I am curious for some more info on the plusses and minusses of 412 ownership. I don't know anything about the model although remember seeing several growing up. Is there a site that can give me a good intro and background to the car outside from F-chat? I understand that there are not that many in the US. Where does it fall in comfort, driveability, and issues against the MB and BMW luxury sedans? What are the typical maint. costs? Didn't get good beginner's info from a search of this site. Please point me in the right direction or share some of your thoughts. Thanks. Robb
Great to see you're interested in the 365/400/412 series of cars. A nice 412 will cost you well into serious money so invest 1 or 2 hours of your time and read every thread in this forum. Most guys say they will but if you actually do it, you'll know more about this series of cars than 99% of the people on Fchat and get every one of your questions answered. It only takes an hour or two and is a very interesting read.
Personally, I want a 412 as well. While I would prefer a 5 speed, a manual isn't that bad...it's a luxury cruiser after all -- that way my wife could drive it. Is a 412 THAT much more money than a 400? I rarely see 412's for sale.
Current FML asking price guide lists the following: 365 GT4 2+2 = $34981 400 = $19608 400i = $22650 412 = $34747
Keep in mind I know nothing about this series of cars...why is a 365 worth as much as a 412? With 308s, the QV seems to be worth more than the older versions, so why is that not the case with this series? Which is considered the most desireable of the series and why? I just assumed the 412...
Boyd, while I respect your right to post here I think you need to be carful posting stuff like this for a new guy without explaining it. The figure for a 400i is for an AUTO and doesn't show the $5k - $7k premium that 5-speeds bring. ...and I've always thought FML was low on this series. As you know I track them and I can't see how he gets to an average of 22. That would mean there were quite a few below 22k and that just isn't accurate information. Cavalino's is definetly more accurate in this case. They show a low in the 20's and a high in the high 40's
Although from the same series these are 2 very different cars. 365 has carbs, 412 is injected wth ABS brakes. They were made almost a decade apart. Think vintage vs modern
Dave, Thanks for your thoughts. Looks like a very interesting car. I will brush up on the series by going door to door on the posts. Robb
Rob, please do your home work. I enjoy my car more than any modern auto I have ever owned, however, like any piece of machinery the longer it sits unused the more problems you face. When or if you do decide to buy, buy the best you can afford and drive it. Remember vintage cars will always be a love/hate relationship.
btw, the FML specifically states that the 'asking price index' is NOT to be used as a reliable guide to actual selling prices. Better to check somewhere else, such as Cavallino mag.
