Is Owning a Ferrari Worth the Hassle? My Brutally Honest Answer (And Why A Porsche is NOT Better) 

Sad to hear you had a tough week, hope it turns around soon!

When cooking we would like you to be a bit more like Nigella

Must say, ad and ad anouncement were briliant! 😁

James, you're not small, but you are weird and an oddball😄 And I admire that - that no attempt is made to chamfer the edges. Truly being out there and that takes a degree of courage. I'm going to guess you went away to school - is the public school equivalent of the Ferrari hand wave the Masonic handshake (neither my brother nor I in it, so probably not!) - and like some of my acquaintances probably flourished because of the quirks, not in spite of them. Nevertheless, no one gets it easy and affluent family or not, it appears to me that all you have, you've achieved by your own hard work - and talent. I enjoyed the philosophical musings about the opposite of schadenfreude - such a great (and useful!) word. Perhaps glückfreude or erfolgfreude? Either way, while I have similar recollections about the 90s, we know they're a bit rose tinted. Yes, children can be cruel - always were, always will - but that's because they don't think - and that's why when they see nice cars they have the reaction you described so picturesquely - and don't get in the trap of jealousy which can inform the grown up mind - especially here in Britain. I feel that your channel - as well as getting up close and personal with some fine - and unusual - machinery (I wanted to say you tried a Bitter, while on the German theme but I just remembered it was a Venturi that you mentioned at the tail end of another video, so that's next on the playlist!) - it also has a slightly exemplary, role model feel to it and I think in this era with almost everything, it seems, reduced to the lowest common denominator, that is important to have islands that you can point to and sat "that's been done properly". I heard ages ago the workers in America would look at the boss' Cadillac and say "I want one of those" whereas the British equivalent would mutter under their breath, seeing his boss in their Rolls Royce "you berk" - or alternative four letter equivalent. This clip is a future Æsop's Fable in how not to be chippy😄 I am sure I am not the only one to think it. Nicely done sir...

That is an ad intro! HAHAHAHA Well done man.

Heh, well I'd agree for the most part, so long as the cost of maintaining the thing doesn't force you to live on ramen noodles. My "jam" is a bit different, I like Ferraris but they are a bit too much drama, and not enough tinkering, plus the prices of service on them are just a bit too much. I have a Celica 4x4 and a VW new beetle that is modified so far most mechanics just refuse to do anything except look at it. Neither are cheap to own, or handy as daily drivers, but I don't need them to be. Both do what I want them to, the VW is set up like a track car and has an exhaust that makes it sound almost like an older F1 car, it's on 18", Koni yellow set, custom stainless exhaust etc etc. It's great fun and a head turner, but it is a PITA every time something goes wrong since nothing almost is stock. The Celica is stock-ish, no real mods but parts availability is a nightmare as I'm trying to keep it stock. The VW is in a sense easier to own than the Celica because it's not original in the least and as time goes by it is less original. I can't bring it to any old garage though, since it's far too modified and I don't want to spend half a day explaining what's been done to it.

@@noth606 Nowt wrong with ramen noodles! Nowt wrong with a Celica GT4, either...always liked those, but they were way too expensive from new for my family-raising budget through the years. Nowadays, though, surely a keeper? Beetle obviously a labour of twisted love. 😉

@@chrisslater3174 The Celica technically is a '4x4 Turbo' in the paperwork, it's complete Japanese spec except it's left hand drive. It has a weird convoluted direct import story because the original buyer wanted the exact base car the competition one was built from, I'm the second owner of it. That's the reason for wanting to keep it as delivered. The Beetle is built on a US model 2.0L but as I said it's had so much swapped that I don't remember what is stock anymore, it has a bunch of various Golf GTI and aftermarket parts mixed, which is what mechanics hate, since there is no list of what is what from where, I used to track that but the paperwork got messed up moving house. But it's fairly safe to say something like 40% of it not beetle parts anymore, most bits under the hood including the block are from a Golf or aftermarket. I love the thing, but people have mixed reactions to it, girls in particular love it, some guys get it but most don't, the most common reaction from gearhead guys is "but WHY?? You could have started with a better car" etc. The beetle blows the doors off most cars while looking 'cute' which I think is funny enough to justify it.

Is owning (leasing these three) the vast majority of your outgoings? It seems extraordinary that RU-vidrs can run what must be thousands of pounds a month in cars. Does RU-vid and all that goes with it at your stage pay that well?

@@SosasCountrysideMeditations Unsure who you're asking, but I've never leased anything, nor had a car loan, I bought the cars I had in cash. But I've never made RU-vid vids nor do I have any interest in doing that about cars. Owning any car is expensive, but it makes much less difference what car it is unless you have a fancy insurance with full coverage for everything, gas costs the same if you put it in a Fiat Panda as it does if you put it in a Ferrari. Owning a fancy car doesn't cost that much more than an average family car unless you break something on it.

I agree. I'm happily subscribed, and I really enjoyed this video. Didn't actually notice how long it was until I saw your comment!

Thanks, glad you appreciate that too

The handling begins as the mechanical grip gives up the ghost. 🤣

Yep, an old Range Rover costing £5k could easily have the same spent on it as a £100k Ferrari

Depends on the old car. I've one only vehicle made this century - a 2015 Renault van - and it's far dearer to maintain and even though it is service every 10,000 KM rather than the recommended 30k - it's simply unreliable and so, For Sale. Contrast that with our 1964 Series Landrover which I have owned and belted mercilessly for 42 years - absolutely reliable and some years I've spent as little as just over $119 - for all maintenance, driven 365 days. To me the difference is most old cars were made to be owned and maintained wheras new ones are made to be sold and replaced once the lease period is up - forgettable, disposable - did I say For Sale?

Not all old cars are expensive. I was running a 40 year old VW Beetle as a university student and I was spending only a few hundred dollars a year on it. All work done by myself at home. Very easy to keep them running. Oil changes just cost a bottle of oil, they don't even have a filter. Just wash out the oil strainer screen in kerosene or petrol, you can reuse the strainer gasket a few times.

@@waveman1500 It's because it is a tub, 4 wheels, cheap mechanical brakes and a basic 4-pot engine. It doesn't have 3000 sensors, hydraulic or electric everything, 12 cylinders, 2 turbos etc etc. If Toyota made a car like that today it would probably do 1m miles with just engine oil changes lol.

​@@JayEmmOnCarsYep. Just ask Doug DeMuro. 😅

The ad was brilliant 🤣🤣🤣

I also waited many years for my first Porsche. Always wanted the 911 but once I realized the cost of purchasing one with modern stuff on it I couldn't bring myself to spend that sort of money. I now finally have a very special Boxster 718s. I don't know but cant imagine I would have any more fun in a 911......

@@jon65rv72 I’m confident you would not have more fun with a 911. I bought a 911, but only because my son could still fit in the rear seat. Once he’s too big for that I expect I’ll get a Cayman.

@@jon65rv72I think all Porsches with a little exception with the SUV's have a luster and panache. Enjoy what you got and if it seems impossible then let it go!

Thanks for your continued support Richard

Thats why it is very attractive to buy (even used) ferraris from official dealerships. You get 7 years of warranty!

​@@sesto194I'm not sure that you'll get a 7 year warranty on a 360 or 430? You do get that on a new car, but that's 7 years of virtual neglect. Imho don't buy a car just out of its 7 year service/ warranty without a PPI

Jayemm has been advised, in the past, to use an indie specialist, but he seems to like the feeling of being special, which you get from a main dealer. I budgeted £ 3k per annum for maintenance of my 360. Cheaper than playing golf😊

Newer ones aren't bad 458 and above.

@@geoffariesyea he’s wrong about the warranty. A new Ferrari will only cover the first 3 years with unlimited mileage and also cover the cost of regular maintenance for 7 years.

Aliexpress might help. I was surprised when I found suspension parts, bodypanels, headlights, windshields and many other stuff for f12/ff and 458 models there at very reasonable prices. Not joking!

Annoys the hell out of me. I couldn't buy one unless there's aftermarket ways to get stuff like this. Even if I was totally minted I'd rather eat my own shit than pay them £40k for some perspex. Another funny one is the sat-nav in the circa 2010 cars. If you buy the one with a Ferrari badge on it, it's something like £6k. If you buy the one with a Jeep badge on it, it's about £800. And the unit is equal to a 13 year old mobile phone you could have bought at the time for £200, or £10 now.

Thats capitalism lol

You can not complain about prices on luxury items. If you don't like it just stay away. It is per definition not for everyone.

Well said. ❤

I feel similar with my 360. 997 is gorgeous car. Well done you regardless.

I am 64 and have never been married.....every significant other I've ever had called my vehicles my "girlfriends". I may be missing something but I don't see the problem.🤔

I'm sorry too, but less time spending money and making more videos, and more time focused on living a lifestyle that helps you feel strong, balanced, relaxed and healthy. the only thing you have is your mental and physical health - cars are a triviality. (and i like cars)

A rough patch? The guy owns 3 ferraris ffs. A rough patch is not affording food or your mortgage doubling and having to sell your house at negative equity. Complaining about repairing one of your 3 supercars isn't too bad.

@@TheJPHarvey it’s been a couple months since I watched this video but regardless of what someone has, I believe it was more personal life. This takes nothing away from a situation you’ve described that’s really rough! But just because someone’s having a tough time with three Ferraris don’t believe that their talking financial. Clearly James is stating that by driving his Ferrari he’s for a moment or so in the enjoyment the car brings him, escaping the reality of life if you will, people do the same with running or sports or listening to music, whatever you do as your enjoyment, will always help you to find relive for other areas you maybe struggling in life and I get it.

I love the 3000GT!

Same with Lotus.

I agree Rudy. I’ve owned 11 Porsches and they were all great to own and very few repairs, even my 997 Turbo. My R8 Spyder 6 speed manual was excellent as well. In 2 years all I did were oil changes. I’ve seriously considered purchasing a Ferrari or Aston Martin but I just can’t do it! Sometimes I hate being so practical!

@@jmarkr100 Well I also have an Aston - a 2010 V8 Vantage I purchased in 2011 and it also has been totally bulletproof - other than fluids and filters, I have had a total of 2 issues in 13 years - the door gas struts wore out and needed to be replaced (less than $100 and DIY repair) and the clock in the center dash stopped adjusting (a battery disconnect and reconnect fixed it). Old english cars were probably as bad as similar era Italians but modern Astons are great.

Which 993 is worth buying?

Your Mum was a wise person 👍

Relax it’s not that deep 😂😂😂

Because praising Ferrari and criticising Porsche gets views. Just ask his hero J Clarkson.

@@MrCarrera28 Ferrari - a car you look at. Porsche - a car you drive.

Porsche is for nerds.

Well said and nice pick, the 430 is a lovely car

I have wanted a 430 since they were released, then two years ago I managed to fulfil that ambition and bought one. Put simply; it has been everything I ever hoped and dreamed it would be. Expensive to maintain, sure, but that is more than offset by literally zero depreciation. The thousands a year I need to budget for servicing and maintenance are worth it for the sheer joy of owning and driving it; there is simply nothing I would rather have spent the money on. Keep saving.

​@@andrewmurphy9293 an excellent economic justification of ownership, well stated!

I own an 08 F430 spider. Try your best to get a later model one. Get an 08 if you can. They shift a bit better. Mine is an absolute dream. I’ve had the opportunity to compare them and there is definitely a difference.

Well done for leaving the herd.

I have a 2023 F-Type and love it. More than meets my needs for GT/sports car. Then a 2023 F-Pace SVR as rainy day/daily driver. It's a sleeper and tons of fun. Urus killer at half the price.

Those F-Types are beautiful cars, and damn they sound nice!

I have a 2016 F-Type and so far it has been nice! I wouldn't say it's unreliable, quite the opposite. I have to pay the dealership tax though, not many options outside for maintenance.

Legend, I’d take a F type over a Ferrari any day.

Thanks Rich!

I think he actually took exception to the wanky dealers he has locally in LA ….

@@jonathancollard3710 It's always interesting when I see Jay Leno's name being thrown around regarding owning a Ferrari and he does seem to a hold a grudge because of some rules specified to him by a local Ferrari dealership but then he goes on to praise Ford for the Ford GT application system where ownership of inferior Ford cars were taken into account!

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it

Same . But I still get pretty excited when I see the Porsche badge. Got a 981.

@@Riguintantrix 981 Cayman GTS owner here. They are just fabulous cars, not that expensive to own (well compared to Ferrari at least) and very reliable. It's my second one and I will probably look for a 718 GTS 4.0 next (hoping it sounds as good as the 981)

​​​@@MrJef06718 base owner here, with a GTS4.0 on order. Don't think they sound any better than yours as they have the particulate filters. They drive superb though. Was lucky enough to try a GTS 4.0 at the Porsche experience centre recently. It may not be as quick as Jay's Ferarris, but its still pretty brutal to me. Eminently practical though. A chasm of a front boot and a rear one too. Smallish and fairly nimble, and still able to fit my 6'4" frame in comfortably. Just hoping I don't regret swapping my base 718 for it, as I am rather attached to it, despite what Jay has said about them.

Thanks Ben!

Did he really say that lol

@@davem4131 Indeed he did. Lol

In Spain is all waves to step on it :D

F12 is a proper car

whats the monthly out of interest?

@@John_Wood_ it will all depend on deposit, interest and term, but always worth looking at and buying from a main dealer. They come with 2 year warranty reassures you about any issues that come up that isn’t maintenance and if within 7 years the servicing in the newer models is included

Not true I am a Porsche 981 Boxster s owner and I appreciate all car enthusiasts and what they drive and acknowledge them. I have had a mazda mx5 a 2017 mustang gt. I now also have an f type v6s....I've ordered a nissan z as well so not a brand snob. I appreciate nice sporty cars.

You might from me. I drive a porsche. About 50 percent of other porsche drivers wave. And I also wave at Mazers and Astons, basically anything beutiful.

Very true. In California you will automatically pay an exorbitant luxury tax.

In most cases they are not driven enough to keep them running well. Secondly even basic maintenance is so expensive many owners skip or scrimp on maintenance which also causes problems not due to build quality.

That will be the "gremlins sir " all italian cars come with "gremlins " as do ducati bikes 🙄

People forget Ferrari is a small manufacturer, they don’t have huge R&D departments to test the durability of every single part also their R&D is more focused on performance and sometimes you have to sacrifice reliability to get that little extra performance.

Did you even watch the video

@@jaguar8408 yes, of course. What makes you doubt that?

Cheers chap, it's all good

TVRs sound better! Ferrari use flat plane crankshafts which are more reliable and have less vibration but sound bad. My neighbour had a Griffith 500 which sounded glorious!

@@tumslucks9781 I used to think that until I drove one. The sound from the inside of the car is a totally different experience

I have a 2007 Z4 coupe and it’s the best car i’ve ever owned. I’ve owned way more expensive and powerful cars but nothing puts a smile on my face like the Z4.

@darkchild130 I feel exactly the same way. If anything were to happen to it, I would immediately go buy the best example I could find without hesitation. Cheers, enjoy it!

what a sad life you have that your brain starts producing such nonsense.

I thought this quote was from Abraham Lincoln?

@@heiner71 don’t be silly Abraham Lincoln didn’t like the quality of his Ferrari clutch and invented his own car. Didn’t you ever see the movie Lincoln vs Ferrari?

Said Morgan freeman

"if you Ferrari don't work like it used to before, left swipe dat" -Arthur Morgan

Glad you enjoyed it :)

Glad you enjoyed it :)

Glad you enjoyed it

You just proved the point why people prefer to buy a Porsche. You put 100k miles on your Porsche. 3 Ferrari owners fainted just imagining putting that kind of mileage on their cars. Porsche owners actually *daily* their cars.

Yes, and your experience represents 4 per cent of 996 & 997. You are incapable of critical thinking.

⁠@@piggeneral1275 Absolutely, many people buy a Porsche and that is their main car, I’ve never met anyone with a Ferrari who owns less than three cars. You make it sound like the measure of how much someone is a petrol head is based on the number of miles they drive a specific car. Fascinating how so many people who like Porsche feel the need to turn anything Ferrari related into a competition. Both marques make excellent cars and in my experience actual owners of a Porsche or Ferrari tend to appreciate each others purchases.

@@sultanoftippoo3857 Because maybe it's in the title, begging the comparison? Simply, Ferrari should be better, *especially* modern ones. Their buyers being ok with having their cars in the shop months at a time while making excuses for the car they can't drive, will never make sense to me. They are the brand's biggest enablers of it's products flimsiness.

@@piggeneral1275 I don’t know how many Ferrari or Porsche owners you know but I have three friends who own 911’s and although none have seen significant problems, all three have had warranty issues but they all love their cars. Conversely I don’t know anyone who owns a modern Ferrari but with a seven year warranty on all new cars, Ferrari seem to put their money where their mouth is and with a full order book and a stock price at a 10 year high, I do think the RU-vid myth of these cars being more unreliable than other high performance marques is utter crap. From personal experience my F355 is 28 years old and after three years of ownership it runs like a Swiss watch. Personally I don’t see a direct comparison between Porsche and Ferrari. Yes they both address the performance focussed car enthusiast but one tends to be a purchase decision made with the head and the other a decision made with the heart and with some people they decide to buy both.