30th Jun 2008, 23:24
Just bought a 96' 456GT Dark Blue with cream interior. It is coming from the UK to Australia where I reside. I will have to wait another 2 months and dream about it night and day. To me it is the classiest Ferrari model in the last 40 years. I hope it is as good to drive as it is to look at. I do agree it needs bigger wheels.
Great to hear I am not the only fan.
I can't wait.
5th Jul 2008, 00:49
I am looking at a 456 M GTA with 21,000 miles. This site has been very informative and helpful relative to letting me go into this purchase with my eyes open. Two questions: what should I be very sensitive about watching for when it is inspected; and will a standard inspection at a dealer cover everything I need to watch for?
Thank you!
I hope my ex-wife won't mind seeing me driving a Ferrari.
22nd Aug 2008, 22:17
I am considering a '95 456GT with manual trans, 30K miles. I am in the states, and always wanted a 12 cyl Ferrari. anyone have any advice or cautions regarding this vintage, etc?
I intend to use the car as a frequent-use second car, maybe 200-300 miles / week. a friend and neighbor is a semi retired Ferrari mechanic, which is a real plus. my italian car ownership to date has been a Lancia Flavia Vignale Cabriolet, a Lancia Beta Coupe, and a Fiat Dino Coupe.
31st Aug 2008, 18:10
I have a 1997 456. I have two hoses put in the rear of the automatic transmission. The cost is $900.00 dollars a piece and $500.00 to Install. I need the passenger side window fixed for $1,500 dollars. What else will go wrong. Will the transmission fail? I have 17,00 miles on the car.
2nd Nov 2008, 03:35
I've owned a 1994 456GT with manual 6 speed gearbox since March 2008.
I was impressed by the colour (Metal Gun Grey), the shape and condition of the car, the sport exhaust (very nice sound), the fact I could fit in the car because of my body length.
It drives great. My car had 47000 km's when I bought it and I have driven 6000 km's since than. Quite some problems came to the surface. Before I got it, the dealer gave it a major service, which was part of the purchasing price. Even after this the following problems occurred.
The air conditioning stopped because of dirt in the cooling system of the motor, which came loose and blocked the valve that regulates airco/cooling water mixture.
The electric seats stopped moving partly.
The door windows had to be adjusted because of strange cracking and wind noises.
The rear shocks leaked and the rear springs did feel very week. The shocks and springs are replaced and the front springs are adjusted to put the car at the right height. This makes a big difference in driving.
The right pop-up light came loose and the wiring caused some trouble.
The front window was replaced because of a crack.
The oil temperature was stayed very low under driving; changing the motoroil thermostat solved this. Happily all the repairs have been done under warranty by the dealer.
My advice; buy a car at a dealer with warranty (be persistent in getting this when problems occure, pay some more and drive as much as you can with it because hidden problems that see the daylight.
Despite all problems, I adore the car and it excites me every time I drive it.
26th Nov 2008, 17:05
2001 Silver 456 GTA,.
The 456 is a great GRAN TURISMO.
Pros:
Good handling, great engine, Great design (Pinifarina), at its time the only Ferrari faster was the F40, 4** hp. Great automatic trans.
Cons:
Very delicate, problem with door seals, car stereo went bad, faulty air condition, problems at 15,000kms with tension pulleys, inner plastics went sticky..
Others:
Considering removing the catalytic converter? Anyone has tried?
6th Apr 2009, 19:46
I own three 456 Ferrari's currently and let my children use them daily (ages 25 to 16). The fun with all Ferrari's is driving them. The fractional cost of ownership is more than many other cars, but well worth the enjoyment.
The window regulators go out because the 456 door window is so large, passengers often push against the window when closing the door.
The cars can be purchased today very inexpensively, they run well and will continually give you great pleasure. I hope you buy one.
28th Apr 2009, 01:53
I am currently looking at buying a 456 Manual trans - I own a Z06 2002 --- I was very surprised to see an earlier comment comparing a Z06 to a 456 - surely they are completely different animals - one with a remarkable pedigree?
14th Sep 2009, 11:58
Purchased a 2000 Silver 456M with only 14,500m on odometer. This is my first Ferrari and currently own several Mercedes. Appreciation and joy of owning a 456M must exceed cost of ownership otherwise you'll quickly become frustrated. Have spent $2500 in maintenance while driving only 1,000m. Air mass flow meter went bad, yet dealer was able to send out part for refurbishing at 1/4 new cost. Some vibration problems at speeds >95 mph and I suspect $$ repair looming. Fine touring GT and true gentlemen's Ferrari. It turns heads like no other car I've owned.
15th Sep 2009, 13:42
153 the Z06 is a remarkable great supercar. I have the reg C5 model convertible; very fast and bulletproof. The new 638 hp Z06 is a blast
9th Dec 2009, 04:49
I am looking at a 456 gt 1995 with 70,000 miles in Kuwait. What should I look for mostly in the service history for this car having so many miles. Any opinions from owners are appreciated.
19th Dec 2009, 20:10
WOW, reading all these comments have really put me off looking for a 456 or in fact any Ferrari at all. It is a beautiful looking car, but I don't want a car that I am too scared to drive in anger in case anything breaks or get paranoid about noises when driving, saying to my passengers," can you hear that?". There are plenty of other car manufacturers out there that can build reliability and style. Saying the car is "designed from the heart" doesn't cut the mustard with me. Can't they build from the heart and reliable as well? Lamborghini couldn't do it, neither could Maserati, Lancia, Alfa Romeo etc. Even their parent company Fiat have been plagued with bad cars over the years. The design is there but the engineering is not. Perhaps and combination of Bertone and VW could get it right.
25th Dec 2007, 19:19
A big thank you for all contributors to this site... from UK and from "across the pond" as we refer to the US of A!
I was seriously considering all Ferrari models. Ignoring price, I always keep coming back to the beautifully reserved design of the 456...every other Ferrari seems a bit too contrived and too much of a race car to be used every day. The 456 is, and in my view, always will be one of their best-looking and most usable cars ever. I have made a bid on one today...25 Dec! Happy Christmas all and watch this space!