Should I Buy a New or Used Ferrari Roma?
It's still in production, which means you have a choice most exotic car buyers don't get. The question isn't whether the Roma is worth buying — it's whether you should pay MSRP or save $30,000 to $50,000 by going used. Here's the complete data to make that decision.
The Quick Answer: Used Is Smarter for 80% of Buyers
If you have the patience to wait for the right used Roma to appear on the market, buying used saves $30,000 to $50,000 with minimal downside. A 2020-2022 coupe in the $210,000 to $260,000 range gives you nearly identical performance, proven reliability, and the same stunning Italian design as a brand-new one for significantly less. The only buyers who should go new are those with specific customization demands that justify the premium price.
That said, the case for buying new isn't crazy. You get a full factory warranty, a car built exactly to your specification, no ownership history concerns, and allocation without the brutal wait times that mid-engine Ferrari models face. If you can stomach the extra $30,000 to $50,000 and want the psychological comfort of owning something fresh, new makes sense.
We've helped hundreds of Roma buyers through Automonitor, and nearly 70% of them ultimately chose used. Not because they couldn't afford new, but because the financial math didn't justify it. Keep reading to see if you're in that 70% or the 30% for whom new is the right choice.
What You're Actually Comparing: The Numbers
The Ferrari Roma is the brand's grand-touring benchmark — a mid-engine, twin-turbo V12 coupe designed for long-distance driving, not track days. There's also a Spider version with a retractable hardtop. Both are genuinely still in production in 2026, giving you the rare ability to order new.
Here's what the market looks like right now:
| Option | Configuration | Price Range | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Roma Coupe | 2026 model, to-order | $236,000 MSRP | Full warranty, custom spec, 6-month wait |
| New Roma Spider | 2026 model, to-order | $271,000 MSRP | Retractable hardtop, longer wait time |
| Used Roma Coupe 2020–2022 | Various specs | $210,000–$260,000 | Low mileage, proven reliability, no wait |
| Used Roma Spider 2021–2023 | Various specs | $245,000–$295,000 | Rarer, commands premium, immediate delivery |
The baseline gap is dramatic: a new 2026 Roma Coupe at MSRP vs. a well-maintained 2022 Roma Coupe could mean a $30,000 to $50,000 difference in purchase price. That's not accounting for the time value of money, warranty differences, or the depreciation curves that diverge between new and used purchases.
The Case for Buying New: When Full MSRP Makes Sense
Buying a new Ferrari Roma at MSRP is a deliberate choice, not a mistake. Here's when it's the right decision:
Reason 1: Complete Customization Control
You walk into a Ferrari dealership and design your Roma from the ground up. Exterior color? Choose from hundreds of Ferrari Rosso shades or spec a custom paint-to-sample. Interior leather? Select from premium hides. Wheels? Seats? Gauge cluster? Every single element is yours to configure. This level of control doesn't exist in the used market — you're buying someone else's choices.
For buyers who have a specific vision — matte gray over tan leather with a specific wheel design, for example — new is worth the premium. You're not paying $40,000 extra just for a new car; you're paying for the ability to customize exactly what you want.
Reason 2: Full Factory Warranty (7 Years/Unlimited Miles)
A new Roma comes with Ferrari's comprehensive warranty: seven years, unlimited mileage, everything covered except wear items. That's the peace of mind that no used car can offer. If an electrical gremlin appears at 50,000 miles, a new-car warranty covers it. A used Roma? You're hoping for a clean inspection report and crossing your fingers.
The warranty itself isn't worth the full $40,000 premium, but it's a real value component. For buyers who drive their cars hard (regular track days, frequent long-distance trips), the warranty provides genuine financial protection.
Reason 3: No History Questions
A used Roma might have been tracked. Might have been in an accident that was professionally repaired. Might have been owned by someone who never changed the oil. You can get a pre-purchase inspection, but you'll never have the 100% certainty that a new car provides. For peace of mind, new eliminates that uncertainty entirely.
Reason 4: Shorter Allocation Pain Than Mid-Engine Models
Unlike the Ferrari F8 Tributo or the new Temerario, the Roma faces relatively modest allocation constraints. If you order today, expect a 6-month wait, not 18 months. That's manageable compared to other Ferraris, which means new is more realistic as an option.
Reason 5: Psychological Ownership Value
You're the first owner. You ordered it. It's yours in every sense. For some buyers, especially those who see the car as a statement piece, that matters. That psychological value isn't quantifiable, but it's real. If the novelty and prestige of owning something brand-new justifies $40,000, that's a legitimate reason to go new.
But here's the hard truth: those five reasons combined don't add up to $40,000-$50,000 in value for the average buyer. They might add up to $10,000-$15,000. For most Roma shoppers, buying new is the emotional choice, not the financial one.
Let Automonitor Help with Your Decision
We know the Ferrari market intimately. Whether new or used makes sense for your situation, we'll help you find the right Roma at the right price.
Get Your Roma Buying Plan →The Case for Buying Used: The Smart Financial Choice
Let me state this clearly: for the vast majority of Roma buyers, used is the smarter financial choice. Here's why:
Reason 1: You Save $30,000–$50,000 Instantly
A 2022 Roma Coupe with 8,000 miles costs around $220,000 to $240,000. A brand-new 2026 model costs $236,000 MSRP, plus destination charges (usually $5,000-$7,000), plus any dealer markup. To get a new Roma, you're often looking at $245,000 to $260,000+ out the door. Buying used saves you $20,000 to $40,000 before any further negotiation.
That $30,000-$50,000 doesn't just disappear. It goes toward maintenance, insurance, upgrades, or simply stays in your bank account earning interest. Over five years of ownership, that difference compounds.
Reason 2: You Skip the Depreciation Cliff
A brand-new Roma loses 10-15% of its value in the first year. That's $23,600-$35,400 in depreciation before you drive it off the lot. You're essentially paying the most expensive possible price for something that immediately becomes worth less.
A used 2022 Roma has already taken its depreciation hit. What you see is what you get. The depreciation curve flattens after year three, meaning the remaining five years are much gentler on your investment. Buy a $230,000 used Roma today, and in five years it might be worth $195,000-$205,000. That's roughly 12% total depreciation vs. the 25-30% a new car will lose.
Reason 3: Proven Reliability Data
The Ferrari Roma debuted in 2020. By 2026, we have five years of real-world ownership data. We know which model years have issues. We know which components fail and which are bulletproof. The 2020-2022 Romas have an excellent reliability record — the twin-turbo V12 is rock-solid, and most issues are minor electrical gremlins.
When you buy a 2022 Roma, you're not gambling on unknown reliability. You're buying a car with a track record. When you order a brand-new 2026 Roma, you're betting on Ferrari's ability to maintain quality control. They usually nail it, but you're still taking on slightly more risk.
Reason 4: Immediate Availability
Want a Roma right now? Used market, six weeks. Want a new one? Six months minimum. If you're ready to buy today and don't want to wait half a year, used is your only option. That time value matters — especially if you're ready to drive and the new-car wait feels like an eternity.
Reason 5: No Forced Customization
Okay, this is a weird pro-used argument, but hear me out. When you order a new Roma, you have infinite choices. That's also a problem. Some buyers spend weeks agonizing over colors and wheel designs, overthinking decisions. Used cars eliminate that paralysis. You find a beautiful Roma in a color you love, and you buy it. Simple.
Total Cost of Ownership: New vs. Used Over 3 and 5 Years
Raw purchase price tells only half the story. What matters is total cost of ownership — what you actually pay to own and drive the Roma, including depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and fuel.
Let's assume two scenarios:
Scenario A: Buy a new 2026 Roma Coupe at $245,000 (MSRP + destination + minimal markup)
Scenario B: Buy a used 2022 Roma Coupe at $230,000
Over three years of ownership, assuming 10,000 miles per year (30,000 total):
| Cost Category | New Roma | Used Roma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $245,000 | $230,000 | -$15,000 (used) |
| Depreciation (3 years) | -$55,000 (22%) | -$23,000 (10%) | -$32,000 (new loses more) |
| Insurance (3 years) | $18,000 | $17,500 | -$500 (used) |
| Maintenance (3 years) | $4,500 (all warranty) | $6,500 (post-warranty work) | +$2,000 (new) |
| Fuel (30K miles) | $5,400 | $5,400 | Equal |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $326,900 | $236,400 | -$90,500 (used wins) |
| Cost Per Year | $108,967 | $78,800 | -$30,167/year (used) |
Over five years of ownership (assuming 50,000 total miles at 10,000/year):
| Cost Category | New Roma | Used Roma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $245,000 | $230,000 | -$15,000 (used) |
| Depreciation (5 years) | -$73,000 (30%) | -$36,000 (16%) | -$37,000 (new loses more) |
| Insurance (5 years) | $30,000 | $28,500 | -$1,500 (used) |
| Maintenance (5 years) | $6,500 (warranty then maintenance) | $12,000 (no warranty for 2 years) | +$5,500 (new) |
| Fuel (50K miles) | $9,000 | $9,000 | Equal |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $505,500 | $351,500 | -$154,000 (used wins) |
| Cost Per Year | $101,100 | $70,300 | -$30,800/year (used) |
The verdict is stark: over five years, buying used saves you approximately $154,000 compared to buying new. That's $30,800 per year. Even accounting for the warranty advantage of the new car (worth roughly $3,000-$4,000 in expected maintenance savings), used is dramatically cheaper.
The Roma holds value better than most supercars, but the depreciation advantage of buying used is so large that it overwhelms every other consideration for cost-conscious buyers.
Depreciation: How the Roma Actually Holds Value
The Ferrari Roma is positioned as a grand tourer, not an exotic limited edition. That means it has a healthier depreciation curve than earlier Ferraris, but it's not immune to the normal supercar pattern: steep initial decline, then stabilization.
Based on market data from 2020-2026:
- Year 1: 10-15% depreciation (new car loses immediate value)
- Year 2: 8-10% depreciation (continued decline but slower)
- Year 3: 5-8% depreciation (curve flattening)
- Years 4-5: 3-5% annual depreciation (stabilized)
- Total 5-year depreciation: 30-35% for a new car, vs. 15-20% for a used 2022 model
Here's the key insight: a 2022 Roma that you buy used has already absorbed the steepest part of the depreciation curve. The damage is done. What remains is gentle, linear decline. A new Roma you buy today will undergo that exact same steep decline, meaning it's guaranteed to lose $30,000-$35,000 in the first three years.
Coupe vs. Spider: How It Changes the Equation
The Roma Spider (retractable hardtop convertible) carries a $35,000 premium over the coupe. That difference doesn't hold in the used market — a used Spider commands maybe a 15% premium, not 35%.
New Roma Coupe: $236,000
New Roma Spider: $271,000 (14.8% premium)
But used pricing tells a different story:
Used 2021-2022 Roma Coupe: $210,000-$240,000
Used 2021-2022 Roma Spider: $245,000-$280,000 (only 10-16% premium)
The takeaway: if you want a Spider, the used market makes it relatively more attractive. The depreciation on the new Spider is brutal — you're paying 14.8% more for the roof mechanism, then you lose that premium value rapidly. Used Spiders have already taken that hit, making them better values proportionally.
If you can find a low-mileage used Spider in the $260,000-$270,000 range, that's a better deal than ordering a new coupe at MSRP.
Ferrari Approved Pre-Owned vs. Private Party Used
When shopping used Romas, you'll encounter two options: Ferrari Approved Pre-Owned (official dealer-certified cars) and private party sales.
Ferrari Approved Pre-Owned Pros:
- Official inspection and certification
- Remaining factory warranty (if original owner retained it)
- Full service history documented
- Dealer guarantees against major defects
- Easier financing through dealer networks
Ferrari Approved Pre-Owned Cons:
- Premium pricing (usually $5,000-$10,000 above market)
- Limited inventory (dealers curate selection)
- Slower transaction process
Private Party Used Pros:
- Better negotiation leverage
- Potentially $5,000-$15,000 cheaper than dealer
- Immediate availability
- Direct ownership history understanding
Private Party Used Cons:
- No official certification
- No warranty (unless transferred from original owner)
- Requires your own pre-purchase inspection ($800-$1,500)
- Higher risk if something breaks post-purchase
Recommendation: Private party with a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection (mandatory) is usually the best value. You save $8,000-$12,000 vs. dealer pricing, and a good PPI eliminates most of the risk. Just don't skip the inspection — ever.
Reliability and Maintenance: What You Need to Know
The Roma's twin-turbo V12 is genuinely reliable for a supercar. It's not a Honda, but it's rock-solid compared to older Ferraris and most McLarens. We've reviewed service records from hundreds of Romas, and serious engine problems are rare.
Known weak points (by model year):
- 2020-2021 models: Occasional touchscreen glitches (software fixable), rare gearbox shudder in low-speed operation (usually resolved with firmware update)
- 2022+ models: Fewer reported issues, improved electronics stability
- All years: Occasional coolant hose leaks, typically manageable, covered under warranty if original owner
Scheduled maintenance costs (from an independent Ferrari specialist, not a dealer):
- Annual inspection + fluid service: $2,000-$3,000
- Tire replacement (20,000 miles, typical): $4,000-$6,000
- Brake pad replacement (every 40,000 miles): $2,500-$4,000
- Spark plug replacement (every 20,000 miles): $1,500-$2,500
- Insurance (annual, for 40-year-old buyer, clean record, Southern California): $4,500-$6,500
For a used Roma, expect $4,000-$6,000 per year in running costs after warranty expiration. That's reasonable for a twin-turbo V12 supercar.
When You Should Buy New (and it's not crazy)
New makes sense if:
- You want a specific specification. If you've spent months dreaming of a particular color-wheel-interior combination that doesn't exist in the used market, new justified spending the extra $30,000.
- You plan to keep it for 7+ years. The longer you own the car, the less the initial depreciation matters. If you're the type to keep an exotic car for a decade, new's warranty value increases.
- You drive under 5,000 miles per year. If you're a collector who shows the car and drives it sparingly, new's warranty and pristine condition matter more.
- You value the psychological benefit immensely. Owning something brand-new isn't rational, but if it genuinely makes you happier, that's worth something.
- You plan to track it. If you're taking this Roma to a track day, the full warranty is genuine protection. A used car's warranty is likely expired or about to expire.
If two or more of these apply to you, new is reasonable. If none do, used saves you serious money.
When You Absolutely Should Buy Used
- You want maximum financial efficiency. Used is simply cheaper when you do the math. No debate.
- You can't wait 6 months. You want a Roma now, not in half a year.
- You want to minimize risk and you're buying from a private owner with full service history. A well-documented 2022 Roma is about as low-risk as a used supercar gets.
- You want a Spider. The new Spider carries too much of a premium relative to its used value. Better deals exist in the used Spider market.
- You want to drive it frequently without warranty anxiety. A newer used Roma (2021-2022) is still a recent car but has absorbed its depreciation. Drive it, enjoy it, don't sweat the value declining further.
How to Find the Right Used Roma
If you've decided used is your path, here's how to actually find one:
Step 1: Define Your Actual Needs
Coupe or Spider? Color preference? Manual or automatic transmission? (The Roma only comes automatic, but some buyers want specific shift characteristics.) Mileage threshold? These decisions narrow your search dramatically and prevent analysis paralysis.
Step 2: Search Broadly
Check authorized Ferrari dealers in your region, Bring a Trailer, Cars and Bids, and specialist exotic car dealers in major markets (Florida, California, Texas). Romas are rare enough that the best examples might be 2,000 miles away. Automonitor sources from 200+ verified dealers, which gives us access to every listed Roma worth considering.
Step 3: Prioritize Service History Over Mileage
A Roma with 20,000 miles and full Ferrari dealer service history is worth more than one with 10,000 miles and unknown maintenance. Buy the history, not the odometer reading.
Step 4: Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Non-negotiable. Find a Ferrari-specialist mechanic (not a general exotic shop) and budget $1,000-$1,500 for a thorough inspection. They'll check suspension geometry, clutch condition, transmission feel, all electrical systems, and the turbo boost curves. This inspection will save you from disasters or give you ammunition to negotiate $5,000-$10,000 off the asking price if issues emerge.
Step 5: Understand the Market Value
Use our pricing guide to know what comparable Romas have recently sold for. Don't anchor to asking prices — anchor to actual sale prices. Then negotiate down from there.
Step 6: Close the Deal
If you love the car and the inspection is clean, move fast. Good Romas disappear quickly. Let Automonitor handle the paperwork, escrow, and logistics — we take the stress out of closing a six-figure exotic car deal.
Decision Matrix: New or Used?
| Your Situation | Buy New or Used? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want specific colors/options | NEW | Only way to guarantee exact spec |
| Want lowest total cost of ownership | USED | Save $150K+ over 5 years |
| Want maximum warranty coverage | NEW | 7-year unlimited-mile protection |
| Want immediate availability | USED | New is 6-month wait |
| Want proven reliability data | USED | 5+ years of ownership records |
| Will track the car | NEW | Warranty covers incidents |
| Plan to drive 5,000+ miles/year | USED | Used depreciates less |
| Keeping for 10+ years | NEW or USED | Ownership cost converges long-term |
Final Verdict: What We'd Actually Do
At Automonitor, we spend more time in this market than anyone. We see the deals. We see what sells and what sits. We see which decisions buyers regret.
Here's what we'd do if we had to buy a Roma tomorrow: We'd spend two weeks searching the used market. We'd make lowball offers on 3-4 candidates. The moment we found a 2021-2022 Roma Coupe with 8,000-15,000 miles, full service history, and a clean PPI coming in at $225,000-$240,000, we'd buy it. We'd then spend the $15,000-$30,000 we saved vs. new on regular maintenance, driving enjoyment, and the psychological comfort of knowing we made a rational financial decision.
But if we had won the lottery and money genuinely didn't matter, we'd order a new Spider in Rosso Competizione with tan leather and Daytona wheels, park it in a climate-controlled garage, and enjoy it as a collector's piece knowing every component was built exactly to our specs.
For 80% of Roma shoppers: used is the obvious choice. For the 20% who meet the criteria for new (specific customization, long-term ownership, frequent tracking, or unlimited budget): new is defensible.
We'll help you figure out which category you're in. Start with our Roma buying guide to understand every variant and what to look for. Then let Automonitor source the right one — whether new or used. We're here to make sure you pay the right price for the right car.
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