Looking to buy a 612. 3 Questions to the experts

1: depends how you define better, an F1 driven incorrectly will eat its clutch, likewise a manual so they are equal there. A manual is a rarer car than an F1 though.
2: There were software improvements in late 2007 early 2008 if I recall correctly, this influenced the F1 gearbox and the HGTC kit was also available later, later 2008/2009 cars had OTO spec.

 

From what I understand, only about 10% of total 612 production had the manual. I have the F1 and it works well. What you need to watch out for is a broken reverse lever - it has a tendency to break if not treated carefully and can cost like $5000 USD to replace.

I have 2007 HGTS model. The HGTS / HGTC are the ones to get for early models. The only difference between HGTS and HGTC is the later has the carbon brakes. However, the standard steal brakes are just fine, unless your a track nut. These packages offer upgraded performance suspension, exhaust, wheels, and faster shifting for F1 models.

The 2nd Gen (2008 +) models have the innovative (and not so well received) Bose entertainment system and upgraded transmission with Manettino controls on the wheel. The F1 transmission is also slightly quicker again, and the wheels are upgraded. There are also some additional luxury items, such as sun roof, etc.

I do not believe engine performance changed much through out the entire production line.

For the money, I like the 1st generation HGTS models.

From what I've read, the more the mileage the better the reliability. Just keep in mind, this is the last model to have the rubber belts, that need changing every 4-5 years.

Here is some good reference info to read for purchasing a 612:
http://www.forza-mag.com/issues/124/articles/the-every-day-exotic?page=1

Good luck.

 

i have question, can the old cd player in 612 2006 year be replaced with the Bose entertainment system which comes 2008 year ?if yes what is needed to replace? thank you

 

The Bose entertainment system was introduced in 2007 - my 2007 HGTC has it, and almost all other 2007 I have seen has it... It is a big improvement over the original 2005-2006 head unit - not sure why someone said it wasn't well received...

 

Almost anything is possible..... But the amount of work it would take to install a Bose system in a non-Bose car is tremoundous.

It simply would not be worth it.

 

Any news on what is happening with the Ferrari approved upgrade system for the Becker unit - anyone know when this will become available?

 

I recently asked the Ferrari dealer about replacing the Becker unit with the Bose unit in later cars, and they were not enthusiastic about it; stating it was ridiculously expensive and not nearly as good as much cheaper third party options.

I also asked them about the upcoming replacement units that Ferrari has been promising, and they have heard nothing.

Here is the only news I have on the replacement units that Ferrari is planning:
"The new system CarPlay is available only on new range cars and cannot be installed on older ones. However, since we know that infotainment solutions are really important for our customers and also owners of older vehicles deserve the same care as all other customers, we developed an AfterMarket product aimed at offering last generation infotainment, completely compatible with most recent phones. This new product is already available for F430, 355 and 360 Modena, while in the next few months it will be offered also for 599, 612 Scaglietti and first versions of California."

source: Aftermarket CarPlay solutions? Not so fast says Volvo & Ferrari | 9to5Mac

 

Andy,

By post 2007 if you mean 2008 and beyond, those would be OTO cars and have a number of significant improvements over the earlier models, upgraded suspension, manettino steering wheel, glass roof, faster shift times. As has been said, how you drive it will determine clutch life. I have an early one for sale, a 2005, and just had the clutch measured at 70% remaining, bought it at 80% 4500 miles ago. If driven properly, given the average mileage put on these cars, you might never see the day you need a clutch. Mine has an upgraded Hill throwout bearing from the last and presumably only clutch service done, another part that takes wear if driven less than optimally. If you don't need a glass roof and don't care about a switch on your steering wheel to do what a button does on earlier models, save a ton of money and get an early one. The substantive upgrade to the suspension is a sway bar which can be added for a couple grand.

 

If you mean the Clarion unit its been in your dealer for a couple of months

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/443356-ferrari-flip-out-navi.html

 

Sway bar? Can you explain?

Position, advantages etc?

Thank you

Ricardo


Enviado do meu iPhone usando o Tapatalk

 

Ricardo- Sway bar= anti-roll bar and there is an HGTC/HGTS/HGT2 thicker rear anti-roll bar that cuts down on understeer, as well as springs from the same kits. With little to no demand for these upgraded handling kits, they have been available from dealers for as little as $1700 for bar, springs, and shock ECU, plus installation.

 

I can understand the lack of demand. My stock 05 handles beautifully already. $1700 is peanuts on a car like this but I just don't see the point. Fine as is.

 

1) If I could have ordered my car new I would have gotten a 3 pedal car. However, now that I've driven the F1 I'm happy with it. Everyone I've spoken with and everyone who has posted here seem to agree that if you drive it properly, and not use the auto function, the F1 will be very reliable.

2) Well they certainly added more stuff to the later models, particularly the OTO's. I guess it depends if you like/want all that stuff. I have an OTO and am very happy with the extra stuff, but I could have done without it. The key thing for me was I wanted a particular color combination.

3) After 1 mile (.6 km)!

 

Indeed, this can be the case. I took delivery of mine needing a major, spent $10k the first month. BUT, I knew it, built it into the price, and it hasn't needed a thing since and won't for a very long time. Well, it will need an oil change soon.

Actually that would be 1.6 km.

 

Hi Taz,
Are these still available. I've very interested. Which dealers have them at that price?
Thanks!

 

I have the Bose, and it's fine, but I would think you could find a superior third party option which would be much less expensive.

 

Buy a Kenwood or Pioneer double DIN. Fits perfect, touchscreen looks as good as OEM. Plus, the new units have CarPlay feature which means you'll have essentially the same or better interface than a brand new FF or Cali T. And the stock Bose speakers and amp are quite good.

As for the clutch, the F1 is excellent for the 612. On my 2006 it is silky smooth, but that's because I know how to drive it. It took me a good 6 months to master perfect shifts.

A guy in the local FCA with a 2009 OTO 612 drove my car and told me he noticed no difference in how it shifts. Granted, we were not racing anyone or anything at the time.

I do not regret the F1 transmission, and I find it is superior to those in similarly-aged Astons, Porsches and BMWs.

For the price you cannot beat a solid 2006 or even 2007. They really are super values if you find one with decent clutch life and relatively low miles.

 

what Kenwood or Pioneer double DIN model will fit on 612 2006 model ? thanks

 

All of them. Standardized. Got a Pioneer in mine.

 

I'm curious about Nospinzone's comment about the F1 that you "should drive it properly, and not use the auto function". I'm also shopping for a 612 and trying to learn as much as I can. How do you drive it properly vs. improperly? Why is it not good to use the auto function?

 

The auto function at least on earlier examples seems to bog the clutch a little when shifting, feels tentative, may noy be exactly describing it right but it certainly doesn't feel optimal. I tried it once in my f430 and once in the 612 for grins. No thanks.

Optimally, you're engaging 1st in less than a car legth, keeping throttle absolutely steady during shifts until you're used enough to it to know when to give a little more or less, knowing how to get your shifting done before major changes to throttle, dropping into neutral to coast to stops, all of it helps. It's fun, and artful.

 

I also tried the Auto function on my '07 612 F1 and found the shifting was kind of jerky during fast acceleration, with lots of hessitation. It worked better when driving more sedately. But c'mon - all Ferraris like to be whipped.

So, I avoid it. Regardless, even in "manual" mode, the system will override you if you do something it doesn't like.

 

None of them...
You would need to alter the radio bezel, and even then, a double din is a little taller than the Ferrari 612 dash. The bottom of the bezel is curved inwards, the bottom of the stereo is square.
They look OK depending on how critical you are.

 

Oh crap. Sorry for the false information.