New addition to stable- YR 2000 456M GTA | FerrariChat
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New addition to stable- YR 2000 456M GTA

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by asianbond, Mar 19, 2007.

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  1. asianbond

    asianbond Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,276
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #1 asianbond, Mar 19, 2007
    I gained all my knowledge about the 456 on this forum so figure it's right to provide some feedback.

    Was looking for a daily driver with auto transmission for my fiance and I. Always wanted the 456 because of its beautiful lines. Looked and test driven several 96,96,99, they all appeared quite "used" and loose. Was lucky to find this 2 owner 17,000km yr 2000 model for about 100k. Went with the newer and more expensive one because the car appeared and drove more as a newer car than the others.

    PPI showed the car had one leaky rear shocks, two slightly rusting fuel pipes (small ones connecting to rear fuel filter) and front control arm bushings looks a little out of shape. Will need to replace the rear shocks because the car rides quite hard now in the rear. Did not perform a compression test. Does not have window gap issue. Overall the undercarriage and engine itself looked very new and appeared correct for the mileage. Even the interior carpet still had the factory plastic on them.

    Driving impressions- was pleasantly suprised that the front end did not feel heavy and it turn in nice and tight, thought that was amazing given how massive and heavy the engine is. Most impressive was the steering feel, just the right amount of power assist. Brakes are great. Auto transmission always stayed in higher gear so typically cruise around under 2k rpm. It did not feel that fast on the low end, I need to drive it a bit more to use the powerband better. Car definitely needs a sport mode in tranny to keep car in lower gears. There is a sport mode but I believe that is solely for the suspension. The exhaust note is completely pathetic, doesn't even sound like a ferrari. Already ordered the stebro x pipe and mufflers, will provide review once installed. Sound system is very nice. Love the ergonomics. Everything within fingertips of driver position.

    I am completely impressed by the workmanship of the leather interior, especially the rear deck and seats. They are a work of art. I've visited the factory twice before and have seen first hand how they cut and stitched the leather so I know many human hours went into crafting those pieces and it shows.

    When new this was basically the most expensive car offered in Hong Kong (except for RR and Bentley) at about $340k, so this car is amazing value considering the original cost. A 100k can buy almost any very good new car these days, so it's astounding to consider that I believe I got a good deal spending 100k on a 7 year old used car.

    I highly recommend a 456 to anyone on the fence. Don't expect a perfect used one, you will have to put some work into it but once sorted it should be a very rewarding drive. I believe driving a 456 projects an image that you don't give a crap that it is an auto ferrari, four seater, expensive to maintain or huge depreciation, all that matters is that it is the best looking modern four seater GT tourer on the road. If you compare the designs of similiar cars in the same era (bmw 850, mercedes sl 500, jaguar xk or porsche 993/996), none of them are in the same league as the 456.

    I like to post some pics but my account limit is maxed, can someone post for me?
     
  2. asianbond

    asianbond Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
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    Chris
    #2 asianbond, Mar 21, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Here are the pics.
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  3. audihenry

    audihenry Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Mar 27, 2006
    662
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Henry
    #3 audihenry, Mar 21, 2007
    Beautiful car and color combination! Enjoy it!
     
  4. vlamgat

    vlamgat Formula Junior

    Jan 9, 2004
    776
    #4 vlamgat, Mar 23, 2007
    I have the same model and share your sentiments and reasons for buying. A couple of tips that may help:

    1) Leave the shift in 3 - it changes the responsiveness of the box and the car as its direct drive in all 3 low gears. 4th is an overdrive and you will probably note a two stage take-up of the TQ in 4th as it has a very slip ratio to permit its top speed with only 4 gears.

    2) Its hard to fill the tank completely full, so pateince there but it can be done.

    3) Make sure that all 4 screws needed to hold the side fairings of the headlights to the housing are still there. They are prone to unthread and when they do so, the remaining one will crack the thin plastic.

    4) Check your engine mounts periodically. The stock ones do fail prematurely and are placed with the 550 version which is muh more resilient.

    Enjoy the car, its quite the perfect unostentatious GT.
     
  5. h00kem

    h00kem Guest

    Dec 15, 2004
    734
    Texas
    #5 h00kem, Mar 23, 2007
    beautiful car but...did you know that the steering wheel is on the wrong side???
     
  6. Alex1015

    Alex1015 Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2005
    949
    USA
    #6 Alex1015, Mar 23, 2007
    Classic Ferrari beauty, enjoy and congrats!
     
  7. GCalo

    GCalo F1 Veteran

    Sep 15, 2004
    7,645
    Northern California
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    Greg Calo
    #7 GCalo, Mar 23, 2007
    That is a beauty but I hope you did get a good price since the steering wheel is on the "wrong" side of the car!!!
     
  8. oss117

    oss117 F1 Rookie

    Jan 26, 2006
    4,185
    Plantation, Florida
    Full Name:
    Alfredo
    #8 oss117, Mar 24, 2007
    The car looks immaculate and I love the color combination.
    Welcome to the 456 club: the best kept secret around....
    Enjoy!

    Ps: I also have a Stebro X pipe on order, but will keep the end mufflers for
    now, until I hear how the sound changes.
     
  9. asianbond

    asianbond Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,276
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    Chris
    #9 asianbond, Mar 24, 2007
    Thanks for compliments and tips. Will certainly try driving it in "3rd".

    The interesting thing about this car is how civilized it is to drive and how at times it doesn't even feel like a traditional ferrari (hot, loud, heavy steering, clunky shifter, etc), feels like a lexus at times.
     
  10. [355]

    [355] F1 Veteran

    Apr 10, 2006
    8,482
    Spacious tent
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    Harold Faltermeyer
    #10 [355], Mar 26, 2007
    ah no its on the 'right' side - literally!

    beautiful GT mate, would be a nice daily cruiser
     
  11. 250gtsc

    250gtsc Rookie

    Mar 23, 2007
    5
    Fulton, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Regan Poquette
    #11 250gtsc, Mar 26, 2007
    Hey! I'm new to the forum. Congratulations Chris! In my opinon, the 456gt is one of the best designs ever put out by Ferari! I would like to own one myself one day. Hopefully I car find one in Tour de France Blue. That's my favorite color! I'm glad to hear you put so much feedback on how the car drives, looks, and any problems that the 456gt might have had in the past. That will be helpful when making my decision.
    Do you own the 360 Challenge in the picture mext to your name?
     
  12. [355]

    [355] F1 Veteran

    Apr 10, 2006
    8,482
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    Harold Faltermeyer
    #12 [355], Mar 26, 2007
    hmm maybe not one of the best...but a nice simple design thats aged pretty well.

    definately needs some bigger rims to offset that bulky body though!
     
  13. asianbond

    asianbond Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,276
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    Chris
    #13 asianbond, Mar 28, 2007
    Yes, it's a 04 Challenge Stradale. I am a very lucky guy.
     
  14. robin's308

    robin's308 Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2006
    306
    Honolulu
    Full Name:
    John
    #14 robin's308, Mar 31, 2007
    the 456 is a very classy vehicle!! love yours:) i would take that or a 612 anyday:)
     
  15. asianbond

    asianbond Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,276
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    Chris
    #15 asianbond, Mar 31, 2007
    Same here. Saw a rossa corsa 612 the other day, it just looks huge and elongated. Does not work for me regardless of the price.
     
  16. KingD

    KingD Rookie

    Jan 14, 2007
    5
    Hong Kong
    #16 KingD, Apr 2, 2007
    where do you service your car besides italian motors and sps? i am looking for a personal mechanic
     
  17. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
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    Scott
    #17 synchro, Apr 2, 2007


    +1, looks outdated with small wheels
     
  18. AndyE

    AndyE Karting

    Jul 5, 2004
    161
    Gloucestershire
    #18 AndyE, Apr 2, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Nice car, love the colour combo. (Obviously the steering wheel is on the correct side).

    I've just found out that they eat batteries!!!
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  19. Modificata

    Modificata F1 Rookie

    Apr 27, 2003
    2,654
    Hampton, England
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    Andy Rasool
    #19 Modificata, May 31, 2007
    Just wanted to say beautiful car. How are u find it?
     
  20. whatsupofficer

    whatsupofficer Formula Junior

    May 25, 2007
    252
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Carlos
    #20 whatsupofficer, May 31, 2007
    You are styling now. Wecome to the 456 club. i just got my 2001 with 7500 miles. I also agee with you it seems like such a bargain at around 100k US.

    Ditto on the classy-not-in-your-face ferrari look. I am upgrading tires and rims this summer. I am looking at 18 or 19 inch HRE's I don't want to change the exhaust sound on mine for now as I don't want to get too much unwanted attention yet, but that could change in the future. Your car looks great, congratulations.
     
  21. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    Dec 15, 2006
    6,904
    Folsom, CA (formerly Sonoma)
    #21 SonomaRik, Jun 5, 2007
    ?

    that reminds me...gotta get home and put the charger on....
     
  22. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #22 DM18, Jun 8, 2007
    Great looking ride Mr. Asian Bond. You did really well to find such a beautiful ride for you and the soon to be Mrs. Asian Bond. There are many butt ugly 456's and the small extra that you paid for a gorgeous one is $ well spent. Think you might be a bit too hard on the 612. It is on my shopping list later when the price lower. The 612 HGTC is mega and the exhaust noise is even more mega. I have driven the HGTC a lot on the track and the turn in is phenomenal. It eats T4. HGTC seems as distant a relative of the 612 in feel as the Evo does to the Lancer!!!!
     
  23. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 25, 2002
    37,982
    houston/geneva
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    Ross
    #23 ross, Jun 9, 2007
    i agree with your choice! going to see one for a possible purchase tomorrow, and i hope it will be in such good shape. thanks for the tips.
     

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