Should I worry about aftermarket speakers?

I would not worry about the speakers, hell it might even be a positive.

As for the above, the 456 does seem to get inordinate positive attention. Particularly from people who can identify the car. It is discreet. My working theory is that it is one of those Ferrari’s that occupies that particular space of “Man, I could actually go buy that particular modernish V12 Ferrari for a ‘cheap’ price tomorrow.” They (smartly) don’t so when they actually see one, several years later or whatever, they are like man that’s IT. That’s the only thing I can think. Valets LOVE the 456. It is approachable if that makes sense.

 

Whenever you buy a used Ferrari, assume it needs a full service of all filters, fluids, and belts. Just plan on doing it so you have a baseline.

 

Whats the current mileage? That low, itnwill need things, but would likely be worth the investment in refreshing the car

 

It's gotta feel right and make sense! Good luck. Hope you can find you it

 

With $5k annual budget you should be just fine with a well sorted car.

 

Gary is reliable. His shop did the first belt change on my 575M.

 

Gotta be extremely patient with Roselli.
Super nice guy but his backlog is impressive.
My 550 is still there and if you told me he has north of 125 cars in his two buildings I’d believe you.

 

I should add, since your very keen on a 550:

Read / learn / memorize this:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/niftyfivefiftys-guide-to-preparing-a-550-maranello-for-reliable-high-performance-daily-driving.656494/

Use it to make a checklist of all the key services and weak points a typical 550 needs. Not just belts but things like last motor mounts, last fuel redux, fuse panel, wheel bearings, cooling system, etc.

Then with any potential car, sit down with the records and see what/when was completed and figure out what may be needed before the next major.

I don't mean skim through, I mean literally starting with most recent, map/summarize out. All cars will need many of those areas gone through regardless now given age/time/known weak points.

IMHO every 550 (and 456 for that matter) need the cooling harness upgrade, an upgraded/not delaminated fuse panel (less/not as urgent if you have the cooling harness upgrade in place), and fuel system redux to remove the rubber parts that dissolve in the presence of EtOH. And that is beyond the usual checking for leaks/worn bushings/joints/rods/boots/etc.

Another way of saying it is this - if I was ever lucky enough to get a 550B (one of my dream cars), I would doing the following on it without a second thought:

- 575 engine mounts if not done in the last 8-10 years (thats how long they tend to last it)
- Cooling harness upgrade
- Guido fuse panel upgrade
- Full fuel system redux with upgraded fuel sender, all rubber removed
- COP conversion of the ignition system
- 575 fan shroud conversion (I live in a state that can get very, very hot during the summer)
​

And that is before we talk about "fun" upgrades like exhaust or overkill upgrade like brakes.

 

Easy
Fast
Cheap

You only get to pick two.

Great write-up @Auraraptor