Would a 456 make a good "beginner's" car?

I love the 456 and always have, but for that money, I'd probably look at a TR instead.

Search the archives, there's a lot of discussion on the 456.

 

I aggree, for that money I would rater get a nice TR. They are comfortable, good looking, and quick as hell. Nothing like that 12 Cylinder BB sound... with a tubi.

 

The answer is in the question. 456

 

Man, they're GIVING away 456s! Its hard not to get interested. Seems I've read in these very forums that TRs are unbelievably expensive to service.

Its hard for me to believe the lovely 456 that has gone wanting on eBay for $70K.

Many say the looks are like a shoe or other derogatory verbage, but I think the 456 is absolutely beautiful.


I vote: 456

 

A 456 is a great car, period. Get one and you won't be sorry.

Just make sure that you get a PPI and that the services are up to date and the window mod has been completed-- in the price range you are considering, that should not be a problem.

 

I would get the 456 myself. I have always thought it was a very classy car. Keep in mind that ANY Ferrari is gonna be expensive to keep up. The 456 will be a bit cheaper than a TR, because the engine doesn't have to come out for the belt change. The other plus is that you have room for two extra people in the back. If you wanna make it look more agressive that can be done with a nice set of rims. If you are looking for comfort the 456 is the way to go. Hey they even come with a slush box (automatic) if you really wanna just sit back and relax. One of the guys in the UK section, has a friend, that has a 456 with over 150,000 miles on it. Hows that for a daily driver.

 

Yeah I've always felt that the 456 was always among the most civilized of Ferraris. It's got all the creature comforts, yet still packs a V12 to boot. I think it's a great package for a real daily driver or frequent driver, where as the TR is more of a passionate weekend car. I suppose it depends on your personal use, but if you want something with more driving ease and cheaper maintainence my vote goes for the 456.

 

The 456 is a great car. Ive driven in a local Fchatters 456 and it is QUICK with a lot of great 12 cyl. grunt and sound!

 

Let's see, my first Ferrari purchase was a V12 2+2 when I was still in grad school. Nothing wrong with getting in the pool this way. Drive several different examples of each type that is in your price range and buy what tugs on your strings the most.

The 456 is great at what it was designed to do (big GT car). All of the complaints come from people expeciting it to behave like a V8 sports car.

Go drive one.

 

You are in the same dilemma I faced and its just a matter of making a decision, I have always wanted a boxer and came close to buying one two months ago when the owner decided to keep the car. After much posting here i was persuaded to check out the 512tr and also decided to look at the 456 which I always regarded as one of the most beautiful fcars and so reasonably priced now altho I think they will continue to drop heavily in value.
I have now come full circle and viewing another boxer in a few days, in the end I took the advice " buy with your heart" it will also be my first ferrari, but its what i have always wanted.
steve

 

All great choices.. But I would get the TR..

Excellent looks and power.. By the time your ready for your next model, the 456 prices will be a bit lower..

And you can even take a few more people for a ride...

 

Good choice. The 456 is a great car but I would suggest reading the Forza buyers guide on it before purchasing anything. They tell you the best years to buy and the best versions to buy. As they stated DO NOT buy a 1995.

 

Its just my opinion based on what the market has done over the last two decades, cars such as the 456 are not the core of the range, Ferrari is known as a manufacturer of two seat high performance cars, just as the Porsche 911 is the core of its range, witness the drop in value of the 928! I should know I have owned three 928 cars over the last 10 years and they are still dropping, just look at how cheap the ferrrari 412 is now, virtual pocket money, there are of course many other factors and I am not saying anything bad about the 456, its a truly great car, I have always bought what I liked, the real upside is that the majority of depreciation will have been shouldered by the previous owners. Drive one and then think about it, probably wont take you long to decide.
steve

 

I just bought a 1995 456GT and love it.

It may not be a beginner ferrari, but IMO a great way to get into a V12. I had a 348 Challenge for over a year before getting into this one. I would try to drive one first before making your decision. But let me warn you - the minute I drove one, I told myself, "I have to get one."

It's a lot of car for the money. 440+hp, V12, 398 ft lbs of torque, 4 seats, and in a depreciated market they are a steal.

If you want an ultimate 12 cyl, go with your gut feel... a 512TR is an amazing car, but for a nice one, will still set you back a few dollars. A 456GT/M is still very fun to take through the canyons and won't be gaudy and asking for attention.

my .02... good luck!
Byron

 

Any Ferari is a good beginners car as long as you can afford it.

 

I have the Forza buyer's guide, and I didn't see anywhere in there about not buying a 1995. You do want to make sure the window update is done, but that applies on any car up to some of the 456Ms.

I own a 1995 456, and I find it to be a great car. Personally, I do not see any advantage to a 1997 456GT (there were no 1996 456s), and little advantage to a 456M. And, IMO, the 456GT looks better with the cool reverse hood scoops.

 

i bought a 456GT about a month ago. have done 600 miles so far. This is ,my first Ferrari, and with having 2 young teenage sons, I had no choice but to get the 2+2. It is also great to go out as a family in the car. It is really beautiful and i love it to bits. the performance is stunning, and it gets admiring looks from everyone.

 

Not much, but more in the M then the older GT's.

 

Interesting comment, Shelbee. Are you in a "family" frame of mind these days?