First Time Ferrari 456 buyer - Help on price needed

First off, ask what they're including in the "major service." The engine and drive train are generally not the big issues on these cars. You need to consider the cooling system for leaks, window gaps, motor mounts, leather shrinkage, sticky HVAC control surfaces, rear spoiler functioning, alarm siren operation, number of keys and fobs, including the red programming fob and other items. I'll let other members chime in.

 

Those numbers could maybe be improved using an independent service but you've given no location and its not even clear if you are talking dollars pounds euros or something else to facilitate more specific advice

 

Having 45k invested seems reasonable. My independent Ferrari mechanic in Naples, FL (quite a lot of Ferraris here so he has a lot of experience with Ferraris and they are at least 50% of what he does, not sure if the equivalent exists in St Louis) charges 12 hours of labor for a major, so including parts he is at about 2500-2800 (he replaces cam seals only if they are leaking) for a major, compared with 4000 at the dealer. So you will save by using a good independent. My car is a 550, so no there is no checking valve adjustment as with a 456 (I believe). I looked at a ton of cars before I bought (including 3 456s) so 45k is in the ballpark.
I would have another 10k in reserve for repairs at all times, because once you start actually driving the car a lot, things will wear out/break. Catalysts (big money), CELs, 02 sensors, ECUs (there are many in the car, and they aren't cheap), electrical issues, hoses, sticky parts, etc. F1 imports here in Naples can help you if the window regulators are bad.
Scott

 

It's all about condition, condition, and finally... condition.

Those are minor repairs and dollars sound "in the ballpark", if the rest of the car is sweet.

Those rear shocks are complicated (there is a thread here where an owner investigated failure) and Bilstien has made their rep, I'd go with new ones.

Welcome.....I think 456s are cool cars, too.

Modern V12 for $50k all in?
Good times.

 

Here is a good point, you DO want to make sure the Factory Recall on the windows was done on your VIN...It's rather a known weak point and getting the seal right is troublesome.
The dealer can check your VIN with Ferrari North America to confirm.
Good reason to use them to "get these minor things right".

The mounting of the regulator fails.....on a low miles example it may be fine..