Buy F12 or 488 or wait?

Congratulations !

From what you describe , I would get 458 spider, this way you get the best of all worlds, naturally aspirated engin that sounds much better than turbo 488, handling, design and open air fun.

If you by at the right price, I expect 458 to hold its value and you won't loose much moving forward..

It's more fun than F12 on the track and will give you a super car look and feel vs more Gt looking F12.

Good luck to you ..

 

I hate to ask your age, but I think that's a factor as to which car might suit you better.

Also next F12, the 'M' or whatever it will be called, due 2017, is n/a

 

Yes, probably the last n/a of a family line !

 

The mid engine V8 will be more of a sports car/ you will feel instantly connected. More fun to blast down a twisty road. The V8s tend to be a bit more friendly as they approach the limit of grip. The V8s tend to depreciate a little bit less (starting prices tend to be lower and more first time buyers think of them as what a Ferrari should be).

The V12 will be more of a GT car that- while connected compared to most there cars- will be better suited to longer trips and unleashing that power on straight roads. The V12s tend to become more handfuls as they approach the limits of grip. The V12s tend to depreciate a bit quicker (higher starting prices and even though that is the historical link to Ferrari's greatness, many (incorrectly) think the mid engine cars are more special (they are both special)).

Don't get me wrong, the V8s are pretty comfortable and the V12s handle great, but in general that is their respective personalities. Im giving you broad rules of thumb, you can easily find exceptions.

One other thing, I find the open cars exhibit a solid amount of chassis flex. I'm not sure how much that will bother you. I think the spiders are a little bit easier to sell if that matters to you.

Bottom line is which one is right for you?

 

You probably cannot get a new 488 for a year. You will probably lose a hundred k on depreciation of a new F12 in a year.

Therefore, it seems your options are a used 458 or F12 today. I'd drive them both and decide which best fits your desire of weekend fun. I would not wait as the enjoyment can start now!

Either decision will be excellent as you'll be driving a Ferrari.

 

V12 ferraris with exhaust opened up, nothing compares IMO...heavenly

People saying v12's are more gt cars, well, it depends how you drive.

I'm a hoon in my FF, ass end out with esc off whenever I want, doesnt that go from gt to supercar? All depends on the driver, any driver can make a car into something more than it is

They are highly capable on the track and through the mountains/canyons/backroads,

 

Here's one way to perhaps refine and clarify the choice.

F12 vs 488 Spider

Of course the best solution is to have both!

Thank you very much.

 

If you buy an f12 than it starts to take over the duties of the amg. You will probably end up selling the amg and be bitten by the Ferrari world full time.

A 458 or 488 would be a good compliment to the AMG for the weekend but may be a 1 or 2 year solution as you will always have one eye on something else. The cool thing about a 488 is you can spec it yourself. Something like a 458 speciale or a 488 spider maybe a better choice as long term weekend fun solution.

But the f12 is the only real solution.

 

I'd go with a previously owned car as your first F car, which gives you more instantaneous gratification as well as maximum optionality going forward. I'd buy it from a dealer to establish a relationship.

As to which one, that's totally a matter of taste. You can't go wrong with any of these choices. The F12 is more for those who prefer crushing levels of power wrapped in conservative dress (much like your SLK); the 458/488 is just going to make more of a head-turning "statement" rolling down the boulevard. I still do it myself whenever a 360/430/458 rolls past, especially if its a convertible!

Over the years I've evolved away from convertibles for weight/performance reasons, but I have to admit they still to grab attention in a way that others just don't -- I've just learned that I enjoy admiring others' more than I do owning them myself!

 

I think it does as your reaction tends to suggest. I always found, albeit as a generalisation, that the mid engined V8s tended to suit a younger crowd whereas the F12 was more of a Gents GT. As I said, successor is n/a so no need to worry about hybrid. Caeruleus sums it up well.

 

I'd drive both and see which one you like better.

You really cant go wrong with either, having said that, if you live somewhere you can indulge in the thunderous upper rev range of V12 often then I would definitely go for the F12.

There is no wrong choice here!

 

Not as impressed with the 488 Spider. I expected it to be better.
I'm a HUGE fan of the F12.
Go with the F12.

 

The F12 successor will not be a hybrid, turbo or anything of the sort. It will be a naturally aspirated V12.

Something to keep in mind is this. Both the 488 and F12 will get attention, but an open 488 will put you out there so to speak. This is not an experience for everyone. In the F12 you can hide more and be yourself. To me it's not an issue, but it may be to some and depending on where you live, the attention from the public in an open top Ferrari can be quite off-putting. Where are you located?

Seeing how you talk about not liking the turbos and the 488, I can't figure out why you consider it. Besides, a car like an F12 is only as grown up as the guy behind the wheel allows it to be.

 

Wait ... even if it's forever ... for the perfect car at the perfect price ... and then, garage it. Don't drive it for fear of depreciation. Just look at the engine!



You've done all the numbers research, but not driven the cars it seems? Do that #1.

My vote is 458 Spider. The V8 sounds great, feels great, the car looks amazing, and is great fun ... a classic car in the making. You already like the bumpy little SLK so this will be a better version of that.

With the 458 you get it all in one car. Plus you can track it occasionally.

Seeing the engine is not something that should matter, unless you want a garage queen.

 

pick up a high option used F12 . in a great color

 

I cant stand all those cheap either this or rather that questions. Why the heck dont you buy both if you can not decide?

 

Also a great idea. If you want the V12 experience, you have to get a V12.

 

That's what I did. No regrets whatsoever. Can't wait to get behind the wheel and drive it. F12 is easy and complex at the same time. It is a GT cruiser that can turn into a crazy beast in a second.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Why would you care what the replacement of the car that you are looking would be powered by? Anyway, now that you know its won't be a hybrid you can go ahead and purchase since that's why you were indecisive. I always get a little concerned when potential buyers worry about depreciation. Maybe you should go a different route especially when you hear Ferraris depreciate by the mile.