by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ferrari has done it again. The new 2021 Ferrari Roma is a stunning piece of design work that has Car and Driver drooling. It also comes with a high price that is typical of Ferrari. Is it worth it, however? The answer is not all that surprising for anyone who’s been behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

The 2021 Ferrari Roma is too expensive for most buyers

It’s no secret that Ferraris aren’t cheap. For most people, buying one used is the only way to own one, and even that might be beyond their budget. 

Then there’s the fact that routine maintenance can cost more than some new cars. One bolt for a Ferrari can cost $45. If your engine needs an overhaul, which is recommended for some Ferraris, then the price is $7,000 to $30,000.

The 2021 Ferrari Roma has a starting price of $222,620. That’s before you begin to discuss trim levels and available features, however. So what features does the 2021 Ferrari Roma offer that justify the huge price tag?

Get ready to be impressed

Say what you want, but Ferrari knows how to design some gorgeous cars. From its sharp looks to its eye-catching colors, the Ferrari Roma would turn heads without that unmistakable prancing horse badge on the front. 

There’s more to the 2021 Ferrari Roma than good looks, however. It comes equipped with a 612-hp turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine. This is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Car and Driver was very intrigued by the sweet music coming from this powerful engine. While many people prefer quiet engines, there’s no doubt that the purr of a supercar has an undeniable allure.

Speaking of a powerful engine, it doesn’t lack in the speed department. Car and Driver estimates it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. It can reach 100 mph in 6.8 seconds, hits the quarter-mile in 11.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 199 mph.

Where it fails to impress is the fuel economy. It gets 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Anyone that can afford the expensive price tag isn’t going to turn down a Ferrari based on this, however.

The 2021 Ferrari Roma is luxurious inside and out

Some automakers try to get away with cheap materials. Often times this is reflected in the price, as the more expensive materials are reserved for the higher trim levels. That’s not always the case, and it’s common to see vehicles get slammed for being filled with hard plastics. You won’t be finding plastic in the 2021 Ferrari Roma.

What you’ll get are leather seats and faux-suede. The seats are surprisingly comfortable, even in the back seat. While adults usually dread riding in the back, it’s not that bad. It’s not ideal for a road trip, but a quick drive to that fancy new restaurant everyone’s raving about is in the realm of possibilities.

Ferrari doesn’t go cheap on the tech. The driver cluster is a 16-inch fully digital gauge that is hard to miss. The vertically mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen is easy to use, and the front passenger gets their own separate screen. There are also some available safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

There isn’t much room for things like luggage, and it’s definitely not suitable for going on a huge grocery spree, but it’s a Ferrari. Most supercar lovers will likely forgive it for the few flaws it does have.

RELATED: No Matter What You Have You Can’t Buy A New Ferrari

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car buying can be exciting, particularly test drives. But when you find the model you want to purchase, it’s time for the part that’s not fun: financing. Unfortunately, unless you won the lottery, chances are you need a car loan, and that means thinking about things like your debt-to-income ratio and credit scores.

Your scores with the big 3 bureaus

Three main bureaus gather data from creditors to calculate your credit score. The three main bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Historically, each bureau would serve a different geographic area, but now they’re all nationwide. Experian and Equifax are the larger of the three and typically the ones with which most people are most familiar. However, TransUnion is equally important.

Which credit score do lenders use for car loans?

Two models calculate credit scores — FICO and VantageScore — and industry-specific models exist within each. According to Experian, the most widely used general scoring models are FICO Score 8 and 9 and VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0.

There are also several versions of FICO Auto Scores, which are based on your general score and adjusted to predict how likely you’ll repay an auto loan on time. 

Generally, auto lenders use the FICO Score 8 model. But VantageScore, which the three main credit bureaus founded, is still used quite often. In addition, sometimes lenders will use multiple models, depending upon your score and credit history, as a way to skirt restrictions to get you a loan. 

Why is your credit score different with each bureau?

If you’re wondering the differences among the three bureaus, the answer is not much. The main difference, and really the only difference, is how they use the information in your credit report to calculate your score. They each have their own algorithms and ways they weigh your debt to generate your score. Additionally, each bureau might rely on the FICO or VantageScore model to determine your score. 

The credit score an auto lender obtains can be different from the credit score you got from an online site like Credit Karma. According to CNBC, your scores can differ for six reasons. First, depending on which scoring model and version are used, along with which bureau is used, your credit score can be different because each model and bureau have slightly different formulas they use.

Additionally, lenders are not required to report information to all three credit bureaus, so one credit report might have information the other does not. Also, the time a lender performs a credit inquiry and any errors on your report contribute to different scores.

Your credit score is a major part of determining whether you can get a car loan and a good interest rate. Dealerships want to buy a car from them, but their lenders have some restrictions for financing based on your score and debt-to-income ratio. For instance, you might get a loan even if you have a low score, but you’ll likely pay a high annual percentage rate (APR).

Don’t be afraid to ask lenders how they got your credit score and which model or bureau they used. You might not be able to request that they use a different model, but you have the right to know how your score was calculated. 

RELATED: Does Buying a Car Build Your Credit Score?

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