[lrattner]

I have been on the waiting list for a Modena since August, 2000 at Shelton Sports Cars in Ft. Lauderdale. I bought a Testarossa from them some years ago and I was told that since Ferrari has "zones" Shelton was my dealership for Ferrari. Needless to say, since they don't get a lot of new cars every year I knew that I was in for a long wait. I even put my name on a list for the car that was to follow the Modena (that was 2001).
Over the time I have been checking with them and when the F430 was announced I checked again to see how they were going to handle the back logged list which I was on for the Modena.
Several months ago they claimed that the F430 was not necessarily coming out. Finally when that isn't an issue anymore I checked with them today to see where I stood in terms of getting the new car.
Well this is what I was told. " The Shelton brothers have decided that the 430 was only going to be sold to good customers (those that have purchased atleast 6-13 cars over these last few years and that will take care of the first two years of their alloted 430's. They have also decided to forgo the list of people who have been on the list for Modenas". In addition he told me " The Sheltons have checked with the Ferrari factory, and they are all right with this plan".
HUH??? Ferrari is alright with screwing all the people ( like me) who have waited years to get a new car ar MSRP?? WTF?

 

[Andrew]

Lon,

Welcome to Ferrari Forum. I am sorry to hear this but I'm also not surprised.

What are your options? People will think I'm nuts for saying this, but maybe take a look at the Gallardo, I sat in one and had to say it felt pretty good. Haven't been around an F430 yet so I can't compare.

You will pay a little more but in a year people will be selling their F430s in hopes of making some cash. You could get one of these models. One other option that comes to mind is the 360 CS, which in the long run is probably a better buy (more appreciation likely).

Please keep us updated on what happens and if you go to other dealers what they tell you.

 

[ferrari355fi]

You should come to Algar Ferrari in Rosemont PA. They wil sell you one right away.

 

[Andrew]

You should come to Algar Ferrari in Rosemont PA. They wil sell you one right away.

There will still be a wait list for the F430 everywhere you go it is just a matter of where on that list you will be. I don't remember where Shelton is, but is it Ft. lauderdale? Miami?

There are tons of dealers in FL as I'm sure you know. Perhaps give some of the others a call and see what they can do for you.

 

[Stradale]

The 430 is the hottest sports car at the moment. From the dealers' point of view, they have to give priority to their existing and loyal customers. After all these are the guys that keep them in business, buying from them and using their workshops. First time customers can't expect to just drop in and get the same treatment. That's how it is.

Try buying the Enzo, it's the same thing, Luca will vet through the list submitted by the dealers all around the world and will choose who to allocate the cars to. That's the way it is.

Instead of getting angry at the local dealer try all the dealers out of town and even out of state. They may have allocations/units that have not been sold. Perseverence, that's the way to get the car of your dream!!

 

[Dr. Bob]

I'm not suprised, Ferrari isn't very friendly for it's customers... Maybe it's an idea to buy a Modena now, and buy a 430 in 2-3 years

 

[Dj Dirk]

not very smart of that dealer, not very good for their reputation.
just go to another dealer and try again, but you will most likelly have to wait for about 1.5 years.
Shelton Sports Car. judging by the name they don't only sell ferrari's right? are they an official dealer then?

and if they say only good costumers that buy 6-13 cars over the past years
isn't that a bit insane??????

 

[Stradale]

I'm not suprised, Ferrari isn't very friendly for it's customers... Maybe it's an idea to buy a Modena now, and buy a 430 in 2-3 years

It's not Ferrari that's unfriendly, it's their dealers. In any business when the commodity is scarce and the demand high, there will be businessmen that will use the situation to make quick bucks. That's human nature, that's business. But that's not Ferrari.

Let's have a clear differentiation. They make a certain number of cars and they distribute according to how the dealer has performed based on record. So some get more than others. It's then up to the dealer/s to handle their customers.