Buying s/h FF in UK

Looking to buy and 11/12/13 FF in the next 4-6 weeks.
Seems to be a low number on the market (though probably around 10-15% of total UK FF population going by 'how many left' (13 out of 130 taxed in 2013)..

Any thoughts on buying dealer vs having broker search for one for one? Are cars changing hands outside the dealer network?

Any uk owners have any perspective on what it's like to run one daily in uk weather and what the public reaction is like? (I'm just outside London). Anyone using an FF with young kids?

Any must have options for the uk market I should be aware of?

Thanks folks, having driven one I am smitten, just trying to post rationalise a few things to reassure myself that this Is viable...

Already read most posts here on the FF, but shedding some light in the points above would help me a lot!

 

Hi Richard,

18 months into mine, 11k miles, it's been faultless and I still like it. Most other Fcars have only lasted 12 months at best.

UK requirements? Well, the rear wiper is a must, especially in London traffic. Standard now, but wasn't always.

Child seat? Yes, the ISOFIX seats work with my 2 year old, he loves it. Ferrari seats are made by another manufacturer and fit well, but access is tight.

Mine's a daily driver and it works very well. No problems. Public reaction is good, again no problems whatsoever.

There's really no downside.

 

check Ferrari Approved Car Locator, it centralise all the official dealers s/h. Some times it has a bit of delay compared to dealers website, so might be worth contacting local dealer if you have particular requirements.

 

Don't live in US, but use the FF daily in California with two kids, about 1,000 miles per month, my kids love the car, enjoy the back seat TV for movies, heated seats are nice in cold weather

As for people reactions, the kids at school all go crazy when we are there!

 

The servicing and warranty plan means you don't have to worry about the dealer vs. broker so much. They are pretty bulletproof and build quality is very solid.

The downside of owning one in the UK is that it's possible to get a driving ban without even coming out of 1st gear! Have to really watch the speedometer what with all the speed cameras around. Its possible to be 10-15 miles over the limit without even realising it!

Reaction in the UK isn't quite the same as on the continent where the car will draw a crowd. You get the occasional petrolhead coming up to ask questions about the car which is nice. You also get boy racers in their Ford Escorts trying to burn you off at the lights., but I'm not 18 yrs old, so I don't play that game.

Have an 8 year old who rides in the back and loves the car.

The wet mode is useful for the UK waterlogged roads and it takes it all in its stride. Due to being in central London, I've not had the chance to drive it in 'proper' snow. The stop/start is useful if you find yourself in London traffic a lot.

 

I collect and analyse Ferrari asking prices in the UK - God that makes me sound really boring! I have been scraping FF prices since December for someone who is looking to buy one, if you want the data PM me.
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Thanks everyone for the information, and confirming what I was hoping.
My current thoughts on the spec I want

Interior carbon
Daytona seats
High power hi-fi
Front lift

However from previous posts on here is seems that the hi power hifi isn't that much more exciting than the standard, so I can compromise. I've generally upgraded my previous fun cars, but figure that as this is part of some kind of central computer setup then upgrades aren't really an option.

Front end lift also doesn't seem to be a requirement on uk roads from what I've read - if various posters here can navigate london without then I should survive without too. Anyone used an FF on Eurotunnel?

In terms of colour if I'm buying used then I won't be too fussy obviously. Grigio of some shade is probably what I will get, but TDF with tan, or deep red with black would be great. Are the lighter Grigo silver shades appreciated or are they going to hurt me when I trade in a couple of years for a new FF?

At the moment I am tracking a couple of cars that are close to my ideal spec, and pending existing car being sold and freeing up garage space I'll be ready to buy pretty soon, got a family holiday to do in July in France and I'd much rather do the trip in this than in the range rover!

Thanks for all your help folks. I joined a few years back when I almost pulled the trigger on a 612, but having driven an FF now I think I'm glad I waited!

 

Had mine over a year done 16k grigo ferro used euro tunnel no problem never used lift a really good car to tour Europe.
only issues radio and nav not good enough.

 

Front lift def not needed in London.

Eurostar no problem, but I always ride with the camper vans....more width.

 

Thank John.
Have asked my local dealer to let me bring their demo home so I can check the car clears my local traffic calming 'mountains' and goes in my garage (official dimensions suggest no issues though).

 

Took mine into the regular Eurotunnel carriage, no issues if you are used to the dimensions of the car. Don't have front lift on mine and never had the need for it - loads of speed bumps in my area.

If there was a feature I'd like, it would be the glass roof.

 

Pulled the trigger Will pick up my FF by the end of the month!

One more question - what child seats are you folks using?
I'm figuring that my existing maxi cosi seats which my kids are happy in will still work so probably no need to go buying Ferrari branded seats, but just in case I have issues when I test fit them, then I'd like to know what to pick up instead...

It's going to be a long couple of weeks!

 

Maxi Cosi fits......

 

Great! thanks John.

 

A tip.......only extend the attachment arms 75% of the way out from the seat platform.....it makes for a much better connection and lets the seat sit properly.

 

Never had to fit a car seat, but your children will be just as happy as they grow with ample room in the back. Mine (aged 10, 12 & 14) love the car and are more than comfortable! Congrats on the purchase, you won't regret it and the car performs brilliantly on our crappy UK roads! I'm in the Kent countryside, so they don't get much worse and the FF always takes everything in its stride. It really is an amazing car. Post pics when you get it and have fun!

Mac.

 

Congratulations Tony! I'm really keen to know what you've bought as i am starting to look for a replacement to my Maserati Granturismo S and a used FF is top of my list!

 

All will be revealed when I collect later in the month...

 

Just picked up my FF having swapped out of a Maserati Granturismo Sport

So I have alcantara everywhere, the noise, the power, sports exhaust, hi power hifi, the leds and c/f driver zone, did I mention the noise the power, the rear TV is a hit with the daughter and did I mention the mental NOISE and POWER?

This is one INSANE but practical car - love the reaction of people around me when I engage engine start and we caused quite a stir in Durham services yesterday,

The Key is ahem disappointing as is the Satnav but the engine, jeez, did I mention the noise and the power?

Devonboy
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Congratulations!!
Beautiful car and spec. I'm thinking of doing the same with my 2012 granturismo S later this year or early next year so please share your ownership experience.
Out of interest how does the FF High Power Hifi compare to the Bose system in the Maser?

 

Congratulations. Nice first post.

 

Early impression is that the Bose system is better!

 

Congrats on the new car and welcome to the club

Just realised I didn't post any pics of mine here yet. Better get round to that!

 

Stopped for gas in Kirtland, New Mexico in our cross country jaunt. Just on the edge of the Navajo reservation. A fellow jumped out of his pick up, came up to me and said, "We don't see many of these up here."

(Don't see many of them anywhere).

 

Just wait until you drive it through a tunnel in first gear with sports mode on and the windows down.