... as in compared to a 456M GT? I have read some people say here that one should AT ALL COST avoid a 456 GT and always go for a 456M GT. Now where I live (Switzerland), that is a 30% to 50% price difference (between a 95 456 GT and the cheapest 456M). So, are they really so bad? I am looking for an everyday drive car. So realiability is a big issue for me. I would appreciate some first-hand experience. Thank you!
it depends on the maintenance and care it has received prior to you acquisition. the early series had some gotchas that cost the usual f prices to get fixed if they were not covered by warranty. even the M suffers from collapsable engine mounts rectified with 575 parts and usually required after 2 years if the car is not driven often or is badly transported. so if you can get full documentation and a dealer inspection you can save big money on buying a gt vs. an M otherwise go for an M and save more in the long run. they use a lot of gas - both of them!
Regardless of prior ownership and a perfect maintenance records, (if that exists) 456s are known to be problematic. If your budget is somewhat tight, personally I wouldn't consider ANY Ferrari for a daily driver. Why not consider some very basic CHEAP transportation for you daily commuting and use the Ferrari for when you can really drive without a clock!
This is nonsense. First of all, I have not heard of any significant differences between the 456GT and the 456M other than revised styling, updated motronic system, and remotes for locking/unlocking the doors (and I understand that the 97 456GTs have remotes and the updated motronic). Newer is generally better, and the last of any model is usually the best from a reliability point of view, but that is not a reason to be afraid of a 456GT. 456s had their share of teething problems when new, but are no worse than any other Ferrari, and better than many. I owned a 3.2 Mondial and it was much worse than my 456 from a quality and maintenance point of view. Get a good one, with the updates done (windows especially) and good maintenance records, do a thorough PPI, and you will be very happy. The 456 is a great daily driver, and an awesome car!