While repeatedly denying the existence of an upcoming entry-level Ferrari, company executives have stated that the real entry-level Ferrari is a used Ferrari. To back that up, the company's outfit in the UK has established the Ferrari Approved program to certify second-hand Prancing Horses.
The program covers the 360, 430, 465M, 612, 550, 575 and 599 models, in all their derivations, with the oldest stretching back no earlier than 1998. As part of the process, factory-trained technicians put the cars through a 190-point inspection, replacing or repairing defective parts; an independent investigation is conducted into the car's history ensuring there are no outstanding debts on the car; and the service record is verified. Only non-modified cars, dealer-serviced throughout, are eligible for the program, and once the cars come out, they're backed by a 12-month factory warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance.
Although Ferrari North America offers a pre-owned vehicle program, it does not appear to be nearly as extensive in its certification process as the one Ferrari GB Ltd has just launched. Maybe the British program will serve as a pilot before it comes stateside.
[Source: Ferrari GB]
2010 Chevrolet Camaro revealed!
Spy Shots: Honda's hybrid Prius-fighter caught
Best shot yet of the Transformers 2 mystery Vette
Spy Shots: Subaru WRX STI spec C
In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG
First Drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 w/VIDEO![In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Ford Flex Limited [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/ford-flex45015_thumbnail.jpg)
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Ford Flex Limited [w/VIDEO]
First Drive: 2009 Mazda6
Should've bought a Garmin? Testing the iPhone 3G's GPS capabilities
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Godzilla @ Jan 16th 2008 7:40AM
Sounds good but no thanks. I'd rather drive a Nissan GT-R.
Mobius_1 @ Jan 16th 2008 8:09AM
But if I was going to turn up at a party I would rather be in a Ferrari... But then again an Aston would be even better!
psarhjinian @ Jan 16th 2008 11:11AM
If I had the kind of income where I could think about this and not break into a cold sweat, it'd be Ferrari all the way.
I agree that the GTR, Corvette and (formerly) the NSX would probably be better choices. Mind you, I can't afford any of them, either.
But if I had the choice...
Zane @ Jan 16th 2008 2:36PM
When it comes to parties and social events, an Aston is the only choice!
John Johnson @ Jan 16th 2008 8:33AM
If you can afford a certified used Ferrari, you can probably afford a new one.
psarhjinian @ Jan 16th 2008 10:44AM
If you can afford a used Ferrari, you better be able to afford the _maintenance fees_. These cars are mechanical princesses.
You want a low-maintenance supercar? Get a Corvette or (better yet) an NSX. A European supercar is going to cost a Corolla or two a year in upkeep.
John Johnson @ Jan 16th 2008 10:51AM
Exactly the reason I can afford to buy a Porsche Boxster, but wouldn't. Maintenance on any car like this is crazy money.
Thanks, Honda, for the S2000 and NSX :). Don't know about the reliability of NSX (I'd assume good), but the S2000 is as reliable as the sunrise.
Sam Niemi @ Jan 16th 2008 9:25AM
1) Noah, did you mean the 456M? Never heard of a ferrari 465 before.
2) @ John Johnson - Personally, in whatever fantasy universe where I could afford a Ferrari, a used one is the only thing I'd buy. To me the last good-looking Ferrari was the 550/575, and the aforementioned 456M GT before it. Sure the new ones have POWERRRRR, but the designs no longer smile, have no soul, and are hideous.
M @ Jan 17th 2008 1:10AM
my fav is the 360 Modena. that car has balance in its design - something i think is lacking in the F430s lines
David Fox @ Jan 18th 2008 12:43AM
Absolutely agree. 430 just misses the mark with tacked on bits here and there.