Your thoughts on this 456?

I ahve the same car - a couple of years later and the price they are asking is consistent with the Ferrari market Letter indications for a no problem car. things to check:

Seat drive motors; windows are supposed to pop open when car is unlocked; you will need the red remote to manage the alarm system; engine mountings collapse and need to be replaced with 550 versions. OTW it makes a great daily driver but its a gas guzzler averaging 10-12 mpg vs 16-20 on my 512 tr!

 

I have a 95 456 and I love it. You can drive it anywhere. Ground clearance is not an issue for me. Just like any other fcar purchase, a thorough PPI should be done.

Window alignment is a definite issue. My motor mounts appear to be OK. Gas hog! Parts are scarce is you need them. Remember, this is more of a luxury performace car, so it does not sound like other fcars.

Love the color combo, just like my old 308. I would think an offer in the mid $70s would buy this car, but if you are enamored with it, buy it now!

Jason

 

I don't think a 1999 456 M series will go for mid 70's.

I have a 1998 456 GT 6 speed that I bought with a warantee for 90K (Belts done, 16K, manual, tubi, wundows done).

There are cheaper 456's around, but be careful. A lot of things can go wrong if neglected.

Please think hard and deep if you want an automatic. It completely changes the character of the car.

 

From what Ive seen and heard, 6 speed 456's seem to go for a sizeable premium. This might be why you payed so much (realtively) for yours, along with the tubi AND the major recall done AND belts done AND the extended warranty. Not sure it would apply to the question at hand though....

With manual transmission 456's, the premium is partly for the rarity and the sportiness of a six speed (this IS a Ferrari, after all), but also for the fear of having to ponie up for a new auto tranny if something goes "sckrunch!!@#!!" in the original one (VERY expensive, ridiculously so, in fact). Wether this fear is warranted or unfounded (Im referring to the "relaibilty" of the tranny, the cost of the actual replacement is unfortunately all too accurate), the effect on the market value of autos vs 6 speeds is very real indeed!

I happen to agree with you though, If I were in the market for a 456, it would DEFINATELY be a 6 speed...good choice!

Goldy