[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by Barry

I fixed that there for you Onno.

Hehe, oddly I don't feel a yearn for the spider (under the premise that I already have the Berlinetta). It's clearly not as pretty and I don't drive with the roof down much anyway. I'm not, ahem, "blown away" by driving topless. As convertibles go the 458 Spider is spectacular, but that's still not as good as the Italia is.

I'm intrigued by Boxer's guess - he could be right, although 6 months is very, very quick to sell a new car, at least for me. We will see!


Onno

[il Capolino]

All my V8 Ferraris have been with me for more than three years. The 430 Spider is still in my opinion a keeper. I just love it so much it has become difficult having a sports car life without it. Perhaps it's got something to do with having specified it myself, awaiting delivery and finally aqainting it.

My intentions for future Ferraris is to buy keepers but you never know how your desires change which I guess is part of the charm.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by il Capolino

All my V8 Ferraris have been with me for more than three years. The 430 Spider is still in my opinion a keeper. I just love it so much it has become difficult having a sports car life without it. Perhaps it's got something to do with having specified it myself, awaiting delivery and finally aqainting it.

My intentions for future Ferraris is to buy keepers but you never know how your desires change which I guess is part of the charm.

You raise an interesting point on being an original owner and having really spec the car to your tastes (vs many who do for easy resale in 12-18 months time). It does seem if the 1st owner keeps the car beyond 2 years, it is more likely to be a long term keeper.

[Killer58]

Boxer, I agree with Capo as well. Although not the original owner, our Spider is exactly as I would have ordered it. Literally, there is nothing I would change or add. So it is a long-term keeper.

[StefVan]

+1, I've been searching mine for quite some time before I found exactly the rosso - nero manual F430 I really wanted. No doubt, this car is a long-term keeper if not for ever. I can imagine only adding new cars, not replacing the F430

[Pat]

Intresting, and the result so far amoung us confim that Ferrari owners are mainly keepers,

This is because the purchase is a passionate and the relation created with the car is almost fleshiness.

Important to know as well the owners that selected more than 3 years what car(s) they have and drive, most likely they are prior 2005.... Others have the latest and would trade it to a newer model or same model but different category

When you worked on your car and it gives you the pleasure a Ferrari give it is very tough decision to let "her" go........

[masher44]

Two "seasons" usually. I like to get a couple summers out of every car

[Scottish16M]

After having jumped in and out of 18 Supercars in the last 3 years...one of my most sincere regrets was trading in my F430 Spider for a California, my Spider was a magical Ferrari with an amazing specification, I purchased it at 9 months old with only 2k miles, I should have kept it forever especially as I knew instantly on driving the Cali that Id made a huge error in trading my Spider in....unfortunately my preferred Dealer had pre sold my F430 Spider & not wishing to muck them or the new owner about, I kept the Cali for 7 weeks to see f I cold gel with it, no I couldnt, so I hunted for another Spider & decided to buy a 16M instead, thats me coming up for 2 years in her now, her colour is one of a kind Blu Abu Dhabi & she has the Tricolor Italian Stripe, so unless boxer buys it I think I'll be keeping it forever, as it is very involving and way, way better than the all too easy 458 and its dual clutch box, as man that cars about as exciting to drive as an electric milk van, the standard F430 is far more a true drivers car, the spider involves the senses greater, but the Scud and 16M versions take those models to another level again and sadly now they are definitely an end of a Ferrari era, I say sadly, as this really is most unfortunate for me, I am now unsure which new Ferrari I can buy that'll give me half the drivers tool & enjoyment of my 16M, perhaps I need to wait until the 599GTOs pricing drops like a rock over the next few years as its been widely predicted to do!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Scottish16M

After having jumped in and out of 18 Supercars in the last 3 years...one of my most sincere regrets was trading in my F430 Spider for a California, my Spider was a magical Ferrari with an amazing specification, I purchased it at 9 months old with only 2k miles, I should have kept it forever especially as I knew instantly on driving the Cali that Id made a huge error in trading my Spider in....unfortunately my preferred Dealer had pre sold my F430 Spider & not wishing to muck them or the new owner about, I kept the Cali for 7 weeks to see f I cold gel with it, no I couldnt, so I hunted for another Spider & decided to buy a 16M instead, thats me coming up for 2 years in her now, her colour is one of a kind Blu Abu Dhabi & she has the Tricolor Italian Stripe, so unless boxer buys it I think I'll be keeping it forever, as it is very involving and way, way better than the all too easy 458 and its dual clutch box, as man that cars about as exciting to drive as an electric milk van, the standard F430 is far more a true drivers car, the spider involves the senses greater, but the Scud and 16M versions take those models to another level again and sadly now they are definitely an end of a Ferrari era, I say sadly, as this really is most unfortunate for me, I am now unsure which new Ferrari I can buy that'll give me half the drivers tool & enjoyment of my 16M, perhaps I need to wait until the 599GTOs pricing drops like a rock over the next few years as its been widely predicted to do!

18 in 3 years must be a new record. How many were Ferraris?

[cgt]

The shortest(!) time I had a Ferrari was a 2001 360 F1 which lasted precisely one month. I just didnt enjoy or get on with the clunkiness of the gearbox. It was an ultra-low mileage example though and I suspect the newness exacerbated the problems.

I've not owned a V8 newer than a 360 but my pick of the V8's would be a well sorted 355 Berlinetta manual, wonderful cars and just the perfect blend of Ferrari tradition with modern usability.

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by Pat

Intresting, and the result so far amoung us confim that Ferrari owners are mainly keepers

I think it confirms that Ferrari owners that post on forums usually hold onto their cars for longer. There are plenty of posers out there who flip their cars all the time but they don't like to hang out with Ferrari enthousiasts as they ask too many uncomfortable questions. Like: "I heard your 430 is the fastest car in the world. Can you explain that to me?"

As a general rule, owners who frequent forums love the car first, not the status it gives.

Originally Posted by Scottish16M

that cars about as exciting to drive as an electric milk van

Harsh, and IMHO and experience untrue. The new transmission software should make it closer to the Scuderia experience.


Onno

[Scottish16M]

Boxer, only 3 were Ferrari's.

JazzyO, not harsh, personal opinion and BTW whilst the new software update is certainly better, it is still miles off a Scuderia/16M experience. I don't think a double clutch box will ever properly replicate a single clutch fast shift box such as in those cars, no matter how hard Ferrari try. I'm not alone in my opinion, others think & have voiced same and that's why Ferrari took out the update as you'll doubtless know too!

[dm18]

I have tended not to keep new cars very long as there is always something later and greater just around the corner. Scud, 16M, 458 were all pretty short-term - average about a year. Plan to keep 458 Spider much longer as I am simply bored of buying new cars. Lately I am becoming the king of the 90's - like the more mechanical cars. Had many 355's over the years and have finally learned my lesson and will hold onto a manual spider

[Mike Law]

It seems to be around 3 year for me. I sold the F355 after 2 years (too soon) and my 360 Spider is currently for sale after 4 years ownership. I own the CS almost 1.5 years now and I know now it's definitely a keeper! Still as happy as the day I've bought her

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by cgt

The shortest(!) time I had a Ferrari was a 2001 360 F1 which lasted precisely one month. I just didnt enjoy or get on with the clunkiness of the gearbox. It was an ultra-low mileage example though and I suspect the newness exacerbated the problems.

I've not owned a V8 newer than a 360 but my pick of the V8's would be a well sorted 355 Berlinetta manual, wonderful cars and just the perfect blend of Ferrari tradition with modern usability.

Do I sense a new acquisition for the stable?

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by Scottish16M

JazzyO, not harsh, personal opinion

There's several ways of expressing your opinion and talking about milk vans has all the grace and sophistication of Jeremy Clarkson. Without the humour. So yes, harsh. Why does everyone feel the need to inject vitriol when they are voicing their opinion? Is it really so hard to be noticed without kicking shins?

I'm very glad you're happy with the 16M, I think it's an awesome car. From my side, I'm very happy to put my final 458 specs down this week, though, and I am very sure I'm not getting a milk van. Let alone an electric one.

Kindly yours,


Onno

[Scottish16M]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

There's several ways of expressing your opinion and talking about milk vans has all the grace and sophistication of Jeremy Clarkson. Without the humour. So yes, harsh. Why does everyone feel the need to inject vitriol when they are voicing their opinion? Is it really so hard to be noticed without kicking shins?

I'm very glad you're happy with the 16M, I think it's an awesome car. From my side, I'm very happy to put my final 458 specs down this week, though, and I am very sure I'm not getting a milk van. Let alone an electric one.

Kindly yours,


Onno

We all have our opinions and when subscribed to any forum we can voice them. Jeremy Clarkson has his own style and as Top Gear is one of the most watched programmes around the world, due mainly to it's presenting format, I thank you for your backhanded compliment.

I did say IMO the 458 was an electric milk float/van and I stand by that, the gearbox is too much an advancement for a Ferrari Supercar and it lacks the final spark of enjoyment for me, the 458 is so smooth I could be in my Bentley and for some that may be great, but for me and others who prefer a rawer Supercar experience it's not....this may diminish in time, but I doubt it it. Not wishing to add fuel to the fire I don't get or like it's 'Cars' cartoonish looks either!

As a footnote comment, I am delighted for you that you 'get' the 458 and are choosing your final specification this week. Life would be awfully boring if we all liked the same things. To specify any new car is one of life's privileges and to do so on a Ferrari is a tremendous experience, especially now that Ferrari has made the Tailor Made programme available, even the standard options on a 458 are mind boggling, so I hope you build the car of your dreams and thoroughly enjoy your new Ferrari when you collect it....

[JazzyO]

We can't all be gentlemen.


Onno

[Scottish16M]

Now play nice or I'll let your tyres down when I meet you on FLED6!

[SShawn]

Mine, 3 yrs. :3 Keeping an automobile in good running order can be a labor intensive and costly task, but it’s usually cheaper than purchasing a brand new one. More individuals are electing to keep their vehicles for longer,.