456 GTA, good car?

There are several different threads that deal with the 456 GT and A in particular.
In theory everything can be fixed: it is just a matter of money.
The windows can be fixed effectively, but you will have to find someone who has done it before and knows what he is doing.
You may get a leaking shock, but fixing them is no big deal.
Leaking valve guides can be a big deal and it is something you need to keep in the back of your mind.
The transmission should not be a problem as long as it does not get abused.
If it needs to be rebuilt though, it is going to cost you, as it was developed for Ferrari, it shares the housing with the differential and not too many mechanics will be willing to work on it.
They will try to convince you to replace it completely, which would cost a bundle, but in actual fact, it can be rebuilt like any other automatic transmission: you just don't get it serviced by AAMCO and the likes.
If you check some of the other threads you will find a member who has logged more than 100,000 miles on his 456, so he should be an authority on reliability of Ferrari.

 

You might want to consider purchasing a 456M. Numerous improvements and not much more expensive.

 

this is ONE wise statement ! the "m" had almost all the glitches worked out..only the valve guides remained an issue... and my car had that done at ferrari for 15000$ ! along with a mjor service at the same time.. so... it is for sale..99' with 16k, red/tan... gta "m" ... for only 70 000$....a steal !

 

M changed the firing order, went from solid to hydraulic valves, new controllers, grille and front lights, but went to auto trans mostly. Define "expensive to fix" It fixes like a $250,000 car, even it you get one for $100k