296 Newcomer, Need Advice

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and the brand. Just got word that my order will go from a preorder to "official" (not sure exactly what that means), but would be curious if anyone has any insights. Been browsing the forums and reading that it seems like lots of rattles on these cars. I've owned two McLarens, including my current 720S Spider and still have a 2015 Aston Vanquish, so I'm used to supercar issues, but I'm not looking for a step "down" in quality from those. I don't mind the occasional glitch, but curious about reliability from 296 owners. Any other pitfalls or advice?

All feedback is appreciated.
CM

 

Well, I am also waiting for my 296 GTS. I had Astons before and two McLaren (570S and a 650S Spider). My former Ferrari was a 488GTB. There the dashboard was making noises when the outside temp was 25° or more. BUT the issues I had with my 488 had been nothing compared to my McLaren nightmares. So if you can live with a 720S, which was significantly higher in problems than my 570S/650S, than I guess you should relax if waiting for a Ferrari.

 

Welcome: there's quite an extensive 'problems' thread here that may offer some answers as well as a couple of years of various experience threads

 

Perhaps I have been lucky, but I had very limited issues with my 570S prior to the current 720S, and the 720 Spider, which is a 2020 has been relatively trouble free. I've had a couple of leaks and some annoying "this was designed by the British" electronic issues, but I would say it has been a solid car. The Aston has been a great car. I was just saying I expect issues and am used to them on these cars, but I don't want to buy a car that strands me somewhere.

 

I think you only read stuff primarily from people with issues. The majority of people don’t have issues, therefore they don’t post. I had zero rattles on my 296.

 

I have certainly found that to be the case with the McLarens and McLaren life. Lots of people appear to have problems with the cars if you just read the forums vs. dig in. Precisely the reason I asked here.

 

So, there were a lot of problems with early 458's. Some where recalled for a possible fire issue with the wrong glue in the inner fenders. Some of the first year cars had transmission problems. There were several software updates. It was fairly commonly known at the time.

I don't know anyone that backed out from these known issues and there's been nothing even remotely like that being reported about the 296. It didn't hurt the ownership experience. Ferrari still had 2 year waiting list. I know. I was one of them.

Same for the Mac 12C, even worse with reliability issues. Even the infotainment system wasn't finished and the touch door latches were "questionable". Did Mac survive? Yep.

These are low production / high tech cars. There's always issues. In 99.9999999% of the cases it doesn't bother the owners or their experience of the cars. IMO, just enjoy the machine if you want one and can afford it.

 

Pretty sure the infotainment in my 720S might not be considered "finished". It felt like a quantum leap coming out of my 2017 570S though LOL.

 

I’d imagine you’ll find the quality and experience a step up from what you’re used to

 

Having both, I would 100% agree.

 

Would be interested to hear more about the two. Just got word that I am probably still a year out but going to place the order!

 

By way of background I’ve had 2 720s and a 765lt (also had a 12c and 650s back in the day). Got rid of my F8 spider for the 296 and I have been blown away. The power is on par with the 765lt but it is something you can daily (if you wanted).

To me the fit, finish and quality of Ferrari is always better than Mclaren. If you take a look at your 720s you may have noticed the lower panels behind the door and in front of the rear wheels bulge out. Typically There are also panel gaps all over the car. Up until very recently Mclaren had quality control problems. They changed management, reduced production and the newer cars have much better QC (starting in 2023).

Now in support of the 720s the performance and looks were better than the F8. The 720s looks like it is from another planet and people flock to it. This is purely subjective but the F8 was getting stale with the same design as the 458 and 488 (all of which I’ve owned). The 296 is a fresh design and people love the curves of it. It gets as much attention as the 720s.

Comparing warranty problems my McLarens have been in the shop more than my Ferraris (not frequently). I’ve had AC compressor problems, window motor problems. That’s not a knock on Mclaren as I’ve had various warranty problems across all brands.

Hope that helps.

 

I am 450 miles in with my 296. I have a loose piece of trim on the dash, loose LED bar on the steering wheel, and trunk carpet is delaminating from its backing. The car is going into the dealer next week. Other than these relatively minor issues it’s fantastic ha.

 

I’ll add. My 765 has been flawless except for a weird brake noise caused by some loose bolts. 765 is the greatest non hyper car ever made. It should be $1mm IMHO. But the 296 equaling its performance while Giving a daily usable platform for similar (with a good spec) money or less money is amazing. Kudos to Ferrari.

 

I miss my 765lt!! When people ask what my favorite car has been, the answer is the 765lt.

 

Dynamically did you really find the 296 a huge step up from the F8 Spyder?… I was in Italy last week and rented one - was surprised how good it was having never driven one before (although the interior of course does look dated)… here in the UK they are holding their value well especially compared to 296 where GTBs you can potentially lose over +30% on resale

 

Yes, everything about it. Looks, power, exhaust sound, fresh design, etc. UK market is a mess for every car/model. F8 was a nice minor uograde from the 488. 296 takes it to another level.

 

I had the f8 for more than a year, I also did the corso pilota sport with the f8 and then the advanced with the 296...... two different planets, I must say that for me the F8, perhaps because it's a car I know good, it was more intuitive on the limit but also slower, a few laps done with the 296 I was already faster, but not only me but also all my classmates.......
aesthetically the f8 has a lot of grit, the 296 I had to configure it aggressively so that it would fully convince me

 

296 different planet to F8. Especially spider. If you loved F8 the 296 is going to leave you thrilled

 

Agreed, finally had the opportunity to spend a full day with a friend's 296. Just crazy fast, incredibly responsive, and certainly lives up to the "fun to drive" marketing pitch. I prefer not to name other models in comparison, but suffice to say I've owned or driven all of the new models released over the past 10 years, and the 296 is on a different level of performance. Very happy that I have one coming (GTS).

 

I drove the GTS Asetto Fiorano demo car this weekend at the dealership. It was a bit tightly sprung for my taste in a street car (I have a dedicated Porsche race car, so I don't need a track car) and I live in the Midwest where we have potholes the size of a Ferrari. That being said, I thought the car was amazing and find it beautiful. Placed my order and finalizing my spec as I write this. It's different than my 720S, which I also find to be an amazing car. I didn't have enough time driving to say if it's "on another level", but it's certainly noticeably quicker without feeling like the car is "too much" for the streets. I look forward to actually taking delivery, whenever that happens (I'm told a year or so...).
One thing I can say seems much different is the ownership experience. I already feel like I have been treated like I'm buying something "special" vs. the McLaren experience which honestly has felt like I'm taken for granted, even as a repeat buyer.

 

this is great feedback - I only had a few days in the F8 Spyder on the roads around Modena/ Maranello so not really enough for a an accurate comparison but definitely felt like a capable car if not as modern and exciting as my 296.

Was thinking of doing the Corsa Piloti Sport this year with the 296s they currently using. What are your thoughts on this. It’s about 14k Euros here in Europe so just trying to figure out if it’s value for money vs all the other advanced / track driving courses out there?

Is it predominantly track focused? And car specific? Ie handling techniques and tips focused on the 296 that other instructors might not have knowledge of? What was most valuable for you?

 

I did the first 3.5 years ago here in Miami at the Concourse club , best experience of my life , so I did again ...and I ended up training with private instructor on 488 evo challenge in Italy at Cremona and Mugello circuit .
Everything is on the instructor (excellent experience or so so ) ........ I suppose you are Italian so ask for Riky Agostini or Michele Gasparini ............ the two best instructor .

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am UK based so closest option is Italy