19th Jan 2007, 15:30

I am the very proud owner of a 2000 456 MG TA in Titanium with a Black interior with White stitching. It is clearly one of the most handsome cars on the road. It does not possess the handling ability of more agile Ferrari models, but as a touring sedan, it is unsurpassed. I have enjoyed considerable fortune with this vehicle. In the two years that I have owned it, it has required absolutely no servicing of any kind. With 14,000 miles traveled all it is in need of are new tires. The fan belts and timing were taken care of by Ferrari of Seattle just before I purchased it. I also bought the extended warranty, which I have not needed, but has provided considerable peace of mind. Like many of you, I have an "every day driver" which does most of the heavy lifting. I take the 456 out on clear sunny days here in South Florida (which are plentiful) and for the occasional dinner out with the wife. I have owned Porsche's in all sizes and colors, but nothing gets respect on the road like this 400hp sedan.

I recommend this model to all.

22nd May 2007, 17:58

I am considering buying a 53 plate 456GTA M. I have seen wide ranging estimates for annual servicing costs on various websites. Can you comment on this from your experience, pls? I also understand there is substantial difference in servicing costs for franchised dealer vs independents...?

Likewise, do you have any recommendation re insurance?

Thanks.

16th Jun 2007, 19:47

I am considering buying a 456. Can anybody tell me the difference in the models?

18th Jun 2007, 22:24

Buddy, I can't beleave you just wrote about shouting?? you must have tons of time on YOUR HANDS!!!

3rd Jul 2007, 20:32

I have a 2000 456 M GTA. Except for the pop-up lights the car looks great. I happened to luck out with repair bills since my neighbor's friend is a mechanic for a Ferr/Mas dealer otherwise I heard about $4k a year on service. If you're okay with the pop up lights they're selling for $65K because the market is flooded with them due to the newer models that replace it. If I were in your shoes I would look into the Maranello or Scaglietti. It may have a better time holding its value. Otherwise, who knows how much further down the price will go; which is sad to say.

5th Jul 2007, 16:51

I've owned a 1998 456M GTA since since Oct 06. All the previous problems listed are true i.e. headlamps with a mind of their own, door seals that make you feel that you're in a wind tunnel over 40mph and all that leather squeaks like a mouse every time you hit the slightest road imperfection, but... all that is forgotten when the key is turned. The starter motor shrills as it turns-over the brilliant V12 engine and the roar that follows still makes me smile, the car is gorgeous from all angles. Please don't bemoan it's minor faults, it's a FERRARI not some lump of German metal, but a machine designed from the heart.

Steve

Worthing U.K.

10th Jul 2007, 15:13

Great to read all your comments. I presently drive 993 turbo, which I have owned for 6 years. It has been faultless. tomorrow I go to collect my new car- the 456GTA. I have a smile from ear to ear in anticipation. It is black on black and low miles, well looked after from the paperwork. I intend using it regularly and will write all about it once I have had it a while. I have not slept I weeks thinking about it. It is a small boys dream come true- the iconic prancing horse on the boot lid with my grinning face in the drivers seat. That's what makes you still desie a Ferrari.

17th Jul 2007, 04:49

Things I wish I knew before buying my 1999 456M GTA.

Background: I bought my 456 2-1/2 years ago with 16k on the clock, it is my first Ferrari. I have covered 11,000 miles. I had lusted after this car for many years; to me the nineties represented a great time in the Italian motor industry; Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, MV Agusta all came up with seminal models that really were class leaders and broke new ground - more so than the over-technical and less single minded cars of today. So having got that out of the way - here are my thoughts:

(1) Don't buy a car with low mileage thinking that is a positive thing. Buy a car that has been used regularly - look at the service record, make sure it is perfect. A car that has been sitting for 12 months + (unless professionally stored) is asking for trouble. Seals deteriorate when they are not used.

(2) Know that there are common faults that all 456's share, and you will have to deal with these. Faulty window seals and regulators, leaky shocks absorbers, etc. All well documented here and elsewhere.

(3) Running costs. Parts are extortionate. Rubber door seal: £780. Radiator: £3,600, brake shoes (x4): £650. Just go and look at www.eurospares.co.uk to get an idea. Main dealer labour rates are more than lawyers - £130 per hour. So - be prepared. I just got me car back from Verdi's for new brake shoes and one leaky front shock absorber: £2,750. Last year when the car was still under warranty, I got a bill from HR Owen for £13,000 to replace all the valve seals, two rear shocks, window regulators, brake hoses, etc. £3,000 was not covered under the warranty. Annual service is about £2,000 at main dealer, £1,500 elsewhere. Every other year you should have the belts changed and also the gearbox serviced on an automatic. 7 miles to a gallon in town, 14 elsewhere, £90 to fill the tank. Taking into account everything, the car has cost me £575/month to own and run (insurance, services, petrol, congestion charge, parking, tyres, oh and a small dent £700 - everything). My last car, a Renault Alpine GTA Le Mans was less than half that.

(4) 12 cylinder Ferrari's depreciate. I don't know why, but they do. 5 year+ old models are therefore a bargain. Leave the new ones to David Beckham.

(5) Why buy one then? Well, they are beautiful and rare. It's still thrilling to get behind the wheel. It's not audacious. Going to Wales or Scotland, I could not imagine being in a better car. Well, maybe a 575 with the handling pack :-)

31st Jul 2007, 17:10

I have been looking at purchasing a 456 since I need a rear seat (dogs, believe it or not) and have immensely enjoyed reading all these comments. The servicing costs and apparently typical mechanical problems (deteriorating rubber trim, door glass seals, headlamps, leaking shocks, etc.) are a little troubling given the original cost of the car and cost of repair T and M. I've had a few vintage exotics over the years and know from expensive repairs, but I had hoped a "modern" classic would be less prone to huge repair bills. It is a sobering issue. To answer a question from a few comments back it would appear that "Daytona" seats were a factory option as I've seen a few 456 for sale with them. Whether they are that much less comfortable than stock I don't know. Given the incredibly painful exchange rate these days I've been thinking of buying one here in the U.S. and taking it to France when I move next year. Anyone have any knowledge of potential problems bringing a car to France? Thanks.