612 dash leather shrinkage | Page 2 | FerrariChat

612 dash leather shrinkage

Discussion in '612/599' started by sierra-papa, Jan 27, 2021.

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  1. sierra-papa

    sierra-papa Rookie

    Jan 26, 2021
    11
    Really helpful @RonH

    For early cars, those shifts are impressively quick!
     
    Pawilly likes this.
  2. RonH

    RonH Formula 3

    May 29, 2016
    1,061
    Newport Coast, California
    Full Name:
    Ron H
    Although purists dislike the F1 and pull their hair out over the lack of a manual, I in fact really like it and would not want to own a manual. The F1 is a wonderful transmission in that you can go through the gears with the paddle shifters (which is what I do about 99% of the time) or you can drive it in full automatic mode. Also it feels more like a manual when shifting with the paddles than the dual clutch versions such as Mercedes (I had one and not nearly as much fun). In terms of speed of shifts they got progressively faster as you went from the 05 through the final versions. I have a late year 07 which I understand is faster than the 05s but not as fast as the OTOs. However, for me, I really enjoy my shifts and the shift speed is just fine.
     
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  3. sierra-papa

    sierra-papa Rookie

    Jan 26, 2021
    11
    What are owners thoughts on the fragility of these cars - does it improve with age, ie should i avoid an early 2004/5 car for any reason?

    The Vantage has a few rattles, which come and go - they don’t bother me too much, but would not want a constant trim rattle, for example, that would cost lots to fix.

    @RonH - i drove the Vantage to meet its future owner today - strange, but at no point did i feel i was making a mistake in selling it. I just havent gelled with it, even though every owner I’ve met thinks its the best car in the world.

    Thanks also for those links, they really help.

    I will certainly need a good few test miles in one before handing over my money. I won’t make the mistake of buying a car because all road tests and reviews suggest i should.
     
  4. RonH

    RonH Formula 3

    May 29, 2016
    1,061
    Newport Coast, California
    Full Name:
    Ron H
    My post #16 lists what I see as the common issues. If you buy a well maintained one you should not have any significant issues. I have owned mine for 6 years and have had no major issues and love to drive it (it is my daily driver). I did the belts a couple of years ago and will need to do the clutch next year. Those are the big expenses but bearable. I also wouldn’t avoid an early one. Everybody says the OTOs are better because of the brakes, suspension and speed of shifts. But they are also going to run $20 to $30K more. If you can afford them then sure I would get an OTO but I really enjoy my non OTO and wouldn’t kick it out of bed.

    If it was me I would be all over that one Zed showed you. I think that is an awesome car. I know the red cross stitching can seem a little much, but mine has tan leather with the same red cross stitching and it has really grown on me. Today I actually find the interior of an AM boring and prefer mine. So it is definitely something you need to see.
     
    Pawilly likes this.
  5. Aurora 75

    Aurora 75 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2020
    8
    Full Name:
    Ajmer Somal
    I bought a 612 2004 model back in May 2020 during the lockdown! Love to drive it when the weather is good, always brings a smile to my face. If you want to make the leap into ownership of a 612, l would not hesitate, as mentioned earlier, if you can afford to buy one abit more expensive than the base level, it is worth the step.

    Since buying, l have upgraded the standard Becker single head unit to a Apple Car play system, got the split rim alloys repolished (not many places offer this service) and got the Cluster repaired from a electronics specialist for £660 (Ferrari dealer had quoted a replacement cluster for the car at £6200!!!) . I plan to keep this car forever, as it is a keeper in my eyes.
     
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