Hi all, first post from me. Im debating about replacing my RS3 and taking advantage of the much reduced price for an early FF (UK based). This would be a real step up for me, but a dream non the less, even if only for a couple of years. I love the FF, its 4WD and looks. Im happy with the running costs, but the thing thats putting me off is the thing that might break and that this could be eye wateringly expensive out of warranty. Have you guys and girls got any advice/ experience in these older FFs and potential issues?? Or should i play it safe and get a cheaper California? i tried to see if this had been asked before but couldnt see anything alex
I think it depends a lot on what you want If the FF is your dream, would you be happier with a non-FF even if it's cheaper? If a Ferrari in general is your dream, then it makes more sense to pick "as cheap" of a Ferrari as you want, but I think the word of the day is "budget" If you're at 150% of your budget you're having a bad day no matter what car you're in
My wife had one for 5 years and it was bullet proof. With that said, I have read about issues the 4wd system and some very, very expensive bills. Take it to Ferrari for a PPI. May be worth adding a drivetrain warranty. We sold it when she got her portofino and I regret it…should have kept it in the stable
There's a couple of long FF threads over at Pistonheads in the UK - might be worth finding & reading for more local content Also here there's a few useful threads relating to 'ff warranty' which a search in this section should bring up
Hi Alex, Calis aren't much cheaper than FFs in the UK and the FF is a far more capable car in every way than the Cali (with the exception of the Cali's folding roof) and much more of an event to drive. As greyboxer pointed out, there's a wealth of info on FChat which includes details about warranty issues etc. The Cali may not be at risk from PTU problems but the roof mech can be a whole PITA unto itself as well. The DCT box and brakes in both cars are the same so there's no repair cost difference there - and if you get a later FF (2013 onwards), you reduce the chance of suffering from brittle tie wrap related sensor failures which early FFs and pretty much all Calis are at risk from. My advice would be to have a contingency fund available the day you buy the car. Thereafter, put the £4k you would have spent on warranty each year into a slush fund. If something breaks, you have the cash available. If it doesn't, you'll come out ahead. I note that you're only planning to own the car for a couple of years but be warned, it may become a keeper so building up a slush fund makes sense for the long term. I simply divert £350 a month into a separate account which also makes it less painful than paying £4k in a lump for the warranty. If you're buying the car on finance then add the £350 a month contingency to your calculations. I've had my FF for nearly 4 years now. Extra repair costs in that time have have run to £5k (fuel pump and water pump - neither of which were covered by warranty). Running a warranty would have cost £16k over that time so I still have £11k in the bank for anything else which goes wrong. If the numbers above don't put you off then go for it. If they're a stretch then I'd respectfully suggest that running a Cali or an FF is not for you right now.
Hi Alex, UK owner of an FF as first Ferrari with absolutely no regrets. Mine is a 14 which I bought in Jan with 27k miles on it. The dealer (Joe Macari) very generously provided a full 1 year power warranty (Around £5K) with car but I did pay asking price as it was my ideal colour combo. My advice would be to get a warranty for the first year then save the amount thereafter as previously suggested. It will put your mind at rest during the early stages of ownership where you really want to focus on getting used to and enjoying the car at it's limits without worrying how about much a sporadic management light is going to cost to resolve. I have put around 2000 miles on it alreay, by far the best car i've ever had and by miles the most special. Good luck
The FF was my first Ferrari as well. Bought in Nov of 2020 with 4,400 miles on it. I'm at 9,760 miles now and have loved every one of them. I came from a MB G63 and couldn't be happier. The FF does it all!! You won't regret it. I sure haven't. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Alex. Nothing sounds like a NA Ferrari V12! Sound alone is worth the purchase. I agree with ANOpax. Warranty doesn't seem worth it. Two major risks are the PTU (seal leak) and DCT sensor failure. Both used to be very expensive. For the PTU there are now 'reasonable' alternatives to fix it e.g. SSautotech, Simon Furlonger. About $10k. DCT not sure on cheaper fixes to be honest but there could be info on the forum. If the car has a lift there are cheaper fixes for the seal if the lift fails. Other maintenance costs are similar to all Ferrari's. Get a good PPI or purchase CPO from the dealer and get them to throw in a warranty. Then enjoy!!
Hi everyone, thanks so much for your thoughts. So, news…… i got in my big boys pants and today put down the deposit!!! 2012 FF, 42k miles. Black with black alcantara trim and butt ton of carbon fibre. £83k cost, £23k deposit, £330 month, sell before 2 yrs is up. MOT and 6mths warranty included, i think £2k to extend to 2 yrs. Detailled and wheels changed to silver (black on black was a bit too much). Intention to keep for about 18mths, hopefully no major issues (and any that come up are under warranty), and hopefully holds most of its value and ill look after it accordingly. Its going to be my daily driver and only car so itll get used and not just in the garage. Probably not worth a main dealer serving but a well known specialist near me. So many fingers crossed nothing goes too wrong! No buyer remorse yet, but i am a little apprehensive!
This brittle tie wrap related sensor failure for the DCT...Is it the same as the speed sensor failure?
Yes. The speed sensor failure is caused by tie wraps becoming brittle and then chafing the speed sensor wire which leads to the loss of the speed sensor signal. The tie wraps were changed from about 2013 onwards for ones which don’t become brittle in the heat of the gearbox.
Congratulations! Hopefully within the coming months I can take that plunge as well. Looking forwards to seeing pictures!
There can be other reasons for the sensor failure in post 2012 DCT boxes (like a bad sensor) but the 458, Cali and FF sensor failures in the early DCT boxes were caused by brittle tie wraps. The Cali was particularly susceptible as Ferrari didn’t provide enough cooling to the DCT box. At the time, the DCT boxes were not officially serviceable so every sensor failure resulted in a gearbox swap which was eye wateringly expensive (30-35k) without a warranty. These days, the DCT box can be serviced and rebuilt for about 8k.
So, tomorrow is collection day!! managed to get a copy of the service history from ferrari - does this look about right to everyone? I think its worth getting a once over by a local specialist (Bob Haugton nr Oxford) just for peace of mind and an annual service as its been stationary nearly a year. Im still a little nervous about this whole PTU thing with ranges from its about 5% change to inevitable! Cant wait for the first drive Image Unavailable, Please Login
depending on where you live you need beefier tires because even the smallest pot holes will bend your rims and flatten ur tires
Second this. On my summers (PZ's) I managed 2 dead tyres due to potholes in the first 6 months of ownership (Surrey borders). Switched in the winter to Aplins and to be frank I'm loathed to switch back for the sake of a little extra dry performance. Well done and good luck [emoji1303] Image Unavailable, Please Login Sent from my J8110 using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Hahah Houston is bad, but man I feel like some of the holes I saw on the way from NJ to Manhattan could fit a small child! And then everyone has bumper protectors here! I would be so paranoid
Hey! Glad someone took the plunge on this one. The interior is fantastic IMO. The dealer rep seemed hot/cold but aren’t they all. I saw some issues with the condition -brake carrier bolts and scuffing on the alloys and rear deck. The strangest one was the mesh around the exhausts was shiny as if taken off and polished. what’s the inside scoop on these now you have the car? the PTU I would mentally pre book 8k at furlonger. Once done it’s a better fix imo. eurospares has the exhaust mesh for about 300 quid (I checked!) and the calliper bolts not much either. I wish I’d gone to see this car now - so in that respect I think you’ve got a good one. Well Done buddy
Just had to smile at your post. I have a G63 now and planning on making a move from that into an FF or GTC4Lusso.
