I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.
I would like to get the groups thoughts on the Virage. My current Virage has 3k mi and am considering trading for '12 Ferrari California. I've never had a convertible and always wanted a ferrari, so thats whats led me to look at the california. The Question is the timing of the Aston trade. The '13 DB9 at 30k or so less base price has hurt Virage values at the moment, but do you think the virage values will continue the sharp current decline or level out somewhat in the next year or two?

 

Take the hit, get the Cali and never look back. Life is short.

 

A California? I'm not liking that car at all… It's a chick car IMO (sorry) (anybody else think so?). Lots of them out there too. However, if you really want it and can afford it, Just Do It! No looking back.

 

The answer depends on what color (exterior and interior) your Virage is.

Why not a convertible Aston Martin?
Why the California (there are other Ferrari convertibles)?

What do you think of the Virage? Why did you choose it in the first place?

I'm asking because I really like them and wonder if I might pick on up some day.

You obviously like the lux end of the GT world. The California is a nice car for that.

 

Well, I suppose I was in a similar situation a while back (lets consider the Virage about the same as a new DB9)...

I had a 2010 California and a 2012 Vantage S side by side. I ended up trading up the Vantage for 2014 DB9. I never drove the California since, and eventually sold it independently.

Here are a few reasons why I dumped the California:
1. My idea of what a Ferrari should be is something that is remotely visceral. The California, while a great car, is not at all visceral. I think a better name for it would be "Ferrari Lite" or "Diet Ferrari".
2. Both being GT cars, the DB9 is far better at offering an "overall sensory driving experience"
3. Build quality: the leather in Ferrari's age quickly and noticeably, a few of the buttons became unglued and felt "plastic-y", rattles here and there. Not that the Aston is free of its nuances, but it definitely looks/feels higher end.

That being said, I had around 23k miles on the California when I sold it without any major problems. Ultimately you can't go wrong with either. Personally, my next Ferrari will be a gutted out Scud/Challenge that lives on a track.

 

'Fat *** Ferrari' or 'Ugly Ferrari' is more like it.

 

Unbelievable as it sound one of my neighbors recently sold his 458 to get a California - his wife saw the California in the showroom and "liked the colour." What a complete numpty, I was in complete disbelief (and he knew it) when he told me. I'm not sure the California even qualifies as a Ferrari!

 

Really? So what constitutes a Ferrari?
I guess the 456 is out. Heavens, it even had an automatic transmission!

I agree that the California is targeting a non street racer market, but so what? Why can't Ferrari build a GT (that's not a race car in GT packaging, F12)?

 

Key points on my scorecard:

Must be:
A visceral driving experience.

Must have:
A form derived primarily from function.

Must not have:
Stiletto styling.

But most importantly must be:
Something that instills in me a desire to want one (as most Fezzas do) unlike the California which I WOULD NOT BE SEEN DEAD IN...and judging by the desperate "buy one get one free like approach" that my local dealer seems to have I suspect many others feel the same way.

FF

 

Thanks for the replies,
I bought the Virage because I've leaned too the sports GTs and it was a good deal(232k sticker and i payed 159k new with 200mi). Mine is black ext with black leather and red piping. Prob also for interior room(I'm 6'4) and for some luggage space for weekend trips. Almost bought a Audi R8 v10, but when I drove it I loved it, but could not see taking it out of town for the weekend.

 

Great choice, and an even greater deal!

 

To address your original question, Virage values will continue to go down some. They were not popular, heavily discounted and discontinued. That's why you got a great deal to begin with. If you have driven the Cali and want it then buy it. You will take a hit on the Virage sooner or later so buy what you like. While I chose the 458 the C is a good car also. It's called a chic car by some and not considered a real Ferrari by others but so what. Drive what you like.