Owning and maintaining a Ferrari has never been for the faint of heart. Between Ferrari's strict rules of ownership, expensive replacement parts, and the fact that not everyone can just waltz into a Ferrari dealership and pick one up, getting your hands on one of those Italian exotics opens doors to an exclusive lifestyle, only select individuals can obtain.
The cheapest new Ferrari on sale today is the Ferrari Roma, and in 2023, you will have to part ways with at least $247,310 to get one. This is, without a doubt, a hefty amount of money, but, what if you want the full-fat experience of owning a prancing horse without having to break the bank? Fear not because we have compiled a list of proper Ferraris that will make you look like a million bucks for the price of a new Accord.
Updated 26 April 2023:With the automotive market constantly shifting, so do the prices of used cars, Italian exotics are no exception, and while certain models are yet to reach the price plateau, others are already on the appreciation route. With that said, we have updated the list with up-to-date prices while throwing in a few more Ferrari models for good measure.
15 1980-1993 Ferrari Mondial
The Ferrari Mondial has built up a bad reputation, especially among Ferrari collectors. But, after all these years, it might be getting the right kind of attention. It is a special piece of automotive engineering because it is the only 2+2 mid-engined convertible ever made. Launched back in 1980, the Mondial was built alongside the 308 and the 348 and shared a lot of drivetrain components with them.
When new, the Mondial produced a mere 214 horsepower and with its nine-second 0 to 60 mph time, earning it the title of one of the worst Ferraris ever made. Later versions like the Quadrovalvole remedied that with a 6.4-second 0 to 60 mph time. Mondial T was the final iteration of the car and managed a 5.6-second 0 to 60 mph sprint. While not Ferrari's finest hour, even the Mondial started appreciating in value, and you have to prepare at least $44,000 to get one now.
14 1973-1980 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4
The Dino nameplate was reserved for entry-level Ferraris, and the 308 GT4 is the underdog Ferrari that ticks all the right boxes. For the first three years of its production, the 308 GT4 was a Dino and was later changed to Ferrari. Ferrari's initial idea was to brand all the cars with less than 12-cylinders as a Dino, but they quickly got to grips with the ramifications of this approach, and voila; from 1976 the 308 GT4 was a true Ferrari.
Just like the original Dino 246 GT, the 308 GT4 was extremely experimental in its approach. For starters, it was the first production Ferrari to feature a mid-engine V-8 and was one of the few Ferraris to be styled by Bertone instead of the brand's staple, Pininfarina. The transversely-mounted V-8 was good for 240 horsepower, but US regulations would choke the power output of later models to 203 horsepower. Expect to spend around $35,000-$70,000 for a decent example.
13 1975-1985 Ferrari 308
This is one Ferrari that needs no introduction, thanks to its unforgettable appearance in Magnum PI and other Hollywood heavy hitters. The Ferrari 308 was launched back in 1975 and became a pop culture icon during its decade-long production. In typical 970s fashion, the 308 exemplifies form over function. Powered by a 2.9-liter V-8 with 224 horsepower, this entry-level Ferrari was properly fast, capable of breaking the 60 mph barrier in just 6.1 seconds, provided you could fit in one.
The popularity also means they sold them by boatload, so finding one should not be a problem. The tubular steel chassis is vulnerable to corrosion, but the lavish use of fiberglass implies most of them look spot-free on the outside. The drop-top GTS models are more sought-after, but their age, combined with flimsy roof seals, means these cars are prone to leaking, which can lead to electrical problems. Because of the car's many versions, prices vary from $20,000 to $85,000.
12 1989-1995 Ferrari 348
The Ferrari 348 is yet another instantly recognizable icon that beautifully captures the essence of the 90s. Akey difference from its predecessor was the longitudinally-mounted, 3.4-liter V-8, which meant a lower center of gravity and better handling. Depending on the version, the V-8 developed 291 to 316 horsepower, which allowed for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.
Earlier cars were criticized for being twitchy at the limit, which was sorted by revised suspension geometry. Models built from 1990 onward were better built and had a more reliable powertrain, although they still weren't problem-free. The 348 is also the last Ferrari to be offered, exclusively with a gated manual transmission. Decent examples range from $45,000 to $75,000.
11 1998-2003 Ferrari 456M GT
Until a few years, the Ferrari 456 GT was largely overlooked. However, people quickly warmed up to this V-12 GT, which harkens back to classic V-12 Ferraris from the 1960s. Its 5.5-liter V-12 produced 436 horsepower and allowed for a 0 to 60 mph 997 km/h) time of 4.8 to 5.2 seconds, depending on whether you had the six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
With just over 3,000 produced over its decade-long production run, it is a rare Ferrari. In 1998, Ferrari gave the 456 a light facelift, known as the 456M which got improved interiors, traction control, and a few more modern amenities. However, those were made entirely in-house, unlike the early versions that happen to be one of the rare Ferraris whose body wasn't just designed by Pininfarina, but also manufactured by them. You can find decent examples for $50,000 to $60,000.
10 1979-1985 Ferrari 400i
Yet another Prancing Horse that’s famous for all the wrong reasons, the 400 was Ferrari's attempt at a practical Ferrari which didn't go as well as it hoped. The Ferrari 400 lineup, launched back in 1972, holds the record for the longest production run of any Ferrari body style. The '70s was an era famous for experimental technology and the folks at Modena wanted to get in on the action. Just like every piece of consumer goods back in the day, the 400 was trying to be everything at once.
This "practical" four-seater sports car available in both coupe and convertible body styles, was powered by a glorious 4.8-liter carburetted V-12, which, by 1979, was updated with Bosch fuel injection that gave rise to the 400i. In this application, the V-12 produced 306 horsepower which lent the coupe a top speed of 149 mph. Despite its shortcomings in the performance department, a decent example can set you back between $35,000 and $70,000.
9 1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Modena
Ferrari 360 was the beginning of a new age for Ferrari. Launched at the dawn of the 21st century, the 360 Modena was the successor to the Ferrari 355, one of the most successful cars by the auto marque. So, following it up was quite the challenge, but Ferrari was up for it. Underpinning the new 360 was an all-aluminum chassis that was stiffer and about 25 percent lighter than its predecessor.
The 3.6-liter V-8 developed 400 horsepower which helped this new-age Ferrari get to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The new body design, which sadly got rid of the iconic wedge shape and pop-up headlights, was more aerodynamic and aided the 360 Modena in reaching 184 mph. $70,000 can get you a decent one, but you'll have to make do with the F1 robotized manual.
8 1986-1989 Ferrari 328
The Ferrari 328 was a new and improved 308 that retained the beautiful Pininfarina design and managed to get rid of most of the vital flaws associated with the 308. For starters, the 328 introduced in 1985 was powered by a bigger 3.2-liter V-8 that produced 270 horsepower, which lent it a much faster 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The suspension was revised, and it even got Anti-Lock brakes in 1988. The addition of a hydraulic clutch also made pottering around town a lot easier.
Offered in both GTB and GTS specifications, the 328 saw a lot more success with the convertible GTS which out-sold the GTB coupe by a factor of five to one. Sharing the overall design and proportions with the 308 also meant the cockpit was a tight squeeze. Still, the 328 was a capable driver and if you want to pick one up, $82,000 can get you a very good example.
7 1995-1999 Ferrari F355
The Ferrari 355 was launched back in 1995 and is considered the last, old-school Ferrari. Its 3.5-liter, 40-valve V-8 engine produced 375 horsepower and allows you to sprint to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The 355 was truly a new benchmark and a blueprint for all future supercars that followed.
During its five-year production run, four different versions were offered which included the F355 Berlinetta coupe, the convertible F355 Spyder, the F355 GTS with a removable hardtop, and the track-focused F355 Challenge which received more power and is the most sought-after of the bunch. You can fetch a decent example of the F355 for $70,000 to $90,000. If maintained properly, the F355 is a fairly reliable car, even with a few extra miles on the clock.
6 2005-2011 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
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The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is yet another beautifully crafted gentleman's Ferrari that hasn't received the love and attention it deserves. Taking cues from the brilliant 575 Maranello, the 612 was a subtle evolution in the right direction that, sadly, couldn't keep up with its competitors from Aston Martin and Bentley. With just 3,025 cars produced during its eight-year production run, the 612 just disappeared despite ticking all the right boxes.
This does, however, mean that the people who got them knew exactly what they were getting into, and as a result, most cars even on the used market have been cared for which cannot be said for many of the V-8 powered Ferraris from the same time frame. With a frontally-positioned V-12, making 533 horsepower, the 612 Scaglieti was a properly-quick GT. You can find great examples for
5 2004-2009 Ferrari F430
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With the F430, Ferrari firmly stepped into modern times. Its design was a joint collaboration between Pininfarina and Frank Stephenson, who at the time was working for Ferrari and Maserati. Its 4.3-liter, Typo F136 E V-8 had a flat-plane crankshaft, allowing it to develop 483 horsepower. The same unit was the basis for a variety of cross-plane V-8 engines, found in Maserati and Alfa Romeo models. The Graziano F1, the automated manual is what most buyers opted for, but if you are lucky, you might find one that has the coveted, six-speed gated manual.
You will be glad to know that the F430 is one of the more usable and reliable Ferrari models. 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) happens in 3.8 seconds. This is also the first modern-day Ferrari to feature direct injection, although only facelifted models got it. Sadly, this is where we start getting, firmly, into the six-figure range. Good examples can be had for around $120,000.
4 2009-2014 Ferrari California
Every time Ferrari slapped the California nameplate on a model, it meant the car was a cruiser, first and foremost. That doesn't mean the Type F149 California lacked performance. In fact, it featured a de-tuned version of the F430's 4.3-liter V-8, developing 454 horsepower. This is also the first Ferrari to come with direct injection through its entire production cycle. The California is also the first front-engine V-8 Ferrari. Other brand firsts include the multi-link rear suspension and folding metal convertible top.
Most importantly, this was the first Ferrari to ditch the six-speed robotized manual in favor of a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, although a six-speed manual was available. This allowed the Ferrari California to sprint to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, which was almost identical to the lighter, more powerful, and mid-engine F430. California prices revolve around the $120,000 mark, but if you are lucky, good examples can be found for under $100,000.
3 1984-1991 Ferrari Testarossa
Getting Miami Vice vibes from this one is understandable. The Ferrari Testarossa is one of the most distinctive Ferraris and the automotive embodiment of 1980s excess. You only need to look at its wedge shape, pop-up headlights, wide hips, and side gills to know the Testarossa prioritizes form over function. The 4.9-liter, flat-12 delivered as much as 390 horsepower but mated to a five-speed manual with tall gearing translates to a not-so-impressive 5.7 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h).
The most sought-after Testarossa versions are the Euro-spec cars without catalytic converters. They are both lighter and more powerful than US models. Ferrari Testarossa prices are firmly in the six-figure range, and you will be struggling to find a good example for under $125,000.
2 2011-2016 Ferrari FF
FF stands for Ferrari Four and signifies the brand's endeavors of creating a practical, high-performance GT. At the front, the FF was essentially a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, but when you walk from the side, you quickly notice the three-door, shooting brake body style. At 4,145 pounds (1,880 kg), the FF is not a light car. Luckily, the front-mounted, 6.3-liter V-12 is good for 650 horsepower and produces some glorious noises.
In case you wonder, the cargo capacity is 15.9 cubic feet (450 liters) and you have four normal seats, good for full-size adults. The FF features a tricky all-wheel-drive system with two transmissions. After fourth gear, the car becomes rear-wheel-drive only but still manages 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. With only 2,291 examples built, the FF is the rarest, most practical Ferrari. The average price for a good example is $125,000.
1 1996-2001 Ferrari 550
The Ferrari 550 is one of the last old-schools front-engined V-12 GT cars by Ferrari. The 575 Maranello was more of an evolution than a new model, and the 599 that came after them was a lot more tech-heavy. The 550 may be one of the more divisive design-wise, but it featured the old, 5.5-liter Tipo F133 V-12 with 485 horsepower. The unit was mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transaxle, operated through an orgasm-generating gated shifter.
The sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 4.1 seconds as the car accelerates to 199 mph (320 km/h). If maintained properly, the 550 is one of the most reliable Ferrari models, by a long shot, There are still a few things to look out for, but most are related to interior stuff like sticky buttons and bubbling leather on the upper dash. If you look hard enough, finding good examples for around $115,000 is possible.
FAQ
Q: Are Ferraris expensive?
Yes, Ferrari's are expensive. The cheapest new Ferrari currently on sale is the Ferrari Roma with a starting price of $226,570.
Q: Where are Ferraris cheapest?
Some of the best markets to look for a cheap used Ferrari include France, Italy, and the Czech Republic
Q: How much does a Ferrari 360 Spider cost?
Prices for a used Ferrari 360 Spider start from just under $80,000.
Q: Which Ferrari is the cheapest?
The cheapest new Ferrari on sale Today is the 2022 Ferrari Roma with its starting MSRP of $226,570.
Q: How much does a Ferrari Spyder cost?
The cheapest Ferrari Sypder models on sale in the used car market are the 308 Spyders that range between $50,000 and $60,000.
Q: What is the cheapest Ferrari?
The cheapest new Ferrari on sale Today is the 2022 Ferrari Roma with its starting MSRP of $226,570.