Best second-hand V12 for under £100k
Discussion
Seeing the way the world’s going these days it strikes me that they won’t be making many more of these and so I might be able to justify buying a naturally aspirated V12 as an “investment” (in reality I’ll likely put a good few miles on it as well).
But which make / model should I be looking at? My budget can stretch to just about 100k
But which make / model should I be looking at? My budget can stretch to just about 100k
johnnyreggae said:
VFM / under-appreciated = 575M Ferrari - less popualar than 550 as F1 so cheaper - smaller and prettier than 599 but older so cheaper
And like most V12 Ferrari's values will likely rise in the next 3-5 years. I doubt you'd lose money as long as you only put 3-5k miles on it yearly and keep on top of maintenance.
I wouldn’t bother with the Astons - they’re generally underpowered and the suspension is poorly resolved (based on my experience with the Virage, DBS and V8V. I never drove a V12V so that might be worth a try).
Your question about the FF is right on the mark. I have one so treat my opinion with the bias of ownership that it deserves. It is the most modern of the options listed so far and it is an absolutely amazing car to drive in terms of both performance and comfort. Most who bash it have never driven one. Many who have owned and sold now regret selling. The downsides are;
1 it’s a Ferrari (with all the negative image connotations)
2 the looks are marmite - you either love it or hate it. Interestingly, I know a fair few who hated it on launch but have grown to appreciate it so I think it’s ageing well.
3 it’s a little on the large side for a B road blat
If you want the V12 for a weekend country lane hoon by yourself then look elsewhere. If you want continent crushing ability to go grand touring with a passenger(s) and leave almost everything else for dust then the FF is your car.
Your question about the FF is right on the mark. I have one so treat my opinion with the bias of ownership that it deserves. It is the most modern of the options listed so far and it is an absolutely amazing car to drive in terms of both performance and comfort. Most who bash it have never driven one. Many who have owned and sold now regret selling. The downsides are;
1 it’s a Ferrari (with all the negative image connotations)
2 the looks are marmite - you either love it or hate it. Interestingly, I know a fair few who hated it on launch but have grown to appreciate it so I think it’s ageing well.
3 it’s a little on the large side for a B road blat
If you want the V12 for a weekend country lane hoon by yourself then look elsewhere. If you want continent crushing ability to go grand touring with a passenger(s) and leave almost everything else for dust then the FF is your car.
If you don't mind automated manuals the 599 and v12vs are worth having a look at. I've had both, the 599 is more of a cruiser compared to the vantage but still extremely fast in a straight line and in the twisties. The vantage isn't as composed and it is certainly flawed but still a lot of fun and probably one of the few ways to get a roadster with a v12 in budget.
CitySlicker said:
If you don't mind automated manuals the 599 and v12vs are worth having a look at. I've had both, the 599 is more of a cruiser compared to the vantage but still extremely fast in a straight line and in the twisties. The vantage isn't as composed and it is certainly flawed but still a lot of fun and probably one of the few ways to get a roadster with a v12 in budget.
I really like the V12VS, but how bad is the automated gear box? I've had a Maserati Granturismo for a few months the summer before last and although the exhaust note was 
the need to effectively drive the car like it had no synchromesh when changing was irritating...
capodeicapi said:
I really like the V12VS, but how bad is the automated gear box? I've had a Maserati Granturismo for a few months the summer before last and although the exhaust note was the need to effectively drive the car like it had no synchromesh when changing was irritating...
When you're progressing it's great, upshifts are fast enough that it gives you the wallop in the back without being uncomfortable and when decelerating you can take a couple of gears at once without hesitation. Around town it's a bit fidgety on the verge of being annoying sometimes, the 599 box is more refined; I can't comment on the Granturismo (I assume you had the MC variant). You should definitely get an extended test drive in one and make sure you sample city and country driving. the need to effectively drive the car like it had no synchromesh when changing was irritating...Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff