[212Export]

Dear friends. I was wondering about your opinions regarding the pro's and con's of a low mile F50. The specific example has 2000 miles on the odometer, is a '96 model and its price is around a level were normally 20'000 miles examples are. Your thought and opinions are welcomed. Thanks.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Dear friends. I was wondering about your opinions regarding the pro's and con's of a low mile F50. The specific example has 2000 miles on the odometer, is a '96 model and its price is around a level were normally 20'000 miles examples are. Your thought and opinions are welcomed. Thanks.

The typical responses of low miles DO apply and I will imbed a link later for that discussion, but more importantly here is the subject: F50

I know of two concerns regarding the models, F40 & F50 which if not PPI'd correctly or stored correctly can be costly as an acquaintence I know, and Greg and 360YELLOW know, is the Fuel system.

MOST owners, however they drive these cars, sometimes, and only a few, store the car and feel it is not needing constant driving.

The fuel if left to sit for a period of time, will eat away at the inner fuel deliver system, and make a muck of it. Results in a couple approaches: 1. rebuild the internal fuel pump etc. --have to do.
and
2. create an external fuel deliver system that doesn't keep the 'rubber' parts in constant contact with the fuel tank.

I can re-read those events, but you'll be well to note, low/high means nothing if car is left to sit for 1 yr + with same fuel in system or not properly drained and filled periodically.

As for low vs high, it is STILL, a question of how was/is the car being used: They do NOT do well just sitting, as even the 'lower' class, albeit can get away with it easier, will go to problems, period, over time if NOT driven or the fluids exchange / year, etc. etc. Chemical reactions period make for a lot of damage. Seals, although, not quite the problems today, should be guarded.

QUEENS, not a good thing especially in these higher end models, and
HIGHER MILEAGE : Well, if you can document how those miles were put on, like in one whack or over steady time, and how many miles per time etc. then you'll have, a better idea.

I PREFER a car with steady miles over time. and a LOT of them.
Also don't want a thrashed car, one that hase been driven with understanding.

[IPF]

Well,

It sort of sounds too good to be true: "pay for 20k, get 2k", doesn't it? Not being an expert on F50s I can only be curious (at the risk of seeming obvious and a tad suspicious):

- how come it's so very low mileage after 14 years? is the mileage number reliable? Or does it convey e.g. another engine being put in (not necessarily a bad thing, depending on circumstance), or something worse (like fraud)?

- if it's sat for so long, what's the condition of e.g. the myriad of bearings, suspension elements, etc. (i.e. anything that can deform or get stuck, sort of 'mechanical bed-sore' prone)?

- same for anything that can dry out (hosing/tubes/fuel lines/etc.), or anything that needs regular lubrification (engine parts, transmission, etc.)

- is it otherwise really as pristine as the mileage number suggests it should be?

Then again, if it all checks out and/or doesn't run you into a humongous restauration bill, I'ld say go for it!

Irvin

[212Export]

Granucci and IPF: Great arguments, well sorted and many thoughtful hints! Many thanks for it.
The low mile car shows only one service, done recently by a official Ferrari dealer. The higher mile car is very well known, clear history, ownership and service wise.

[IPF]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Granucci and IPF: Great arguments, well sorted and many thoughtful hints! Many thanks for it.
The low mile car shows only one service, done recently by a official Ferrari dealer. The higher mile car is very well known, clear history, ownership and service wise.

Shooting from the hip, my money would be on the latter: well driven, well serviced, well documented. The former sounds a bit like a garage queen dressed up for the ball... Best of luck comparing these beauties and great kudos to you on making a move on such a splendid beast!

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by IPF

Shooting from the hip, my money would be on the latter: well driven, well serviced, well documented. The former sounds a bit like a garage queen dressed up for the ball... Best of luck comparing these beauties and great kudos to you on making a move on such a splendid beast!

+1 : Now for the next range of questions.

[JazzyO]

Although I prefer regularly driven cars, the low-mileage one could be a great buy. But I would then add €50k to the price in my head to get it sorted out. The advantage is that by doing that, your specialist will go through the car from top to bottom and you will end up with a truly fantastic F-50 that is low mileage as well. The disadvantage is that you can't put the genie back in the box - and you might turn up some more trouble than you are bargaining on. 1 service since 1996 is very poor. But if money is not the principle motivator, then the 2k miler can be the smarter buy. Don't forget that these cars are highly prized with low mileage, much more than lower status Ferraris. Begs the final question - why is it so relatively cheap? I'm guessing it is because it has such a poor service record. But I'm very curious to see what our resident expert has to say, I don't have any experience with this type of Ferrari.

Best of luck! Would be amazing to welcome another F-50 to the fray.


Onno

[Boxer]

1st question is when the mileage was done on either one. If the low mileage car has 1000km in the last year and the 20k car had 90% of that done 10 years ago and has basically not been driven since, then the former is probably more roadworth. I would get both chassis numbers and research the history. Tough call without a lot more information.

[wetpet]

i bought a diablo that was 10 years old and had 2,400 miles on it. It had sat for at least a year. the tires were flat. changed the fuel pumps (Relatively cheap), serviced all the fluids, new tires, battery and a couple weeks of the old "italian tune up" and the car was a beast. owned it for two years and put another 2k on it. No problems. I know an f50 is different, but i doubt a lot of the "Garage queen" worries everyone is always talking about. each car is different. have a trusted mechanic go over it with a fine toothed comb and don't worry too much what you read on the internet. A good mechanic can tell you what you are getting into.

[Neonzapper]

It's easy to keep a low-mileage car in great shape by driving it short distances and moving it around often. It's a misconception to believe all low-mileage cars just sit.

For the last year, I've known of a low-mileage F-50 "stored" in top condition this way.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by IPF

Shooting from the hip, my money would be on the latter: well driven, well serviced, well documented. The former sounds a bit like a garage queen dressed up for the ball... Best of luck comparing these beauties and great kudos to you on making a move on such a splendid beast!

I'm really just checking the market and comparing the different offers without seriously ready to pull the trigger. Its interesting to note that 80% of all offered F50 are offered since more than a year, some more than 3 years. Its a very slow, specific market.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 212Export

I'm really just checking the market and comparing the different offers without seriously ready to pull the trigger. Its interesting to note that 80% of all offered F50 are offered since more than a year, some more than 3 years. Its a very slow, specific market.

Yes but the really good ones that come up for sale seem to sell very quickly.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

Although I prefer regularly driven cars, the low-mileage one could be a great buy. But I would then add €50k to the price in my head to get it sorted out. The advantage is that by doing that, your specialist will go through the car from top to bottom and you will end up with a truly fantastic F-50 that is low mileage as well. The disadvantage is that you can't put the genie back in the box - and you might turn up some more trouble than you are bargaining on. 1 service since 1996 is very poor. But if money is not the principle motivator, then the 2k miler can be the smarter buy. Don't forget that these cars are highly prized with low mileage, much more than lower status Ferraris. Begs the final question - why is it so relatively cheap? I'm guessing it is because it has such a poor service record. But I'm very curious to see what our resident expert has to say, I don't have any experience with this type of Ferrari.

Best of luck! Would be amazing to welcome another F-50 to the fray.


Onno

Onno, I assume that with Euro 50K, your assumption is changing the (kautschuk) tank, do a big service, probably changing the clutch, changing all rubber etc. ?! Otherwise 50'K Euro seem a little "stretchy". (but you're right..its better to prepare the brain for a high number to prevent disappointment.)

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Onno, I assume that with Euro 50K, your assumption is changing the (kautschuk) tank, do a big service, probably changing the clutch, changing all rubber etc. ?! Otherwise 50'K Euro seem a little "stretchy". (but you're right..its better to prepare the brain for a high number to prevent disappointment.)

Euro 50k would certainly cover a new clutch, tanks, tyres, all seals/rubber, full service, filters, etc. Bill would more likely be in the 30k range.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

So I see, the fire is still burning inside you, Rolf ? I agree with Boxer's comment. Little more research and facts findings. w/ smiles Jimmy

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Onno, I assume that with Euro 50K, your assumption is changing the (kautschuk) tank, do a big service, probably changing the clutch, changing all rubber etc. ?! Otherwise 50'K Euro seem a little "stretchy". (but you're right..its better to prepare the brain for a high number to prevent disappointment.)

It was high, with the intention you mentioned - prepare for the worst and hope for the best!


Onno

[IPF]

Originally Posted by 212Export

I'm really just checking the market and comparing the different offers without seriously ready to pull the trigger. Its interesting to note that 80% of all offered F50 are offered since more than a year, some more than 3 years. Its a very slow, specific market.

Nonetheless, the very concept of considering one should be lauded!

Interesting observations you have on the pace of the market. Intriguing. My guess would be people in this segment can afford to be very picky indeed. Good F50s will likely be gone in a flash at serious prices, not-so-great ones just linger...