2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

I have a 2009. I have owned it for 3 years and still love the car every time I get in to drive it. Pure joy.

It can bite, tons of power and light back end, be careful. Watch out for leaky shocks - crazy expensive.

 

I'm going toget one as well. Anything besides leaky shocks. I would also getthe clutch checkedto see how much life it has left. My 355 needed one after 10k.

 

After leaky shocks, the next biggest problem is too many chicks...

 

Check for leather shrinkage on dash in speedo hump area. Occasional reports on sticky buttons, but not for me.

 

Some 07s didn't have ceramic brakes.
I would prefer them given a choice.

 

Why downgrade? Ceramic brakes are expensive but lighter, more efficient and effective, don’t leave brake residues on your alloy and definitely look better as they won’t rust ...

 

Olivier- You misread his statement. He meant he would prefer CCMs.

 

Check out previous 599 buying threads

As far as maintenance is concerned dealer is all over the place - major service is engine in - what is regarded as the maintenance program only applies to first 7 years of new cars since about 2010 - depending on the exact age of the car it may qualify for the purchase of the official Ferrari warranty - service schedule is basically annual

 

The 599 is a fantastic car, I had a 2007 (actually manufactured in 2006) with CCM brakes and it was really impressive. I think it's currently extremely good value for money.

 

Hi

I purchased an 07 599GTB in October last year.

Have a full independent inspection by a specialist prior to agreeing the sale and purchase price. Need to know clutch and brake wear. Also look out for the battery life on the tyre pressure sensors. Mine had only 15 months left and I asked the dealer to change all four sensors which probably saved me £800.

Good Luck!!

 

As the owner of a 2008 599, let me offer some suggestions to you as assistance during your hunt for the perfect car.
1) Service History - it should be complete from day one, make sure that you have receipts and invoices for services completed on the car and that the services have been consistent with those outlined by Ferrari.
2) PPI - A Pre-Purchase Inspection is necessary regardless of the dealer and should be done by a shop totally familiar with Ferrari and not associated with the dealer. I went through 3 PPIs before I found my car for example. One of which revealed that the car was in need of $17,000 worth of work. That dealer was not willing to negotiate any of that so I walked. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it is...not true. Remember, the sales person is a used car sales person. The condition of the clutch is especially important and with only 8500 miles you should be looking at something in the range of 65% of the clutch remaining. The general rule of thumb on these clutches is that they should be replaced once they get down to around 20%. Excessive clutch wear on a car with 8500 miles is indicative of abuse - hard driving, constant use of the automatic mode, etc.
3) Options - There are some that are key on the 599 and their not being there may effect the resale value of the car. The most desirable options are (at least in my opinion): CCM brakes, 20" monolithic wheels, RPM indicator lights on the steering wheel, Daytona seats, and carbon fiber interior.
4) Window Sticker - FNA won't release a reproduced window sticker to someone who is not the owner of the vehicle.
5) Service - The routine annual service on a 599 is minimal in comparison to some other, older Ferraris in that the 599 uses timing chains and not belts which are subject to deterioration from heat. Just remember that this engine is a dry sump motor so that refilling it with oil (plus checking the oil level) is not as simple as simply pouring oil into the crankcase. Overfilling the oil is not uncommon and results in failures of the O2 sensors. Annual you'll want to change the oil regardless of miles and every other year, flush the brake fluid. You should be able to get the full list of required services from your local Ferrari dealer.
6) Interior - Look for wear on the seats, especially the outer bolster of the driver's seat. Others have spoke about dash shrinkage too. Sticky switches are not uncommon in 2007 models, they should be replaced as part of the purchase agreement.
7) CarFax - What does it say about the car you're looking at? Any discrepancies or inconsistencies?
8) Tools, Battery Charger, Manuals, Key & Radio Codes, cover, pouch for manual - make sure these items are with the car

OK CB427, hope this information is helpful to you and good luck with your search. It's worth it as a 599 is a pleasure to drive and totally effortless. Respect it and you'll always have a smile on your face.

 

I just replaced the radiator in mine at 10,000 miles because it was leaking at where the core is seamed to the header tanks. From what I have heard, this is a common problem in this aluminum radiator. Fortunately I was able to do the work myself and the total cost was under $3000.00 and about 12 hours labor, compared to $10 to $15K from a dealer.

 

If the radiator costs USD 3000 and takes 12 hours labor but the dealer cost is $ 15 k your dealer is charging a thousand bucks an hour !

 

Plus tax?

 

I priced the radiator at several US dealers and I got prices anywhere from $5000.00 to $7,800.00. I ordered it from Scuderia parts in the UK and with tax, duties and shipping it was $2740.00 but it took about 5 weeks to get it. Also the coolant was around $125.00. The mark up Scottsdale Ferrari and San Francisco Ferrari has is outrageous. I did the job in 12 hours or so but the dealer will also want to sell you a new oil change, evac and recharge the A/C ( I just moved the condenser aside) and I'm sure a bunch of other things that may not be necessary for that job.

 

Is there no way to repair these units? Are they all aluminum or a mix of metal and composite?

 

These are all aluminum and I don't believe there is a reliable way to repair an aluminum radiator. I have tour buses that have aluminum radiators and I have had a shop attempt a repair before and it has not worked. I am hoping the new one lasts longer than the original.

 

I would also add in to take extra care to observe the TFT screens. If you see anything slightly amiss, you will want to build in some form of credit for their likely soon replacement. The components get very warm and they don't get good airflow. I had mine go bad, we found a place that could rebuild it, I forget the cost, but I remember the cost of a new unit- its the entire displays unit including the tach I believe- the cost of a new one was very expensive.

Also have a look at the radio cover, it should stay closed and a press should open it. If it fails you have to buy a whole new radio cover assembly. Or at least that's how it was.

As far as the car goes, you're making a good choice. The 599 is great. Put a set of Michelin Pilot Supersports on it, they will improve the handling, especially grip, and also improve the ride.

 

Re radio cover, known for breaking easily if "misused" are now repairable with a repair kit.

 

TFT Screen, it will happen eventually, tie rod ends, that has been about it on mine.
I have about 31,000 Km. Always dealer serviced, except for the TFT which being done by an independent.
Great car

 

Thanks for the updates. I loved mine. It sure is a great car, and these days, its a great- and you might even call it "a tremendous" - value. Ferrari's glorious V12, deprived from the Enzo. Wow. I can hear the intake sound and then exhaust in my mind right now. I only sold mine to make room for an F12 which is just more in every way, but doesn't detract from the really fantastic car the 599 is.

 

Could you give us more details and where we can get the Repair Kit for the Radio cover? Thanks

 

It was on a thread on here I believe. From memory it was a Ferrari part number.
I can't find it at the moment.
Rgds
Phil