Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it's value well?

[Sean Roe]

Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Hi Everyone,

Looking for a little input here from those with experience in the exotic car field.

The Viper holds it's value really well and has probably spoiled me a bit (in more ways than one as everything else seems slow now). The times I've sold one, I've come close to breaking even on it, so that the cost of ownership has been minimal (finance charges if the money was borrowed, insurance, maintenance).

Do any of the more expensive exotics, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, etc. hold their value as well? Obviously, I understand you have to buy it right to begin with, but, if you wanted to get one of those cars, which would be the easiest to sell a year or less later and retain its value well?

I'm thinking, before my time is up, I'd like to have one of those cars, even if it was for less than a year. With my credit, I think I could one day afford to short term finance one and may be able to justify the finance charges, as long as I didn't loose a lot of money due to depreciation, or not having a good market to sell it in. I'm thinking maybe a balloon note with monthly interest payments only.

For those that have been fortunate enough to have those cars, or are in that business, what's your opinion. What car would hold it's value the best?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Sean

PS, before anyone gets any ideas, the Viper parts business is not "that" good. I just have good credit and am a certifiable car nut

 

[Casey]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Porsche TTs seem to hold up well after the initial pop.
Ferrari 360 has held up well also.
Don't know much about Lambos, but I know Vettes depreciate like Mustangs!

 

[plumcrazy]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

lol @ your PS:

 

[Steve-Indy]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Sean, I feel that Ferrari's in general, have held their value fairly well...though all "collectibles" have their ups and downs. I am really referring more to the 12 cylinder models here more than the 8's. I personally feel that the cars are for enjoyment as opposed to viewing them as an investment, though, occasionally...one can get lucky.

 

[Cudaman]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Old American muscle car bought right are getting VERY good returns.....

Sean get a hold of some of the Jax Mopar clubs.... Mopar generally yield higher returns, because fewer of the 60-and early 70's were made, sometimes only only 10 of 10 were made. The 71 Hemi Convertible Cuda brought the owner 2.1 milllion....that was a good return.

Less expensive to maintain too.

Cudaman

 

[jimster]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Old American muscle car bought right are getting VERY good returns.....

I wouldn't categorize a muscle car as an exotic........

A used older model Diablo in excellent shape with current maintenance records can be had for less than 90 if you're patient. Keep it for a year, you should be able to get what you paid for it.

 

[Sean Roe]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

... I personally feel that the cars are for enjoyment as opposed to viewing them as an investment, though, occasionally...one can get lucky.

Hi Steve.
Agreed.
Not looking to do it for an investment (though if I were to invest in cars right now, I'd take Ward's advice in a heartbeat), but to have fun and enjoy driving one for a while.
There are a lot of car nuts here that have experience in this area. Just looking for advice from fellow members who've been there and know the markets.
Some of the Italian and British cars really appeal to me, like an Aston Martin DB, Lamborghini or Ferrari. However, I don't know that much about them (what's good, what to stay away from) and am not in a position to take a big hit on one just because I think it would be fun to have for a while.
Thanks for the input so far.

Regards,
Sean

 

[Brian E]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

A couple years ago if you could get on a Ferrari dealers list (ya I know their lists are BS) for a 360 Spyder at MSRP, when it came in, you could turn it in a day for a 30k profit.
A while back I almost bought a 2003 360 Spyder with very low miles. I would have still paid 20k + over MSRP. They have held their value very well. With the 430 being introduced the prices might start to slide and you might be able to get into one pretty reasonably.
You could also go for a Euro spec, Grey market car for a hefty savings. Just keep in mind they have absolutely no warranty.
Sean the issue really comes down to what car excites you? If you make your choice based on that, chances are you arent going to sell it anytime soon anyway.
Trust me I know, I have passed on a couple cars that I kick myself in the butt about now.
If you think you want a 360 Spyder, let me know, I can point you in the direction of one of the nicest ones you could find.

 

[00prowler]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Sean, A 91 Diablo would be a great choice, One hell of a car, hard to tell its not a new one, looks as good or better than new generation Lambos, the depreciation is pretty much gone on it, still looks like a 250,000 car for 90 grand or so. I am sure it will depreciate very little in a year or two..Home ec loan it and your payment will be under 400 a month!! Sell it in a year and repay it...Cheap fun... Dont start blower development on it if you get one, that would be a blow to us Roe S/C guys here

 

[ERDOC]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

A couple years ago if you could get on a Ferrari dealers list (ya I know their lists are BS) for a 360 Spyder at MSRP, when it came in, you could turn it in a day for a 30k profit.
A while back I almost bought a 2003 360 Spyder with very low miles. I would have still paid 20k + over MSRP. They have held their value very well. With the 430 being introduced the prices might start to slide and you might be able to get into one pretty reasonably.
You could also go for a Euro spec, Grey market car for a hefty savings. Just keep in mind they have absolutely no warranty.
Sean the issue really comes down to what car excites you? If you make your choice based on that, chances are you arent going to sell it anytime soon anyway.
Trust me I know, I have passed on a couple cars that I kick myself in the butt about now.
If you think you want a 360 Spyder, let me know, I can point you in the direction of one of the nicest ones you could find.

360 spiders stickered for a little over 200K when they first got released in the US in MY 01'. Street price was 325-350K. The 360's by far held their value the best as far as the "attainable cars" go.... 456s and 575s dropped in value like bricks and the Enzo would have made you 600K wealthier if you were able to take delivery of one. Lambo's on the other hand depreciate like crazy. Look at the Gallardo and Murcielago prices and you will see what I mean. My 360 is a Euro spec car that was converted at around 600 miles. The car runs flawlessly and since these cars are older than 3 years... the factory warranty no longer applies so IMO, they are just as good as a US spec car. If you can get in on a good 355 for say.. 70K, you would hardly lose anything since its predecessor the 348 seems to have bottomed out around 45-50K. Send me a PM if you are interested in obtaining something at close to wholesale pricing. I'll see if I can help.

 

[Casey]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

[/QUOTE]

360 spiders stickered for a little over 200K when they first got released in the US in MY 01'. Street price was 325-350K. The 360's by far held their value the best as far as the "attainable cars" go.... 456s and 575s dropped in value like bricks and the Enzo would have made you 600K wealthier if you were able to take delivery of one. Lambo's on the other hand depreciate like crazy. Look at the Gallardo and Murcielago prices and you will see what I mean. My 360 is a Euro spec car that was converted at around 600 miles. The car runs flawlessly and since these cars are older than 3 years... the factory warranty no longer applies so IMO, they are just as good as a US spec car. If you can get in on a good 355 for say.. 70K, you would hardly lose anything since its predecessor the 348 seems to have bottomed out around 45-50K. Send me a PM if you are interested in obtaining something at close to wholesale pricing. I'll see if I can help.

[/QUOTE]

I have never seen a MSRP STICKER for $200k on a 360. I do know they were selling for that initially. MSRP was around $150k. But of course, the dealers ripped off customers like always.

I Euro spec 360 can be had for $110k or so now-a-days.

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Buy a Lotus.

 

[jimster]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

.....A 91 Diablo would be a great choice, One hell of a car, hard to tell its not a new one, looks as good or better than new generation Lambos...........the depreciation is pretty much gone on it, still looks like a 250,000 car for 90 grand or so...........

Right on. There are some really good deals to be had on older Diablos. A '91-'94 with the factory wing option looks like a million dollar car.

 

[ERDOC]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?


360 spiders stickered for a little over 200K when they first got released in the US in MY 01'. Street price was 325-350K. The 360's by far held their value the best as far as the "attainable cars" go.... 456s and 575s dropped in value like bricks and the Enzo would have made you 600K wealthier if you were able to take delivery of one. Lambo's on the other hand depreciate like crazy. Look at the Gallardo and Murcielago prices and you will see what I mean. My 360 is a Euro spec car that was converted at around 600 miles. The car runs flawlessly and since these cars are older than 3 years... the factory warranty no longer applies so IMO, they are just as good as a US spec car. If you can get in on a good 355 for say.. 70K, you would hardly lose anything since its predecessor the 348 seems to have bottomed out around 45-50K. Send me a PM if you are interested in obtaining something at close to wholesale pricing. I'll see if I can help.

[/QUOTE]

I have never seen a MSRP STICKER for $200k on a 360. I do know they were selling for that initially. MSRP was around $150k. But of course, the dealers ripped off customers like always.

I Euro spec 360 can be had for $110k or so now-a-days.

[/QUOTE]

Base car is 176K for the 6spd and 186K for the F1, by the time you add a few options like shields, tubi, challenge grill etc.....you easily get over 200K.... or you could opt for a Challenge Stradale which does sticker right around 200K. Base car is in the 150's but they never come without options.
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/ferrari_360modena_spiderf1_2004/14750/style_overview.html;_ylt=AsbrhVnXiZ1uzts5KSaRwgAwjr8F

 

[8AVETTE]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

I bought my 2002 360 spyder at msrp after 2 years on waiting list. Sold it 3 weeks later for 45k over msrp.

 

[BADVENOM]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

.....A 91 Diablo would be a great choice, One hell of a car, hard to tell its not a new one, looks as good or better than new generation Lambos...........the depreciation is pretty much gone on it, still looks like a 250,000 car for 90 grand or so...........

Right on. There are some really good deals to be had on older Diablos. A '91-'94 with the factory wing option looks like a million dollar car.

I agree with above..nothing like the look and feel of a diablo..thats why I got a 91..first year of the diablo..clean and fast..runs like its on rails and for numbers that were stated..

 

[Casey]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Oops my bad! I was refering to the Coupe price, not the spider!

Coupe was Under $150k when it first came out. Although, they were selling for over $200k if you wanted them early.

Euro models go for sticker or less over the pond.

 

[Gerald]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

PS, before anyone gets any ideas, the Viper parts business is not "that" good. I just have good credit and am a certifiable car nut

LOL!!!! nothing like calling your own shots huh?



Why not, reward yourself!! And don't be shy... You've made a lot of $ in the Viper Communit and DON'T BE SHY ABOUT IT!!

...you know I"m teasin' ya huh?

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=4528290424&rd=1

Here you go, you can buy a used car for under $50k and mod the chit out of it (if you want to). Ultra-light... power to weight ratio, you'll have a blast.

200k for an F car? No need to play that. Pie in the sky, bunch a pretenders.

Oh, I am sorry I forgot...very nice car, man I wish I was a high roller like youze guys. Capital G Q

 

[jimster]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Lambo, Ferrari, or Aston Martin are the only ones I'd consider.

 

[DSR207]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Quote:
"PS, before anyone gets any ideas, the Viper parts business is not "that" good. I just have good credit and am a certifiable car nut"
Funny...

<font color="red"> FERRARI </font>... If you can

 

[RedGTS]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Sean, almost any late-model Ferrari or Lambo is going to hold its value much better than a Viper, if, as you say, you buy the car right to begin with. That would be at or slightly over MSRP for a new one, or something less than that for a slightly used one. Unless you just have to have a Ferrari, I'd pick up a Gallardo--you can get an '04 w/E-gear for around $150k with maybe 2-4k miles, and they have more power than the 360's.

My neighbor bought a new Testarossa in '86 for $103k (MSRP), drove the car for 3 years, and sold it for $185k . You probably won't be that lucky, but you're very unlikely to lose much $ on those cars unless you buy at a ridiculous price.

 

[tzoid]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

I'll probably get flamed for this response, but here goes...There have been a number of cars thru the years that retain a very high % of the original price and even some that have appreciated over time. We all hear about the Cobras and Superbirds, as well as exotics like Ferrari and Lambos that bring big bucks. Don't let your emotions rule your thoughts, Sean. You are currently an expert in one of the country's most sought after sports cars...low production numbers, exotic looking and very fast. Everything Americans love in their prized possessions. If your really looking for the right thing to do, invest your money. The stock market, even with all it's ups and downs, has continually beat all of the automotive investments that ever were. Anybody who plays in that arena can give you hundreds of examples that show the kind of gains that can be made over time. Additionally, you live in Florida where real estate investments have turned small investments into fortunes. Stay with your Viper, love it to death and be the envy of the community. Invest your money and in the end, you will be the real winner.....

 

[Jerry Scott[CO]]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

I agree with tzoid. Until you have enough put away to buy the car with cash, put your money into something that will surely make you money. Real estate is hot right now especially in your area. When you make a fortune there, then buy the car.

Jerry Scott

 

[BADVENOM]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

I think your missing the point..the car sean wants is not for investment purposes but to enjoy..all he said was he wanted to know was what exotic car suggestions from us so that he didnt get killed after he drove it for a short ownership period..say 1 year or so..Not whether or not he could make a better investment elsewhere as in the stock market!

 

[jimster]

*DELETED*

 

[sun diego]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Great question, Sean. It's one that a lot of us have because we want the most long term fun with our toy money. I'm looking for a 65-67 big block Vette coupe. It isn't an exotic, but I can probably play with it for a year or two and sell it for about what I pay for it.

In a year or two the Ford Gt may be selling in the low 100s. It should do well after that.

 

[DLTARNU]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Great question, Sean. It's one that a lot of us have because we want the most long term fun with our toy money. I'm looking for a 65-67 big block Vette coupe. It isn't an exotic, but I can probably play with it for a year or two and sell it for about what I pay for it.

I know a guy who bought a 65 Vette vert for $25,000, drove it daily for 5 years, then sold it for $25,000. Great cars from an appreciation/depreciation standpoint, and the C2 is my favorite Vette design.

 

[TOOOFST]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Sean,finally catch up in the shop,first non-viper roe racing product talk i've ever heard from ya.
I drove a new paddle shift Mercilago and that was such a change,I had a blast.Everything else with a stick is ** hum after hr.

 

[Sean Roe]

Re: Other than the Viper, what exotic car holds it\'s value well?

Hi Everyone,

All very good points / advice and all taken.

It's not that I have cash burning a hole in my pocket. We put any money earned back into the business (increasing inventory and equipment). I haven't taken a vacation in a little over two years and could consider this my vacation money allocation. Instead of going somewhere, I'd get to have some fun drives to and from the shop (my drive each day is on a 2 lane state scenic highway). I think I could manage to have an Italian or British exotic car for a little while if it only cost me finance charges and insurance each month (barring anything unforseen in regard to maintenance). It's just something I've always wanted to do and I appreciate the positive input from people who know about about them.

Speaking of work, TOOFST, I did work Saturday and about 8 hours today (Sunday) at the shop. I'm not going soft on the work thing quite yet .

So far, the Diablo sounds like it may be worth studying up on, as well as some of the Ferrari models.
Are used Gallardo's too new?

Regards,
Sean

PS, As far as Uncle Sam is concerned, this would be a test and development vehicle (like the GTS) . That's a perk!