[Danman]

What are the thoughts around a 1988 GTS that's had 5 owners. 45k miles on the clock. Too many hands - both mechanic and driver - on the car? The car checks out great otherwise.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Vulcan F-40]

What are the thoughts around a 1988 GTS that's had 5 owners. 45k miles on the clock. Too many hands - both mechanic and driver - on the car? The car checks out great otherwise.

Thanks,
Dan

Dear Comrade Danman,

On the face of it this ownership does not appear at all excessive. Particularly if one bears in mind that the first owner may have immediately sold it on for a profit (new cars had premiums in those days as indeed they do still). If you are happy with regard to the overal condition then why not have the motor car surveyed by an expert and make your decision accordingly?

With regard to the mileage: This has averaged out at a mere 2250 miles per year. And to my mind the mileage on 'your' example proves that the car has been used judiciously. An ultra low mileage car may well prove to be unreliable with all sorts of potentially expensive issues to be resolved by the next owner.

With kind regards,

Vulcan

 

[Danman]

owners

Vulcan,

Thanks for the response. Mechanically, it's excellent....I've just never owned a car with this many owners and looking at the carfax with it changing hands every 2-3 years I have to wonder why? That many owners also means that many mechanics had their wrenches in the mechanicals.

Just what's going through my mind....the car checks out great otherwise. Hmm...decisions, decisions..

Thanks
Dan

 

[Vulcan F-40]

Vulcan,

Thanks for the response. Mechanically, it's excellent....I've just never owned a car with this many owners and looking at the carfax with it changing hands every 2-3 years I have to wonder why? That many owners also means that many mechanics had their wrenches in the mechanicals.

Just what's going through my mind....the car checks out great otherwise. Hmm...decisions, decisions..

Thanks
Dan

Dear Comrade Danman,

Ferrari's do regularly change hands at what may appear to the non-aficionado as 'frequent intervals' compared to many other marques. But, a twenty years old Ferrari with five owners would not be at all untoward.

Does the car that you have examined possess a good service history? If it does, and you are happy with every other aspect of the car, then you would be best advised to employ an expert to perform a survey and then make your decision based upon all the facts thus presented.

With kind regards,

Vulcan

 

[alsaautomotive]

Exactly what Mr Vulcan F-40 Sir said:thumbup:
This gentleman talks a great deal of sense
Minion Al

 

[Chrishawk4]

Exactly what Mr Vulcan F-40 Sir said:thumbup:
This gentleman talks a great deal of sense
Minion Al

I agree 100%

Chris

 

[archiegibbs]

I completely agree with comrade Vulcan F-40 too. Ferrari's aren't like your average Ford or GM, where 3rd or 4th owners neglect their cars. Every time a Ferrari is sold via an official dealer or reputable independent, they are fully serviced by Ferrari trained mechanics and the interior and exterior of the car are almost always put back into showroom condition. You also find that owners of older Ferrari's are genuine enthusiasts and take incredibly good care of their cars and pamper them at every opportunity. I certainly did with my old 328 GTS.
When I buy my next Ferrari, I will look for a good service history and one that has had several owners for all of the above reasons.

 

[Boxer]

What are the thoughts around a 1988 GTS that's had 5 owners. 45k miles on the clock. Too many hands - both mechanic and driver - on the car? The car checks out great otherwise.

Thanks,
Dan

Personally I don't think the number of owners on a 20 year old Ferrari is relevant. Condition, and to a much lesser degree, mileage are what count.

In fact, unless the car comes with a complete and exhaustive paper trail, I would put little to no credibility on the number of claimed owners. In fact if it has been registered in more than one country (highly common in Europe for LHD Ferraris) the claimed number is probably not accurate.

Additionally just because a Ferrari changes owners does not mean it changes mechanics. Many Ferraris will stay with the same mechanic through several generations of owners.

 

[Vulcan F-40]

Dear Comrades All.

It looks like we are all set for a 'Group Hug' with this thread

But the concensus appears to be that multi-ownership is far from detrimental. Condition is everything - along with a good provenance all allied to a professional survey which hopefully should provide the correct result.

With kind regards,

Vulcan

 

[JazzyO]

It looks like we are all set for a 'Group Hug' with this thread

My therapist tells me I need more of them...

But I concur - Ferraris tend to be looked after well and 5 owners in 20 years is not that bad. Don't forget most cars never even get to the 20 year ownership stage. I wouldn't be worried about it if the car is in good shape.

Hope you enjoy the car!

Onno



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[Danman]

Thanks

Thank you all for the great advice. This baby has a full document excellent service history, so hopefully she will be mine soon!

Stay tuned.

Dan

 

[kent328]

Hi Dan,

My 328 GTS is 22 years old had 7 previous keepers and has covered 59,000 miles. (less than 3,000 a year) Full history and has been cared for by my local Ferarri specialist for 14 years or so. When I bought it they had just serviced it, replaced the belts and overhauled the A/C. They also completely refurbished the alloys and some paint work was carried out. I am unsure of the extent of the paint work but since owning the car there are no signs of any corrosion returning (If indeed there was any before!!). I rate my car just as much as any low mileage examples I see advertised. Plus the fact no one can see your speedo when you are driving along just a beautiful sports car!!

Good luck and enjoy it

Best Wishes
Stuart

 

[dinogt4guy]

5 owners in 20 yrs does not seem too excessive to me.

Cheers!