Ferrari has released amazingly good cars over the years, and every car enthusiast has once dreamed about owning and driving a Ferrari. But Ferrari cars are not for everyone. Ferrari’s strict policies on ownership, costly maintenance, and expensive replacement parts can hurt your pocket but what sets a Ferrari apart is the exclusivity and luxury.
Getting your hands on one of those Italian exotics opens doors to an exclusive lifestyle, a dream-like existence only select individuals can obtain. Whether old or new, it’s always a refreshing experience to own a Ferrari that only some of its competitors can provide.
Now what is the best way to get a Ferrari without making your pockets bleed? Buying cheap models that still look modern and give you the satisfaction of owning a black horse.
You still have to spend a good chunk of change though, let’s check out the best and cheapest Ferraris you can buy in 2024.
Ferrari Mondial (1980-1993)
Price: $57,000
When Modial was launched, it built a bad reputation, especially among Ferrari collectors but now people know the value of this unique model.
The Mondial was designed by Pininfarina, and the bodywork was done by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. The car is special because it’s a mid-engined vehicle with a 2+2 coupé or a cabriolet marking Ferrari’s return to convertible design.
The Mondial is powered by a lightweight alloy V8 engine with a 90° bank angle. It has shrink-fit cylinder liners, a five-bearing, flat-plane crankshaft with paired connecting rods on each journal, belt-driven, quad overhead camshafts (two per cylinder bank) acting directly on the valves, smooth metal tops on the engine, with oil flowing beneath like a hidden river.
When new, the Mondial had only 214 horsepower, and its sluggish 0 to 60 mph time of 9 seconds and it was labeled as one of Ferrari’s least impressive models. Later released versions like the Quattrovalvole covered this with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.
Later the final model, the Mondial T, further reduced this time to 5.6 seconds. Despite not being one of Ferrari’s most celebrated models, the value is appreciated over time.
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Ferrari 400i (1979-1985)
Price: $51,700
The Ferrari 400i is an important but often forgotten car in Ferrari’s history. Along with its related models, it was made for 17 years – the longest of any Ferrari line.
The 400i was introduced in 1979 and was an improved model of the 400 automatic, the “i” means “injection”, showing that it uses a fuel injection system instead of carburetors. This was done to meet new emission rules
It is available in coupe and convertible and has a big 4.8-liter V12 engine in the front powering rear wheels and can produce 310hp with a top speed of 149 mph. The 400i gave the buyer a choice between either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The Ferrari 400i is a car you will fall in love with. The design has aged very well making the value of this 1980s classic have seen a rise and it can cost you around 51,000 to 70,000.
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Ferrari California (2008-2017)
Price: $111,925
When new, the Ferrari California was labeled as Ugly and you will find people say it’s not even a real Ferrari. Though it was still the cheapest Ferrari you could buy when it was new (costing about $205,000), it’s surprising how much the car’s value has dropped over time.
Ferrari took a new initiative to make a city-friendly car that could attract new buyers. Three trims( Original Cali, Cali 30, and Cali T) were launched between 2008 to 2017.
The first model sold great, but it also became the reason why the Cali T lost significant value over time. It still rocks with a V8 engine that is as loud as the Ferrari F430 and still sounds great, whether you’re driving fast on a twisty road or just passing someone on a city street.
It still sounds amazing with the roof down. You’ll want to rev it high to hear it. The car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds without launch control with a top speed of 193 mph.
The Cali T gearbox changes gear incredibly fast – even quicker than Ferrari’s racing models. It’s much better than Porsche’s similar system. This car is like a high-tech toy for adults, but way more exciting.
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Ferrari 458 Italia (2009-2015)
Price: $190,000
In 2009, Ferrari showed the world something fresh with their new 458 Italia model. It came as a successor to the Ferrari 430 and later became the benchmark for the sportscar world.
Ferrari’s 458 Italia is considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris of its day, thanks to a gorgeous, aerodynamically influenced body capable of turning heads at 1,000 paces.
Talking about the engine, the 458 Italia’s engine is like a race car, but for the road. It screams a 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 562 horsepower at a jaw-dropping 9,000 rpm, providing a substantial torque of 398 lb-ft at a usable 6,000 rpm.
The 458 Italia can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is not just an excellent car; it’s a true future classic and one that collectors will no doubt covet. With so much poise, unmistakable looks, and monstrous power, it is a true masterpiece in the Ferrari line-up.
Ferrari 456 GT (1992-2003)
Price: $75,000
You can call the Ferrari 456 GT the most underrated car that deserves your every penny. It is one of the most reliable and one of the cheapest Ferraris you can get.
The Ferrari 456 GT brought back the design of having the engine in the front and driving the rear wheels. Pietro Camardella and Lorenzo Ramaciotti from Pininfarina designed the car, taking ideas from the Ferrari Mythos.
It’s well-known that designing a 4-seater car with a V12 engine in the front is tough. This is because needing a large engine space and enough headroom for rear passengers can make the car look less sleek. However, they managed to overcome this challenge and created an unforgettable design for the 456 GT.
The 456 GT boasts a top speed of 192 mph and is able to sprint from 0-62 mph in only 5.2 seconds. The car is available in two models: GT and GTA, with the former having a six-speed manual transmission and the latter having a four-speed automatic transmission.
This car is modern without any complex issues. It is also one of the best Ferraris with a powerful V-12 engine. The 6-speed gear brings out the car’s full potential. If you want a car that gets noticed and can fit your family or friends, this is it.
Final Words
Buying a Ferrari isn’t cheap, but some models are more affordable than you might think. If you’re smart about your choice and willing to be flexible, you can become a Ferrari owner without breaking the bank.
Whether you prefer the strength of a V12 engine or the agility of a V8, there’s a Ferrari out there that can turn your car fantasies into real life.
