Buying a used 456 for the first time

1. Not in my opinion, I would say the two are about equivalent. One big advantage that the 456M and the 97 456GT share is OBD-II, which allows independent shops to read the codes.

2. Matter of opinion, I suppose. I would agree with the description "gentleman's Ferrari" but not necessarily because of the ride. It is a little softer than the 550.

3. As far as I know, FNA is not doing the window fixes for free. It's a significant fix, and there are a variety of opinions as to it's effectiveness. Mine works very well. At this point, you probably can't get it done at all, so I'd try to find a car with the fix already done, which shouldn't be hard.

4. Can't help on this one.

 

As the proud new owner of a used 2001 456 M GTA I am in the unique position to offer some insight.

My car was a one owner always dealer maintained car that was originally used by Ferrari North America as a show car so to my knowledge it has had a really good service history.

The car arrived in great shape with the PPI only reflecting the need for brake pads and motor mounts. Not too bad one might say, but even that MINOR amount of work was over $2100.

IMHO the Modifcata models seem to have a better fit and finish, and feel a little more modern then the older cars, I have not heard of the pre M cars to be better.

My understanding is that bad valve guides have been a problem as long as these cars have been around, so have automatic transmission problems, leather dash shrinkage, poor electrical systems and of course the famous windows that have gaps.

The best advice that I would give is do as much research as you can on the car that you want to buy the more you know the better off you will be.

When I bought my car I thought it would be a daily driver, now I realize that it will not, even though I LOVE the sound, the ride and the overall Ferrari experience, the people that I have spoken with said that if even though I can afford the car, insurance and maintenance I cannot afford to have it break…

Feel free to ask any questions and I will be happy to try and reply.

Sam

 

A number of older threads in this 456 specific forum with much useful information. Just take some time to scroll back and look at the titles or do a forum search on 456...but there will be many hits.

 

As a longtime Ferrari owner, I can tell you it will break whether you drive it or not. So you might as well drive it. IMO, the 456 is a fantastic daily driver.

Arguably, it may actually break less if you drive it a lot. That seems to be a common experience.

 

just bought a 2001 456mgt with full service history and only 3500km on the clock. i plan to use it as a daily driver and have already done an extensive road trip through italy in it, without a hitch. BUT do your research and be patient. i looked for 6 months and saw abotu a dozen before writing the check, and i dont regret that at all.

 

The one I recently purchased was a well driven 3 owner car (I'm the 4th), 12K miles and nicely pampered. Still it had some issues, they all seem to. Question is, can you find one that has fewer issues?

1. I do believe the M is the only way to go, and most people won't have the guts to tell you, but the Auto is just a poor excuse for a transmission. The 6 spd is the best way to enjoy this car. The M's interior is way more beautiful and satisfying, the enlarged front grill is so needed to keep things cool, the fixed rear splitter is so superior, the list is long.

Wish I could figure out how to attach a picture, as I have a few great shots I'd like to post. Help here appreciated. . .

2. Ride is all about balance, and this car is exceptional for a big heavy Ferrari. Tire sensitive, like most real cars. I'm not happy with the Goodyear Eagle F1's, but I'll use them up and go to something else. They are just tires, after all. Compared to a 512, 355, 360, or virtually any old Ferrari, the ride is great, the handling far superior, IMHO. Most recently I drove a 575 M F1 pretty extensively, and I prefer my 456 GT M.

3. The windows are destined to always be an issue. Seems the "fixes" (after the basic auto-open/close mechanism added to pre-M's but standard on all M's) are somewhat temporary as the problem is forever - a huge piece of compound curved glass. Part of the car, don't let it stop you - minor in the scheme of things. Again, buy an M in good condition.

4. Not mine.

It does matter how you buy the car. The premium charged by dealers is probably not worth it with these older cars. Be satisfied with your choice of seller, be careful about the records and always, always have the car checked out by an authorized Ferrari shop.

Good luck and get one sooner than later.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing so worthwhile doing as simply messing about in Ferraris.

(OK so it is a plagarized quote!)

 

Another item to look out for is the shocks. They have a tendency to leak if the car sits all the time. 6 speed is the way to go.

 

I agree with everything so far, I've had mine since Oct 06 and cannot fault it. There is the odd electrical problem - like when the left indicator started to flash double speed ?? Has never happened again though. Sometimes the left indicator doesn't work at all, seems to be a loose connection between bulb and holder!?!

I have a small gap (1-2mm) at the rear of drivers window, you'll find pics of this in another thread.

Mine uses a bit of oil, not much, doesn't smoke or anything though, so not worried about valves.

Handing is great on the Michelin Pilot Sports. The ride is somewhat harsh at times on the crappy roads round where I live, in Sport mode it's noticably firmer.

Did a long trip to France a few months ago (mostly in the rain) with no problems at all.

This is one massively fast car, you'll be doing silly speeds before you know it :O You've go to get an M as it will have traction control - this has saved me a few times! And definitely get the manual. They mad fewer MGTs than MGTAs, but I'm sure you find one. Good luck.

 

You just know Toad would have driven a 456! Of course, by now he'd be on to a 612 and left the 456 on the side of the road somewhere, for Rat to go and get.

 

This will be one of the best things that you can do for yourself. I was driving mine today and loving it. The Ms are the way to go from a styling standpoint IMO. I especially prefer the interior on the M. The 6 spd is also my choice.

Mine is a 2001 and doesn't have a problem with the windows but I realize a problem may develop. In general the Ms windows are OK. Certainly fron 2001 on. The valve guides are something else. Again, prior to 2001 is a question mark. Get a later car and get better windows and guides (I hope).

Regardless, the cars are magnificent. Up until the arrival of the 612 and the Bentley these were the finest GTs the world had ever seen.

They still aren't bad, just fantastic value. As always, get the best you can.

 

please pardon my lack of knowledge as a strad owner... was thinking of a 456 for my wife, would have to be auto. it seems like late 456 prices almost reach early 575 F1 prices. does it make more sense to just get her a 575?

TIA

 

depends on whether you need the extra seats or not

 

2001 456M GTA owner. I bought my car with 7,500 miles and I am the 3rd owner. The car is a pleasure to own. If you want to have the thrill of driving a Ferrari and taking more than 2 passengers in it , then this is the car. Plus I like the looks of it. I also agree that 2001 M models and newer are the way to go.
The value you get for a car that originally sold for $240,000 is remarkable in auto sales circles these days. You have to research, research and then do more research on the car you are getting. Talk to the previous owner/s if possible and ALWAYS get a Ferrari mechanic PPI. There are several for sale now so pick a good one with options. For example, if you find one with Tubi exhaust and good wheels that you like, I would consider that one because those are upgrades that you will probably do in a few months anyway. It's inevitable that you will start to pamper your F car, so you might as well get it done on someone else's dime. factor that into the price.
Don't limit yourself to So Cal. The weather is good there so the cars are driven alot and maybe harder there. Try the East coast too. Shipping is reasonable and you may get the dealer to throw the cost in. You can PPI the car anywhere there is a shop. Don't sweat the windows just make sure you have them checked out. Remember cash is king again now. Lots of people are selling. Good luck and get the one you want auto or not.

 

we don't need a back seat, so you advise 575?

 

i think if you dont need the back seat, that the 575 will be just a little more sporting, a little better at holding value (now that they are around the $120k area), and are just a bit cooler than the 456m. i have one and i love it, but if i didnt need (at least one) 4 seater fcar, i would be getting a 575 (or more likely a 550 since they are better in some ways).

 

imo, for a 456 . . . stick with getting a 6-speed. I dont like the auto transmisson on the car. It doesnt ride smooth enough and if u ever had to replace it (which is a constant problem with the 456), it can be a serious dent in ur wallet especially when there is no warrenty.

 

Your total depreciation will be far less with a 456 than a 599. I'm selling my 5-speed 9,500 mile 456 for $45k and it will likely never be worth less than $35k (minivan money). A 550 for $100k could easily be worth $50k someday. To some, the 550 looks a bit like a Camaro. I prefer the timeless looks of the 456 and the utility of easily throwing a couple of bags in the back for a weekend away.

 

first, you should have seen that i already own a 456mgt, so its not like i hate the car. secondly, i think the depreciation of both the 456m and the 550 is nearly over, with maybe another 10-20% to go. the 575 easily can fall to 550 prices since it is only worth more to people who crave the f1 gearbox.

all i was trying to say in that post is that unless you absolutely need 4 seats, you would be better off with a 550. and i maintain tha opinion.

 

575's are in the $120k range?

 

admittedly that is the low end of the range, but i have seen non-fhc fitted 575's with some miles on them at that kind of price. but local markets vary of course.

 

456M is the way to go for a family requirment. my wife drives it all the time. we have an auto box. which suits here style of driving. i would prefer a manual tough.
the choice is purely personal.
the ride is perfect..
any softer it would wollow
any harder it would crash

all ferrari's are going to have niggles esp electrical..
but i am sure you grow to love it as there is nothing out there with such sublime styling and performance.
if you can do it....do it

 

I love the 456 look. It will be beautiful in 50 years.

I was at the track with mine on Monday. INCREDIBLE ! ! ! She would run with GT3s until the tires got too hot (6 laps) then the lotus Exige Ss could catch me. Still, really incredible for a car like that.

You may want a 550 or 575. For me, it's the 2001 456MGT Silver/Sabbia.


PS. I don't think I'll want to take her out that hard again. The tires are destroyed really quickly. I want perfect tires on a perfect GT for a perfect ride. I'm looking for a bona fide track car.

 

bought a set of rims specifically for tracking and decided it would not be fun: 456 seemed a bit heavy in cornering.

So, have rims up for sale on ads

what tires did you use? Stock Rims? what inflation and I guess you put on full hard, suspension?

 

Thats my attitude too! Life is too short.