Advice on whether to buy a 599 with an Expensive Repair History

Hi

In 2015 i bought a 599 GTB witch got a new engine and new brakes, both done in warranty (so they told me).
Great car, but about 5 years and 15.000 Km later the engine had a problem with fluid gasket material in front of the oil pump - heads got big damages, complete engine rebuild necessary.
Fault was caused by the mechanics (from a large italian Ferrari dealer) who changed the engine or components of the engine.
So i sold the car.

This was the point i got much more critical with used cars or other used things, much more i was before.
So for me, if used, as low milage as possible, as little work done at the car as possible.

The more people worked on a car, the more risk you have, someone done wrong something.

I would look for another one.
The replaced oil/water pump is "red alert" for me.
Why they changed it ?
When faulty, what happened when oil pressure was low or water temp was high ?


This is my opinion on my own experiences.
Possible that i'm wrong.

Daniel

 

For your first Ferrari I would say stay away from it unless you know a real good independent Ferrari mechanic or a nearby Ferrari dealer that you don't mind paying.

Whatever you do, get a PPI before handing over any money.

 

Too many good ones out there to take a chance on a marginal one unless you do all your own work and have all the tools and diagnostic software.

 

I bought my 599 about 10 years ago and did pretty much all the repairs on your list except for the exhaust … all of it done by specislists. So not exactly cheap but not as expensive as dealership …

 

I know I am in the minority here but that can show a well cared car that the dealer might have replaced things that could have been fixed and it need a full replacement..it wouldn't stop me from buying

Btw. Bad injectors could have caused the cats to burn out as well

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I would have her inspected - that she was repaired does not mean she was not well made. Could have been a careful, particular owner who kept things top notch. If after an inspection you have concerns, pass. Good luck - I got a 2008 599 for Christmas- and I love the car. Could not be happier. They are a hoot.


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All good after the repairs ..

 

If I were looking I'd look at this very seriously noting especially the comments from Cordero & odf911 - it could well have been a pampered car so for example how many miles overall & since mega service in 2019 - by then most 2008 cars are out of the dealer network so the bills are lower - if it ticks enough of your boxes (color/spec/budget etc) then ppi & get ready for summer driving

 

Welcome to the merry band of brothers !

I've had my 599 for 8 years now and had similar and more, in relation to the vehicle youre considering:
1) Clutch Failure replacement - $8K - STD
2) Dashboard Leather repair - $4,500 (I realize this is a good thing as the leather on the dashes shrink over time) - They do, the binnacles can also be repaired these days as well.
3) Replace Sticky Buttons - $7,500 (also a good thing) - STD
3) Replace Water/Oil Pump - $3K - Not Std, check why as above !
4) Replace Both front Shock units with lower ball joints + alignment - $10K - STD, i did my rears as well at the same time
5) Fix Leak of both right and left cover gaskets on engine - $2,500 - STD, had mine repainted at the same time.
6) Fuel Injector Failure - $2K - STD, had all mine refurbished and service LY
7) Replace Exhaust Manifold and Catalyst - $16K - Not STD, but i had replaced both of my back boxes.

I've also had:
New discs and Pads Calipers servided & done recently due to the mild steel bolts that hold the discs corroding and failing
Crank Sensors drilled and replaced as they get brittle at the back of the engine due to heat.sink
Parking sensors, they seem to be consumables on mine for some reason !
Diff rebuild - I had a sloppy rear end
New wheels, cos they look better (GTO style)
F1 Actuator replaced with a new one, then had the old one uprated and refitted - i have a spare actuator now
F1 Pump replaced
Potentiometers replaced
Solenoids replaced - precautionary

My cars done approx 70k miles now, i'd rather buy a car with work had done on it, knowing what's been done than one that hasn't, but that's just my view, there are plenty of cas that have been sold and no one knows what's been done, or not, most are embarrassed to share i would suggest.

 

I have a 599 as well, and while not as extensive work as the one noted, Most everything i see on the list are known issues - and happen. I have a little oil seeping from cam seals as well... and need to do shocks this year. all of which are expensive. .... I'm in the camp as long as the work is done well - and if by a Ferrari dealer... then there is a warranty on the work... I'd go for it. I have about 39K miles on mine - bought it with 19k miles...

 

With all that work done, I would be more confident of purchase than another 599 without such repairs. The clutch is a consumable, the dash, sticky buttons snd shocks are a known failure point on all 599s. Water and oil pump replacement (at the same time while in there) is a good thing. All the work shows this car is ready to go.

 

I found a really nice 2007. I told the dealer what I would spend out the door with an agreed to PPI inspection. Accepted and they spent $25,000 fixing stuff that need servicing. Not big stuff but need a list of items to make the car right. 22,000 on the clock. These are great cars. Get advice and buy wisely.

 

A new clutch at 30k miles for me is a red flag. As stated here, many of the items are normal for the model. The oil and water pumps and clutch scream abuse.

I'd pass.

 

I changed the clutch of mine with less than 20k km. I bought the car with less than 7k km. Unless the previous owner did lots of L.C.s (I never did), it is probably a consequence of doing mostly city trips …

 

I have 47K on my car and still have about 50% clutch life. I'm going to have the shop read it again in March.

 

Buona fortuna!

 

Not necessarily a red flag, as using reverse on an incline will degrade the clutch much more than city driving. Replaced a new clutch and the flywheel after 3,500 miles when the official Ferrari dealer failed to properly install. Stuff happens. However, the clutch should las many miles if properly installed and used by the owner.