100 and $110k - that's my self-imposed limit.

As soon as I get it, I plan to have an Escort 9500ci system installed, as I do plan to drive it enthusiastically.

In terms of driving the Ferrari, I plan to average about 3,000 miles a year. Currently, I drive 18,000 miles per year (3k on M5, 15k on S550). Of course, that varies, but it's a reasonable average. So, my 360 won't be a garage queen, but it will probably only see fair weather days and somewhat longer drives. Heck, I'll probably just blow off from the office early to go drive it some nice days!

Anyway, that's my story. Sorry if it got long. Feel free to post or PM me your thoughts, I'm a friendly dude.

Take care, and happy motoring! I desparately hope to join your exhalted ranks soon!

Raj

[Barry]

Raj
Welcome to Ferrari Life, and thanks for a great intro!

I think you have made the right decision and you seem to have a pretty good plan in mind as far as I can see.

An M5 / 360 pairing is an excellent pair of cars. Covers a lot of bases and with plenty of style and speed.

Keep us posted on your search, but from your intro I think you are already on the right road

[tazandjan]

Rajeev- Welcome and it sounds like you have a good plan. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help and good luck in the search. Will likely have to be a national search to find just what you want, but they are out there.

[IDriveM5]

Thanks for the warm welcome gentlemen. I'm definitely looking nationwide for this car, and will certainly do a local PPI from a third party, likely a FER dealer, prior to any final negotiations. I'll pay close attention to that.

Thanks for confirming the M5 & 360 pair. I think it can work, and people have sure been stuck with some worse choices!

The car I want is in Vegas, but other contenders are also in Florida. I'm thinking of joining FCA for one primary reason: I haven't yet driven a 360! Maybe a local owner in Ohio will be willing to take me for a ride. I never drove any M5's before mine came in, so I'm willing to buy a great car on faith. Would love a ride though. Have driven a F430 Spider recently. Surely different, but that was sort of my impetus for this purchase.

What do you guys think??? Thanks again for the warm welcome - nice group of guys!

Raj

[tazandjan]

Rajeev- I never drove any of my Ferrari models before buying the cars. Do not worry about it. Just make sure you know how the alarm system works first. Can be very embarrassing, otherwise. Download some owners manuals and workshop manuals from ferraridatabase.com. Believe there is an alarm manual there, too.

[IDriveM5]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Rajeev- I never drove any of my Ferrari models before buying the cars. Do not worry about it. Just make sure you know how the alarm system works first. Can be very embarrassing, otherwise. Download some owners manuals and workshop manuals from ferraridatabase.com. Believe there is an alarm manual there, too.

Thanks for the advice. You know, there is a high line used car center about 1.5 hours from my home where they have two spiders which are not ones I would consider buying. One is a 6MT and the other is F1. I may contact them to request a test drive and disclose to them I don't intend to buy either to see what they say. At least I'll be honest and if they say yes, better for me. The worst that can happen is they say no! Right?

Raj

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Rajeev- Welcome and it sounds like you have a good plan. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help and good luck in the search. Will likely have to be a national search to find just what you want, but they are out there.

+1. Welcome to FL, Rajeev. Exciting times for you.

w/ smiles
Jimmy

[V8TDF]

Enjoy the anticipation, I bought the same car in January after 15 years around the UK F scene. I'd only driven one other of the same model prior, though various other tipos. I'd say don't get hung up on mileage, history is more important as that can't be corrected, low miles will always eventually disappear as an asset. BTW, at c 15,000m you'd be into a clutch pretty soon after most likely so consider a car with maybe a few more and a fresh clutch?

[IDriveM5]

Originally Posted by V8TDF

Enjoy the anticipation, I bought the same car in January after 15 years around the UK F scene. I'd only driven one other of the same model prior, though various other tipos. I'd say don't get hung up on mileage, history is more important as that can't be corrected, low miles will always eventually disappear as an asset. BTW, at c 15,000m you'd be into a clutch pretty soon after most likely so consider a car with maybe a few more and a fresh clutch?

Excellent point about the miles versus service. I'm not basing the purchase on miles alone - I'll be requesting the service history, and will also take the VIN to the Ferrari dealership in Columbus and learn whatever I can about the car PRIOR to negotiating a final deal.

Also, V8TDF, I watched your thread about your new car, and I offer my congratulations. It seems like a strong time for people to be selling because I see lots of buyers for these beautiful cars. Again, congratulations.

Raj

PS: The anticipation would be much better if my wife would get on board. The other night we talked about it, she walked out of the bedroom! Then again, I'm trying to get my 2-year-old daughter excited about Ferrari, so she'll be a great ally. I think the wife will come around. Now when I mention it, she gives me a polite eye-roll. Actually, I'm a bit afraid to mention it, but I'm the King of my castle, and what I decide, I do. I've already lined up some alternate sleeping accomodations, should the wife send me to the dog-house! I'm going for it, hell or high water!

[V8TDF]

Thats where I had a slight advantage Raj - no wife !

Also currently no girlfriend, but that ought to change if it'd stop raining and I can get out in the car.....

good luck and thanks for your comments