First time to post on this forum I am currently in Afghanistan coming home in very shortly. I have been saving up for a Farrari, I am settled on a 456. I am older now and not so interested in going super fast anymore in my car; because of that I ruled out the Testarossa. I believe the 456 has good lines and the 2+2 is a plus for me, and if bought correctly I think it will be a good car. I am finding the market maybe a little soft right now. I have three Mercedes in my stable now, this includes the wifes car. I restored one of my MBs to a very good state. All my MBs get services IAW OEM schedules the 456 would get the same treatment as a weekend cruiser for me. I am doing the usual homework and searching the ads. I would appreciate any thoughts or experiences on your 456 search. I am a descent wrench turner and have access to a lift both on base and my bud has one. At first I thought about a TR but it may be more labor intensive than I would care to take on. Any thoughts on the market? Richard
First, thank you for your services... 2nd, They are two different cars. Do what is going to make you happy. They are both fast and beautiful cars, but the TR's looks are unmatched. Once you own a TR, it is hard to depart from it. I am speaking from personal experience of TR ownership for 7 years now...
Ferrari of Houston had a very nice 456, red/black..it was 'around on consignment' for some time then the owner took it home, IIRC. They would have a TR to look at also... Maybe let you see them back to back....worth a phone call. *salute*
I am from Texas I got a rental there that needs some TLC. Houston is the market I was going to check out first. Houston is a big market for Farraris. I will give them a call!!
Cap: Glad to see you are on the tail end of a tour and looking at possible retirement. on the other hand make sure to get a good, I mean very good PPI My recommendation would be to spring for the M series, the older 456's are needing a lot of TLC which can easlily translate into several thousands [YES!] over a very few years of ownership. M's are not needing quite that involvement...but may soon get there too. I doesn't have the bling of the reverse hood scoops or deploying under-spoiler, but you'll soon not miss such and the M are the better series. take your time.
Not sure exactly what you're looking for but I recently had the opportunity to test drive this 456 and it's just phenomenal KMC Auto - 1995 Ferrari 456GT If it appeals and you have any questions for someone independent of the seller, let me know.
Thanks for serving. Whereś your next posting? I ask because I have a very dear 2000 456MGT, Silver/Sabbia piped in Black in Maryland that Iḿ likely to give up. I will drive it to Sarasota in about three weeks. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Thatś on the car side. Kandahar to the States, not so much. Welcome to Fchat.
Captrick, welcome to Ferrarichat, sir. One of our users, Ross, just mentioned he might be selling but looks like his steering wheel would be on the wrong side Good luck with your search. Consider a 612? They're not that much more, not once you're done bargaining. I just picked one up for $30k below book. Bet you could pick one up for $90k.
I like that car it is a beauty!!! but it is so green. I love the lines and the look - one owner is bonus. I think the 456s are so beautiful. Thanx for the detail Captrick
Open Road Thank you Sir I am going to Texas for some R and R then Georgia next place of duty. I would consider looking at the car I appreciate any and all assistance I have a silver MB already she might get jealeous. I had my heart set on a dark color car. I would appreciate a look see you never know I bought my last two cars after kicking the tires and performing a test drive. Richard
SonomaRik Thank you Sir as little as I know about Farraris I will follow your advice. No matter what kind of car I find I will get a PPI. I am a little concerned about the window alignment issue. I need to research this a little more I likely will have questions concerning this issue. Like my other cars the window can be a problem if not repaired right away. Richard
There is a dealership near my home outside Dallas called "eCarOne" that has a 2002 456MGTA in TdF blue. The car has been at the dealership for a while and the price dropped from arond $68k to $59k recently. Car looks very nice, but this is a volume reseller so the car may be from an auction. I called about this care some time back and they were not sure if they had full documentation (I had asked when the last belt service was done). They told me that PPIs are welcomed. I think several FChatters in the DFW area have experience with this dealer. Might be worth a look. 2002 Ferrari 456M | RARE GTA, $230K MSRP, 12CYLINDER 442HP, TEXAS OWNED, 8K MILE Carrollton, Texas | E-CarOne.com
Coincidentally I dropped by that shop today and saw it again - I never would have thought of myself as a green car person either but it could definitely sway me if I were in the market. I couldn't believe how much attention it got when I test drove it. They also had a nice 612 and a 550 which just sold I believe. Good luck with your search!
2002 Ferrari 456M | RARE GTA, $230K MSRP, 12CYLINDER 442HP, TEXAS OWNED, 8K MILE Carrollton, Texas | E-CarOne.com This car has potential, I like the colors all around. The dash picture taken has the mileage clocked at 8K. Low mileage and a lack of service history would this be a good buy? I like the blue color on the 456s. Thanx Carrollton is right up the road from my place in Texas. Richard
Richard, I live in Coppell. If you make it back to DFW to look at this car, let me know. When I called the dealer, they were unclear on service history. Since this only has 8k miles, seems to me that it would likely be in need of an immediate major. CarFax shows the car as spending most of its time in El Paso with an apprent stint in Cali (Symbolic Motors did some maintenance on the car). On some of the interior pics, it looks like the headliner could be coming loose. There is a very good independent shop in Dallas (Norwood Performance) that can do a PPI. I was interested in the car, but have decided to pass since I would prefer get into a 2 seater.
well, another two cents: - I just recently dumped a 456 after five+ years of ownership and what was a 'fairly' decent car for scrap prices as last month was looking at another $20k in 'stuff'. - I would buy one again, but have it heavily checked out, one owner or not. more miles the better. - I would def buy the 456 M next time. Stick or auto should only be a preferance and nothing else to worry about: forget the interweb scare stories on the auto trans. more myth than documented facts. PS: Window gap is just one of the issues, I could go on and on and have lost interest in keeping this thread going [ http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575/218347-just-456-cars-site.html ] but Ms are much less problematic even though some reported gap issues, they are less frequent.
I went to look at the car in Carrollton, Texas yesterday. Glad I passed on it. Seems to be a potential poster child for deferred maintenance problems.
Since I am a Maintenance Officer for the Military, it would not be a good buy for me. Too much maint out of the Box it a bad sign. Thank again for the Advise.
Try contacting Sunburn (Rick) on this forum. He has a beautiful black/tan 456 manual which might be for sale.
