Potential 456 purchase: comment from owners?

Hi there,

I have owned a 1997 456GT back in 2002 for about 2 years, drove 6k miles traded in for 550M in 2004... Liked it a lot with most update work done particularly both windows regulators and some other stuff.

Two years ago, I purchased the final production year 2003 456MGT. I also liked it a lot, though both cars have different styling and the MGT has some more MODIFICATAS... Personaly, I like the GT hood and front grill styling, as for interior design, both are good in different ways, just personal taste. The MGT does feel smoother and tighter, but that could be cause the car is newer.

456s (both GT and MGT) are very enjoyful to drive and cruise for long distances, and it's our family's favorite. I love driving it especailly with my wife on the side, and my two kids on the back. They seems to enjoy it much as well. The suspension switch when set to "SPORT" mode, the car feels firm and tight and fun when driving fast, but not so comfortble for passenger and kids on the back. In normal mode is OK, but when the roads gets rough and bumpy, my kids do complain about head get dizzy sometimes... But, not terrible. Overall, the 456s 6 speeds 3 pedals cars are my favorite 4 seater Ferraris... Very gorgeous to look at, particularly from the rear... hehehe.....

Alex Lin
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Very enjoyable car for someone who likes to spend time with the family and does not like flashy looking vehicles.
The thing I miss the most is a cruise control as it is so easy to speed without realizing it, so I never leave home without a V-1.
The engine is strong, has lots of torque and does not require a lot of shifting, unless you want to.
Based on my experience, logging 14,000 or more miles a year, should not be a problem at all with these cars.

 

I'm a biased data point- maybe just a guy still infatuated. I've had my MGT for 2 years and driven 5K without a burp, and most importantly I still get goosebumps (and other inflammations) every time I drive the car.

I'm used to muscle and great handling, so it's not that... it's something else that I thought would go away but hasn't.

And I agree, the hiny is the best view...

Re: pros and cons? I think others on the forum regard these cars as pretty strong and reliable provided proper maintenance. I budget $1K/yr and $10k every 5th and think that's probably about right. Since mine is a $240K car which is almost fully depreciated when I got it, it seems a fair price for a great ride. I'd bet my BMW 550 which I bought new will end up costing more to own in a 10 year period.

Have fun.
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I have owned my car nearly 2 years. 1999 456Mgt. This is my third Ferrari and I bought it to drive. It is my daily driver. 18,000 miles since I bought the car. I love it but there has been some pain along the way.

Exotic cars, especially Ferrari, are best enjoyed if they are accepted for what they are. To get the joy of running through the gears, making the perfect downshift, feelling the unlimited torque, pushing into a corner and accelerating out... all in comfort and style, you have to make a deal with the devil.

What pain? Valve guides. Headliner repaired. Radio. Alarm. Radiator. I am still chasing problems in the emission control system and interior lights. Total about $16,000. In addition to the money, I have deep irritation for having to deal with these problems. They should not be part of the deal. These are limited production cars and parts may be hard to get and will be expensive. Check Ricambi to get a feel for pricing. My experience is their price is about 20-25% below dealer.

Here is the good part. After an out-of-service or repair go for a long drive ...all will be right with the world.

This week end I will be having a ball at Wheels of Italy car show with the 456 and 308GT4. The pain is worth the reward.
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My 2003 456M GT-A has just crossed 43k miles. It's a daily driver. I've taken it on many road trip and it can keep up with the best Ferraris. Runs like a top. However, be forwarned: if you keep-up with FNA's recommended maintenance schedule, it is THE most expensive modern Ferrari to maintain. Just ask the Service Advisor at any Ferrari dealership.

That being stated, you may find independent mechanics who can perform VERY satisfactory work at a fraction of the cost ... but it's still pretty steep!

 

Gianni- Last Ferrari with shim adjustment for valve clearance. After that hydraulic lifters for everything.

My personal opinion only is if you fit 575M tensioner brackets (also fitted to late 550s) and the new belts (only kind they sell now, hopefully), you should be good for 5 years on cambelt changes as long as you change tensioner bearings, too.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Great situation if you can buy a California or a Maserati GranTurismo and a 456!

I do not own a California or 456 nor do I own a Maserati GranTurismo. But I hope I can help you basing on my experience with quite similar cars: I had a Maserati Coupé GT (4200) and before a 3200 each for 4 years. Both were my daily driver and I put about 10 000 miles on them per year. Since one and a half year I have a Ferrari 575M which I drive about 8 000 miles a year.

Where the 3200 had several issues the 4200 was very reliable and I guess the GranTurismo will be even better. I still think back to the 3200 which I sold about 5 years ago but I am happy that I sold the Coupé GT 8 months before. Compared to the Ferrari its gear box (Cambiocorsa which is F1 on the Ferrari) is much worse, the steering is a huge difference and the driveline and chassis are ways apart from the Ferrari. Maserati did improve this on the GranTurismo but it is still ways apart from Ferrari.

Last winter I spent a day in a snow training together with my wife with my Ferrari 575M and the Maserati Coupé GT. It was great fun (see pic). When we had to drive home the dealer who organized the snow training asked me if I want to drive home one of his GranTurismo he brought to the training. So my wife took the Ferrari, the boyfriend of one of my daughters took my Maserati (I think this was one of his greatest days…) and I took the GranTurismo for about 100 miles of driving home. I really did not like the car. There was no feedback from the steering, the car is too heavy and has too less power and the whole feeling compared to the Ferrari is completely different. It was an auto and it had either no power (torque) or had to switch down two gears.

Because I had several issues with my 3200 I know the guys at my shop (Maserati and Ferrari) quite well. Before I buy a new car I always first ask them about reliability. I also asked about the 456 and they say that this car is very reliable and that there are no major issues. But they definitively recommend the M version (456 MGT /MGTA). Btw I have now 15 000 miles on my 575M and no issues until now. The California is a modern Ferrari and I am sure will be very reliable.

Bottom line: I think that Maserati is more a kind of Italian Mercedes or Audi A8. They look beautiful and I always (and still) loved their exterior and interior. In the tests they are usually compared to Mercedes, Audi and similar cars where the Ferrari (even the four seaters) are real sports cars. I am biased to the Ferrari as you can see (read). Just drive the Ferrari and find out if you rate it the same as I do or if the Maserati pleases you more. If I would need a four seater I would go for the 456 and for the California if two seats or sufficient and you want to enjoy a convertible.

This is one of the most enjoyable decision you have to make. Good luck!

Markus
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Upper Volta?? Is that what I think it is, o stai dicendo un'altra cagata?

 

Nice colour combination

 

Dico sempre un sacco di cagate!

 

Very attractive in that blue...

 

That makes one striking couple!