Buy F12 or 488 or wait?

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to make the plunge on my first Ferrari ever and am quite ecstatic. I've been to the local dealership a few times now and have gotten all the details such and prices, configurations, specs etc. But now the hard part is deciding which model. My heart says the F12 with it having that monstrous V12 and being the flagship of course. I've never been a fan of turbos hence I'm not high on the 488 (I understand Ferrari turbos are a totally different beast) but maybe a used 458 would do? Reason I'm indecisive is that I know the F12 is near the end of the life cycle but then the next one probably will be a hybird and I'm more of a purist with the natural aspiration. Also why do flagship V12's depreciate so easily compared to the mid-engined V8's? That's another factor to consider with the F12. I only plan to use the car for weekend fun as I'll keep my current SLK55 AMG as my daily driver like I have been for the last 7 years. It was either replace the SLK with a 911 turbo s or go all in and get the Ferrari for weekend fun. I'm choosing the Ferrari route . Just need some advice and opinions guys. Thanks!

 

Congratulations !

From what you describe , I would get 458 spider, this way you get the best of all worlds, naturally aspirated engin that sounds much better than turbo 488, handling, design and open air fun.

If you by at the right price, I expect 458 to hold its value and you won't loose much moving forward..

It's more fun than F12 on the track and will give you a super car look and feel vs more Gt looking F12.

Good luck to you ..

 

I hate to ask your age, but I think that's a factor as to which car might suit you better.

Also next F12, the 'M' or whatever it will be called, due 2017, is n/a

 

Yes, probably the last n/a of a family line !

 

The mid engine V8 will be more of a sports car/ you will feel instantly connected. More fun to blast down a twisty road. The V8s tend to be a bit more friendly as they approach the limit of grip. The V8s tend to depreciate a little bit less (starting prices tend to be lower and more first time buyers think of them as what a Ferrari should be).

The V12 will be more of a GT car that- while connected compared to most there cars- will be better suited to longer trips and unleashing that power on straight roads. The V12s tend to become more handfuls as they approach the limits of grip. The V12s tend to depreciate a bit quicker (higher starting prices and even though that is the historical link to Ferrari's greatness, many (incorrectly) think the mid engine cars are more special (they are both special)).

Don't get me wrong, the V8s are pretty comfortable and the V12s handle great, but in general that is their respective personalities. Im giving you broad rules of thumb, you can easily find exceptions.

One other thing, I find the open cars exhibit a solid amount of chassis flex. I'm not sure how much that will bother you. I think the spiders are a little bit easier to sell if that matters to you.

Bottom line is which one is right for you?

 

You probably cannot get a new 488 for a year. You will probably lose a hundred k on depreciation of a new F12 in a year.

Therefore, it seems your options are a used 458 or F12 today. I'd drive them both and decide which best fits your desire of weekend fun. I would not wait as the enjoyment can start now!

Either decision will be excellent as you'll be driving a Ferrari.

 

V12 ferraris with exhaust opened up, nothing compares IMO...heavenly

People saying v12's are more gt cars, well, it depends how you drive.

I'm a hoon in my FF, ass end out with esc off whenever I want, doesnt that go from gt to supercar? All depends on the driver, any driver can make a car into something more than it is

They are highly capable on the track and through the mountains/canyons/backroads,

 

Here's one way to perhaps refine and clarify the choice.

F12 vs 488 Spider

Of course the best solution is to have both!

Thank you very much.

 

If you buy an f12 than it starts to take over the duties of the amg. You will probably end up selling the amg and be bitten by the Ferrari world full time.

A 458 or 488 would be a good compliment to the AMG for the weekend but may be a 1 or 2 year solution as you will always have one eye on something else. The cool thing about a 488 is you can spec it yourself. Something like a 458 speciale or a 488 spider maybe a better choice as long term weekend fun solution.

But the f12 is the only real solution.

 

I'd go with a previously owned car as your first F car, which gives you more instantaneous gratification as well as maximum optionality going forward. I'd buy it from a dealer to establish a relationship.

As to which one, that's totally a matter of taste. You can't go wrong with any of these choices. The F12 is more for those who prefer crushing levels of power wrapped in conservative dress (much like your SLK); the 458/488 is just going to make more of a head-turning "statement" rolling down the boulevard. I still do it myself whenever a 360/430/458 rolls past, especially if its a convertible!

Over the years I've evolved away from convertibles for weight/performance reasons, but I have to admit they still to grab attention in a way that others just don't -- I've just learned that I enjoy admiring others' more than I do owning them myself!

 

Well I'm fairly young let's just say that. Not sure if that'll effect my decision. I've seen both in person and from looks alone they both are beautiful to me in their own way even though some say the F12 tends to be more for grown ups. 488 will probably turn heads more though.

Yes I'm assuming the "next" F12 successor will be out next year checking the timeline but the whole hybrid + NA I'm not sure if that will take away from the current V12 experience.

 

I have been looking at pre-owned 458's but their price is that of a new spec'd 488 so that does make me cringe a bit.

 

I don think I want a Ferrari as my DD. I just want it for weekend fun. I agree even with the ferrari I still would want to flip the amg for something else. 7 years with 1 car is a long time and I have been itching to trade it in for a new DD.

 

Only thing that is holding me back from a convertible is that you lose the "window glass" at the back so you can see the V8 engine which looks absolutely gorgeous!

 

I think it does as your reaction tends to suggest. I always found, albeit as a generalisation, that the mid engined V8s tended to suit a younger crowd whereas the F12 was more of a Gents GT. As I said, successor is n/a so no need to worry about hybrid. Caeruleus sums it up well.

 

I'd drive both and see which one you like better.

You really cant go wrong with either, having said that, if you live somewhere you can indulge in the thunderous upper rev range of V12 often then I would definitely go for the F12.

There is no wrong choice here!

 

Not as impressed with the 488 Spider. I expected it to be better.
I'm a HUGE fan of the F12.
Go with the F12.

 

The F12 successor will not be a hybrid, turbo or anything of the sort. It will be a naturally aspirated V12.

Something to keep in mind is this. Both the 488 and F12 will get attention, but an open 488 will put you out there so to speak. This is not an experience for everyone. In the F12 you can hide more and be yourself. To me it's not an issue, but it may be to some and depending on where you live, the attention from the public in an open top Ferrari can be quite off-putting. Where are you located?

Seeing how you talk about not liking the turbos and the 488, I can't figure out why you consider it. Besides, a car like an F12 is only as grown up as the guy behind the wheel allows it to be.

 

Wait ... even if it's forever ... for the perfect car at the perfect price ... and then, garage it. Don't drive it for fear of depreciation. Just look at the engine!



You've done all the numbers research, but not driven the cars it seems? Do that #1.

My vote is 458 Spider. The V8 sounds great, feels great, the car looks amazing, and is great fun ... a classic car in the making. You already like the bumpy little SLK so this will be a better version of that.

With the 458 you get it all in one car. Plus you can track it occasionally.

Seeing the engine is not something that should matter, unless you want a garage queen.

 

pick up a high option used F12 . in a great color

 

I cant stand all those cheap either this or rather that questions. Why the heck dont you buy both if you can not decide?

 

Also a great idea. If you want the V12 experience, you have to get a V12.

 

That's what I did. No regrets whatsoever. Can't wait to get behind the wheel and drive it. F12 is easy and complex at the same time. It is a GT cruiser that can turn into a crazy beast in a second.


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Why would you care what the replacement of the car that you are looking would be powered by? Anyway, now that you know its won't be a hybrid you can go ahead and purchase since that's why you were indecisive. I always get a little concerned when potential buyers worry about depreciation. Maybe you should go a different route especially when you hear Ferraris depreciate by the mile.

 

I'm located in Toronto. Well the local dealer told me that the F12 successor will most likely incorporate the KERS and that's what I've been hearing on the speculation. So technically that would be a semi-hydrid ala La Ferrari.

Yes I understand with the attention in a drop top, I mean I get a lot with my SLK 55 so I can only imagine how it would be with a drop top Ferrari. Sometimes I like it and sometimes I hate.

I agree that I should probably focus on a pre-owned 458 or F12 as I don't think I'll be a fan of the turbo.