| Author | Message | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 230 Registered: 2-2002 |
If you want to have two 456s then that's what you should do. However, it does make sense to examine some other alternatives. A 550 sounds like it will blow your budget, but there are other alternatives in the sub-$100k range: A Boxer, Testarossa, or a 95 355 coupe come to mind along with a 348 spider if you want the wind in your hair. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 315 Registered: 12-2001 |
Although a used 456 can be quite a good value, i would not rush out a buy one that "looks" good, but would research the car, thru things like FML, web sites, etc. and get one with good history, all recalls, if any, etc. If you bought yours new, you didn't necessarily focus on these things, for obvious reason. Also, the price you quoted was very high for a '95. Also look to see when a major service needs to be done, and remember that you'll need a fresh set of good tires, as well. Having two models of the same car seems to me to be a waste, but, hey its your money. I think a more fitting pair, and a good bargain to boot, would be to have a Maranello, to go along with the 456. I assume your girl friend drives a stick, and although i have no wheel time behind a 456, i do behind the 550, and the shifter/clutch is easy to get used to. Then, perhaps, she might kick your ass... | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
Junior Member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 74 Registered: 3-2002 |
Matt, Ferrari of Ontario has a 6 speed '95 Rossa Monza 456. Might be able to save some $$$ buying from Canada. RMK | ||
| Peter K. (Bubba)
New member Username: Bubba Post Number: 33 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey Matt! Can't really blame her can you? ;-) Ferraris do odd things to people around them. People just can't keep their hands and eyes off the Ferraris. People are just spellbound by these awesome machines. | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
New member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just a thought, but why don't you give her the 456, and go for a 360 for yourself? Wouldn't it end up being about the same cost? Win-Win situtation there... | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think that is pretty pricy for a 1995 with a lot of miles on it. We decided that we would get her a 456 and we are on the search for a good one right now. She really likes the color and so do I but I think we can find one with less miles at a comparable price. Still having a great time with the car as I get more comfortable with it. Woke up this morning, went into the garage, my car was gone. Called the girlfriend on her cell, she took it for a drive, she can't get enough of it. SHE KEEPS STEALING MY DAMN CAR!!!!!!!! Matt | ||
| Peter K. (Bubba)
New member Username: Bubba Post Number: 30 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hello Ming! Unfortunately, I am not driving a 456 now, so can't give you any opinion. I just got a Mondial QV a few weeks ago as my first Ferrari. My first preference is for a Testarossa or 512TR, but so damn hard to find nowadays in HK. My bro and I did think about getting a 456 though, but it's still a bit over our budget at this moment. Go down to Italian Motors and check out the 456s they got, plenty to pick from. | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
New member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 28 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Peter, That's one of the reason I would go for a 456GT in Hong Kong as it seems to be a good bargain. Are you driving a 456 at the moment? Any recommendations are welcome especially we are located in the same area. Hopefully I could join Matt and all you guys in the world of Ferrari. Ming | ||
| Peter K. (Bubba)
New member Username: Bubba Post Number: 29 Registered: 5-2002 |
Matt, Beautiful color combo, but I think the price is a little steep given its year and mileage. But then again, Ferraris retain value much better in the states than where I am right now, which is Hong Kong. FYI, in HK a brand new 456 costs about US$340,000, but a 1997 model with less than 10K miles costs only US$113,000. So, you can see it practically lost 2/3 of its value in 5 years. Used Ferraris here are a bargain. | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
Junior Member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 69 Registered: 3-2002 |
Wait till the Ferrari purists see that photo... Uh oh... | ||
| Eric Hawley (Eric)
New member Username: Eric Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2001 |
Hi Matt, I'm curently on my second 456, this one a brand new 2001 gt, and can't say enough good things about the car or the guys at Ferrari of Seattle where i picked it five weeks ago. The car is a great tourer. We just got back from a 4500 mile trip from Seattle area to Santa Fe and back, mostly on smaller highways. What a blast!!! The A/C work well, unless the sun is shining stright in the windshield. It keeps the air cool, but your percieved temp will be much higher under that huge piece of glass. Just crank it down to full cool, and it feels ok, or turn out of the sun for a few moments, and you'll realize the air in the car is actually cool. Here's a pic of our second day on our trip, caught by an overnight snowstorm in Lolo Spring Mt. Traction Control worked like a champ!  | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jack, Hi, I don't live in the Chicago area but I've been down there 3 times in the past 2 months! I might be down there again over the next few weeks so I will probaly drop by Continental Autosports and check the car out, shure looks good in the pictures though. Nice looking 328 in your profile. Has the fiancee got her hands on it yet? Matt | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2002 |
Manu, Thanks for your friendly post, I sent you an e-mail. I hope you can solve my exhaust dilemma. Matt | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
Junior Member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 63 Registered: 3-2002 |
Matt - Rosso Barchetta is STUNNING, those pictures DO NOT do any justice. If I were in your position, I would give the Girlfriend the 456 and spoil myself with a 550 Maranello. Good luck! RMK. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 323 Registered: 3-2002 |
Matt, I noticed the car you're looking at is in Hinsdale. You in the area? I'll keep my eyes open for the his and hers 456s. If you get married you'll have to drive them down the aisle. I just hope my fiancee doesn't get wind of this... | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 271 Registered: 2-2002 |
Matt - WOW - Two 456GTs just to stop your girlfriend driving your own car! Excellent mate! Congratulations! I LOVE the 456GT but then I'm a sucker for every Ferrari - moroever well done for choosing the manual over the auto - An auto Ferrari?? Hmmm - not so sure about that. Lets keep luxury within bounds. Its probably the nicest looking Ferrari in the range IMO. Get a proper exhaust on it to really "hear the passion" - beware Tubis - they're great but too loud for some, so check the Koenig and the Hamann Motorsport ones too. Feel free to email me if you want any advice on this front. Oh, and get used to EVERYONE trying to race you and NEVER letting you out of junctions. A friendly wink sometimes does the trick! TDF + bordeaux - Beautiful! We want pictures! | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 18 Registered: 5-2002 |
David, If the car was for me I would probaly get a 360. But the girlfriend is in love with the 456 and I don't want her borrowing mine 24/7! Matt | ||
| David Albright (Dalbright)
Member Username: Dalbright Post Number: 334 Registered: 2-2001 |
Matt, since you already have a 456, why not consider a 550. You'll have 2 outstanding GT cars with different charateristics. | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2002 |
Wow, what a beautiful car. And that colour combination is lovely. A friend of mine has a 355 in Rosso Barchetta and it is gorgeous. Can't tell you if it is a good deal. The equivalent in the UK would be $80-90k and the mileage is at the high end of the range (not that I agree with it, it just 'is'). You can probably check it out in the Ferrari market letter or somesuch. You're not hanging about then! | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 17 Registered: 5-2002 |
I sent the girlfriend a link to a 1995 dark red 6 speed 456 GT. It's selling for around $107,000. She called me back and said it was perfect. What do you guys think? do you think it'a a good deal at that price, worth looking into more? Heres the link http://www.continentalautosports.com/htm/vehicle.php?id=100&make= Matt | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 16 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ming, The 456 is a great car, I've only had mine for 3 days now but it's been an incredible few days. Me and my girlfriend were out for dinner last night, the owner of the restaurant saw the Ferrari and said that if I took him for a drive he would give us a free meal! People treat you like royalty. The car drives beautiful and I think it's one of the best looking cars on the road. You can get a good deal on a used 456 right now so I would say go for it! Manual vs automatic is up to you, I've never driven an auto 456 but I'm shure it drives great. I just like the extra control of the manual. I have not had the car long enough to comment on how reliable it is but I hear it holds up pretty well. Good luck and I know you would love a 456! Matt | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 218 Registered: 2-2002 |
Maserati just announced a recall of 324 Spyders in the U.S. They will be replacing power steering hoses due to fire hazards. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 273 Registered: 4-2002 |
bill i didnt check with her, but a divorce would cost me 2- f50s...i cant get rid of mine.... bruce | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 217 Registered: 2-2002 |
Bruce: Did you check with your wife before you wrote that? (-: My wife gave her okay--this time. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 272 Registered: 4-2002 |
matt get rid of the girlfriend, buy your f40 or 50, and dont need to check with anybody...  bruce | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member Username: Ross Post Number: 94 Registered: 3-2002 |
if the choice is between a used 456gt and a new maser 4200 (let's not even consider the 3200- not sorted out), then the best value is definetely going to be the fcar. same px more/less at the start but 3 years from now you will have lost 50% of the maser value and only about 25% on fcar. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 456 Registered: 7-2001 |
Buy the Maserati, then you can have convertible to drive around on sunny days. Or maybe take her drive a Jag XK8. You might even find a used XKR that would turn her on. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Bill, When she get's home from work I will discuss the idea with her. Show her some pictures and see what she thinks. The short waiting list sounds good and a car with a warranty is certainly better than one without. Especially if there the same price. Matt | ||
| Ming Cheng (Onlinesys)
New member Username: Onlinesys Post Number: 27 Registered: 5-2002 |
I should really go ahead and trade in my Maserati Ghibli II for a 456GT after hearing all your stories. I would probably go for a 96-97 456GT. Should I go for an automatic? Any bad experience encountered? Any suggestions are welcome! Ming | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 216 Registered: 2-2002 |
I like Kevin's idea about the Maserati. We don't have used ones or 3200's in America, of course. The coupe seems very 456-like. My local dealer said that they have sold half of their yearly allotment (14 of 28 cars) so the wait list can't be too long. You can go into their website and spec out a car. The wait for a car ordered to your specifications is said to be about 4 months. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 14 Registered: 5-2002 |
I didn't even think about a Maserati, but now that you mention it, it is probaly a better buy than a used 456. Is there much of a waiting list for the car? The Maserati certainly is a beautiful car and I'm shure she would like the look of it very much. Although I know she would be happy with anything. Buying her the car just seems right. Several years ago I could not even afford a cheap car, but she came through and bought me a brand new Mazda Protege. Also helped pay my mortgage several months. Not a bad present! Anyway now that I have become much more financially stable and can afford some of these finer things in life I want to give back and show her how much I appreciated it! But hey, who ever said love was cheap! Matt | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 26 Registered: 3-2002 |
Are you aiming for 'Boyfriend of the Year' Matt? Buying your girlfriend a Ferrari- that's pretty cool! I would guess that the 456 GTs (pre-facelift) are as much of a bargain in the US as they are here and should just about come within the $80K budget (they start ca. �50K here- been tempted myself). An alternative is a Maserati, either the 3200 or the 4200. I have driven the 3200 but not the 4200; from this I deduced that this is Maseratis' equivalent of the 456. Handling and performance is similar, has the same steering wheel and a lot of the same switchgear. In fact if you went for a new 4200 (pushing out of budget somewhat) her car would be marginally quicker than yours! NOW we have a test of true love.... | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 716 Registered: 12-2001 |
I think she will have her heart on a 456. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jim, That's exactly what I was thinking, a 328 would be a completely different experience. She says she wants a car exactly like mine. I guess I might be able to find a 1995 456 for a decent price. I know it's more than I was planning on spending but hey, it's a Ferrari, right! I'm not shure how much she would like a 355, I know they were both designed with a different purpose. Thank you for your comments and advice, I appreciate all I receive. Matt | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 455 Registered: 7-2001 |
I'd say if you turned your girlfriend loose in your 456, she's going to be shocked as hell at the 328. You're not comparing apples and apples. The 456 is a GT, fast and comfortable. The 328 is pretty fast, but it won't win any comfort awards. My wife can't stand to ride in my car. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Kevin, I think I'll go ahead and get the Koenig exhaust some time over the next few weeks. I'll look into it to a little more but the Koenig sounds like it is exactly what I'm looking for. Matt | ||
| Malcolm Barksdale (Malcolmb)
New member Username: Malcolmb Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2002 |
Ross, the A/C will be fine at 90degress, even at higher temps. Sounds like a great trip. | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hi Matt, The Koenig could be the answer for you if you want to amplify the sound you already have 2-3 fold without making it totally bassy. I ordered mine from Germany and it cost ca. �2000 ($2,800 or so). Worth every penny IMO. Others such as Hamann etc. are alternatives. Manu, another guy from the UK who posts on this board is sure to give you the lowdown on this since he's been researching it for months. He'll be along shortly no doubt... Touching wood, the car has been very reliable, contrary to what I expected since I had heard some horror stories. However, my own experience, and the other people I know who have one (UK and elsewhere) seems to be the same. The only consistent defects are leaking rear shocks and side windows not sealing properly. There's more info on both questions here:http://www.pistonheads.net/gassing/forum.asp?f=63&h=0 | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2002 |
Martin, It's worth every penny. It was between a 456 and a 550. The 456 has a very short waiting list and can even be purchased new below MSRP. I guess there's not many people out there buying the 456, a pitty because it is a beautiful car. Matt | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2100 Registered: 5-2001 |
Love the 456. have one in 1:18 on my desk in just that color combo. Will eventually have to get one if the stork comes by finally. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2002 |
Is there any difference between the European and US model of the 355? I'm guessing a 328 would be cheaper than the 355. I guess I'll have to wait and see what the girlfriend thinks of them, that is of course if I ever get my 456 back!!!!!! Matt | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Junior Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 211 Registered: 4-2002 |
...of course you can't go wrong with F355...Bob Norwood told me and a friend of mine, that would be his car of choice for performance and reliability. -good luck! | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Junior Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 210 Registered: 4-2002 |
No problem Matt-Dupont is a good site! Lucky girl...I hope not any of the girlfriends or wives see this post;)-making trouble in here About the 328-Ask some of the guys here; Rob Lay, BobD, JimE...they all have them and absolutley love 328! I had the opportunity to ride in a few on Norwood day and that is what I am shooting for! | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thank you for the suggestion Marcus, I will most likely check out a 328, I've never driven one so I don't know exactly what to expect. I hear that they are pretty good cars and lots of fun to drive. I noticed a 1995 Ferrari 355 GTS in the Dupont Registry. It's red on two-tone red and black interior, it has 16,400 miles on it. This is the European model and is selling for $72,900. She likes the look of the 355 so we might check this out along with some 328's. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Junior Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 208 Registered: 4-2002 |
can't go wrong with a 89 328 -less than 80 though... | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Kevin, How much does the Koenig exhaust cost, I'm looking for a deeper throatier sound, do you think this could be the answer. Also, has your car been pretty reliable? Matt | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 22 Registered: 3-2002 |
Matt, The only mod on mine is a sports exhaust. After a lot of deliberation, I fitted a Koenig and it is just incredible; closest description I can think of is from the film "Grand Prix"- James Garners car howling along the banking. If you don't believe me, fit one, tell your friends you've emigrated and go find yourself some tunnels. Kevin | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2002 |
Sorry I forgot, I bought the car from Ferrari of Seattle | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks for your all your kind responses, I'm still working on getting some pics up. I'm looking to pick up a new digital camera in the next week or so. Have any of you other 456 owners preformed any modifications? It's the best purchase I ever made. I also did something I never thought I could do, convince the girlfriend it was worth the money. She said it wasn't so I let here take to work today, I got a call 10 minutes ago saying it was the most amazing car she has ever driven. Problem is she has the Ferrari bug and now she wants one. Any good Ferrari's out there for around $80,000. What model? | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member Username: Ross Post Number: 92 Registered: 3-2002 |
finally some talk about the 456. i am about to commit on a 96 456 gta (wife insists she be able to drive fcar number 3), tdf blue with tobacco interior. plan to pick it up in rome and drive it back to london, hitting florence, modena, verona, monaco, geneva etc on the way over 10 days. can't wait ! hope i don't have any problems. anybody know whether the aircon works well enough to deal with 90+ degrees? | ||
| Malcolm Barksdale (Malcolmb)
New member Username: Malcolmb Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2002 |
I am on my second 456. First was 1995/101836, current car is 1999 456MGT, silver/black. I have owned six Ferraris and this is the best car I have driven for my needs{ Calm down all you 360 owners, I have driver the 360 also and think it is terrific] It is my daily driver, backed by a XK8 and a newly acquired Daytona. If anyone wants further discussion regarding the 456 I am happy to contribute. The 1995 models are a terrific bargain currently. | ||
| Kevin Johnson (Jammy)
New member Username: Jammy Post Number: 21 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hi Matt, I've owned a 456M GT for about 18months. I'll post a pic of it when I can get the damn size down (the photo, not the car). It's a fantastic car, the best in the world IMO; quality, looks, performance. Oops, getting evangelical again. You *will* enjoy this car, and yes, I know EXACTLY how you feel. Kevin | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member Username: Doody Post Number: 205 Registered: 11-2001 |
where are the pics, dude!?!?!?! doody. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
New member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2002 |
Sounds like a gorgeous color scheme. Congratulations and enjoy it! | ||
| Floyd Lawson (Floyd8686)
New member Username: Floyd8686 Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congratulations. Enjoy that new ride. Can you share the dealer's name where you bought it? | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 262 Registered: 4-2002 |
MATT GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR 456, GREAT F-CAR.IM A TR OWNER BUT THERE ARE SOME 456 OWNERS HERE..NICE TO HAVE YOU AND WELCOME ABOARD THIS ZANY CHAT FORUM BRUCE | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 270 Registered: 12-2001 |
Congrats Matt! Yes, there are a few other 456 owners here. | ||
| Matt Sullivan (Matt456)
New member Username: Matt456 Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi everyone, I'm a newbie here, I've been reading the posts for a long time but never joined in. But I really wanted to share this with everyone because I know you would all understand how excited I am. I just took delivery of my brand new Ferrari 456GT. It is TDF blue with a bordeaux interior. I took it out for the first time today and it was amazing!!!! I hope to post some pics soon so that I can share it with everyone. Are there any other 456 owners in this forum? Anyway, Hope to get to know all of you in the near future! Matt |