Ferrari is probably the ultimate aspiration for most drivers. The 355 is still very popular but the 360 is the one to have, especially late models. Colour is important, with red or silver good bets, while one dealer has told me that yellow has now had its day.
The Ferrari 550M never really took off and its replacement, the 575M, is a slightly better car according to the experts. But it can cost up to £80,000 to 90,000 to change a one-year-old 550 for a new 575 – although some customers are doing just that.
But Maserati, which now appears in most Ferrari dealer showrooms, has failed to capture the public's imagination, although used ones up to £35,000 do find homes relatively easily. Porsche continues to attract customers and can hardly put a foot wrong, with just about all models at all ages selling well.
Although they may appear on some leasing companies' books, it should always be remembered that being fashion items they are as likely to fall out of favour as any other car at some point in the future. There are, however, many safe bets in this area of the market. It is just a question of unravelling public perception and those who gamble right can find themselves handsomely rewarded.'
Rental boom causes car shortage
'BACK in the 'real' world, some rental companies are reporting a shortage of cars to sell. This is mainly due to some cars not being de-fleeted, thanks to the rental business remaining busier than expected.
There are more tourists at airport locations and increasingly more business rentals, which is keeping rental use high, and cars on fleets for longer. The shortage of ex-rental cars is helping to maintain strong prices while demand, for now, outstrips supply.
The trade is now desperate for this good stock and the picture will not change for a while. New cars going on the fleet in March with the new plate will replace 02 or 52-registered cars. Getting these on sale will take several weeks while the logistics are organised.'
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