1995 456GT purchase check list

I have a 1999, but a lot is similar.
Check that the large coolant hose under the inlet manifold has been changed, they have been known to let go. Also the motor mounts when sagging too much will crunch the oil sender, I think, and when the engine drops at speed, your oil will pump out onto the road, very quickly. The rear self leveling shocks can leak and will cost 1800 dollars. Ferrari , and my mechanic says to change the timing belts every 5 years or 30,000 miles, this is very important.
To make sure these and all of the usual things are evaluated, you must hire a person who is competent with the model who will spend several hours with the car so that you will know what you are up against. I have probably left something out, the windows, any where from 6 to 7 hundred to several thousand to fix.
Get a pre purchase inspection and you will sleep easier.
Winston

 

95 was the first year and the 456s have the most TSBs issued of any ferrari to date. Find a tech near you and ask to go through the major stuff. I wouldn't expect to pay 65, drive it 10k and sell for the same, unless *maybe* the car had a major just done.

--Dan

 

Maybe there was an LED there for a retro fit alarm?

Re the value, I had a conversation with an owner of a 95/96 456 GT and he was told that the value of the car today was LESS than the predicted value next year. I dont know how they work this out, but it was using figures provided by a prospective finance provider.

Best of luck with the search.

Jamie

 

I would make sure it has books and tools. When it was new, it should have had fitted luggage as well, although most 456s have been separated from their luggage by now.

Dash (and rear parcel tray) shrinkage is pretty normal-- I doubt you will find a car which doesn't have at least a small amount of that. Also, bubbling or waviness in the climate control is very normal. Mine doesn't have it, but according to the service records it was replaced something like 5 times under warranty!

Speaking of which, service records are important as well. As has already been pointed out, the major service should be done every 5 years or 30,000 miles.

On the subject of depreciation, yes, I think if the car is decent you could probably drive it for a year and sell it again for $60-65k. My non-expert opinion is that worst case for a decent car would be high 50s.

 

The windows are the major problem on that car. As I understand it, there was never really a good fix for the problem. They tried but many customers were never satisfied. Drive the car on the highway and see if you can handle the noise. I'd just get a maserati with 800 miles and a warranty at that price.

 

The hole next to the ignition is the inlet for the A/C temp sensor. Often times people unfamilar with the car stick the key in the grill of the cover and after a few times it looks like a hole. Cost is about 7.00 USD to buy a new cover.

MB

 

I do get a little bit of wind noise, but no leaking at all (and I do drive my car in the rain).

However, taking a test drive is always a good idea.