looking for 456m gta

Check NaplesMotorsports.com they have a 2000 with 10k miles Black on Cuio...excellant condition for 90k can be bought for 5-8k less.

 

They are great drivers, however you need to look out for shocks that leak, it seem s to be a problem with this model. Service cost will be about the same as the 348.

 

No, the M was for a great many other changes. When you ask about improving the reliability of the trans I am not aware that there has ever been a legitimate question of its reliability. The only question that surrounds them is repairing them IF there is a problem.


And yes, leaking rear shocks and bad motor mounts are a problem.

 

There is a large number of threads on the subject of what to look for in the 456 as well as a Buyer's Guide on the internet somewhere. The history of the car's evolution an M series is also well covered by R&T road tests by Phil Hill and others.

I wont attempt to repeat the many wods on the subject of this great car but there is one shortfall that few mention - it has absolutely no storage space for anything other than the glove box and the trunk. So dont think for a minute that you can stash phones and coffee cups and all the usual crapola that 'Mericans drive around with. It does not concern me one iota but my wife always gets aggravated when she drives it that she cant put her stuff anywhere except on the back seat or the floow where it slides around. So as a daily commuter it requires discipline.

 

There is someone looking to sell a 1999 456 GTA on this forum: you two should be talking.....
Saluti

 

I know there are two nice 456M GTA`s at Wide worls right now. one black and one tan.

regards, Jim

 

I had a 456GT - check the fit of both door windows. Pre-M series cars had a big problem with the windows sealing properly at the B pillars. This was improved with the M cars but can still require adjusting which means alot of labour.

Check with a Ferrari main dealer on what work has been done on the car, anything involving the trans should see you running for the hills. Otherwise a big wad of work is reassuring.

Mine also had leaking rear shocks and the climate control never really worked despite several attempts by the dealer to fix it. Also corrosion on the door handles is a known problem.

As the car will be getting on a bit now I'd go for one that's done at least 5k miles/year, garage queens start to be a problem as they get older.

Just my 2 cents.

 

The problem with gathering all the threads on the subject, is is that when you add all the info up it is very easy to have the impression that 456's have many issues... when there are actually pretty reliable cars. For example, late 90's-early 2000's e320s have also engine mount problems, electronic problems, and roofs and windows prone to failure. Nevertheless, they are regarded as very good cars in general (I own one). So, basically, a 456 is pretty reliable and yes, repairs cost much more than in the Benz.

 

Ironic day for your post. While driving to check out a 456 GTA today, my 2001 E320 died in the middle of downtown lunchtime traffic (alternator). I wonder which is easier to push?

Guess I'll find out one day. Just goes to show. I'm beginning to think my Ferrari will be the reliable car.

 

I am so sorry...... that it what I mean, nobody questions that aside electronics and all kinds of nuisances, 320s are great cars. Measure by who? Every time I do the 5k service, there are a couple of things to be fixed, and the answer is always "yes, we know about those issues, but they are great cars!" I guess you got stranded by a great car. Get stranded by the 456 instead, at least is much more interesting.

 

I too have a 348 and am looking at a 456M GTA to use around as a daily driver as well. Took a few 456M GTAs' for a test drive and it is nice. Not as exciting to drive like the 348, but I like it a lot as it is more mellow of a car to take for long distance trips. Plus it has the power of a V12 in case you need it.

I asked master mechanic Dave Helms about what to look for and his answers appear below, as well as, a few things I've added. Hope this info helps.

The 456M is a wonderful car. Concerns:

Door window fit and operation. Look at the rear upper corner and make sure they fit very well. Windows have to be dead smooth in operation.

Temp. Make sure under every condition that the car will run no higher than mid gauge. A/C on, hot stop and go....

Make sure the valley coolant hoses have been changed at some point.

If Auto, make sure the shifts are flawless.

Make sure both seats move forward when the backs are tilted forward and have no play in them

Stick with the M cars

If auto, make sure prior service records indicate transmission fluid changes.

Watch out for leaking shocks.

Watch out for repainting. If rear quarter has to be painted for what ever reasons, that means roof must be repained as well.

 

FORZA magazine--"The Magazine About Ferrari", has in
its December issue a feature on the "modern" V-12's.
You may want to read the part devoted to the 456,
"Pace meets luxury".

You're looking for a 'M' GTA; mine is a 'M' GT. After
three-and-a-half years of ownership I attest to its
relative reliability and solid performance.

The paragraph in the article about the rubber
isolators for the in-tank fuel pump is accurate,
however, but this issue is minor, from experience.

Neal.

 

I have had my 95 456GT for 2 years. I have had absolutely no problems with it. The only issue is the window seals, other than that I am a very happy owner.

Maintenence costs are the same as my 85 308 was.

 

Make sure that you read the this thread regarding valve guides issues in later 456's models. Thread is developing as we speak. The issue is diagnosed towards end of thread.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127583