Anybody know the history of this car? Test drove it today. . . fun as hell, but there are a few "little things" that need some work. * Complete owner's manual, but tool kit/spare/jack unknown, as the rear lid would not open; * 112k miles - some say high for a Ferrari, but to me a modern V12 that's well-serviced should be good for a lot longer; However. . . * No service records shown to me, although I was told that it was serviced at Ferrari of Denver; * Oxidation around rear window, but body is in otherwise very good condition. * "Check Engine" light came on early in the test drive; * Car had been sitting and battery had died, so a jump box was used. Got to edge of parking lot and the engine died when I put on the brake. Jumped it again, but shifted into neutral when approaching other stops, and the engine did not die at stops. (This is an automatic.) Question: This suggests, to me, that the torque converter or the TC clutch might be going. Mechanics: Possibly correct, or am I way off-base? * $5100 more than a very similar car for sale in Phoenix at present, and the AZ car has lower miles. All that said, I loved getting this car up to speed on the highway. Kicks ass. Entirely different experience, of course, than driving my 308, but just about the most fun I ever had in a "touring" type car. Maybe the little imperfections I noticed are just minor quibbles. . . or maybe not. . . Your thoughts are welcome, even if you don't know this particular car. If you do, please let me know what you know - either here or in PM.
If you get the VIN I would think FOD would at least let you look at service records. Can't hurt to call Derek and ask. FOD has a 456 in stock now, did you check that one out? Also the photo of the ODO shows "012084", that would be 12k miles not 112k miles.
Are you talking about this one: Used 2000 Ferrari 456mga The video and the pictures say approximately 12k miles, not 112k? Joe
You are correct. My bad. . . I looked at it yesterday, then mentally added 100k to the mileage! D'oh! ------------------- On another note, if the torque converter is, in fact, going out - well, that's way too early! And why is the trim around the rear window all scuffed up already?
It looks surprisingly like a car that one of my neighbors disposed of recently. Will check with him and find out.
Looks like the one that was a Schomp BMW a while ago that a friend looked at; told me about. Did not see it, though... same color.
Personally I'd be concerned about the validity of the listed mileage and internal condition of the running gear if you can't even get out of the parking lot without it dying! Also, you had to jump it to get it going? What kind of self-respecting car dealer doesn't get his cars in acceptable condition for sale? Another concern there. My TR has 17k miles shown and runs great, and it was built in '87. Food for thought. Joe
Just 1 more thing, when I started my Ferrari search 3 years ago (just completed this last Christmas) someone told me that cosmetics are less important - the running gear is what's important on Ferraris, since the parts and labor are so expensive. The cosmetic stuff can be repaired or even replaced with lower-quality materials if need be. You can't do that with an engine rebuilt on a Ferrari though! I say, stay away from that 456 and find one whose mechanicals are sorted. Joe
Yes, well. . . I was kind of thinking along those lines. . . In fairness, I'm not sure whether the mechanicals are really well-sorted or not. . . but they didn't present me with a thick sheaf of records. I suppose I could contact FoD if I were really serious, but for reasons listed above and others, I'm thinking I'll pass on this one. Some people spend a few years finding the just-right-for-them Ferrari, and although I loved driving my first 12-cyl Ferrari, I'm not going to let emotion get in the way of reason here. I have time. . . There may even be a 550 in my future yet.
checking out the ad, in their fairness, it does state the vehicle is currently going through inspection (making it sound like it's not on the lot yet). Reality maybe diff.
Bradley, if you're still searching for a nice 456 please give me a shout...I've got a '95 GT and '00 M GTA and both come with a thorough refresh including major service, etc.
Cheapest Ferrari is the most expensive. Don't buy a Ferrari from a Ford dealer that is doing an "inspection". If you are serious have FoD do a PPI. What you spend on that PPI will save many dollars in the future, either not buying the car or knowing what to expect. Don't get caught up in the red mist, take your time. It took me 2.5 years to find what I wanted and I knew I was restoring it. Rpissm took 3 years. Others do the same, you'll find the right one. And, there is no such thing as a Ferrari that is perfect and needs nothing...especially one with no service history.
FYI, came across this 456gta for a better price, thought you'd be interested... http://www.gullwingmotorcars.com/1997-ferrari-456-gta-c-1356.htm? Joe Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk