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Dear X-perts: I am intersted in a 1995 Ferrari GTS in the $80,000 to $100,000 range or a 2001 Porsche 911 twin-turbo at $95,000 to $120,000. I am on my second Boxster (first was a '97 Boxster; and now a 2001 S--both have been great). I have never owned a Ferrari, but have driven a 348 TS and now, more recently, the 355 GTS. I have noticed the priced on both have been falling. What do you think about the cars? Prices? also, I was looking at a Spyder but think the GTS is a better car all around. What is your view?

--Randy DeCanio

Michael Sheehan responds: All are nearly new cars, all are falling in price and all will continue to fall in price. The 348 is probably the closest to being "fully depreciated," since it is the oldest, but it is also the least sophisticated and requires the highest maintenance, again, because it is the oldest.

As for what we think about these cars, it doesn't matter. It is what you think about them that counts. The Porsches are far more practical, need far less maintenance and are far easier to have serviced. From a practical point of view the Porsches are much better cars, but...do you want a Ferrari? Are you willing to trade practicality, dependability and lower cost maintenance for exclusivity, styling, engine sound and the pride of Ferrari ownership? Which fo you prefer, the Sypder or the GTS? Your choice.

• Newer is Better
• Lower miles is better
• Easy to resell colors are best
  

How much will they depreciate? The 355 is older than the Porsches you mentioned so it is closer to being "fully depreciated," while both Porsches are newer so they have further to fall.

Which to buy? If you can afford either, and can afford maintenance and depreciation on either, then it's up to your emotions. Picture yourself going 100 mph across Montana. Which would you rather be in? And picture yourself taking a few friends out to the garage. Which car would you rather show them? The answers to these questions will give you the answer to your question.

Reproduced from Ask the X-Perts, Sports Car Market

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