would a Testarossa be a bit OTT for first ferrari purchase?

[Mark B]

I'm torn between a few models - 308/328/348/355 and Testa but have noticed lately a few Testarossa bargains that look well maintained for around my budget.

Just curious as to whether the Testarossa would make a good first purchase or would the service/maintenance scare me off? Maybe I'd be better off with one of the other models??

[Dave Z]

Welcome to CS Mark
What's your budget dude ,
I had a 308 and the service cost's worked out less than my other halves A class merc , I'm not to sure about servicing on the TR , again I think a good independant specialist would keep cost's down,
I'm sure the 2 Si's (Barabus) and (Cachius) will be along soon to give their views on costs,
If a TR floats your boat over the V8's then go for it anyway

[Mark B]

Welcome to CS Mark
What's your budget dude ,
I had a 308 and the service cost's worked out less than my other halves A class merc , I'm not to sure about servicing on the TR , again I think a good independant specialist would keep cost's down,
I'm sure the 2 Si's (Barabus) and (Cachius) will be along soon to give their views on costs,
If a TR floats your boat over the V8's then go for it anyway

Hi Dave
Thanks for the reply - I suppose I should have introduced myself better!!!
My budget is max of £40k, preferably about £35k though.

There are so many different things to think about when getting a ferrari - all I know is I want one, just not sure which. For instance, my garage is one of those stupidly thin ones so I doubt a testa would fit in - it would have to stay on my drive. Also Id probably get a testa for special days out/meet ups/drives etc whereas one of the V8s would probably get more useage.

I currently have a 996 which I am looking to get rid of so have a vague idea of increased maintenance, I just don;t want to bankrupt myself so early on in ownership!!!

[philworrall]

I dont think there is any real difference in servicing costs across 348 / 355 and a Testarossa. Testarossa was my first Ferrari and I love the bid flat 12 and all the torque it gives. Easy to drive from 25 to flat out in one gear

HTH

Phil

[grigio tr]

A testa was my first and i woudnt change a thing, had to have one and get it out of my system,very reasonable maintenance costs providing nothing major fails,get a good one and it wont let you down!

sold mine 3 months ago and will never forget it!

[Mark B]

I dont think there is any real difference in servicing costs across 348 / 355 and a Testarossa. Testarossa was my first Ferrari and I love the bid flat 12 and all the torque it gives. Easy to drive from 25 to flat out in one gear

HTH

Phil

how was it to drive? Much difference between it and a v8? Any problems to report??

[RacingSnake]

Mark, have a read through of this...
http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/...ad.php?t=23141
it might answer a couple of your questions (not my car btw!)

[Dave Z]

I suppose the first thing to do is to go and test drive a couple of each model , this will give you a better idea of what you like about each car , then decide what you want to go for , i.e a weekend / sunny day driver or something a bit more "every day" like your porker. But bare in mind if you want one now , you'll be Fecked when you've test drive one , try not to fall in love with the first one you drive

I can only go from my experiences with my 308 , so the other CS members opinions should serve you well , but I did 9000 miles in my 308 the first year I owned it, so they can be used on a regular basis .
Don't be fooled by the urban myth that Fezza's can't be used regularly , they are like any other car , as long as they're maintained correctly, they will go on forever

[Mark B]

thanks for the replies

I'll have a read of that testarossa thread now, cheers

[rmdferrari]

Mark,

For £35-40k I'd look at a 355 or a Testarossa. Although outright speed is only half the Ferrari experience, coming from a 996 you'd find a 308/328 and perhaps 348 a little slow?

355's are considered a high point of recent years and don't seem to suffer the occasional negative comments the tipos either side of it do. Testarossas are the quintesential "Athena" poster car and have a glorious wailing V12 to boot.