Buying a new Ferrari is not like buying other cars — you cannot walk into a dealership, choose a color, and drive home the same day
Ferrari sells roughly 10,000 cars per year worldwide, and they control who buys them. Before you can purchase one, you must be approved by Ferrari. The company reviews your background, your driving history, and sometimes your net worth. They want to know you can afford maintenance (which costs thousands per year), that you will not resell the car when ready for profit, and that you understand what you are buying.
The process takes months, not weeks. You start by contacting an authorized Ferrari dealer in your region. That dealer submits your information to Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Ferrari decides whether to let you buy. If approved, you then customize your car, place a deposit (usually 25 percent of the purchase price), and wait for production and delivery. The entire timeline from first contact to taking delivery is typically six months to two years, depending on the model and current production schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari must approve you before you can buy; the company reviews your financial background and driving history to decide whether to sell to you.
- You work with an authorized Ferrari dealer in your area, not directly with the factory, but the factory makes the final decision.
- New Ferrari prices range from roughly $300,000 to over $500,000 depending on the model, and you will pay a deposit upfront before production begins.
- Ownership costs beyond the purchase price include insurance, maintenance, storage, and registration, which can total $10,000 to $20,000 per year or more.
- The wait from approval to delivery usually spans six months to two years, and you cannot cancel without losing your deposit once production starts.
How the approval process works
When you contact a Ferrari dealer and express serious interest in buying, the dealer collects information about you: your name, address, employment, net worth, and driving record. The dealer then sends this to Ferrari's sales department. Ferrari's team reviews it and decides whether you fit their customer profile.
Ferrari is selective because they want their cars to be driven and enjoyed, not flipped for profit or left in a garage as an investment. They also want owners who understand the brand and will maintain the car properly. If you have a history of traffic violations, multiple accidents, or if Ferrari suspects you plan to resell when ready, they may decline. There is no formal appeal process; if Ferrari says no, you cannot buy from that dealer.
If Ferrari approves you, the dealer moves forward. You will sign a purchase agreement that typically includes a clause stating you will not resell the car for a set period — often one to three years. This protects Ferrari's brand value and resale market.
New Ferrari models and their base prices
Ferrari's current lineup changes every few years, but the price range is consistent. Entry-level models like the Ferrari F8 Tributo start around $280,000 to $320,000. Mid-range models like the Roma or SF90 Stradale range from $350,000 to $450,000. High-performance models and limited editions can exceed $500,000.
These are base prices. When you customize your car — choosing paint color, interior materials, wheels, and performance upgrades — the final price often rises by $20,000 to $100,000 or more. A fully loaded Ferrari can easily exceed $600,000.
Prices vary by region and change annually. Your authorized dealer will quote you the exact price for the specific model and year you want. That price is not negotiable in the traditional sense; Ferrari sets it, and dealers do not discount.
The deposit and payment structure
Once you are approved and have chosen your model and customizations, you place a deposit. This is typically 25 percent of the purchase price. On a $400,000 car, that is $100,000 paid upfront. This deposit is non-refundable once Ferrari begins production, though some dealers may allow cancellation within a short window (usually 30 days) if you change your mind before production starts.
The remaining balance is due at delivery. Most buyers finance through a bank or luxury auto lender; Ferrari does not offer in-house financing. Your lender will require proof of insurance and a clear title before releasing funds. You are responsible for arranging financing before your delivery date.
Some dealers offer payment plans that spread the balance over the waiting period, but this is rare and depends on the dealer's policies. Ask your dealer about their specific payment terms when you begin the process.
Ownership costs beyond the purchase price
Buying the car is only the beginning. Insurance for a new Ferrari costs $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on your age, location, driving record, and coverage level. Some insurers specialize in exotic cars and offer better rates than standard providers.
Maintenance is expensive. Ferrari recommends servicing every 3,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. A routine service costs $1,500 to $3,000. Major repairs — transmission work, engine rebuilds, or suspension overhauls — can cost $10,000 to $50,000. Parts are not cheap, and labor rates at Ferrari dealerships are high.
You will also pay registration and taxes, which vary by state and country. Some states charge luxury vehicle taxes or higher registration fees. Storage is another consideration; many Ferrari owners keep their cars in climate-controlled garages to protect the paint and interior. If you do not have suitable storage at home, you may rent garage space, which costs $200 to $500 per month depending on location.
Plan on $10,000 to $20,000 per year in total ownership costs beyond the purchase price, assuming normal driving and no major repairs.
The customization and production timeline
After approval and deposit, you work with your dealer to customize your car. You choose exterior paint (Ferrari offers standard colors and custom options), interior trim (leather type and color), wheel design, and performance packages. Some options add weeks to production; others are standard.
Once your specifications are finalized, Ferrari schedules production. Current wait times vary by model — popular models like the Roma may have a 12 to 18-month wait, while less common models might be faster. Ferrari publishes no official timeline; your dealer will give you an estimate based on current production schedules.
During production, you cannot make changes without potentially delaying delivery or paying additional fees. Once the car is built, it is shipped to your region (usually by air or specialized transport) and delivered to your dealer. Delivery typically happens 2 to 4 weeks after production is complete.
Financing options and what lenders require
Most Ferrari buyers finance through banks or specialty lenders that handle exotic and luxury vehicles. Traditional auto lenders often will not finance cars over $250,000, so you will need to work with a lender experienced in high-end vehicles.
Lenders typically require a down payment of 25 to 50 percent (your Ferrari deposit covers part of this). They will pull your credit report, verify your income, and may require proof of net worth. Interest rates for exotic car loans are usually 1 to 3 percentage points higher than standard auto loans, reflecting the higher risk and specialized nature of the loan.
Loan terms are typically 5 to 7 years for a new Ferrari. Monthly payments on a $400,000 car financed at 60 percent loan-to-value over 7 years at 6 percent interest would be roughly $2,300 per month, plus insurance and maintenance.
Resale value and ownership restrictions
New Ferraris depreciate quickly in the first year — typically 15 to 25 percent — then stabilize. A $400,000 car might be worth $300,000 to $320,000 after one year. After that, depreciation slows, and some limited-edition models hold value better than others.
Remember that your purchase agreement likely restricts resale for 1 to 3 years. If you try to sell before that period ends, Ferrari may pursue legal action or refuse to service the car. After the restriction period, you can sell freely, but you will owe any remaining loan balance to your lender.
If you want to trade in your Ferrari toward another car, Ferrari dealers will accept trade-ins, but the offer will reflect current market value, not the original purchase price. Plan on losing 40 to 50 percent of your purchase price over five years of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Ferrari online or from a private seller?
No. You must buy from an authorized Ferrari dealer. Ferrari does not sell directly to consumers online. Private sales are possible after you own the car, but the initial purchase must go through an authorized dealer who can submit your information to Ferrari for approval.
What happens if Ferrari rejects my process?
There is no formal appeal. If Ferrari declines, you cannot buy from that dealer. You could try a different authorized dealer in another region, but Ferrari's decision is final. The company does not disclose reasons for rejection.
Can I cancel my order after I place the deposit?
Most dealers allow cancellation within 30 days of placing the deposit, before production begins. Once production starts, your deposit is non-refundable. Check your purchase agreement for the exact cancellation window and any conditions.
Do I need a special license to own a Ferrari?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient. However, insurance companies may require you to have a clean driving record and may offer discounts if you complete a high-performance driving course.
How often does Ferrari release new models?
Ferrari typically introduces new models or significant updates every 3 to 5 years. The company announces new models at major auto shows or through press releases. Your dealer can tell you about upcoming models and help you decide whether to wait or order the current generation.