What Should I Look Out For When Buying an F12?

You are correct the paint issue around the rear vents are the main problems you hear about - I did not have any issues on mine (bought a 2014 about 4 months ago)... I think it is hit or miss on which years had the paint issues, there is a thread on it, and I think every year had some with issues. Also do not think we narrowed down a specific color, year, etc. that had/could get it.

Outside of that issue, the battery is probably the only other weak point (as with many F cars), but you can put in a more dependable aftermarket (and inexpensive interstate or other to solve that one) . It really comes down to options you want... Some of the main ones would be front/rear camera (helpful in parking), lift system is another good one to have...

Make sure you get all books, car cover, charger, etc.

Not much bad to say on the F12, pretty solid, and one of the best ferrari's you will ever have. I love mine!

 

Battery can be switched to Varta and it can last +2 years.
The paint issue is solved by having a PPF at least in the vent areas.
my biggest issue so far is when having driving it in the track is you WILL have the clutch cable sensor burn. i had it 3 times now although i never pushed the F12 to the limit same as my previous Audi r8 but i don't compare them i only observed that. once it burns i have a dash error for clutch heating and gears 1,3,5 only available.

 

how hard did you drive it on the track, and how do you feel it handled, under braking, rotation, and power thru the turns? did it feel "floaty" or softly sprung down the straights?

 

Tracked mine flat out, 4x 20 mins. Ferrari sessions at Silverstone GP circuit, it was great and I did not get overtaken, there were 25 or so other Ferrari's on track, but did use a full tank of fuel!
One other annoying issue is the back tail gate can fill with water, you can check this by listening when you open it, you can hear the water run fro the bottom to the top.
It gets in through the brake light fitting and is a fairly easy fix.
Mechanically the are pretty bullet proof.

 

I'm now considering a F12. The one I have my eye on had a bunch of options but no lift. How important is that? Not only functionally but for resale. Thank you.

 

check out this thread https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f12-led-wheel-and-lift-question.595096/ if you think its important to you others will to.

 

I also run a full tank and around 20 laps in 5.4km circuit.
the only issue i still have is the dealer instructed by Ferrari to not let the car runs abit hot (even though my temps in oil and coolant were never even near critical condition) i even have a cooling lap to cool the brakes every 3 hot laps. i have my other Ferrari club member who faces the exact issue of clutch cable sensor in his F12 which in our view is common with our 13/14 model F12s.

Now to answer your Q
Under braking: its strong and the car also has wonderful engine breaking which you will love even when driving in the city. you notice it when going near traffic lights and everyone around you brake before you at same speed a 100meters early
Rotation: Its an excellent in GT class and hard to be beaten by any other brand, you may seen Chris harris drift it but i couldn't cus i'm scared but only burnout or power sliding is easy
power thru the turns: it has too much trq that you will eventually have to modulate your throttle depending on each exit with higher gears but it goes like a rocket even @ 2500rpm and above
Floaty only felt when turning in yes its noticeable but not in terms of high speeds unless its medium uneven roads if little even its is not.
Softly sprung down the straights also yes i think its due to the helper spring settings in the car regardless if its in sport or racing mode or what ever the suspension mode in, cus its that way so it can be more comfortable as a road cruiser rather than circuit weapon which i don't think its the same thing with the TDF since its defiantly setted to be more for track

Its a fantastic car loven it and see it as a blend of true modern classic shape as well as interior bbut every exotic car will still have its own quirks

 

Anyone here have pics of the paint issues? It is so hard to tell it on the Internet sale ads.

 

Here you go, several pics...

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f12-paint-bubbling-poll.580373/page-3