This thread is ancient, but it had just kind of stalled and its an interesting topic so I thought it might be good to add a bit to it in case people search it in the future.
As a long time ferrari chat member who has done a LOT of research on this, I can say with HIGH confidence that Ferraris cost roughly $.87 - $2 PER MILE to run. If you dont do a ton of mileage in a year, expect that the calendar will get you.
Most like a minor every 3 and a major every 5 with annual fluid renewals. The majors on the older 3x8 tend to run around $5000-$6000 and the 348 and 355 are closer to 7 or 8 grand. The 360 is a bit better, but I can tell you that "the works" (clutch, brakes and major) is going to run you like $14k. On the NSX, figure probably half that AT WORST, but you're doing it far less frequently. That price list from the UK appears to be from another dimension as I know a lot of Ferrari owners and no one is paying NEAR those prices on service (and they use independents)
The problem is really two fold... Ferrari wrenching is labor intensive (and time = $$$ even at indie rates), and the cars and parts are designed for maximum performance with not much care given to reliability (like an F1 car). The idea is that every few years you're doing a lot of replacing. No threads like "well, my NSX is 18 years old, but only has 45,000 miles... should I REALLY do the timing belt and water pump?" on Ferrari chat. The service MUST be kept up or the car will go down hill fast. Its also a LOT better when they're driven, but unfortunately they rarely are.
The assumption that "rich guys own them" is unfortunately generally wrong. One is that even "rich guys" tend to be either cheap or lazy with cars, and two is that Ferraris are often the final symbol of being WAY over your head. End result is MOST of the Ferraris on eBay are on there because a major is due. Prob brakes and clutch too. So take those "great prices" and add at least $14k.
On doing your own wrenching, most REAL Ferrari guys recommend this if you are capable. It isnt so hard, just time consuming and certain things that might require engine out would be trickier. The catch is that PARTS are very expensive though. So you save labor, but still get hit with parts.
Ferraris have gotten more reliable, and the time required for the major has gone down since the worst of the worse the mid late 80s early 90s V8s, but the parts havent gotten cheaper nor have the service INTERVALS really gotten longer.
Moral of the story? To "afford" a Ferrari, in MY opinion, means being able to own it as a PURE toy, and being able to keep $20,000 aside or so as a maintenance/emergency fund JUST for the car and keep that $20k topped off as it gets used.
It is NOT the car to stretch the VERY LIMITS of your disposable income for.
