Poor Ferrari Buying Experience - Lessons Learned

I have had numerous Ferraris and Porsches, I have had more issues with the Porsches. My most recent a 2023 Targa GTS4 was a buyback. This is not to say Ferraris don't have problems, most mnfrs do to some extent. I wouldn't quit looking for the right car, there are plenty out there.

 

We have had multiple Ferraris and Porsches, including 3 812s. They’ve been absolutely fine. Porsches and Ferraris are about similar in terms of reliability although Ferrari repairs tend to be higher cost but then the cars are higher priced. I’d keep looking although if you intend to do your own maintenance, I would look for older cars. You’ll wreck your resale value on a newer model without proper Ferrari maintenance records.

 

I had similar experiences with our local dealer but looking at F430's. I made a post asking and was told I was too picky lol. Good luck.

 

430’s are a very different experience. Many more issues on 360/430 generation, although repair costs are a bit lower. The Post 458 era cars saw a big improvement in quality. That is the common reputation and has been my experience also.

 

Agree, but I was sold the same line of "local owner, perfectly maintained" then shown a car that obviously crashed and extremely poorly repaired. It still had 4 bent wheels lol

 

How many miles on your 812s? Porsches?

 

I think you have to chalk up your first two outings as just bad luck, you are getting the wrong impression here, these cars are reliable in general. Obviously it can get depressing when you start out and have these types of experiences but they are not the norm in my opinion. Just stay positive and the right car will appear. I don't know if you have driven a 812 but that V12 is sublime, especially when you put in your foot in it! Once you experience that engine screaming you will be glad you have a 812 in your stable of cars. I have Porsche's as well they are great cars, but the V12 Ferrari's have to be experience to be believed!

 

Could be worst………Aston Martin is my crack………..


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This thread is so right on for people trying to break into 'the game'. Always loved and respected Enzo and the concept of a front engine V12. I know I will have to scratch the itch at some point. My 15 yr old son knows enough about cars to be like 'why do you even want a Ferrari dad? You love the back road twisties in the Porsches. Isn't Ferrari about straight line speed?' The arrogance and condescension of Ferrari dealers I have talked to make me wonder how they get any new customers at all. They must not really need any new clients. Ferrari in general puts out a lot of bs. Witness the letter sent this week offering a 'bounty' for people turning in fake knock off logos and the recent threads on this board of multiple owners who can't seem to access an advertised redline. It makes me wonder whether it is a smart idea to trade 2 really good modern P cars for a now 3 or 4 yr old, out of original warranty, 812. Now if I could get on the list for the new F167 and its new car warranty....

 

Long time lurker here? But you joined just yesterday?
You forgot to mention where on this planet you live and which dealers you visited. Can make a huge difference.

Marcel Massini

 

I think you are dealing with some shady dealers. You need to continue the search and deal with the right dealer. I have never heard of an engine out 812SF, I do not think its common. Good luck

 

Bad dealers. You need to shop around and find the ones that are reputable; what Marcel said.
I've had nothing but great experiences with my ferrari road cars. The race cars are finnicky but that's to be expected.
Besides, all new cars have that 7 year warranty attached to them.
There are great brands with bad cars and vice versa.
You can have bad luck with one model and smooth sailing with others.

 

used car salesmen are all the same. now the dealership usually has a service dept and obviously the franchise license to sell Ferrari so they are beholden to corporate Ferrari North America and them to Italy. i am surprised none of dealer1 damage was shown on a carfax or autocheck, especially the body damage. i'm pretty sure corporate would back you if they sold you a lemon.

as for dealer2 and the ferrari maintenance costs they are partially right. my F12 and most others have leather dash shrinkage and galvanic corrosion on rear vents. there are quirks with every model ferrari that used buyers if diligent will discover and come to accept such as cracking exhaust manifolds on F430s. if buying new you get that 3 year warranty plus 7 year service for free. buying used and out of warranty just do your research and factor in these possible maintenance costs in your purchase price. however the 812 could have some warranty and service remaining at least.

or just stick with porsches they are more reliable. porsche is like the girl you marry, dependable, reliable, everyday. ferrari is your sexy mistress expensive to maintain.

 

7 year warranty? That's new. I thought it was 3 years.

 

There were a few 812s that had their blocks replaced under warranty. I had my F12 in for service and witnessed one getting a new crate engine after only a few thousand miles. Note that the defect in question is particular to the 812, the F12 didn't have these issues (still has the same DCT gasket failure, and a corrosion issue Colonel mentioned, dash shrinkage).

That said, having a good relationship with your dealer who will advocate for you on the warranty repairs keeps it minimally painful.

 

Is now a bad time to chat about replacing the headers on my F430... and the gauges crapping out and needing a rebuild... and leaking cam covers... and leaking throw-out bearing... ?!

On a vehicle with 25,000 miles...

Yes, you have to feed the beast!

Kevin

 

For 812, about 10k split between 3 cars. (6, 3 and 1). Current GT3 only 500. Previous about 2k. About 3k on GT2RS, 2k on 991 GT3 RS plus about 5k on a 992 4S and 5k on GTS Targa. We’ve had a couple of others in the past but you get the idea.

 

Ferrari is not Porsche. Different level. So is the pricing and cost of repair. Two year extended warranty for a V12 is over $24k. Extending beyond that is $7k/year without claims and that only covers drivetrain and no leaks. That said some of us have not had any of the issues you mentioned. Sounds like very poor sales practice.

I don't think you will be happy owning the brand due to your risk threshold. If you still want to go there than suggest buying an ex-FChat car and talk to the previous owner. Salesmen make commission not to say there aren't really great salesmen out there.

 

I’ve owned roughly 10 Ferraris over 30 years.
V8 and 12. Never had any issues.
A bad sensor on a 328. Some random $5k oil leak repair on an 812. That’s about it on all these cars. Just routine maintenance.
Currently free maintenance under the 7 year
Program. Ive also owned many Porsches over the same period. Currently a 14 turbo S for about six years now. I would say service and maintenance cost is similar just slightly higher maybe 20% at Ferrari. The dealer relationship is vastly better at Ferrari. No comparison.
I’m very good friends with the sales and service staff at Ferrari. Any time I walk in I’m greeted and easily can have thirty minute conversations with sales and service. Just talking life, vehicles,
or arrangements for events etc.
They are as passionate as I.
Its really special.
Same staff for many years to be able to have long term relationships.
There is so much turn over at Porsche I don’t even know anyone there and they certainly don’t know me.
Your experience is an outlier imo.


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meant maintenance, sorry.

 

Outlier experiences for sure. No reputable dealers stay reputable selling bad cars to unsuspecting good customers. My Ferrari dealings have been exceptional (4 cars…including a F12, 812SF, Pista, and an inbound 812 GTS) and the cars are a revelation.

FWIW, l absolutely love my 812 SF. I spec’d it new, and I’ve had it for 4.5 years. Sadly, with several other cars and a busy life (businesses, awesome wife, kids, other hobbies) I only have 1800 miles. My GTS is on the slow boat from Italy right now, and it’s looking like the ultimate delivery date won’t be until Jan/Feb. I will probably be moving on from my 812 SF, but only once I confirm I like the GTS more. When I go to sell mine, I doubt there will be better example (super high spec $477 MSRP, zero stories, low miles, full records, original owner, pristine condition, etc). Maybe you’re still in the market when that time comes around. Regardless, don’t be discouraged. Keep up the pursuit. The wail of the glorious V12 makes all of life’s little troubles fade away if only for a short time….