Somebody stop me!

[sek]

I'm driving a Maserati 3200 GTA at the moment, and for my next move I'm increasingly tempted by the 456 GT.

I've read all the posts re the cash burn associated with the 456, but I'd be interested to hear any views on the following:

1. Is the 456 a big enough step up in "specialness" from the 3200 to justify the initial outlay and running costs?

2. If I go for a dealer car with cambelts just done and a warranty, is the 456 going to be that much more expensive to run and maintain than the 3200 over, say, a three year period?

3. I'd be putting something like 10,000 miles p.a. on it. Can it take that and will it kill the residuals? They can go 12.5 between services, so I assume the mechanicals can take it and the residuals seem to have bottomed, so am I worrying about nothing here?

4. Most of the cars on the market are autos. I don't have a problem with autos as such, but how does it work with the Ferrari? I know the auto doesn't have the classic clackety clack shift, but on paper there doesn't seem to be much in it.

Any views would be very welcome.

Thanks

[tuffer]

My view is this:

1. Buy a 456

2. Take me for a spin in it

Most beautiful car ever made in my opinion (for what it's worth).

You want it, you can afford it (or you would not even consider it)......So buy it, no brainer. Go on, treat yourself.

[rico]

Not much help with questions, but this month's TopGear mag has a buyers guide on the 456.

Kevin (456mgt) is a prime target to answer your questions.

Specialness... definitely imo. I love the Masers, but nothing touches a Ferrari for specialness.

[mr_tony]

I think a manual is the only way to go - auto is a 4 speed on early cars if I remember correctly which has got to hurt the performance.

[toppstuff]

Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it.

And the Top Gear mag article is pretty good as a guide.

But I'd definately go for a manual. So much torque you won't need to change gear much anyway if you don't want to...

And get it inspected.

[v12v8]

Went through the same dilemma just before getting my 3200. Here are the reasons I didn't get one:

1. The 3200 has loads more room
2. The 3200 is less sensitive mileage wise
3. The servicing costs on a 456 can be horrendous especially when you have had the benefit of Maserati subsidised servicing - I was told to expect £3-4k per year from a non-franchised dealer, as long as nothing major went wrong i.e. about 2x the cost of servicing my 355
4. Earlier 456's are known for their peculiar build quality issues - a Maser of the same value (assuming £50-60k mark) will be new or near as dammit.

However, on driving experience alone, the 456 wins hands down.

Speak to your local Ferrari mechanic for their view - the mechanics I know love driving the 456 but would never own one if they had the £, because of number 4 above.

[Davey S1]

mr_tony said:

I think a manual is the only way to go - auto is a 4 speed on early cars if I remember correctly which has got to hurt the performance.

Never driven the manual but my father has a 456 GTA which is absolutely fantastic.

I think its one of the most beautiful Ferrari's for many years and the proportions are just spot on.

I tried to persuade him to buy a manual but the auto suited him better as it was bought for long distance touringand he thinks he is getting a bit old for a manual.

I wouldn't worry too much about performance, it's massive. Cruising at 100 (on an autobahn of course ) the car is virtually asleep. I have found it very difficult to keep it to sensible speeds on motorways. The manual may be a few tenths quicker in accelaration but that doesnt really matter in a 456 as its a very fast GT rather than an out and out sports car.

Cant offer too much regarding servicing costs as I dont have to pay them (thank god!)but I think the last service at Dick Lovett's in Cardiff was about £850 and they collected the car in a covered transporter (even though the dealers is only a few miles from my parents house)

I think it's an awesome car and certainly the best value Ferrari you can buy. Do it.

>> Edited by Davey S1 on Thursday 9th September 13:35

[mr_tony]

Fair call from someone who knows on the performance stakes. Guess it's similar to the 3200 Auto / Manual divide (same gearbox I think)... Up to 100 it's about the same, over 100 the manual is a little faster accelerating due to more favourable gear ration. PLus you can't heel and toe the auto and get the blip of the fab v12...

Having said that not many of us need the ability to accellerate hard over 100mph very often, but then I'm a petrolhead and require maximum speed wherever possible...

[sek]

v12v8, do you know if the build quality issues are the same for the 456M? I had the impression that they were better.

[Davey S1]

Mr Tony - given the choice I would have a manual as well. Just something about snicking the silver topped gearlever through that traditional Ferrari gate.

Sek I think the 456M may have slightly better build quality but its still not even close to something like Porsche quality. If I had paid the new list price of £170K for one I would be very disappointed with the quality of the materials and switchgear but at the end of the day the styling and performance makes up for it.

As Enzo once said "you buy an engine from us and we give you the rest of the car for free"

[mr_tony]

sek said:

v12v8, do you know if the build quality issues are the same for the 456M? I had the impression that they were better.

Maranello had one fo the very last 456M with delivery mileage a little while back for 90k ish on the forecourt - absolute steal for the cash, looked beautiful in black...

[rico]

There were a few 456's at Silverstone today. Absolutely gorgeous cars. I just love them. At least one was an automatic too and went out on track. They don't hang about either!