911 Turbo S to 599? | FerrariChat

911 Turbo S to 599?

Discussion in '612/599' started by targajoe, May 19, 2023.

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  1. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Hi all - Long time lurker and very rare poster. I am much more involved in the Porsche world. Don't know nearly as much about Ferrari outside of the fact that I have wanted one my whole life. And I really like the 599. I think it is a classic beauty and that V12 engine is glorious. I am maybe closer than ever to getting my first Ferrari. But have cold feet.

    Found a 2007 599 that appears to be well maintained. Car was checked out by mechanic today and it got a clean bill of health. New shocks were just installed. I will get more details tomorrow when I test drive the car but I was told the car looks good overall. Situation is this. I am sadly not wealthy. I have an old VW wagon as my daily and a 1999 Porsche Boxster and 2018 911 Turbo S as my fun cars. The Turbo S obviously being much closer in performance and function to the 599.

    Am I a fool to trade the Turbo S for the 599? I will keep the Boxster either way because I need to stay in the Porsche world. But I can't swing both the Turbo S and 599. I can only have one expensive (to me anyway) fun car. The 599 is a decade older, so a lot less technology. And I am sure likely to be at least a little less reliable and more expensive to maintain that the Turbo S. The car would be used for fun, going on rallies, road trips, and weekend drives. Stuff like that. Maybe 3 - 5 thousand miles per year. I am fine with $2K per year in maintenance with maybe something else larger popping up every few years. Is going from my 911 to the 599 like catching a falling knife? Or will the thrill of that V12 trump everything?

    I am comfortable maintaining the car but I don't want to be chasing check engine lights every week and having to drop $5K every six months on something. From what I have read a well maintained 599 is a solid car. But this is a huge leap for me. Please help me feel better. Or talk me out of it! Thank you!
     
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  2. LVP488

    LVP488 F1 Veteran

    Jan 21, 2017
    5,756
    France
    Go for it - the 599 is an all-time great, IMHO one of the best Ferrari ever made.
    As a 2007, does the one you're looking at have CCM brakes ? normally CCM brakes are not so much better than steel brakes, but on the 599 unfortunately the OEM steel discs (discontinued for MY 2008) were smaller than the CCM discs - which makes most of the difference.
    My experience is that the 599 is relatively reliable, the highest cost is in consumable if the car is tracked, but for road use it's reasonable.
     
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  3. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Thank you for your feedback. This car does have the carbon brakes.
     
  4. malcolmb

    malcolmb Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2002
    1,205
    San diego
    Full Name:
    Malcolm Barksdale
    I would make this trade in a heartbeat! I put 40,000 miles on my 599 and loved every mile. It is an iconic Ferrari. Only normal wear issues plus one oil line.
    Malcolm
     
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  5. brogenville

    brogenville Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 24, 2012
    2,224
    UK
    Full Name:
    Robin
    I think you need to do it. Much better than spending the rest of your life wondering whether you should have taken the chance to get into a Ferrari. It wont be as fast as your 911 tubby, and will give you more hassle from the attention you get from bystanders when compared with the pork, but as a "fun" car, I think it has more to offer.

    As stated above, they're generally tough machines, but they are more exotic in their construction. Where this will manifest in higher running costs in stuff like the solid rose joints in the wishbones, which you will eat through 10x faster than regular rubber bushes that are in every other car. But then you get to drive a car with solid suspension joints... and how often do you get to do that?
     
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  6. Da Butcher

    Da Butcher Karting

    Jan 9, 2018
    214
    Full Name:
    Jose Marie Alandy
    I've owned both a 2007 GTB (late 2006 construction) and a 2011 HGTE (which I still currently own with 27K+ miles).

    No question I'd switch to the Ferrari 599 (or an F12 if you prefer the double clutch tranny which the 991 Turbo S has) but only to the later 2010-2011 US 599 models with the factory HGTE option. They are superior in standard equipment (CF upper/lower dash/cabin, Recaro CF race seats, upgraded suspension and tranny TCU), options and value. Estimates range that only about 200 HGTE factory-optioned models were produced for the 599 model's final two years.

    BTW, I'm not certain if you know that the 599's engine is a detuned version of the same engine used in the exotic Ferrari Enzo.

    I used to own a 931S Turbo back in the early 80's but got tired of the straight-line speed capability with compromised handling and shoddy turbo reliability, although the 991 Turbo S model you own is an amazing car on its own. On the road though (at least in swanky Los Angeles areas), you'd probably run into dozens or 911 types before you'd see one 599 or an F12 which are considered as classic N/A V12 cars and relatively much rarer.
     
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  7. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    85,600
    Texas!
    Completely different cars in a good way. Just don’t expect Porsche build quality in a Ferrari.

    Buying a Ferrari is an irrational, maybe irresponsible, act. Why super rational people buy Ferraris cannot be explained. But when you get behind the wheel, you’ll understand.

    Engineers buy Porsches.

    Poets buy Ferraris.

    You owe it to yourself to go the Ferrari Way once in your life.

    Enjoy.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
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  8. kahrl

    kahrl Karting
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 19, 2009
    79
    Hudson, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Bob Kahrl
    The Porsche Turbo is a fantastic car. No doubt about it. A 12-cylinder Ferrari is a completely different kettle of fish. It's a GT car, not a racer. So It's going to feel different. Powerful and road hugging in a very different way than a rear-engine Porsche. I have a 612, and boy does it have power. Very high performance, but pretty lux also. Also, I have to say that the front-engine Ferrari's are constantly changing their appearance, and present exciting lines, not having the same general appearance as the 911's down through the years. I like to sit on my front porch and just admire my car in the driveway. I think you owe it to yourself to have the classic Ferrari 12-cylinder front-engine experience. Life is about having new adventures. New DIFFERENT adventures.
    I should add that in my seven years of owning a 612, I haven't spent much on maintenance or repairs or parts. It depends on how you drive. If you are going to go to track events, you will have to do an engine-out service every 3 years, plus brake and clutch replacements. But if you drive casually as I do, you can go 8 or ten years without the dreaded belt replacement. I went 10 years between belt replacements in my Testarossa, I drive 2500 or 3000 miles yearly.
     
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  9. 599_GTO

    599_GTO Karting

    Mar 7, 2018
    237
    Full Name:
    J.S.
    I would also do it in a heartbeat. Don’t expect all of the modern gadgets and feel of a very recent car. Expect something different EVERY time you get behind the wheel which is a feeling you would never get in any modern Porsche (or any other marque). You will be in love throughout your ownership. As Bob said, these things are as beautiful at a standstill as they are when driven with passion. I personally equate the 599 and 612 to the golden age of 911s i.e. the 993 series. Let us know how you get on and do please share the spec and colour combination. As Simon Kidston says, “Colours make cars”! Looking forward to welcoming you to the club.
     
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  10. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Thanks to all for your replies and encouragement. Mechanic looking over the car gave it a thumbs up, but convinced the seller to do a full service on it. So yesterday it got new oil, filters, brake fluid, etc. And fresh inspection. I am leaving in a little bit to take a closer look and take it out for a spin. I am leaning towards doing the deal if the car checks out and I can make the numbers work. If so, I will share all the details here!
     
  11. buddyg

    buddyg F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 20, 2004
    6,211
    Naples, FL
    Full Name:
    Buddy
    I own a 2021 Porsche 911 turbo S cab and while it is an awesome car it’s just another 911. Driving a Ferrari is an event a special event. I would do this deal in a heartbeat. I always wanted a Ferrari and now I’m on my 3rd one. Couldn’t be happier!
     
  12. Daytona86

    Daytona86 Rookie

    Oct 24, 2010
    43
    Showing up in a Ferrari, especially a Enzo based V12 gets you a lot of compliments. I have a very good friend here that has a 911 Turbo S. Both our cars are dark blue and both get lots of attention when we go somewhere to meet parking side by side. The difference is unless the gawkers are knowledgeable Porsche followers, they mistake the 911 for just another Porsche. The Ferrari is a horse of a different bread.
    My 599 is my third prancing horse and I have no regrets. They are not getting any less expensive too. Pick a good color and go for it.
     
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  13. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    So yup. It was an event :) Really enjoyed the 599 drive and it seems like a well spec'd and well maintained example. We have an agreement in principle and if all goes well, I could officially be a Ferrari owner by the end of next week. It felt strange and fantastic to type that! What everyone has been saying here I found to be true on the test drive. Car has decent records, and was just given a fresh service and state inspection yesterday. Clutch wear showed at just about 30% so it seems like it should have plenty of life left in it. Shocks were already replaced. It of course has the sticky buttons but that is not a deal breaker for me and I will likely address that at some point. That seems to be the only negative with the car.

    The car is a Black 2007 with just under 15K miles. Sadly the original window sticker is not with the car. I would love to find a way to obtain a copy. But in the meantime I do have a decent list of the options that came with the car. It probably goes without saying that this is a F1 paddle shift car. Other options include: Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Yellow calipers, Carbon Fiber Driving Zone, Carbon Fiber Lower Cabin Zone, Monolitic 20-inch wheels, Ferrari Shields, Full Electric Recaro Seats, Bose Stereo, iPod Connection, Battery Tender Prewire, Yellow Double Row Special Stitching, Space Saver Wheel Kit, Auto Dimming Rear view mirror. Car also has a Ferrari indoor car cover. I am not normally a fan of black cars, but this car in black with the yellow accents looks great to me. Fingers crossed everything works out. Trying not to get too excited until it is in my garage.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  14. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,071
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    Very nice. Hope it works out for you.
     
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  15. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 22, 2011
    23,507
    Miami
    I never drove a GT3. But if you have the chance to own a 599, do it! Very nice car (post #13).
     
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  16. LVP488

    LVP488 F1 Veteran

    Jan 21, 2017
    5,756
    France
    Looks very nice - black is hard to maintain looking clean, but it's worth the effort ;)
    When you get the car, you can register it on the Ferrari web site and normally after a few days you'll see all the original options of the car (unlike a window sticker, it will not give you a price though).
     
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  17. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 20, 2009
    8,140
    This is obviously a Ferrari fan club, but I've had a Turbo S before and I have a 599 that I bought new and have put 30,000 miles on myself. The Turbo S is an engineering marvel but it lacks a bit of soul. The 599 is a great car and the chief mechanic at the Ferrari dealer has informed me (knock on wood) that they are incredibly well built with few issues over the years. I had my shocks done once but other than that, fluid changes and tires. Life is just too short, enjoy the Ferrari experience while you can, stretch her legs often and change the tires every four years regardless of tread-life remaining.
     
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  18. Da Butcher

    Da Butcher Karting

    Jan 9, 2018
    214
    Full Name:
    Jose Marie Alandy
    Joe,

    If you can determine which Ferrari dealer originally sold this 599, provide them with the 599's VIN and resale documents. They should have a copy of the original sticker which may be reproducible in its original color as a courtesy to a new owner. Check the service books located in the trunk. Usually, the original Ferrari dealer stamps the book with their dealership nomenclature and address.

    Likewise if the person you're buying it from is the original owner, he should've have kept meticulous ownership and service records of the car (given how he's meticulously maintained this baby) and upon its resale should be transferred to you for historic safekeeping and posterity.

    Like the ubiquitous Patek Phillipe wristwatch advertisement, you "never" really own a Ferrari; you're just a "temporary caretaker" for it until it passes to another owner (hopefully your son or heirs).

    Enjoy it to the hilt!
     
  19. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate all the info and support here. Seems like a very welcoming group that I will hopefully become an official part of soon.
     
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  20. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    85,600
    Texas!
    Once you buy one, you become an official member of the Ferrari Pusherman Club. One drive and you're hooked.
     
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  21. MrF355

    MrF355 Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    495
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Kimi
    You will not regret purchasing a 599. Comfortable, fast, reliable and she is a looker. Add the fabspeed or fabio's straight pipes and you have an aural orchestra that few cars can match.
     
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  22. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Thanks again to everyone that has chimed in. If all goes well, I am going to pick up my new to me Ferrari 599 tonight! Fingers crossed. I have not been able to sleep the last couple of nights. The anticipation is killing me.
     
  23. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,071
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    Joe- Way to go. If this is your first V12, you are in for a treat. The 599 engine has about the same torque as a 7 liter Z06 and way more hp.
     
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  24. AhmetUz

    AhmetUz Karting

    Aug 11, 2022
    153
    Hello, I have owned a 599 gtb for about 3 years, I must say that every time I drive this car, I get the pleasure that I have never gotten from any other car before. I also had Porsche 911 which is 991.1 generation. For me 599 gtb one of the best modern Ferrari as well. Most logical people may not recommend going from a newer generation Porsche to the 599,
    but for true car enthusiasts, a v12 Ferrari is more special and high-end than any other Porsche or any car.
    What's more, as mentioned before, there is the legendary Enzo Ferrari engine with a slightly detuned version on 599 GTB and it makes more special that.
    In my own experience, I haven't encountered any serious issues other than a few minor age-related charges.
    Also, you shouldn't expect the handling of this car to be like new generation cars.
    It may be good for you to be aware of just having your remaining clutch measured before you buy it, other than that, you have already done an inspection and said that the vehicle is in a healthy condition.
    If all the conditions are right, I would definitely recommend selling your Porsche and owning a v12 Ferrari and you should feel the Bizzarini soul and V12 concert !!
    Have a nice day.
     
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  25. targajoe

    targajoe Karting

    Sep 26, 2010
    50
    Collegeville
    Full Name:
    Joe
    I did it! I sold the 911 and I am now the owner of a Ferrari 599 GTB. So excited. Now I can spend more time here and bug you all even more with questions :)
     
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